11 SIGNS YOU ARE INTEGRATING INTO LOCAL GHANA LIFE There comes a time in every expats life when they suddenly stop what they’re doing and think to themselves “Wait a minute! Did I just say/think/do that?” Every new country you live in shapes and moulds you in some way or another. It will influence…
ADAPTING TO A NEW CULTURE: THE 4 STAGES EVERY EXPAT WILL HAVE TO GO THROUGH Moving abroad is a major life event and adapting to a new culture and a new environment can be daunting. Bear in mind that you will find that you move between highs and lows through something called “the settlement…
HOW TO STAY IN TOUCH WITH FAMILY AND FRIENDS WHEN LIVING ABROAD Expat life is a challenge in itself, but possibly one of the most difficult parts is losing touch with your loved ones in your home country. Unfortunately, due to time and distance constraints, it is not always easy to find enough quality…
10 THINGS YOU CAN LEARN OR GAIN FROM THE EXPAT EXPERIENCE An expatriation is a wonderful opportunity for individuals, couples and families to learn and grow in many ways. It can also be an exciting adventure, a new chapter in life and overall, a truly meaningful experience. There are many positive things we…
THE SUITCASES OF AN EXPAT Have you ever thought, before being an expat, that you would one day fill your suitcases with baking powder, physiological saline solution or some of your favourite barbecue sauce? Have you ever noticed the amusing smile of the cashier when you buy 27 packs of lactic ferments or 15…
TAX FREE SHOPPING – HOW DOES IT WORK? Did you know that you can shop tax-free in shops outside airports? When you buy goods in a foreign country that allows tax-free shopping, you pay the goods in the shop, tax included, and can claim the refund of the sales tax (that has been collected…
10 THINGS LIVING IN GHANA HAS TAUGHT ME, By Lisa Gibson Living in Ghana has definitely shaped me over the years and given me a new perspective on life in general. It was recently our five-year anniversary living here, and it got me thinking back to those very early days and how much I’ve…
10 THINGS ONLY EXPATS WILL UNDERSTAND There are some things that only expats will understand and chatting amongst your fellow expats, you might laugh about (or commiserate over) a few of these! That absolute feeling of joy when you find one of your favourite items from your home country in the local store!…
HOW TO LEAVE A COUNTRY: WHAT TO KEEP, WHAT TO GIVE AWAY, WHAT TO THROW OUT Moving abroad for an expatriation assignment can be viewed as a great opportunity to downsize your life and take stock of all the ”things” you have accumulated over the years. Now is a good time to re-assess the…
NEW DESTINATION – HOW TO HANDLE THE TRANSITION & HOW TO PREPARE FOR A NEW COUNTRY An international relocation can be exciting but it can also be a bit daunting as well, especially as there is so much to think about and take into consideration – from the kids’ new schools, to where you…