A guide to the International Baccalaureate for parents whose children want to create social change… Is the IB the right fit for your child? Helping your child choose the next step in their education can be a particularly stressful time for parents. There are so many options available but the most important piece of advice...

Over recent years there has been a significant growth in the number of international schools set up around the world. Traditionally the preserve of expats, they are increasingly fuelled by the growing importance of the English language in global business. International schools are now being used by parents as a choice to educate their children...

While there is no denying that expatriate children have certain invaluable opportunities by being exposed to different (and often multiple) cultures, there can also be a big price to pay: these children may find themselves feeling sad and alone a great deal of the time while being challenged to make new friends and integrate into...

Living as an expat with young children can be challenging. Mum is often carer, playmate and teacher all in one.  Avenues for interaction and education are not as straightforward when you’re living in an unfamiliar place and structured classes for things like music can be difficult to find. The great news is, there’s lots of things...

Katia Vlachos, born of Greek parents in Cameroon, has lived as an expat in Paris, LA, the Netherlands, Vienna and Zurich and so is well placed to write on living the expat life. At the London book launch of her new book, A Great Move, she outlined her top seven tips for a successful expatriate...

This vast, resource-rich country stretching over six time-zones is still open to immigrants and has many job opportunities for those with the right skills and qualifications A land of geographic differences and cultural diversity. Canada has a high standard of living with a friendly and sociable people. Within its vast borders, spanning six time-zones, there...

When you move to New Zealand there are household items concessions available that mean you will not have to pay GST and duties on most of your items. You cannot claim household concessions for: new and unused items cars scooters motorbikes boats aircraft commercial items. Other types of motor vehicle or craft. Clearing your items...

If you are considering visiting, working in or moving to New Zealand there are a range of options for visas depending on your citizenship, the purpose of your move and how long you want to spend there. Visitor Visa You can apply for a Visitor Visa if you want to go to New Zealand as...

If you are moving to Canada it is important to understand the customs requirements for entry in to Canada.  We provide guidelines here but the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) website has a wealth of detailed information You will need two copies of an inventory of all the goods you intend to bring into Canada...

There are a range of visa options depending on the purpose and timing of your planned stay in Canada.  There are visas that give the right to temporary residence and those that allow you permanent residence. If you are entering Canada by air from most countries you will need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA), but...

A passport valid for three months beyond the intended stay and issued within the last ten years is required by anyone entering France unless you are from another EU country. EU citizens must hold a passport of national ID card which is valid for the duration of the stay. Although EU nationals travelling from another...

France has a reputation as a high tax jurisdiction and while President Hollande was in power, some wealthy French nationals chose to move to the UK and Portugal, enticed by their fiscal sweeteners. But France can be a tax efficient place to live for retirees, providing you understand the tax implications of your specific situation...