Moving, living, working, retiring abroad
Moving to a new country is a major challenge and it can take time to adapt to a different culture, to master a new language and to comfortably feel that you belong in your new home. Many people question how long does this transition from expat to local take and whether a person can ever … Read more
It can come as a surprise to learn that returning home after a stint of living abroad, might not be as easy as you think. ‘Reverse culture shock’ is the term given to the challenging period experienced by people returning home after living overseas when they find that they have to readjust to their home … Read more
Living abroad can be a dream come true with many amazing life opportunities and experiences. Unfortunately, it is not uncommon to have financial stress when living in a foreign country. Managing financial stress and mental well-being are closely entwined. Any money problems can quickly and negatively impact your health. Expats are susceptible to money worries … Read more
When it comes to winter beach vacations, Spain’s coasts rule in Europe. Maybe in the entire world, if you ask us. From the warm and lively Costa del Sol to the rugged beauty of Galicia, the Spanish coastline is as diverse as it is stunning. But what does December, January or February really feel like … Read more
You have made the move abroad and are living your dream. Yet you find yourself regularly missing home. Dealing with homesickness is a common experience for expats that creates feelings of nostalgia and longing for their home, their home town, their country or all of the above. Feeling homesick is a natural part of the … Read more
Do you have moments when you feel that you are a different person now that you live in a different country? You will not be alone if you answered yes! Many people describe moving to another country and living in a different culture as a transforming experience. There is the opportunity for self-discovery and many … Read more
Have you ever felt nervous trying to order a coffee in a foreign language? Have you been anxious about visiting a doctor who doesn’t speak your language? Unfortunately, although living in a foreign country can be great fun for so many reasons, a major drawback you could face is language anxiety. Struggling to make others … Read more
After all the initial excitement of living abroad fades, many find themselves feeling lonely and isolated. These are common challenges when moving to a new and very different country. The key to successfully dispelling these feelings is building a support network abroad. Easier said than done, you cry! Here we bring you actionable tips on … Read more
Some people find the experience of living abroad difficult and at times overwhelming – especially if they have never travelled abroad before. Instead of feeling positive, enthusiastic and adapting to their new life, they begin to miss home and its familiarity. They are suffering from culture shock. This is a common and natural part of … Read more
Moving to a new country is an exhilarating experience. Most newcomers view their new surroundings through “rose-colored glasses,” feeling like they are “falling in love” with the place and that they are “living the dream.” Exploring local monuments, enjoying freshly baked pastries and savoring locally grown fruits all make the initial days incredibly exciting. This … Read more
France is world-renowned for its rich culture and arts scene, shaped by centuries of history, social influence and its regional diversity. Choosing an affordable place to live with direct access to world-class museums, art galleries and colorful local traditions is top of the list for many, especially retirees. French cities are among Europe’s best cultural … Read more
Many people dream of being able to live near the sea, but find that French property prices near the coast are usually out of budget. With 2,848 miles (4,583 kilometers) of coastline, France can be very generous with the options in this regard. A number of French coastal towns offer beautiful beaches, affordable property, a … Read more
For those who want to enjoy retirement in an urban setting, with direct access to a variety of world-class cultural events year-round, Europe is the place to be. But not all European cities are equal in their offer of concerts, theatre plays, opera performances, or museum exhibits. My Dolce Casa set out to identify the … Read more
Retiring abroad is becoming surprisingly more appealing to many Americans. The State Department says that the current figure could be as high as nine million people – which equates to 12% of the country’s population of retirement age. The Social Security Administration has also recently published that the number of US citizens who receive their … Read more
If you’re considering retiring in Europe, several countries offer retirement or elective residence visas specifically designed for retirees. In this article, you will find out which European countries have visa programs for retirees along with some key points you must consider: what are the minimum financial requirements, how long can you or do you have … Read more
Is it expensive to live in France? Yes, it may be a pricier than other Mediterranean countries, but you can still find some great locations to live on a smaller budget. In fact, we found nine amazing places where you and your significant other could enjoy a comfortable life in France on a budget of … Read more
If you’re looking to live abroad in retirement or for a change of lifestyle, you’re perhaps considering Italy as a place to try out. It’s certainly one of the most popular destinations for Americans to move to. With its incredible food and fairy tale beauty, you may think living in such an amazing country would be … Read more
Whatever the reason for your move to Italy, you’ll want to know where you can afford to live based on your budget. In this article, we’ll cover the best places to live in Italy on a $2,700 monthly budget. In a country as old as Italy, each town, no matter how small or big, has … Read more
For many people tempted to move abroad, one of the most pressing questions is whether they will be able to afford living in France. It is true that some aspects of the cost of living in France – such as food shopping – are more expensive than in other countries, but rental prices can be … Read more
Italy has grown to be the destination of dreams to retire, study or lifestyle change for lots of Americans. Fortunately, the country is not just beautiful, with incredible food, captivating history and UNESCO-protected sites, but it is one of the most affordable places to live in Mediterranean Europe. This time, we were on the hunt … Read more