Expatriate (Expat)
An expatriate, often shortened to expat, is a person who resides outside their native country, typically for work, study, or other long-term reasons. Expatriates may choose to live abroad for various motivations, including career advancement, lifestyle changes, or adventure. Their experience can vary widely, from embracing new cultures to facing challenges such as homesickness or cultural adjustment.
Examples of expatriates include:
- A software engineer from India working in Silicon Valley, USA.
- A British retiree living in Spain to enjoy a warmer climate.
- A teacher from Canada on a two-year contract in Japan.
Cases of expatriates can include:
- Corporate expatriates sent by their companies to manage overseas branches.
- Students studying abroad for a semester or year.
- Individuals relocating for family reasons, such as a spouse’s job transfer.