Personally, I feel that young Singaporeans must learn from these
Young Europeans or other young Asians from other countries about
working and living abroad. It would really help them to grow and
see the real world outside Singapore.
EUROPEAN EXPATRIATION AMONG THE YOUTH
European Millennials seem to be keen on leaving their home
country for another country within the continent in search of
academic and professional experiences. Students and professionals
between 18 and 28 convey an enthusiasm for learning new languages,
living in different cultures, and, of course, gaining a better
education or establishing an international career. Here, is an
overview of the expat life in seven European countries as recorded
by the Think Young think tank.
Why do European students and professionals expatriate?
European students have different reasons to want to move to
another European country, but the predominant one (46%) is to seize
an opportunity to study at a university or a school abroad. Young
Europeans are constantly looking to expand their knowledge, and
what better place to do so than in a world renowned institution in
one of Europe’s most popular education hubs? Among the participants
of Think Young’s survey, other determining reasons for expatriation
are: experiencing another culture (38%); learning another language
(33%); and improving your CV (32%) for better career
opportunities.
Young European students are less likely to base their decision
on the lifestyle, education conditions (affordable and accessible
education), or cultural heritage (including the customs and the
values of the local people) of their destination.
Millennials have repeatedly been stereotyped as lazy,
self-obsessed,and job-hoppers. But once we go beyond the labels, we
can see that Millennials are nomads at heart, globally minded, less
patriotic, and accepting of differences (in culture, religion,
appearance). So, it comes as no surprise that half of the survey’s
professional participants are seeing relocation as a chance for
personal development — a way to engage in the common good of a
wider community, as well as to find their passions, integrate work
into their lives, and be creative.
The benefits of expatriation
What do the European youth believe that they gain from
expatriation? 67% of the young professional expats answered
‘‘career advancement’’, 57% believed it was a ‘‘better quality of
life’’, and 42% referenced an “increased social life” as a key
benefit. Anything finance related or more practical (such as
savings, living costs, healthcare provision, and banking) isn’t
identified as a beneficial effect of expatriation.
Choosing the right destination
Making the decision to move to another country is a huge step to
take, but how do young Europeans choose their destination country?
In general, the lifestyle, economic stability, safety, and the
cultural heritage are the factors that young expats-to-be are
taking into account before making the final decision. The everyday
quality of life and the time shared among personal, social, and
work life are at the top of young expats’ priorities. On the other
hand, the climate, romantic relationships, and the availability of
leisure activities are less important elements, and almost
non-decisive when it comes to moving abroad.
The financial challenges abroad
Millennials have come (or are coming) of age during a severe
economic downturn, which makes them more aware of how to manage
their finances. Moving abroad has financial implications, and it
can take sometime to adapt to the new cost of living
(accommodation, transport, leisure, education fees, etc.), as well
as to understand the conversation rates and make sense of the new
currency you are using. All of these are challenges that have to be
dealt with and overcome for a successful and stress-free life
abroad which forms part of the notion of personal development.
Advance research of costs and average salaries in the destination
country is a good starting point for every expat-to-be—millennial
or not.
Sources :
Think Young: http://media.wix.com/ugd/efc875_cccfdaf11ac44cb…
http://www.expat.com/en/expat-mag/916-young-eur…