Guides, stories and insights for internationals building a new life abroad.
There is a moment many expats in China know well. It is a Saturday morning. You are standing on the pavement outside your apartment, coffee in hand, watching the city move. People are already doing tai chi in the park. A street vendor is selling steaming jianbing. A group of aunties is line-dancing to pop […]
The best Spanish festivals every expat should experience are a key part of understanding culture and daily life in Spain. One of the best ways to understand a country is through its celebrations. In Spain, festivals are not just tourist attractions, they are a huge part of everyday culture, identity and community life. For expats […]
Chinese food is one of the most diverse, regionally varied, and culturally significant culinary traditions in the world. What most people know as Chinese food outside of China is a very small window into something far bigger, far more varied, and far more interesting than a single takeaway menu could ever suggest. For newcomers and […]
Brussels is one of the most international cities in the world. It is home to the European Union institutions, NATO headquarters, hundreds of international organisations, and thousands of multinational companies. And yes there are genuine, plentiful English speaking jobs in Brussels, even if you do not speak a word of French or Dutch. But there […]
Understand kimono, yukata, hakama and other Japanese garments, with practical advice on occasions, accessories and respectful wearing.
If you are moving to Sweden, understanding Swedish culture for newcomers will make your transition much easier. Life in Sweden is calm, structured, and built around balance, equality, and respect for personal space. One of the most important ideas in Swedish culture for newcomers is lagom, meaning “not too much, not too little — just […]
When you tell friends you are moving to Brussels, Antwerp, or Liège, the reaction is usually the same: “Oh, the chocolate!” or “The beer is amazing!” While these are world-famous, relying on them to define your new home is like looking at a postcard instead of walking through the city. To truly thrive as an […]
Silence in German communication is one of the cultural differences that surprises many expats when they move to Germany. In some countries, silence during a conversation feels uncomfortable. People may rush to fill quiet moments because silence can seem awkward, emotional, or even rude. In Germany, however, silence often means something very different. A pause […]
If you’ve just moved to Paris or you’re planning to, here’s one thing locals will tell you early: the best markets in Paris are where the real city lives. Not the big department stores. Not the chain supermarkets. The markets. Paris has hundreds of them. Food markets, flea markets, antique markets, flower markets, book markets, […]
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