What is an "Expat" or Expatriate?

There are many definitions but the bottom line definition is that an expatriate - or "expat" is someone who lives outside their own country.  Some definitions will include the notion that one must "work and live" in a foreign land.

The term can often carry connotations that are favorable or unfavorable, depending on context and country. 

Often expatriates are considered "foreign experts" brought in to teach or exercise skills not available locally.

Other times "expats" are seen as "living off the land" and taking up some of the better jobs. 

Sometimes expats are seen as Jimmy Buffet wannabes living in tropical settings (the author's favorite notion!).  Other times expats are seen as exclusionary, banding together and not integrating well with the local population due to their high wages packages and isolated living in reserved compounds (common in parts of the Middle East - but not so true in the rest of the world).

But, no need for it to carry any baggage at all - you get to decide who you are and how you will live when you head overseas.  It is an opportunity for you to reinvent yourself and your life and have it be exactly as you wish it to be.

Expats often don't work overseas - they just retire overseas in countries where life is perhaps more relaxed, crime is lower and their money goes further - they can have a much better quality of life.

Don't worry too much about the label - it is the lifestyle and how you may wish to live that we will address on this website.