Expat Focus

Expat investment webinar - what would you like to learn?

Thu, 26 Jul 2012 15:24:50 GMT

Expat Focus is delighted to announce that our expat investment partner and Registered Investment Advisor, Tom Zachystal, will shortly be delivering a free webinar (i.e. online presentation) for Expat Focus members who are interested in learning more about the basics of expatriate investment. In order to make the webinar as relevant as possible we're keen to learn more about the specific areas you'd like to see Tom cover in his talk. Please add your suggestions here or email admin@expatfocus.com and we will forward them to Tom.

Interview with Lindsay de Feliz, British expat blogger in the Dominican Republic

Tue, 15 May 2012 11:39:40 GMT

In this interview we talk to British expat blogger Lindsay de Feliz about life in the Dominican Republic, writing a popular blog and her plans for a book. Watch the interview here or download the podcast here.

Managing US Pension Accounts When No Longer Resident in the US

Wed, 14 Mar 2012 16:52:06 GMT

If you have worked in the United States for any length of time (either as a US citizen or a foreign national) it is likely that you have paid into a US pension account such as an IRA (Individual Retirement Account) or a 401k (an occupational pension plan). The question arises as to what should be done with such an account once you give up US residency. There are three alternatives: You can transfer it to another pension account, you can distribute the money, or you can leave it in the current account... Read more

No Peakie Panish (Learning a New Language)

Sun, 11 Mar 2012 09:48:38 GMT

by Expat Focus columnist, Stephanie Angulo There can be a lot of pressure when moving to a foreign language speaking country when only your better half knows the lingo. It puts stress on one side to constantly translate and the other racing to learn the new language as quickly as possible. In the case of my husband (a.k.a. the hubs) and me, he was already fluent in Spanish before moving to Panama whereas my lingual skills were limited to words like fajitas, fiesta, and margaritas... Article continues here

France Springs Into Life

Wed, 07 Mar 2012 08:35:29 GMT

by Expat Focus columnist, Stephanie Dagg I love March. Rural France suddenly springs into life again as the temperatures rise. Here in Creuse we normally have long winters that last from early November until well into March. However, this year we swapped long for intense. The four weeks of le grand froid, the big freeze, were painful with temperatures down to minus 19 degrees C, and three weeks without them going anywhere near zero. January and February are usually quiet enough in the countryside, but everyone practically disappeared this year. Caiti and I visited Paris during the cold snap and life seemed to be hectic and carrying on as usual up there, despite the chilliness. That’s certainly not the case in the paysage. It’s a time of hunkering down and keeping the farm and the fire ticking over. Article continues here

Personal Branding is the Key to Expat or International Career Success

Mon, 05 Mar 2012 23:01:51 GMT

by Expat Focus columnist, Megan Fitzgerald In today’s dynamic, competitive, global marketplace where employers are seeking out talent across the globe, to succeed professionally we must understand how we create value in the world - and insure that the people that need that value are aware of it. We must be visible to right decision makers so when those choice projects and job opportunities come up we are well positioned to secure them. But understanding what it is exactly that we have to offer can sometimes be a challenge, given we often define ourselves and what we offer based on our job titles or areas of expertise and knowledge. For this reason, personal branding is what any current or aspiring expat should be using to guide their career management or international job search. Article continues here

Could You Survive Abroad Without the Internet?

Mon, 05 Mar 2012 22:56:35 GMT

by Expat Focus columnist, Piglet in Portugal As more people either work or retire abroad I often wonder how expats managed to survive in a pre-internet world. How did they communicate with family and friends back home, or research different aspects of life in their new country? I can’t even begin to imagine life abroad without the internet. Can you imagine being totally reliant on the long drawn out process of sending letters by snail-mail when you can now send emails in seconds? Or the cost of using a standard telephone when you can use VoIP (Skype) or even better two-way interactive video calls for free? Article continues here

The Space Between

Wed, 29 Feb 2012 18:09:19 GMT

by Expat Focus columnist, Evelyn Simpson The initial flurry of unpacking and getting settled has passed, the excitement of the holidays is over and a more normal routine has begun to prevail. For many accompanying partners, the realisation of what “normal” life will entail in a new country comes hand-in-hand with a true understanding of what overseas relocation means for their lives on a personal day-to-day basis. Many, even the strongest proponents of the decision to move, find that reality significantly different from expectations and many may doubt the wisdom of their decisions... Article continues here

Trapped Abroad

Wed, 29 Feb 2012 18:03:55 GMT

by Expat Focus columnist, Toni Hargis Many expats venture abroad without really thinking too far into the future. “I’m taking a job for a couple of years in (insert far-flung place). It’ll be a great adventure for the kids.” That’s fine, and indeed, planning too far ahead is just asking for trouble in my opinion. However, a surprising number of expats end up “trapped” abroad for various reasons... Article continues here

A Mexican Restaurant in Panama – Our New Business Abroad

Sat, 28 Jan 2012 18:06:29 GMT

by Expat Focus columnist, Stephanie Angulo When my husband and I moved to Panama last January, we were looking forward to a slower pace of life. Considering that we were only 30 and 32 at the time, we weren’t looking for retirement. We knew we were interested in business opportunities available in Panama, but the last thing we ever thought of opening was a Mexican restaurant in La Chorrera, Panama (a city about 30 minutes outside of Panama City). Article continues here