There’s no two ways about it – Shanghai can seem extremely daunting at first, but after just a few weeks you will feel totally at home. Expatriates enjoy a high standard of living in Shanghai and, if you embrace everything that the experience has to offer, this will be one of the richest and most exciting times in your life.

Most expatriates arrive in Shanghai for the first time via Pudong Airport. This gleaming, light and airy model of efficiency may come as a bit of a surprise to those expecting something a little more second world, but it sure is a reassuring sign of modernity.

Drivers From Hell

Reassuring that is, right up until you are in a rattley, old taxi being hurtled at light speed down the motorway towards town. Although tired from your flight, fear will provide you with the energy to sit up in your seat and clock the way everyone drives, or rather attempts to drive. Cars swerve violently, horns are constantly beeped, no one indicates and there are no seatbelts in the back. It’s scary! Oh my, what have you done?!

High-Rise Jungle

As you enter the suburbs on the elevated highway, you will catch the first glimpse of your new city. And it ain’t pretty! Shanghai is a vast, high-rise jungle. You will be astonished by the sheer level of building work: the incredible number of building cranes – the way that forests of half-built, high-rise apartment blocks lead off in every direction, stretching endlessly beyond the horizon. But, you will also get your first taste of the ambitions that this city harbours.

Teeming Street Life

Once inside the inner-ring road, traveling at a more subdued speed, you will begin to catch an essence of the bustling, teeming street life. And it is this – not the culturally faceless high-rises – that will give you your first sense of place. You are in China!
People are carrying huge loads on bicycles, food is being prepared and eaten by the roadside, it’s rich, it’s very poor, it’s animated, and nothing is familiar. It will seem very foreign but also very exciting.

Shopping For Supplies

So, you’ve arrived at your new home and everything is in order. Or, at least it’s just a phone call to your new landlord away from being perfect, but you need supplies and to run a whole host of errands. Just hop in any taxi and say ‘Bortaman, Nanjing Shee-lu’.
The Portman Shanghai Centre on Nanjing XiLu, Puxi, was the first expat hub to be built in Shanghai and, although 15 years old, it has never been usurped as the king of user-friendly convenience for freshly arrived westerners.

Portman Shanghai Centre

There’s a City Supermarket selling everything you need including a good deli and wine selection. Plus there’s a Starbucks, the popular caf Element Fresh, a good cheese and wine shop, a florists, a dry cleaners, a post office, a chemist, a medical clinic, a host of other bars and restaurants, airline ticketing offices, an HSBC bank and several consulates, including that of the UK….it’s all here in one place for your ease!

Starbucks Expat MixIt is also at the Shanghai Centre where various groups post information on the notice board in City Supermarket about forthcoming social gatherings. Another way, in the initial days, to meet people is to head to the first floor of Starbucks, opposite Parksons on Huaihai Lu by Shanxi Lu for the Saturday morning (10am) social mixer. A nest of tables is gathered in the centre and you will be made to feel very welcome. You will find very early on, that Shanghai expats are approachable and it will be no time at all before you have more contacts than you ever thought possible.

Shopping Areas

As you become more confident about the geography of the city, your comfort zone will extend to the major shopping areas in Puxi of Huaihai Lu, Nanjing Lu, Xujiahui, and Lujiazui in Pudong. This is to name just a few and, as you can imagine in a city of nearly 20 million with a growing middle-class who like to shop – the list is endless. If you enjoy shopping – Shanghai will be a never-ending voyage of discovery for you.

By: Jacqueline Reischel

Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

Jacqueline Reischel is the managing director of enterShanghai.info, an award-winning online Shanghai expat guide. The web site features a Shanghai property search, relocation tips, career guide and other information for expatriates.

Did becoming a Shanghai expat ruin your marriage?
Did becoming a Shanghai expat ruin your marriage? divorcecake.jpg Do you know of a marriage that failed after the couple became expats? Karen Mazurkewich, who previously worked in Hong Kong. Read more…

Leave A Tip – - Expat Notices – Classifieds – Shanghai Expat.
Leave A Tip – - Expat Notices – Classifieds Shanghai Expat Living and Working in Shanghai.  Read more…

Emigrating can be emotionally taxing. The transition is a heavily emotional occurrence. How can you manage your emotions? And, how can emigration really affect you?

Emigrating is not a simple process. Besides the formal side such as applying for a visas and completing a citizenship test, emigration involves leaving your memories behind. Emigration also involves leaving your close connections with loved ones behind. Not to mention the life that has helped morph you into the person you are today.

There’s no doubt about it; Emigrating is a life changing event.

You have to very significant decisions to make; you can decide that emigrating equates to living a lonely existence in country that you are possibly not very familiar with

Or,

You can view this phase in your life as a fresh new start with awesome possibilities awaiting you.

However, no matter what your outlook, your transition will certainly bear a few bumps every now and then. In fact, according to many expats, it takes approximately two years to settle in.

Take note that whether you are considering the emigrate or even if you are in the process of emigrating, you are in fact already feeling the psychological effects of emigrating…

Emigration Companies will often set you up in almost every aspect such as shipping your pets and how to move your goods. In view of the fact that you’ll be starting you life almost from scratch, it seems a logical choice to have a professional in place to help clients to prepare psychologically.

 Often described as an emotional rollercoaster, the transition causes stress levels to rise as the day of departure draws closer. You may wonder if you’ve made the right decision, you may be concerned about the process going wrong and think to your self, "what if I don’t take up the great opportunity, will I regret it for the rest of my life?"

Feelings of irrational indecisiveness and fears may occur. These emotions can sometimes manifest into a host of physical symptoms such as headaches and sleepless nights.

Are there valid solutions?

There is a therapy referred to as "talking therapy" or Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). CBT is considered a quick fix cure for many psychological needs, these include Bulimia and Schizophrenia. CBT could be explored as a suitable therapy to deal with the psychological effects of emigrating. According to practitioners of the therapy, CBT can help clients deconstruct and deal with their overwhelming emotional problems by sectioning the issues they have into smaller parts. In effect, the therapy helps clients to deal with these issues in manageable chunks.

The aim of this therapy is to unveil and communicate about issues related to your mental state. The therapy uses self-awareness to break free from negative thought patterns.

Can you handle change right now?

We all differ. You may be more careful about the decisions you make. Your friend or partner may enjoy spontaneity and make flash decisions without a care in the world. However, being afraid of change is a natural emotion. Most people may be concerned about whether everything will go according to plan and more importantly, whether the right decision has been made.

According to CBS specialists, you should not think about a life-changing decision such as this if you are going through clinical depression or anxiety.

Even is you are not suffering from problems such as these, it will do you good to find ways to enhance your coping skills. Also ask yourself these questions to establish if you’re ready for change or just fleeing from an existing problem. Do some soul searching…

Are you trying to fix an existing problem?

Are you running away? What from?

Are you aware that you’d be far away from your support systems if you’re trying to deal with an existing problem?

These questions may be tough and painful to answer, but you’ll certainly gain a clearer and more rational perspective. Find a trustworthy friend or family member to support you through the process.

Are you in good form?

It is important to put your thoughts down on paper. This can help you organise what you’re thinking and feeling. You’ll also be aware of the benefits and disadvantages of immigrating. Remember, whatever your decision, it will have repercussions.

List the Pros and Cons. Give a score to each item on your list and then simply add up the scores of each of the columns. This will give a numerical basis for your decision.

How to ensure a smooth transition?

Give yourself time to research the psychological effects. Talk to others as much as you can, particularly those who’ve made the move themselves. Perhaps draw on expat forums on various expat websites.

It is imperative that you socialise with positive like-minded people.

IF you’re going through the immigration application process, compile a list of your goals and what you will do in order to reach these goals. Then pack it away for a while. When you hit an emotional bump, reach for your goal sheet and read it again to remain focused.

Should you ensure that you have a strong support system in place?

You’re family may be your strongest connections. Perhaps your friends are your strongest supporters. Whatever your situation, ensure that you have the full support of your loved ones. It will make the transition harder without the support of those that you hold dear. If you don’t have their assurance, it may be difficult to settle.

Will you be short on cash but high on positivity?

For most, when emigrating there is very little money in the bank. It may be hard to remain positive but it is possible. If you’ve emigrated already, make contact with expats from your country. A familiar social group will do wonders for your emotional stability. You’ll stick together, work hard and stick it out together! Money is very central to your survival, but positivity will get you through those rough patches.

In truth, there is no quick fix solution to preparing yourself. If you create ways to help overcome your worries and anxieties and change the meaning that you give to emigrating towards excitement and challenge, you’ve made a good start.
Any question? Why not contact a clued up consultant.

Immigration Unit
Immigration Lawyers

By Lindsay Wagner Published: 4/17/2008

 
Hyggelige: The Danish way of surviving soul-crushing darkness
So as some of you may have noticed I haven’t written in about a month. Well I learned a very important life lesson. When you move to a new country where you don’t know the language it can be very hard. Read more…

Emmigration
anyway, i’m starting to consider my options if, come early november we awake to find that the hate-mongers have carried the day again, and of course thoughts turn quickly to emmigration. Read more…

A fundamental consideration when you are thinking about accepting a teaching job abroad is the ratio of salary to living costs. Here are some important tips to help you make a reasoned, well-informed decision…

There are a number of factors to be considered when you are looking at taking a job at an international school, on the financial side there is:

* salary
* medical insurance
* housing allowance
* annual flights

On the conditions side there is:

* class size
* facilities
* contact hours
* teaching days in a school year

Most of these factors can be taken at face value. However, if you like to travel and want your work to pay well as I do, you may be turning down lucrative positions if you take a salary offer at face value and don’t take the cost of living into account.

For example, when I moved to Poland in the late 90s I accepted a job that only paid 900USD a month. It doesn’t sound like much, does it? I can tell you, I lived well on my money. During that year I explored Poland, spent Easter in the Czech Republic, went skiing in Austria for two weeks, started a Masters through distance learning and saved a little as well.

How did I do this? Well, the cost of living was quite low in Poland compared to other countries in Europe. I regularly had two thirds of my salary left after I’d paid all my expenses for the month. As I said, it’s the cost of living that makes all the difference.

Some countries have a high cost of living and some don’t. I know that’s a clumsy statement, but consider this… If you were to rent an apartment in Tokyo it would cost you 673USD a month for around 20 m2. That’s small! In Bangkok you can rent a 44 m2 furnished apartment for 337USD a month. I hope you can see that this kind of information is as valuable to your decision-making process when accepting a job as the actual salary figure itself.

When you are evaluating whether a package is worthy of accepting you will be looking at several issues. You will probably want to avoid taking a pay cut, and here are some tips to help you with your decision making:

* Make a list of the financial commitments you will need to meet while you are overseas. When you have shortlisted positions, check with the recruiter that the salary offered will enable you to meet them. Ensure you know the USD equivalent of the amount you need.

* Go online and check the price of rental properties in the area you will be living in. You will be able to assess whether the accommodation allowance will need supplementing from your salary.

* Check the "Big Mac" Index. The "Big Mac" Index is a surprisingly accurate comparison of cost of living which works on the principal that a McDonalds Big Mac should cost the same in every country. It is an excellent way to get a feel for the comparative cost of living in the country you are looking in which you are looking to work. You can access the Index here:

Big Mac Index

* If you are looking to travel while you are teaching abroad make a travel plan of the countries you want to explore and when you want to visit them. You can investigate how much this will cost and sort out a budget by using the internet.

There is much information to consider when you are making life-changing decisions such as signing a contract to teach overseas. Don’t sign anything until you are sure you have all the facts. I have included a list of questions to ask the recruiter at the interview in my book.

Get the insider secrets to securing a teaching job abroad today!

By Kelly Blackwell Published: 5/10/2007

Newark Advertiser
Power jobs go abroad. “Staythorpe is an important and positive project being delivered in the UK, creating UK jobs, keeping the lights on and bringing £10m a year.   Read more…

Chances of actually getting a permanent VISA
Does that indeed guarantee that I would get one or might it still be a wasted application fee (which at >AUD 2000 is hefty). While not having a current job offer I am sure I’ll find something. Read more…

More people are retiring to Spain from all over northern Europe than ever before, it has become the number one destination for pensioners looking to spend their retirement years abroad. Find out how to avoid the pitfalls and make it a worthwhile and positive experience.

Every year many people from all over Northern Europe, but predominately Britain, consider retiring to Spain. The reasons for this are varied as are the experiences of those who take the plunge and decide to spend their retirement years in Spain. Here we take an objective look at the pros and cons in the hope to make your move and life here as smooth and as satisfying as possible.

The first reason for retiring to Spain probably has a lot to do with the weather. After suffering a cold winter in northern Europe many people look toward warmer climes. Not only is it a lot more pleasant but as we grow older our bodies certainly benefit from the higher temperatures as do our pockets with the lower fuel bills. Many people report that their arthritis and other aches and pains are much improved by their life in the sun.

The cost of living is another important consideration as, although prices in Spain have undoubtedly risen in the last few years, so they have in the U.K and generally speaking ones pension does go further in Spain. Although the winters can be cold and wet they are never as cold as northern Europe so less is spent on fuel. If you are already in receipt of your winter fuel allowance before you leave the U.K. then this can still be claimed from Spain although you will probably find yourself keeping it to help pay the cost of your air conditioning in the summer! Additionally the cost of running a car in Spain is a lot less than in the U.K. so that is another added bonus.

Whilst property prices have rocketed on the Costa del Sol it is still possible to sell your U.K. home, buy somewhere very acceptable in Spain and pocket a sizeable chunk to help cushion your retirement years which is an obvious incentive to anyone contemplating retiring to Spain. Areas of inland Spain are still very reasonably priced and the Costa de Luz is emerging as a good alternative to the Costa del Sol. Property prices there are still affordable but planned development looks as though they may well be set to rise thus making it a good area to invest in at the moment The other reason many people have for retiring to Spain is something less easy to define but none the less important, it is the "quality of life." This may mean different things to different people but even so those who have moved to Spain generally agree that there is an all important something here which has made life better for them. Perhaps it is the more relaxed attitude to life, along with plenty of sunshine and longer daylight hours. Certainly the pace of life is slower here and on the whole less stressful than "back home."

So having decided you are retiring to Spain, what is the next step?

The most important is decide which part of Spain you wish to move to. It is a large and varied country with something to offer everyone. Do you want to live in a typical Spanish community, a small pueblo somewhere or perhaps buy a Finca with plenty of space and peace and quiet, or like the majority of ex-pats would you prefer to gravitate towards the more popular Costas with the peace of mind that you will be surrounded by like minded people?

The Internet gives you the unprecedented opportunity to research areas of interest without having to leave home but once you have decided on the area for you then the foot slogging begins. Try to visit your area of choice at different times of the year and any properties you wish to view at different times of the day, to see where the sun falls etc. In the winter it can get quite cold even on the coast and you don’t want to buy somewhere that sees no sun at that time of the year or alternatively that has no shade in the summer.

Also take into account the surrounding area and neighbors. The Spanish, as lovely as they are, are a noisy, gregarious nation with little understanding of the northern European’s need for privacy and peace. You will not change this attitude, nor do we have a right to try, so if you don’t like it then don’t buy an apartment in a basically Spanish enclave but look for somewhere where you will be surrounded by like minded people. If you are visiting out of season then try to find out what the area is like in July and August as you may not wish to cope with an explosion of tourists.

Take into account the number a visitors you are likely to have and be sure to buy somewhere with sufficient space, it is surprising how many friends you suddenly have when you retire to Spain! You will also of course want your family to visit, in fact the tug of those you have left behind you can be very strong and something you need to think seriously about before taking the final step.

The financial implications of retiring to Spain are also something that need serious consideration. First and foremost you will be able to have your pension paid into a Spanish bank account and by law no commissions are chargeable on such income. The Department for Overseas Pensions in Newcastle will be able to advise you on the procedure. Be aware that the inheritance tax, capital gains and other tax differences are very, very, different from the UK so it is advisable to get good legal and financial advice on these matters and to make out a will. Inheritance tax in particular can be a very thorny issue as in Spain it has to be paid on the death of the first partner and the jointly owned property can not be sold until this has been paid!

In addition be sure to get proper legal advice when purchasing your property. A good legal advisor is worth his weight in gold and may save you a lot of money in the long run. The best way to find a reliable person is by recommendation as unfortunately there are a lot of unscrupulous people only to happy to part a "fool and his money."

The health care system in Spain is generally very good and of course as a U.K. pensioner you have full entitlement to all it offers. You will need to get a form E 121 before leaving the U.K. which you then take to your nearest Instituto Nacional de Seguridad Social (INSS) office for registration. You will then be issued with a medical card which you must produce if you require treatment anywhere and this you will then receive free of charge.

Also bear in mind that after quite a short absence from the UK, National Health services will not be available to a returning or holidaying expat and the European Health card (E111 as was) must be obtained for visits to the UK.

On reflection then retiring to Spain can be a very positive move. Coming as it does at a period in your life when it would be all too easy to sit back and vegetate the pleasure and excitement from all the new experiences can have a very positive effect if well planned and executed.

Try your best to learn some Spanish not only is the mental stimulation good for the old grey matter but it will make your life in Spain more enjoyable and rewarding. The Spanish are basically very tolerant of all the foreigners that regularly and often permanently invade their shores but they do appreciate you making some effort to speak their lingo, it is only polite really.

Remember you are retiring to Spain, it is not Bournemouth with the sunshine! The Spanish culture and attitude to life is different to ours so accept that and don’t make your life miserable by trying to change it. So often you hear the lament, "it wouldn’t be allowed in England" well just accept the fact that you are not in England and people do things differently in different countries. After all it is your decision to retire to Spain so relax and enjoy it.

About the author:
Ruth Polak is the owner of www.costadelsol-vacationrentals.com, a web site specializing in holiday villas and apartments on the Costa del Sol and in Rural Andalucia. You will also find lots of information about Spain and Andalucia, in particular.

By Ruth Polak Published: 1/10/2007   Expat Living – The Credit Crunch In Spain | AlmerimarLife A blog about living and working in Almerimar Spain. All about expats, learning spanish, travel, jobs, vacations, food, lifestyle, property and finance.   Read more…

 Mail this post]]> http://expatinfos.com/expats-health-issues-in-spain/feed 0 http://expatinfos.com/its-not-just-you-but-your-partner-too http://expatinfos.com/its-not-just-you-but-your-partner-too#comments Wed, 14 Jan 2009 17:55:00 +0000 whatever http://expatinfos.com/?p=12 Expat Spouses – Overcoming The Challenges That Face Them

When a spouse is assigned an overseas assignment, the partner is faced with many obstacles that are often ignored. Unfortunately at this time not too many companies offer their support to the spouse.

According to research done by Val Boyko into ‘global solutions for international assignments’ at the Families in Global Transition conference in 2004, she found that the partner’s biggest challenges are that they feel:

* Unrecognized.
* Unsupported.
* Let down because of inaccurate or irrelevant information.
* Isolated.

Maybe you or a friend is experiencing life as an expat partner where you thought you would be able to work, but have found out that it was is a near impossibility; or that you have assumed that internet access would be easily available to maintain contact with friends and family only to discover that it takes months to get connected; or you are a newcomer without an expat community around you AND you can’t speak the language.

This happens all the time to expat spouses.

So what is the solution?
Tips for the expat spouse

1. Team Work:

Try and get everyone to work together to understand and accept your needs as a spouse. Speak to whoever is in charge of the expat assignment, build up a relationship with him or her before you move and become as informed as you can. Encourage them to give you honest and accurate expectations so that you can make the best choices for yourself and for your family.

2. Your role:

Find out about the issues that generally face expat spouses. Make yourself aware of the challenges you will meet. Take up the responsibility and to make it your business to know. Do not rely on others to provide you give you what you may need.

3. Support:

Make contact with existing expats in the country you are about to move to through groups, message boards, and online forums. Set up a relationship and support system for yourself even before you land at the airport. Begin to explore possibilities before you head out on your new adventure.

4. Education:

Educate yourself – there really is so much information on the web. Don’t assume that the experience will be similar to your impressions. It often is not! So be curious and pro-active. Do not be afraid to ask for help. Let others know what you need. People want to help and it could be your very lifesaver in a time of need.

And finally…you may want consider hiring your own coach to give a speedy start to your overseas success!

Quote of the week

"Don’t wait until everything is just right. It will never be perfect. There will always be challenges, obstacles and less than perfect conditions. So what. Get started now. With each step you take, you will grow stronger and stronger, more and more skilled, more and more successful." Mark Victor Hansen.
Powerful question of the week

"What would you like to happen now, this week, next year.?"

Write it down, be specific and make an action plan to make it happen.

Expat lifecoach
As an Expat Life Coach, my purpose is to support expatriate assignees, their spouses and families in developing tools that will help make the expat experience work for them. If you are skeptical or curious about how the coaching process works, feel free to take up my offer of a COMPLIMENTARY coaching session. After the session, you can take whatever tools you developed to support yourself along your expat journey. Please email me to set up your FREE session.

By: Kimbles

Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

Kimbles is the resident writer at Xpatpals.com. An expatriate advice resource for expats living all over the world.

Five good reasons to move to France — French Life-expat France

They will soon get bored of filming expat-refugees from France staggering in threadbare clothes from the cross-channel ferries in a state of semi-starvation, and will be looking for new ideas. Read more…