At no other time in history has there been as many expatriates (or expats for short) than today as borders between countries shrink and more and more people find they enjoy the comfort and adventure of living away from their home countries. If you are thinking of becoming one, then you should be aware of some fundamental facts.
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What an Expatriate is
An expat can be defined as someone who has left his or her native country and is now living in another one. However, it also applies to those individuals that, while not permanently living in another place, spend a majority of their time there, instead of the country where they were born.
Why People Become Expats
The growing number of expats is due to the many benefits that most people feel they will gain. Among them are the following:
1. Experiencing a different culture
For many, the chance to be in another land, with a unique culture and different peoples, is the most attractive reason. Most expats travel to different countries around the world, but most prefer to stay in one particular country. Whatever the case may be, it boils down to being able to take part in a different culture and gain new perspectives.
2. Finding work
Others prefer to be expats for more practical reasons, such as finding a job. Difficult economic conditions in their native land may force people to go abroad in search of greener pastures.
3. Studying in a foreign university
For a lot of the young people today, studying in a foreign school offers plenty of advantages. Aside from being able to gain a wider range of experience, students will also be able to improve their social skills by interacting with people with differing backgrounds.
4. Less stress on the finances
Living as an expat can help an individual or family financially, especially if the cost of living in their motherland is prohibitive.
Citizenship
One of the most common questions asked is whether it is necessary for a prospective expat to relinquish his or her citizenship. The answer is no, although you may. However most are opting for dual citizenship.
Double Taxation
A majority of countries do not impose taxes on any citizen that is currently residing somewhere else. However, it is significant to note that the United States is an exception.
Depending on several factors, you might be subjected to some taxes from the Internal Revenue Service, but it will all depend on any tax treaties that the country you are currently living in has with the US. There are also tax credits that you can avail of. To avoid complications you should consult a tax expert and check the necessary facts with the IRS as well as the local tax authorities.
Finding Work
With the growing popularity of outsourcing as a business tool, it has become easier for expats to find work in another country. Because most are skilled professionals, they are always in demand.
Even expat students nowadays, provided they are qualified, will have little difficulty finding work in the country that they are in, or even back in their homeland, if they choose to return, as some are bound to do.
Chalk and talk schools are a thing of the past. The modern era has ushered in changes in every sphere of life, how could education be left behind? New age schools, known as international schools are taking over. These schools comprise students and staff who come from different cultures and teach syllabi which represent a global perspective. For expats, this could turn out to be the best option. However, don't mistake any school which offers American, Canadian, the GCSE (British), the IB (International Baccalaureate) or the IGCSE (the international component of the British GCSE) international curriculum to be an international school. Schools which incorporate IB and the IGCSE are truly international schools. In India, you will find that most international schools offer a combination of IB, ICSE and IGCSE.
Is an international school worthwhile? If you've ascertained the standard of education in the school and can afford to put your child in one, it definitely is! When compared to the monotonous syllabus and teaching aids used in traditional schools, international schools appear expat investing to be a breath of fresh air for the new age learner. International schools in India offer a good mix of cutting edge teaching and internationalism built on the necessary foundations of an Indian culture. Not just that, even after students have completed their education in international schools, they are recognized and even offered scholarships in universities world wide.
Most international schools follow the International Baccalaureate which is accepted as an entrance for universities across the world. One can easily locate International Schools in the major cities of the world, although a few are located in green spaces; hill stations or outskirts of the city with options for boarding as well. International schools offer a wide range of extra-curricular activities that broaden the child's horizon by offering sufficient academic exposure as well as providing new interests and hobbies.
Finding the right international school for your child could turn out to be tedious procedure. Answer these questions and make the process easier for you:
1. Which accreditation has been awarded to the school?
2. Does the school follow the Indian or American year?
3. What is the background of teachers in the school?
4. What are the activities in store for your child?
5. How will they help the child get used to the latest shift in location?
6. Will transport be taken care by the school itself?
7. What is the kind of food do they serve in the café?
Before you consider the international school directly, log on to its webpage and check all the details available online. Talking to colleagues who have returned after working abroad and have enrolled their kids in schools will help you find the best international school. It is an easy option for expats as well, in case their children are used to studying in an international environment. Remember that, not all children need the same things so it is really important to find the best fit for your child.