An 'Expatriate,' often called an 'Expat,' is a person who lives in a country different from their birthplace or nationality, either for a short period or permanently. People become expats for many reasons, such as work, study, or the desire for a change in lifestyle.
The term expatriate comes from the Latin words 'ex,' meaning 'out of,' and 'patria,' meaning 'country' or 'fatherland.' Thus, expatriates are those who live outside their native country. Expats can be of any age, profession, or background and choose to live abroad for diverse reasons ranging from job opportunities in multinational companies, desire for adventure, retirement in a different climate to accompanying family members.
Expatriates are distinct because they have decided to make a home away from home. They adapt to new cultures, languages, and lifestyles while maintaining their identity. They might stay in the foreign country for a short period, or it might become their new permanent residence.
Anyone can be an expatriate. From a student studying abroad, an employee transferred to an international branch of their company, to retirees choosing to live in warmer climates - they all are expats.
'Expat' is the informal term used for expatriates. It encapsulates the global spirit of living and working in foreign lands, embracing new experiences while contributing to the expat community.
In a foreign country, expats navigate the challenges of adjusting to a new environment, learning a new language, and understanding local customs and laws. This journey enriches their lives, offering a unique blend of their culture with that of the host country.
The expat community is vibrant and diverse, consisting of people from all walks of life sharing their life journey abroad. They form networks, share advice, and support each other in navigating the complexities of expatriate life.
An individual becomes an expatriate by living outside their native country for various reasons, including employment, education, or lifestyle changes.
There is no set time. Whether someone lives abroad for a few months, years, or permanently, they can be considered an expat.
It depends on the laws of the expat's home country. Many countries allow their citizens living abroad to vote in national elections.
Expats often face challenges such as language barriers, cultural differences, homesickness, and navigating legal requirements in a foreign country.
An expatriate, or "expat" for short, lives in a different country from where they were born or used to live. Think of it like moving to a new school in a different city or country, where you will stay for a while or maybe even a long time.
Words that mean the same as expatriate include:
These all describe someone living and often working in a country that's not where they originally come from.
An expatriate employee works for a company but has been sent to live and work in a different country as part of their job. It's like if a teacher from your school was asked to teach at another school in a different country for a while. This person gets to experience living in a new place while still working for the same company or organisation.
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