4 Tips For Best Expat Healthcare

60% of travellers cite healthcare as a major concern when going abroad. Yet navigating the world of international health and insurance can bewilder at times.

Listed below are four tips for getting the best expat healthcare available:

1. Know yourself. Take a hard look at your medical history. Do you have chronic conditions that could become an issue when moving abroad? This is important not only from a health standpoint, but also in terms of your ability to obtain insurance, especially now that more expat health insurers are offering full medical underwriting. Consider asking your current doctor for your organized medical records (OMR). A recent surveyfound people who viewed their OMRs are 1.86x to feel satisfied with their treatment.
2. Know where you’re going. Health risks in Egypt are very different than in the UK. To obtain the best expat healthcare, you need to familiarize yourself not only with those risks but also the healthcare system in the country you are moving to. As an expat, will you have access to public health facilities? If so, are they safe? Are there international hospitals catering to foreigners? Do you need any special shots or immunizations to qualify for a visa? If not, should you get them just for safety’s sake? Make a checklist of important questions, then go looking for answers. ExpatHealth.org, Just Landed and our Expat Health LinkedIn group are great places to start.
3. Get expat health insurance. Many countries require expats to have insurance just to enter. Even if your destination doesn’t, your current health insurance plan is almost certainly not valid there. Without expat health insurance you’ll be hard-pressed to obtain any care at all, let alone the best. Many companies offer plans tailored specifically to families, students, etc.
4. Communicate. Research doesn’t stop at the end of Tip #2. Keep up to date with news on your insurer. Firms adjust their plans over time as a result of cost pressures and other factors. Sometimes this adds value for customers, other times not. Don’t be afraid to ask questions.

Follow these tips and you’ll be well on your way to obtaining the best expat healthcare out there.

By Nick Lewandowki

Things to Consider Before Emigrating – The Total Cost

How many people do you know who talk about emigrating? Chances are, most of them have yet to do it, and it’s often because of the huge costs involved. It is crucial to get a detailed idea of these costs in order to avoid disappointment and/or hardship down the line.

The costs can basically be divided into “getting there” and “arrival” costs:

Getting there:

Establish first of all, whether you’re actually eligible to relocate to your chosen spot. Some countries like Australia and the UK , have a point system which includes your salary or earning potential; others like the USA look at your ability to support yourself and/or the family you are planning to bring with you.

Visa type – all visas cost money, but some are more expensive than others. Establishing your eligibility should go hand in hand with figuring out what type of visa you’ll need (if applicable). If you have a complicated visa application, you may also need to hire an agent or a lawyer, which is never cheap.

Additional application costs, such as visa interviews (and travel to and from), background checks and medical exams must also be factored into the overall cost to emigrate. Requirements are different around the world, but none of them are free.

Visiting expenses – many people visit a place before emigrating, which can rack up the costs. Include flights, accommodation, vehicle rental or transportation costs, and temporary visas if applicable.

Shipping your goods – this will be one of your largest expenses, unless you’re planning to literally start afresh. In most cases, sending a container of goods abroad will run into the thousands, with the price increasing the farther you travel. Don’t forget to include the costs of shipping or flying animals.

Property costs – you may have a property to sell, which entails a fee to your realtor or agent. What if the property doesn’t sell by your moving date? How many months’ mortgage can you afford to carry? Do you already own property in your new country? If not, you’ll need rent money too.

Arrival:

As mentioned, you will probably need accommodation until something more permanent comes up. In some cases, you will be paying a mortgage on your house “back home” and paying to rent until it sells and frees up your cash. That can become very expensive.

Although you’ll have shipped your belongings, you may have to replace large and small appliances. This can run into thousands, depending on your needs.

Cars – many people sell their cars before emigrating, which obviously adds to the shopping list once they arrive.

Bills – yes, we have to pay bills no matter where we live, but do your homework on the cost of living in your “new” home. For example, there is not much of a safety net for immigrants to the USA , so you basically need enough money (or a means to earn it) to see you to your grave. Although clothes may have seemed a lot cheaper on your last vacation in Florida , actually living here may not be as cheap. You’ll also have to pay for your healthcare as a resident, which runs into the hundreds, often thousands, for most people each year.

Also look at the taxes you’ll pay in each country. In the States, you’ll pay state (which differs from state to state) and federal tax, property tax, plus a sales tax in most states. In the UK , you’ll pay the same type of taxes, plus a whopping 20% sales tax (VAT). If you’re a temporary resident, there will most likely be a complicated arrangement of tax payments to multiple countries. If your employer isn’t handling this, you’ll probably be hiring someone to handle it for you, which is another expense.

Utilities – bills such as gas, electric, and phone can also make a huge dent in your budget so try to get an idea of how they compare to what you have been paying. Some countries typically bill by the quarter and some monthly, so make sure you are comparing apples to apples.

Flights home – many people find themselves unable to fly home as often as they’d like, because of budget constraints. If this will be important to you, factor in flights home in your annual expenses.

Repatriation – What if you decide to return “home”? Will you be able to afford this? I know more than one family having to save for years to return to the UK . While most emigrants assume they are leaving for the good life, it’s not uncommon for people to return to their country of origin so it’s something to think about.

Even if you’re lucky enough to have most of your expenses covered by your employer, you can still encounter unexpected costs. Official government web sites will give you details of visa and other beaurocratic expenses, and web sites such as Expat Focus will help in establishing other costs.

By Toni Hargis

Corking rewards for investors who know their wine

An increasing number of investors are looking to make money from the wine industry – particularly in China.

Chinese women at a wine-tasting. Consumption of wine in the country has more than doubled in the past five years Photo: Lou Linwei / Alamy

How are your investments doing, if you don’t mind me asking? Does a morning reading of the ups and downs of shares, commodities and currency markets leave jangled nerves?

Then how about a spot of wine? Increasing numbers of investors are turning to the bottle – I mean as an investment of course. And – particularly at the top end of the market – there have been corking rewards.

Surging interest in wine has had dizzying effects. A growing number of wealthy individuals and investment funds have been pushing prices at the top end of the market to record levels. And much of the demand has come from Asia – particularly China.

Consumption of wine in China alone has more than doubled in the past five years. A report by KPMG this week identifies the Chinese as increasingly brand conscious and says China is set to be the world’s largest luxury market. China and Hong Kong together already make up the world’s largest volume importer of Bordeaux wines.

Of course there are only so many top vineyards in Europe and the amount they can produce is finite. The mushrooming demand for wine in China is leading to a redrawing of the industry with major European wine houses developing operations in China, Chinese businessmen investing in French vineyards and expansion and development by China of its existing wine industry.

In the past few days, Moët Hennessy has announced it will be producing sparkling wine in China; Spanish company Torres has announced an expansion of its Everwines sales operation in China and a Chinese wine has taken a top award at the London International Wine Fair.

In a joint venture deal with a Chinese state-owned company Moët Hennessy – part of the LVMH luxury goods group – will produce wine from a 67 hectare site in the north-west of the country. The company says the first wines could be ready in three years, that they will be the first sparkling wine in China made according to traditional French methods and could be sold under the Chandon label. The Chinese mainland is already the company’s biggest market for Cognac and the Champagne market is growing every year.

China is making concerted efforts to raise the quality of its own industry.The Decanter World Wide Wine Awards announced yesterday at the London International Wine Fair gave a wine from China top place in a significant category: the Red Middle East, Far East and Asian over £10 Trophy.

Chinese companies buying vineyards in France are not only profiting from production but also gaining expertise. Interestingly Torres and Moët Henessy have both highlighted education of the Chinese market through their new ventures. Sauternes producer Chateau Guiraud recently announced the opening of two storage cellars for its wines in China, with the aim of giving its sales teams ready access to stocks for tasting and education.

With burgeoning demand, the top end of the market is likely to stay strong, but may become increasingly expensive to enter.

Savvy investors, however, are likely to find an increasing range of opportunities for profiting as China’s love affair with wine matures.

By Alison Brown

Expat Careers and Jobs Abroad: It’s about Differentiation, Communication & Strategic Action

This is an article about the international job search I wrote for HSBC Bank International’s Expat Explorer I thought would be of interest to my readers:

IN SEARCH OF THE JOB ABROAD

210 million people around the world are living outside of their home country. That’s almost 3 percent of the world’s population. There is not global data available, but looking at regional numbers we can deduce that a good number of those people are without a job, underemployed, or dissatisfied with the job that they do have.

Given we can potentially spend more time at work than anywhere else, this is tragic. Especially when you consider many of us chose to become an expat to have new experiences, more freedom and a better quality of life. How can someone have a rich or fulfilling life abroad when they are dissatisfied, frustrated or in despair professionally speaking? I’m not sure there is an easy answer to that question.

The key to addressing this situation is looking at how changes in the marketplace and current hiring practices have changed the way expats need to approach the job search and managing their careers. With appropriate shifts in approaches to compliment the shifts going on around us in the marketplace, we can see that there are definitive strategies that can help us take back control over our careers and allow us to enjoy our life abroad.

YOU ARE A SOLUTION TO A PROBLEM

Companies hire people because they are a solution to a problem they need fixing and they are willing to pay to get it fixed. Period. Not because they think they need another position X or because they need to replace someone who has left. Everyone is tightening their belts. If there is not a definable problem to be solved and there is no perceived ROI to a hire, it is very highly unlikely it will happen.

If you are an expat already located in your country of choice and a job opportunity arises with a local company, most often you will have to show how you offer something that a local candidate cannot in order to be considered for a position. If you are an aspiring expat looking to work for a company abroad, you’ve got to be able to make the case for why there is ROI for the employer to invest in sending you abroad versus hiring a local.

IT’S ABOUT DIFFERENTIATION AND COMMUNICATING VALUE

It’s critical that expats understand their differentiation and ability to uncover and communicate their value are essential to getting access to professional opportunities abroad. Those that are willing to invest the time and energy to do the work required to effectively position themselves in the right way and at the right time will be at the front of the line when opportunities become available. Those that learn to communicate powerfully via tools and various platforms will be able to convert those opportunities into jobs.

PEOPLE ARE A COMPANY’S GREATEST RESOURCE

That said top companies know that the best people and talent can solve their biggest problems more efficiently and effectively than most. They know they will not only solve those problems with speed and skill but will be proactive about creating opportunities for their organization. These companies understand that hiring and firing is expensive and substandard performance affects their bottom line. They know their people are their greatest resource and if they want to thrive in today’s incredibly competitive global marketplace, they have to hire the best people they possibly can. This includes hiring an expat, paying to send an employee abroad or hiring from outside of the local market place if there is real perceived value in that choice.

THE GLOBAL WAR FOR TALENT

The global war for talent is fierce, even with unemployment rates in some places in the world being extremely high. As a result, the top companies and organizations worldwide are using processes and tools to identify the competencies and traits of successful employees. In fact, according to HR World, top companies are 86% more likely to know which skills and traits translate into top performance. They are using this knowledge to not only evaluate candidates but search them out. And they know what tools to use and where to go to find them.

Many top employers believe that the best candidates or solutions to their problems are being successful working with another company or organization somewhere out there in the world. They don’t believe that these candidates are going to be knocking on their door or sending in their resume or CV inquiring about open positions. They realize they have to seek them out. So with the knowledge of the specific skills, competencies, traits and experience they need to find a top performer to solve their problem, they go to where they believe they will find them. The first (and most cost effective) place they go? Online.

TOP EMPLOYERS SEARCH AND FIND THE BEST ONLINE

Saavy HR professionals and recruiters will know how to use the internet to source candidates worldwide. Surveys show that companies and recruiters will be using social media more than any other means to source candidates in 2011. They will leverage online networks like Linkedin that allow them to search through millions of people using very specific keywords to locate candidates that fit their needs. These companies or their recruiting firms then approach these people they believe are an ideal or strong fit and the potential hiring conversation begins.

THE HIDDEN JOB MARKET

This is one of the reasons why 65 to 75% of all jobs are not advertised. These “hidden” jobs are filled through the company’s proactive searching mentioned above, internal hiring, employee referrals or savvy networkers outside of the company who’ve positioned themselves in front of the right people at the right time. This means that the advertised jobs were passed over by people working for the company, savvy networkers and the top stars that the company has actively pursued. So if you are focusing primarily on advertised jobs in your job search, you are pursuing the jobs to which hundreds (potentially thousands) of people have said “no thanks”. And you have massive competition for these jobs because their existence is public knowledge. I don’t know about you, but competing with thousands of people for second or third rate positions does not sound like a desirable scenario at all.

WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR THE EXPAT JOB SEEKER?

It means you have to become the hunted rather than the hunter to be considered for the best job opportunities. It means you need to understand the marketplace and your target market’s problems and position yourself as a solution. You need to know how to differentiate yourself, truly understand your value in the cultural context in which you are or will be operating and have the strategies and tools to communicate it in a powerful and persuasive way.

It means that the resume or CV is no longer the de facto or primary tool for communicating your value. Chances are people will read your bio and/or experience on Linkedin or another online network before they get to your career marketing documents. Your online identity or reputation will be just as, if not more important, than your resume or CV. And the way you write your resume or CV – yes, that’s got to change too.

It means that you need to be strategic, proactive and consistent in executing on your career management plan. It means that much of what you have been taught about how to manage your career or run a job search is no longer valid. The words “Adapt or Die” may seem strong but when the shoe fits….

TODAY’S WORLD OF WORK

Today’s world of work is a different place from even 3 years ago. Not only have the rules changed, the game has changed. We must question everything we thought was true about managing our careers if we want to build and enjoy our professional life abroad.

The expats who will thrive abroad in 2011 and beyond will be the ones who let go of what they know and the past, learn new skills to engage in the present reality and be willing to take regular action to nurture and grow their professional reputation or personal brand and network to insure long term success.

EXPAT CAREER AND BUSINESS SUCCESS TIP: Are you starting an international job search or already an expat working abroad looking for a new professional opportunity? Ask yourself these questions:

• Do you know whose problem and what problem you are a solution to?
• Do you know how you are different from those competing for the same types of positions and roles you are pursuing?
• Are you happy with what a recruiter or employer would find if they sought you out online?
• Do you consider your resume or CV is the primary tool for communicating your value?
• Do you consider yourself someone who is hunted or a hunter?
• Are you being strategic, proactive and consistent in your international job search?

If any of these questions is no, consider the consequences of not taking specific action so that you can change the answer that question to a yes. Then commit to taking action. Then take it!

By Megan Fitzgerald of http://www.careerbychoiceblog.com/

International Health Insurance: News Roundup

Time to compare

Comparison websites can be useful when you are looking to find a cheaper energy supplier, but how good are they in the complex field of international medical cover?

They can be a useful initial first step, leaving the purchaser with two or three options for further investigation.

Comparison sites in general have not escaped criticism from consumer groups, some alleging that service suppliers that support a site are artificially boosted in the ratings. In addition, apparently all-encompassing sites do not cover all options – as with most insurance brokers.

A new site for international medical insurance is at least honest when it tells customers that it trawls only a limited part of the market. Expatcompare.com will quote for the big US benefits provider Aetna, Expatriate Healthcare, UK-based William Russell and Healthcare International.

However, it advises other insurers will soon be joining. Its website looks well structured and accessible.

“Pick-n-mix” medical cover

Medical insurers have been moving strongly towards “pick-n-mix” products for years, leaving customers to decide what sort of cover they need, what excess they want and options such as short-term cover outside their area.

IMG Europe appears to have taken the trend a stage further with its new GlobalFusion plan. The company says buyers “can customise the length and area of cover with the choice to select from multiple annual excesses.” This flexibility is based around four basic plans – silver, gold, gold plus and platinum.

A couple 44 and 39 with two children with worldwide cover (less North America, China, Japan and other parts of Asia) would pay £1,781 a year for basic gold, on an annual excess of £138.

The future is online

Medicare International is promoting online buying of medical cover on a new website. Clients can select a policy level, generate a quote and proceed to full online purchase, in around two minutes at any time of the day.

After 25 years’ experience of providing international cover, the London-based company says it sees online buying as a major customer requirement for the future.

David Pryor, senior executive director, said: “The new website lays out policy coverage and details, so choosing the right option is simple, quick and easy.”

Moves throughout the insurance industry towards online selling are strong, but research shows that customers often need human contact before committing.

Insurers and brokers advise people to be clear about the cover they need and be completely honest about their medical history.

This article was originally published in the Telegraph Weekly World Edition.

By Peter Pallot 9:19AM BST 18 May 2011

Moving Your Stuff Abroad

What to Take/Leave Behind

This depends on who is footing the bill. If you are receiving a relocation package, one expat recommends over packing, just to be sure you will have everything you need. However, the story is quite different if you are paying, as the costs for an experienced international mover and the additional customs fees are high – and the voices of experience overwhelmingly state the importance of using a reputable moving company.

Many people advise leaving furniture behind, because you can usually rent furnished apartments just about everywhere in the world or purchase furniture when you get there for less than the cost of moving yours. Someone points out that your US furniture may not fit into your European house.

Also, it is highly suggested that you either leave irreplaceable heirlooms behind or understand that there is a risk of loss and breakage, no matter how good your moving service and insurance may be.

Another person recommends trying to find out what useful items are hard to obtain in your destination. For Uruguay and Argentina, for example, I recommend bringing a good can opener. Corkscrews, on the other hand, are widely available (priorities). Electronics are usually less expensive and more widely available at home. And several people recommend bringing some things that remind you of home.

Preparing For the Move

Try to mark your boxes so that you will know what to open first when you arrive. Tools and hardware for assembling shelves and furniture, kitchen items, and bedding would probably top the list. Of course, you can bring other essentials on the plane with you.

Be sure to remove items that will not get through customs before the movers show up More on customs to follow).

Some people who make their move in several stages of coming and going have found bringing their personal household items in luggage on the airplane to be a cost-effective method. Just be ready to deal with customs rules and regulations.

Moving Companies

The moving services vary in price and quality, so check around. Insist on having the bids in writing. Get recommendations. Find a company that has experience within the expat community. Inquire if they have an agent to get your belongings through the customs process. Check references!

Also insist on having hidden charges (taxes, tariffs, home-delivery) revealed. Make sure to get everything in writing, i.e. services and timelines (although you may need to take into consideration that “time” is a cultural concept). Read the fine print and be sure you understand the terms of the contract.

Supervise as much of the process as possible. Look into out how experienced the movers in your destination are with foreign languages, to be sure your directions will be understood.

Find out whom to contact if you need to discuss any issues. And try to stay in constant communication, especially when subcontractors are involved.

One expat emphasizes that it is important to know whether your belongings will be shipped direct or stored before shipment. If you do not have a full container of goods and they are stored, the chances of theft are high. The moving company may have no particular interest in security at this point because insurance covers the cost of stolen items.

Insurance

This is highly recommended. However, be sure to make a detailed inventory, and read the fine print. Know what is covered. Of course, you must realize that the insurance does not actually ensure that irreplaceable items won’t get broken or stolen, and that it may take a struggle to get your claims met.

Customs Regulations

One expat describes having followed the advice of other expats, assumedly a scheme to get around the regulations, and how it ended up costing a two-month delay and a $5,000 fine.

Others recommend learning what the customs regulations and requirements are yourself, instead of leaving it all up to the moving company.

In General

Be prepared for upsets and high costs, and be thankful when things go smoothly. And remember – it’s only stuff. What is important in life are loved ones and experiencing life to its fullest.

Source: Julie Butler - Expat Daily News

Getting Credit in a New Country

From ExpatriateLiving.com

A common problem for people moving to the UK is that it is hard to get credit or to borrow money. This is due to the lack of a UK credit history, because you can’t transfer your credit rating from your home country to the UK. Without a credit history, lenders won’t have very much information to determine whether you can manage credit responsibly and may therefore class you as high risk, making them reluctant to lend to you. The result is that you may find it hard to get credit cards, loans or mortgages, stopping you from achieving your goals. Luckily, there are a number of easy steps you can take to build up a good UK credit rating. Read this guide on building up some positive credit history and take your first step towards financial freedom in the UK writes Annelies Van de Velde. How credit rating works When you apply for credit with a company in the UK, it will (with your consent) check your UK credit score through a credit reference agency of which the three main ones in the UK are Experian, Equifax and Call Credit. These companies hold your credit report, in which the information about your credit status comes from banks, finance companies, credit card suppliers, department stores, etc…  If you, for example, miss any payments or go bankrupt, this will all be filed on your credit report.   As this report shows how you have repaid credit in the past, lenders will take it as an indication of how you will repay credit in the future.  As you will have little or no record of repaying credit in the past in the UK, lenders will find it harder to determine whether you will be a risky client or not. The better your credit history, the wider the range of credit products you’ll have access to and the better the rates. A poor or small credit history will limit your choice and usually means you’ll have to borrow at higher rates, but your credit history can be built up and improved over time. Some essential information Getting a UK address Most lenders won’t give you credit without proof of a UK address, so finding somewhere to live is an essential first step to qualify for credit in the UK. You will almost always need to show a proof of address when opening a bank account as well.  You will also need a utility in your name.  If married, make sure at least one utility is the name of each spouse.  This will serve as proof of identity along with a photo id. Employment Many lenders like to see proof of a regular income, although the importance of this differs for each lender. Therefore, if you are a homemaker, part-time worker, temporarily unemployed, self-employed or have an irregular income, you might find it hard to obtain credit in the UK. Try to secure employment before coming to the UK as it will make things such as finding a home and opening a bank account much easier. Opening a UK bank account Although this is not absolutely essential to apply for credit, it’s advisable you open a bank account in the UK as it might make you more favourable to lenders, means you can pay bills by direct debit, receive your salary and transfer money abroad. Opening a UK bank account can be a difficult process for foreigners, so one method is to open an account with a bank in your home country that also has branches in the UK, prior to you moving here. Securing employment before you move to the UK is also a good idea, because banks like to see a letter of employment when you open an account with them. Six easy steps to build up and manage your UK credit rating Step one: Register on the electoral roll The electoral roll is a list of the names of all people registered at an address who are entitled to vote. In the UK, you can only register on the electoral roll if you already have a UK address and you are a citizen of the Republic of Ireland, the Commonwealth*, the European Union or Britain. Many companies use the electoral roll for verification purposes in order to combat identity fraud. To register on it, you will generally need to complete a voter registration form and return it to the local council where you have your UK address.  Visit the local UK government website to find out more. If you are not eligible for the electoral roll, see if you can get a letter from the roll with your expemption status. As your credit report also contains a record of where you live now and have lived previously, you should always update any companies you have credit with of your new address and ensure that for each property you get registered on the electoral roll. Also, try not to move too often as this could also have a negative impact on your credit score. Step two: Stop applying for credit you won’t get Not everyone knows this, but every time you make an application for credit, a credit search is conducted and this is recorded on your credit report. If you have applied for credit in the UK and been rejected several times already, your UK credit score may be getting worse instead of better. Therefore, stop applying for lots of credit and only apply for credit you are likely to get. This may mean borrowing at higher rates first to build up a credit history. You may have to wait for 1 year to be eligible for most credit cards, however if you held an American Express card you can get a card issued in the UK, with the credit history from another country where you held the card. Step three: Check your credit report If you have been in the UK for some time, you may have already built up some credit history and it is a good idea to check your report before you apply for any more credit. The information on your credit report will show you the areas that you can improve on and also means you can check for any errors that might be on your report. Even a simple mistake such as a wrong present or past address can lead to you being judged on someone else’s credit history. If you do spot a mistake, just write to the agency you obtained your report from and request it’s changed. If the credit agency refuses to make the change, you can request them to add a Notice of Correction stating the mistake. You may be able to obtain a copy of your credit report for free from Credit Expert, click here for more information. Step four: Create some positive credit history This is where you can get creative. Whether you have no credit history, or just a poor rating, you can start to turn things around by showing you can manage credit responsibly. Once you’ve moved to the UK, there are a number of easy steps you can take to do this: 1. Open a higher interest credit card for which you are more likely to be accepted. Make sure you manage it properly to help rebuild your credit rating. This means repaying every month in full, spending a little each month for six to twelve months. For most credit cards, this method will only work if you just use your credit card for purchases. It is important to make sure you make your payments on time and stay within your credit limit, otherwise it will have a negative effect on your credit rating.     Here are some examples of higher interest credit cards for people with no credit history in the UK: - The aqua Card: Typical 35.9% APR variable and up to 51 days interest free credit on purchases if you pay off your balance in full and on time each month  - The Capital One Classic: Typical 34.9% APR variable  - The Barclaycard Initial: Typical 27.9% APR variable  2. Put bills in your name (where possible) and pay them by direct debit. 3. Open a couple of store cards as these are usually also easier to get than standard rate credit cards, but ALWAYS pay them off in full every month and you’ve got another way to show you can handle your finances responsibly. Don’t use this method if you are bad at managing your finances as missing payments on store cards may have a negative impact on your credit rating, the opposite of what you’re trying to achieve by using them. Step five: Time your applications wisely Applying for lots of credit in a short space of time and being rejected is not good for your credit rating. You can try leaving between 3 and 6 months between applications to help repair your credit rating, but it may take longer. Things such as mobile phone contracts and car insurance can also count towards this. Step six: Curb your card spending This is the most obvious step of all, try to minimise any debt on your cards. As a rule of thumb, you should try to keep the debt on a card under 30% of your credit limit. *Commonwealth -The independent member states of this intergovernmental organisation are: Antigua and Barbuda, Australia, The Bahamas, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belize, Botswana, Brunei Darussalam, Cameroon, Canada, Cyprus, Dominica, Fiji Islands, The Gambia, Ghana, Grenada, Guyana, India, Jamaica, Kenya, Kiribati, Lesotho, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Malta, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Nauru, New Zealand, Nigeria, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Solomon Islands, South Africa, Sri Lanka, St Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Swaziland, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Tuvalu, Uganda, United Kingdom, United Republic of Tanzania, Vanatu, Zambia

50 Best Restaurants List in the World

50 Best Restaurants List

Wednesday, 28 April 2010 08:33

They have done it again, at a celebrity and chef star studded event in London – the S. Pellegrino World’s 50 Best Restaurants 2010 list is out.  The controversy begins, with everyone in the Culinary World discussing the list and who should or should not be on it.  “The list creates temendous debate — and it’s meant to,” according to the 50 Best press release. This year’s list names in top place Noma, from Denmark which was number 3 in 2009.  The head chef René Redzepi only serves regional, seasonal food which must be available in the Nordic region.  El Bulli from Spain dropped from it’s reign of 4 years in first place to number 2.  The Fat Duck from the UK was number3, lucky they did not eat there during the “food poisoning” episode which closed the premises. The list is compiled by The Worlds 50 Best Restaurants Academy- an 806 member group of the some of the globe’s most respected chefs, food critics, restaurateurs and gourmands. Spain had 4 entries in the top 10, the US 3 entries and Italy, Denmark and the UK each had one.  The US had the most restaurants in the top 50 overall with 8, followed by 6 in France, 5 in Spain, 5 in Italy, 2 in the UK.    The complete list is shown below or you can click here to view at the main site 1) Noma (Copenhagen, Denmark) 2) El Bulli (Roses, Spain) 3) The Fat Duck (Bray, England) 4) El Celler de Can Roca (Girona, Spain) 5) Mugaritz (Errenteria, Spain) 6) Osteria Francescana (Modena, Italy) 7) Alinea (Chicago, Illinois) 8) Daniel (New York) 9) Arzak (San Sebastián, Spain) 10) Per Se (New York) 11) Le Chateaubriand (Paris, France) 12) La Colombe (Cape Town, South Africa) 13) Pierre Gagnaire (Paris, France) 14) L’Hotel de Ville – Philippe Rochat (Crissier, Switzerland) 15) Le Bernardin (New York) 16) L’Astrance (Paris, France) 17) Hof Van Cleve (Kruishoutem, Belgium) 18) D.O.M. (São Paolo, Brazil) 19) Oud Sluis (Sluis, Netherlands) 20) Le Calandre (Rubano, Italy) 21) Steirereck (Vienna, Austria) 22) Vendôme (Bergisch Gladbach, Germany) 23) Chef Dominique (Helsinki, Finland) 24) Les Créations de Narisawa (Tokyo, Japan) 25) Mathias Dahlgren (Stockholm, Sweden) 26) Momofuku Ssäm Bar (New York) 27) Quay Restaurant (Sydney, Australia) 28) Iggy’s (Singapore) 29) L’Atelier de Joel Robuchon (Paris, France) 30) Schloss Schauenstein (Fürstenau, Switzerland) 31) Le Quartier Français (Franschhoek, South Africa) 32) The French Laundry (Yountville, California) 33) Martin Berasategui (Lasarte-oria, Spain) 34) Aqua (Bath, England) 35) Combal Zero (Rivoli, Italy) 36) Dal Pescatore (Montava, Italy) 37) De Librije (Zwolle, Netherlands) 38) Tetsuya’s (Sydney, Australia) 39) Jaan Par Andre (Singapore) 40) Il Canto (Siena, Italy) 41) Alain Ducasse Au Plaza Athénée (Paris, France) 42) Oaxen Krog (Oaxen, Sweden) 43) St. John (London, England) 44) La Maison Troisgros (Roanne, France) 45) wd~50 (New York) 46) Biko (Mexico City, Mexico) 47) Die Schwarzwaldstube (Baiersbronn, Germany) 48) Nihonryori RyuGin (Tokyo, Japan) 49) Hibiscus (London, England) 50) Eleven Madison Park (New York)

Reading, Writing, and Arithmetic Around the World: Trends in International Schooling

China and Chile.  Panama and Poland.  Organizations moving employees to these countries and others around the world have a range of issues to consider, including the educational needs of the children of those accepting assignments.  Companies are looking for ways to provide the best educational opportunities while managing costs. The following are trends in international education that Cartus and its vendor, School Choice International, are seeing.

1) Companies will spare no expense for top talent. For select employees, companies are willing to pay any educational expense needed to ensure the talent will accept the assignment.

2) Companies are looking to cut costs wherever possible. As a result of reduced educational benefits, more employees are considering local schools, which are a fraction of the cost of international schools.  In helping the assignee select a local school, School Choice International works with the family to make sure that they are aware of challenges like curriculum overlaps, language barriers, and even cultural differences among schooling systems.  

3) The International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma is becoming more popular worldwide, especially in the United States. Increased international recognition means this degree is a viable option for more assignees. This video, a first-hand account from a student who received an IB, provides more insight.

4) There are more educational opportunities than ever before for employees being sent to remote locations such as Africa, Eastern Europe, Latin America, and third-tier cities in China. Managers concerned about whether an employee will accept an assignment to a remote location can benefit from knowing that technology has made educating children in these areas easier due to high-quality distance-learning programs.

5) Relocations that sound simple are often the most difficult. Moving between the United States and the U.K. or between the U.S. and Canada is more difficult than one would imagine. For instance, education for schoolchildren starts earlier in the U.K. and is more structured than it is in the U.S. In Canada, the sequence of courses is different. Changes that sound as minor as teaching classes in a reverse order can be a big deal to a family on a short assignment. To adjust to this, we recommend that companies provide helpful information to their employees about educational differences they may encounter during their relocation.

6) International schools are not the best choice for every child. These schools are often oriented toward a specific national curriculum and do not necessarily offer the same cross-cultural opportunities as a local school.

7) In popular locations like Hong Kong and Singapore, space for students in international schools is limited and competition for them is strong. This is in large part because local governments in these places stopped building schools, so the children of permanent residents compete for spaces with children of international assignees. Advance planning for families moving to these locations is critical.

8) Due to current economic conditions, employees are more likely to accept international assignments. They are more likely, for instance, to relocate with teenagers, which has previously been a difficult sell. Arranging schooling for teenagers is more complicated than for younger students because more steps have to be put into place to prepare the child for school in the foreign country. High school students often need to fulfill prerequisites for classes in local schools or take language classes. We recommend developing a plan to aid this transition; the plan may include employing the services of a firm that specializes in worldwide learning or tutors.

9) Schooling considerations for children of repatriating employees are challenging. Assignees need to take the same care in choosing schools for their children in their home country as they take when choosing schools in a foreign country. The educational and cultural experiences that children receive abroad often change their perspective on schools at home.  We advise assignees to not take repatriation lightly; they cannot assume that going home will be easier than going abroad.

For more information on these trends, contact your Cartus representative or visit School Choice International at http://www.schoolchoiceintl.com/ or http://www.globaleducationexplorer.com

EU Blue Card for Skilled Immigrants

The EU Commission is pushing forward with a directive to implement a skilled immigration “blue card” which would allow migrants from non-EU countries to live and work in the European Union on a temporary basis.

The blue card would grant a work and residence permit to non-EU citizens and would allow them to move to another member state after certain conditions are met. EU blue card holders would also be able to bring family members with them.

Member states are moving forward with implementation of the blue card directive by summer of 2011.

“If we are going to realise our goals in the Europe 2020 strategy, the EU needs to remain open and competitive in the labour market, and we need to create more legal ways for migrants to come to Europe,” said Maria senius, chief adviser to EU Home Affairs Commissioner Cecilia Malmstrom.

Companies in the EU are having difficulty finding suitable staff to fill specialist positions in sectors such as Information Technology and Engineering. The blue card will help EU employers who need to bring in foreign skilled labour to fill these type of specialist level jobs.

However, the EC was quick to point out that the directive was not just a measure to help businesses.

“We are not making these proposals only to be nice to Indian or American businessmen,” senius said. “It is in our interest that companies operating in Europe can have access to the right people with the right skills at the right moment.”

She said it was “high time” that the EU starting making itself more attractive to skilled workers from abroad. This will also benefit the EU economy and make EU Countries more competitive in the World.

From WorldwideERC.org