Questions and Answers Forum

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?

Hi-

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.

Hi-

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!

Is it better to open a local bank account in Dubai or retain an offshore account? If going for an offshore account - should I choose HSBC or Barclays?

Hi-

I've recently landed a job in Dubai that will alot me 7500 Dirhams housing allowance monthly and 3000 Dirhams for transport monthly. Can anyone recommend good areas to live in with this kind of budget, and also, what kind of car can I lease for that amount?

Does anybody need a guide and a friend in Moscow? I love meeting new people, especially expats. So if you need a tour, a piece of advice or just a simple chat. I speak English fluently, graduated from Foreign Languages University. Have big experience in communicating with people, have knowledge of cultural differences. I'm easy-going, approachable, positive and friendly. write me gma.malina@gmail.com skype: sergialini

Do you need a special permit to park on-street in certain places in Paris. If so, is it possible to get a city wide permit, or are they only allocated based on the area you live? Is it cheaper to pay for off-street parking in a garage?

Is it legal for me to buy a car in France as a US citizen? If so, is it better to buy new or used and what do I need to know about the process?

Does anyone know the cost of renting a room in Al Qurryt in Saudi Arabia?

I have fallen in love with Barcelona and would love to live there! the issue i have is i dont speak Spanish or Catalan, i have done a basic Spanish course in the UK but did struggle to pick it up, i was just wondering how easy it is to pick up work with only speaking English and Spain being in a bad recession and also if living in Spain would maek picking up Spanish easier?? Any advice would be much apreciated! Muchas Gracias!!! Anna

Hi-

I'm looking to land an Au Pair position in Berlin for the duration of the summer (2011). Can anyone point me in the direction of a resource listing or a good point of contact. I speak English and a little bit of German; I'm busy taking classes now, and I plan to continue to do so once I arrive.

Thanks!

Which neighbourhoods in Munich are best suited for a young single professional? Also, what factors should I consider when choosing a place to live and what can I expect to spend on rent. I don't want to a flatshare, i'd prefer a one-bedroom. Lastly, are there any English accommodation sites that I can peruse, or is it better to hire a real estate agent?

Hi-

My husband may be pursuing a post at a university in Ghana and I'm wondering how safe it is to bring kids to Accra. Both of our children are toddlers - ages 2.5 and 4, and I'm concerned for both their health and safety. Can anyone comment on the child-friendly nature of the city and the extent of the expat community?

What are the best Internet options in Ghana. Is it possible to obtain a mobile broadband stick? Are there any specific service providers that any expats could recommend. How reliable is the connectivity and speed? Aslo, ballpark, what kind of costs should i expect?

Hi-

Wondering what the housing situation is in Accra? Do most expats live in houses or apartments, and in which areas? What special consideration should we make (ie. do we need to install an alarm system, a generator, etc...) Also, ballpark, what kind of housing allowance should we ask for from our company?

Moving from Australia to Hong Kong with two littles ones (ages 5 and 7) and wondering if the city is child-friendly?

Been doing some research and it seems like Mid-Levels is a popular expat area with easy access to the city centre? Is this a good area to live in Hong Kong. Any personal testimonies out there?