Best Language Learning Apps

Duolingo

A great language learning app for beginners, Duolingo offers 85 different language courses in 24 languages. This app uses microlearning techniques to break down lessons into bite-sized chunks and claims that just 34 hours will give you the same level of education as one university semester. Duolingo’s game-like language lessons provide a variety of exercises to perfect your reading, writing and listening skills.

TANDEM

More advanced speakers seeking a step up may want to try out Tandem. This free app supports almost 150 different languages. Tandem helps you develop conversational skills by setting you up with an exchange partner who is a native speaker of your chosen language. Pairings are set up according to shared interests to ensure that you will never run out of things to talk about. Users can also arrange 1-to-1 practice sessions with “Tandem Tutors” who are certified language instructors.

Top Maps & Navigation Apps

Waze

If you intend to use a car to get around, you may want to think about supplementing Google Maps with Waze. This app pulls together real-time, crowdsourced information from locals about traffic accidents, road conditions, police, hazards and more. The app will then automatically reroute your journey to avoid any disruptions.

Moovit: Public Transit

Understanding the ins and outs of public transport can be hard when you relocate to a different country. The Moovit: Public Transit app helps users plan their train, subway, bus or bike trips across 1,400 cities around the world.

Best Apps To Meet People

MeetUp

When you move to a new country it can be difficult to make friends. The free app MeetUp not only helps users meet new people, but it also allows you to explore your new home. Through the app you can join or create groups based around certain interests (e.g. “Motorcycle Riding” and “Ghost Tracking,”) and arrange relevant outings and activities.

CitySocializer

Much like MeetUp, CitySocializer helps bring people together in certain urban areas such as New York, London and 30 other cities. This app lets users discover and join in with group activities happening in their area. You can create groups with similarly-minded people and organise social outings.

Best Safety & Personal Security Apps

Prey Anti-Theft: Find My Phone & Mobile Security

If you are worried about crime in your area, you may want to try out Prey Anti-Theft: Find My Phone & Mobile Security. This app boasts a comprehensive selection of anti-theft tools and features specifically designed to protect your phone, laptop and tablet. For example, if your device is lost or stolen you can use the app’s GPS tool to locate it. If your device is stolen, the app will place a security lock on it, rendering the device useless to the thief. Prey also generates reports that can be used as police evidence if reporting on a crime.

TripWhistle Global SOS

TripWhistle Global SOS gives users access to over 70 different emergency numbers, local emergency police, fire, and ambulance phone numbers for 196 countries around the world. If you find yourself in an emergency, the app will provide important information to emergency respondents such as your street address and GPS coordinates.

For a handy overview of all the apps listed above, take a look at this infographic guide below.

There are now over 66.2 million expats worldwide and this is expected to reach 87.5 million by the year 2021. Research has found that expats are 2.5 times more likely to experience anxiety and/or depression than domestic workers. So why is this?

What Are the Top Expat Stressors?

In 2015, Internations conducted a major international survey which identified the top expat stressors:

How to Maintain Good Mental Health While Living & Working Abroad

Expats work an average of 13.4 more hours than people doing similar jobs at home. Try to avoid overworking and prevent burn-out by switching off the “24-7 business mentality.” Establish a clear work-life balance by not bringing your work phone home and by not checking your email on weekends. Instead, use your free time to socialise and to participate in healthy activities.

Working abroad can be isolating, so be sure to dedicate time to making friends. Don’t shy away work events and network groups. Try out apps such as MeetUp to connect with new people.

Make sure to schedule in time for chatting with your loved ones who still live in your home country. Take the lead on communicating with home and plan regular one-to-one interactions through Skype, social media or on the phone.

In addition to all of the above, don’t forget to look after your mental health. You can do this by limiting alcohol consumption, getting 8 hours sleep every night and by exercising and eating healthily. What’s more, learn how to recognise the signs of stress and work hard on developing stress management skills.

Preparing to Move Abroad

Just 6% of expats are concerned about mental health before relocating. However, taking some simple preparatory steps before you set off can make a big difference to your mental health down the line.

Research can really help to ease the relocation process. While reading up on your new home, don’t forget to look into ways of making friends, the work & social culture, methods of contacting home and potential stress outlets.

It’s also important to check in with yourself and know your limits. Keep a journal to help record and recognise your stressors. Get educated by familiarising yourself with the warning signs of stress, anxiety and depression.

Finding Support Services Abroad

The number of mental health workers per 100,000 persons ranges from less than 1 in low-income countries to over 50 in high-income countries. It can be even more difficult to find a counsellor that speaks your language. One excellent resource is the International Therapists Directory which contains contact details for English-speaking therapists, counsellors, psychologists, and psychiatrists in more than 50 different countries. Alternatively, you could ask for a referral from your embassy, HR Department or even other expatriates (particularly medical professionals).

If a face-to-face service is not an option, you may want to consider e-counselling. These are online services that allow you to connect with specialists in your home country via video-chat. Just be sure to check that the counsellor is licensed and look into the services’ privacy policies.

Video: The Ultimate Guide to Expat Mental Health

To learn more about how to look after your mental health during a move abroad, take a look at our video below.

Personal safety and security are two of the most important considerations you will need to make when moving abroad. When researching your destination, you will need to factor in the overall peacefulness of the country. Our infographic lists the top ten safest, most secure destinations across the world according to the latest Global Peace Index.

What is the Global Peace Index?

Analysing 99.7% of the world’s population, The Global Peace Index (GPI) is the world’s leading measure of global peacefulness. It is compiled by the Institute for Economics and Peace who use 23 qualitative and quantitative indicators to measure the state of peace in each country according to three key criteria:

1. Societal safety and security
2. Ongoing domestic and international conflict
3. Degree of militarisation

What are the Top 5 Most Peaceful Countries in the World?

According to the 2018 Global Peace Index, the top five safest countries in the world are:

5. Denmark

Consistently voted as one of the happiest places in the world, the Scandinavian country of Denmark was placed fifth in the 2018 GPI. Danes enjoy low crime, excellent income equality and a deep respect for human rights.

4. Austria

The landlocked European nation of Austria has long boasted a top place in the GPI. This is due to its a low crime and homicide rate and positive performance in many areas of wellbeing.

3. Portugal

The pretty European country of Portugal has made enormous strides in the area of peacefulness over the past few decades. Portugal was ranked 3rd in the 2018 GPI due to its extremely low rate of crime and external conflict.

2. New Zealand

Scoring well across all three categories, New Zealand has maintained a top position in the GPI for many years. The country is renowned for its low crime rate and safe cities, and is an ideal location for those seeking a beacon of peace.

1. Iceland

The GPI has placed Iceland as the most peaceful country in the world since 2008. It’s not hard to see why Iceland has stayed top dog all these years, when you consider that its crime rate is close to zero, there is no military and the fact that the police force is unarmed. What’s more, Iceland also boasts a high level of gender equality, a low incarceration rate and a top-quality free education system.

How Moving Abroad Enhances Your Creativity

It’s no secret that emigrating can be enormously beneficial for aspiring artists of all types. The right city can help provide the inspiration and opportunity that’s needed to kickstart a successful career in the arts. In fact, many of the world’s most celebrated artists, musicians, writers and filmmakers – Ernest Hemingway, Pablo Picasso, Eddie Van Halen and Alfred Hitchcock to name just a few – were expatriates.

What’s more, scientific research has proven the positive correlation between creativity and immigration. A study from 2009 by psychologists William Maddux and Adam Galinsky discovered that when it comes to creative problem-solving, immigrants consistently outperform native populations. Galinsky reasons that this is because:

“There is some sort of psychological transformation that needs to occur when people are living in a foreign country in order to enhance creativity. This may happen when people work to adapt themselves to a new culture.”

The Top 5 Most Creative Cities in the World

5. Paris, France

The City of Lights has long been associated with expatriate artists; prompting the famed German philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche to quip that “An artist has no home in Europe except in Paris.” Ranked 39th in the world for quality of life, Paris is well-known for its laid-back lifestyle, diverse cultural offerings and rich culinary scene (in fact the city is home to an impressive 100 Michelin star restaurants). What’s more, with its 245 theatres, the French Capital is also an ideal choice for budding actors, playwrights and directors.

4. Miami, US

Home to the world’s largest collection of art deco architecture, Miami in Florida is a top choice for artists and creatives seeking to immigrate into the US. In addition to its 72 theatres, the “Magic City” also boasts 27 art galleries and 18 museums.

3. Prague, Czech Republic

With a low cost of living of just $640 per month, Prague in the Czech Republic is an attractive option for artists who are just starting out. The Lonely Planet has sung the city’s praises as an underrated gem, saying “Prague is the equal of Paris in terms of beauty. Its history goes back a millennium. And the beer? The best in Europe.” Prague is a particularly good choice for professionals who work in the visual arts, as it has 201 art galleries and a lively arts scene.

2. Dublin, Ireland

Ranked 34th in the world for quality of life, the vibrant and welcoming city of Dublin in Ireland is a great option for artists thinking of relocating. Over the years, Ireland’s Fair City has built a reputation for literary excellence as it has been home to some of the world’s most famous novelists and playwrights (e.g. James Joyce, Oscar Wilde and Samuel Beckett for example). The city is also renowned for its lively music scene and as such is a great choice for aspiring musicians. As the LA Times put it, “Even a short stay in Dublin is like walking into literary history, accompanied by music”.

1. Amsterdam, Netherlands

Listed as 12th in the world for quality of life, Amsterdam in the Netherlands is the top destination for artists wishing to emigrate. With 96 theatres, 81 museums, 54 art galleries and 43 Michelin-starred restaurants; there is clearly plenty of inspiration to be found. What’s more, the city boasts a thriving creative scene which presents plenty of opportunities for aspiring artists of all types.

See the full list in our infographic below.

As the famous journalist, Charles Kuralt once quipped: “If you really want to learn about a country, work there.” Working abroad is a wonderful opportunity to truly immerse yourself in a different culture. However for most people, finding employment can be one of the most daunting parts about moving abroad.

Without the connections, local knowledge and language, it can be difficult for migrants to navigate the tricky waters of job-hunting and the corporate world. Fortunately, advancements in technology mean that it has never been easier to find work overseas. In our latest infographic, we provide practical tips on how to use the internet and word of mouth to find your next dream job abroad.

If you are researching from home, your first port of call should be an international job search engine. Some good examples include: Indeed, SimplyHired and CareerJet. These global databases have listings for jobs in many countries and usually include a variety of language options.

America, the original “Land of Opportunity” is easily the most popular choice for Canadians seeking a move abroad. Those planning to immigrate into the United States may want to consider using one of the jobs sites specific to the country. Some popular options include Career Builder, Careers.org and HotJobs.

Word of mouth is also a powerful tool for jobseekers. If possible, take advantage of your professional network to discover connections who may be able to help you find a position. Alternatively, leverage virtual word of mouth by joining a professional online network such as LinkedIn or whatever the preferred platform is in the region. This will enable you to contact companies and recruiters and to build your general understanding of the local jobs market.

Read the infographic below to learn more about how to find a job abroad.

What do Max Levchin (founder of Yelp), Elon Musk (Tesla), Arianna Huffington (The Huffington Post), Dietrich Mateschitz (Red Bull), and Sergey Brin (Google) have in common? At some point in their lives, each of these extraordinarily impressive people made the decision to leave their home country and start anew abroad, each of them going on to build enormously successful corporate empires.

Their stories of immigrant success in business are hardly unique however. Did you know that in the US, immigrants represent 27.5 percent of entrepreneurs? This is incredible given the fact that they only make up around 13 percent of the overall population. In fact, research conducted in many countries across the world have found that immigrants are many times more likely to start a business than the native population. This prompts us to ask, what lies behind this strong connection between immigration and entrepreneurship?

It seems that there is something inherently entrepreneurial about leaving your home to start a new life in another country. Having made the move from one country to another, means that many immigrants boast a particular set of qualities and skills which can be of enormous benefit when building up a new business.

In our latest infographic we investigate the reasons why immigrants are so entrepreneurial. Check out the complete infographic below to learn more about immigrants who came to America and found success.

What is a Digital Nomad?

Defined as “individuals that leverage wireless digital technologies to perform their work duties, and more generally conduct their lifestyle in a nomadic manner,” digital nomads are becoming increasingly more common in today’s tech-driven world.

Armed with just a laptop and a passport, this new vanguard of freelance workers represents the office-less workplace of the future. For these ‘citizens of the world,’ an office can be anything from a beachside hut in Barbados to a café in Cairo.

How Can Digital Nomad Workers Find a Destination Suiting their Unique Needs?

If you are considering digital nomadism, you will need to find locations that cater to your needs both as a freelance worker and as a traveller. Therefore, before setting off you will need to identify destinations that offer excellent access to technology and work spaces as well as excitement and adventure. The best locations seamlessly combine aspects that appeal to both the worker and the adventurer in you.

So how can you find a place that provides all of this? The first step would be to check out our latest infographic on the Best Places to Live as a Digital Nomad. We at Hansen & Company are fascinated by new immigration trends such as digital nomadism. In this infographic we break down the top digital nomad destinations in the world. We also examine just what it is that makes them ideal prospects for digital nomads. Listing wonderful cities from across the continents; it offers a global perspective on digital nomadism.

Read the below infographic now for more information!

The Most Employable Cities in America (Infographic)

Planning to emigrate to the US? Depending on where you choose to live, your job prospects can vary quite a lot. For the majority of migrants, job availability is a huge factor – if not a primary concern – when moving abroad. Therefore, it is absolutely key to factor this into your research when planning a move to the States.

May 2018 saw good news for job hunters in the US, with the unemployment rate falling to just 3.8 percent – the lowest level since 1969. With that in mind, we have created an infographic based on the findings of the personal finance site WalletHub regarding the most employable cities in the US. This list compares the 150 most populous US cities based on 17 metrics across two metrics – job market and socioeconomic environment. In our latest infographic, we look at the top ten most employable cities to highlight the cities where you stand the best chance of finding a job.

One state with particularly good prospects is Texas. This state dominates the list with three cities featuring in the top five. Historically well-known for its good employment opportunities, cities in the Lone Star state boast excellent median incomes and consistently positive employment growth rates.

While the US labour market has improved remarkably in recent years, employment levels in many cities have yet to fully return to pre-recession levels. For example, job hunters may want to steer clear of the likes of Newark in New Jersey and San Bernardino in California due to their very high unemployment rates. Our infographic features useful information about the US cities in which you will find the most difficulty in finding work.

If you are interested in moving to the US and would like to discover more about the most employable cities in the US, why not check out our infographic below.

People who aren’t born in America but work hard to get here are more successful than the average American. This infographic looks at six amazing stories of people who came to America with nothing and were incredibly driven to find success. Read more now!