The Most Friendly Host Countries for Expats

Explore the Country Before You Make the Move Abroad

By Volker Poelzl

My column often explores practical issues concerning expatriates and those interested in moving abroad, such as visas, working, housing, banking, retirement, economic and political considerations, etc. However, expatriates should also consider other essential factors when choosing a future foreign residence. Expatriates need to learn about the practical aspects of life in their host country, but they should also find out if they would enjoy living in the country of their interest and how well they get along with the locals. Some cultures are traditionally more closed to outsiders, while others are very welcoming. The situation does not mean you should accept discrimination, but making friends may be more challenging, and you could remain a relative outsider. Some countries have a culture similar to your own, while others are so different from the Western way of life that it takes a lot of work for expatriates to adapt.

While there is increasing practical information for those wishing to move abroad, it is difficult to find advice about which countries are the friendliest towards foreign residents and those that make expatriates feel most welcome. However, one survey conducted last year for HSBC (The Hong Kong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Ltd) addresses these critical questions. 2,151 expatriates living in 48 countries across four continents participated in 3-part surveys covering financial and material considerations, schooling and care of their children, and the overall experience of living in a foreign country. For the “Expat Experience” section, survey participants were asked to describe their experience and rate their host country in four areas:

• Did they make friends with people from the local population?
  
  
• Did they join a local community organization such as a religious group or sports club?
  
  
• Did they learn the local language?
  
  
• Did they buy property in their host country?

According to the published survey results, Germany ranked number one overall in this category, followed by Canada, Spain, and France. Canada was ranked the most accessible country for making friends with the locals, and Germany ranked first among countries where expatriates go on to learn the local language. Belgium and Spain were also countries where expatriates blended well into the local culture and understood the local language. The survey no doubt reflects the overseas experience of the bank’s predominantly affluent clientele. However, it still raises important questions about the quality of life for all expatriates: In which countries can expatriates quickly become part of a local community and feel integrated? Making local friends is vital to feeling at home in your host country, as is learning the local language and becoming involved in a community group or club. I have met many expatriates worldwide who lead completely isolated lives. Some expats speak the local language badly or not at all, while others often have only other expatriates as social contacts.

The best way to find out how “friendly” a country is toward expatriates is to visit and explore the local culture before you move there. During a trip to a potential new home, check out the local social scenes, such as cafés, bars, restaurants, social clubs, and public events, such as festivals, to determine if it will be easy for you to meet the locals and make friends. Picture yourself living there and going about your daily activities, and try to imagine how well you would fit in with the locals. When I lived in the Brazilian Amazon for a year, I worked at a coffee plantation and on an agro-forestry project. Although my Brazilian girlfriend and her family were well-educated and shared similar values and interests, my daily work routine with farmhands and day laborers was challenging. I spent most of my day with people I had little in common. I soon longed for cultural activities, social venues, and engaging conversations. I had completely underestimated the cultural isolation I would suffer at the Brazilian frontier. It is crucial to make a realistic assessment of the local population and culture to avoid this type of culture shock and isolation. Be honest with yourself about how well you would be able to adapt to local life and how welcoming the locals are toward foreigners.

See How to Find the Best Quality of Life Before Moving Abroad and Take a Fact-Finding Trip Before Moving Abroad by Volker Poelzl for more advice on how to find the friendliest countries according to your unique requirements.

Volker Poelzl a Living Abroad Contributing Editor for TransitionsAbroad.com. He has traveled to over 40 countries worldwide and lived in ten for study, research, and work.