Spain: Lifestyle - Page 5 of 5

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Why Málaga Is One Of Europe’s Most Enchanting Cultural Hubs

Málaga is one of Europe’s most enchanting cultural hubs and this region of Spain is popular with foreign visitors as well as those looking for a new life in the sun. Annie Button sets out some of the attractions of the area, with its rich culture, culinary tradition and lifestyle. Written exclusively for Expat Network...

The Best Places To Live In Barcelona

Where are the best places to live in Barcelona? Barcelona is a cosmopolitan city, popular with expats. Here we look at some of the areas of the city where expats commonly live and set out some of the attractions of each. Barcelona is the second largest city in Spain with a population of around 1.6...

Five Ways Expats Can Integrate Themselves In A New Country

There are many challenges when moving to another country. Kevin Melton of AXA – Global Healthcare offers some practical advice on how to adapt to life abroad, rather than being overwhelmed Written for Expat Network by Kevin Melton, Sales and Marketing Director, AXA – Global Healthcare Moving to a new location can be as...

Top 5 Secrets To Learning Any Language Faster

When moving to a new country there are many challenges. Learning a new language has many challenges and many advantages. Fluency Corp give their top tips to help you to learn a new language. Written exclusively for Expat Network by Fluency Corp Speaking the local language makes every aspect of adjusting to life in...

Spain Tops The Table Of Dream International Moves

Brits are dreaming of a new life in the Spanish sun, according to new research carried out by Opinium on behalf of AnyVan.com, the home moving company. Spain Tops the Table of Dream International Moves Spain is the most popular destination for UK residents fantasising of a move overseas, with 13% of the respondents...

Downtime In Europe

If your expat assignment takes you to Europe, why not travel to these recommended places in your time off? Get away from your work assignment and truly explore your new environment, its culture and unique sights. Istanbul, Turkey Europe and Asia meet in Istanbul, where breathtaking ancient architecture coexists with modern restaurants and nightlife. The...

Moving Abroad Checklist

Initial Considerations

Will your partner be travelling with you?

If so, what will they be giving up in your present home and will they be able to continue with their career in your new home? You will need to check whether a separate visa is required for your partner to work or if your visa gives that right. If they are unable to work you will need to decide on the effect on your finances and what alternatives are available to give a fulfilling life (home business, training, voluntary work).

Are you taking family with you?

Moving with family raises many exciting opportunities, but also can create challenges. The HSBC Expat Explorer survey indicates that expat kids can take six months to settle in to their new country (see article). Getting young or even older children to prepare to move and leave their friends and family behind can be a challenge and should be thought through.

The options for education is another area that needs to be thought through.

Moving your child to a new country with a different education system can be a great opportunity to broaden their experience, but if they are close to key exams the timing can make this inadvisable. If you do take your family with you, it is important to decide between joining the local school system or choosing an international school.

Where will you be living?

Whether you will be living in a house or apartment, furnished or unfurnished, these decisions will affect what you need to take with you. The time you are planning to live overseas will also affect whether you should leave your property at home empty, rent it out or sell it. See the article Sell, Store or Ship.