Questions and Answers Forum

My husband has signed a three-year contract with a firm in Brussels, and with such a good chunk to time in the country, we're trying to decide if it would be better to look at local schools for our children in Belgium, or to stick to international schools. Could any expats who've been through a similar decision-making process share some advice...

Moving my family (husband and two kids) to Brussels in early September and wondering what areas of the city would be suitable for househunting. My kids will go the American international school, so not sure if that makes a difference.

Looking to get out of the city for a long weekend, and as an expat fairly new to the area not too familiar with options. Can anyone recommend a nature-friendly day trip just outside of Brussels?

Coming from Chicago and moving to Brazil, can anyone give me a decent idea of how the cost of living compares? If you're not familiar with Chicago, just work on a medium/large fairly expensive US city.

Contemplating moving to Brazil under the auspices of an intra-company transfer and wondering about the standard of international schools in Sao Paulo? My kids are elementary (primary) and middle school age. Can anyone recommend some good ones. Extra-curriculars are not a huge priority, we're more focused on academics. Thanks.

Can anyone list what I will need to get a retirement visa in Brazil. I'm a US citizen and would  be moving with my husband, also retired. Is there a certain amount of money we need to bring into the country each year/month? What docs are required, etc..

When I think of Canada, I think of frostbite...though I'm hoping my tendency toward exaggeration in indeed a tendency when it comes to weather in Toronto. Moving there to pursue a Master's and allergic to cold. Can someone please offer me a glimmer of hope or at least give me fair warning when it comes to what clothes to pack.

We're moving to Vancouver, and I was wondering if my 8-year old needs to have a knowledge of French to be enroled in a Canadian school?

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I'm approaching the 90-day mark in Canada, so I can soon apply for comprehensive medical insurance, and was just wondering if the national plan covers you for dental?

I am a site manager in fit out / construction. Landed on Gold Coast few weeks back and looking for start anywhere. All useful suggestions gratefully requested, thanks marcus

We will be moving to THE GREEN COMMUNITY WEST, DUBAI by the middle of August, just wondered how we can meet some new friends

I'm moving to Thailand and would like to take many belongings with me as my CD/DVD/book collection. I'm married to a Thai citizen who lives in Thailand. I have a Non-Immigrant Visa O (marriage visa) that is valid for three months, and which must be renewed in September for 12 months. I wonder if this is still correct after they changed the laws: "Upon entry into Thailand, expats have six months to import their household items from their home country.

I'm moving with my young family to HK. The kids will be going to the American International School in Mong Kok. I will be working in the CBD. Given this, where is a good place to live? I'm moving from Sydney and love the beaches (Repulse Bay is ok but not good for the school commute). I also love the buzz of the city but know that high rise apartment living wouldn't be great for the kids. I really also don't want to live in a claustrophobic expat gated community. Any suggestions? thanks a lot

Do you have any idea of the custom procedures and costs related to the customs for the entry of a car coming from EU to Turkey (Istanbul)?

What's a good mid to high-class area for a young couple with an eight-year-old. Need to be fairly central, but would compromise proximity to the CBD for a little green-space and some good neighbours...

Do I need a TELF certificate to teach English in Santiago? What about a formal teaching degree?

What are the public schools like in Santiago? I really want my eight-year-old to pick up as much Spanish as possible over the course of our two-year stint in Santiago, but not a the expense of other aspects of his education? Are there reasonably priced international schools that offer bilingual curriculums?

I've just received my approved working visa and plan to move to Canada for 2 years, I'll only be taking a suitcase of belongings, what are the top 5 things that I will absolutely need in Vancouver?

I formerly worked in the retail sector of Guangzhou for a year, but then quit my job because I thought I was moving back to Europe. Unfortunately I didn't count on falling love with a fellow expat I'd met in China who now has moved to Beijing. Long story short, I need to find a job in Beijing. Can anyone recommend some good resources?

I'm thinking about moving to Beijing to teach English - a bit ironic - considering I don't know the first thing about mandarin. Just wondering how obstructive the language barrier is to living life in Beijing. i've heard there's quite a large expat community, but do most people I'll interact with on a day to day basis only speak Mandarin?

In the process of the last round of interviews for a position managing retail in Guangzhou and trying to anticipate my expenses there if i do get offered the job. The one question that I can't seem to get a handle on is whether or not I'll need a car in Guangzhou? Can anyone advise?

Are public schools in Cyprus an option. Moving to Limassol  in the near future with my eight-year-old and no absolutely nothing about the eduction system. Can someone please give me a rundown of schooling in Cyprus?

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Thinking about moving to Cyprus, and as much as I'm ready to commit to some remote, rural no man's land - I also am kind of (okay, more like seriously) attached (okay, more like addicted) to the web. I need a high speed Internet conenction and I'm wondering in what parts of the country such a connection is available.

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We've just bought a house in Cyprus (hip, hip :) and we'll  need to organise some white goods when we arrive. Unfortunately there's no fridge, stove, washing machine, etc.  Can anyone recommend a good place in Cyprus to buy these white goods?

Considering that I'm leaving the network of friends I've had since I've been in diapers, I'm a little concerned about making friends in Dubai. I take it that I can't use the same tactics I initially used to make the friends I've cemented in Greensboro, NC - namely, hair-pulling and wet-willying. Hoping someone can advise on some good opporunities to meet others and what activities I shoudl pursue. Thanks a ton!