Growing up abroad can be one of the most beneficial gifts a child can receive. It’s amazing how much children thrive when they realize their horizons are wider than a TV or game console screen.
Entering a new culture, learning a new language, and living a different lifestyle provide boundless opportunities for growth. The Latin Tropics offer many locations where families with youngsters can truly partake of the potential such a move can provide.
Point Break Surf Costa Rica
13 Reasons Why Expat Children Thrive
When speaking about expats, the first image that often comes to mind is that of retirees or investors looking to find paradise beyond the boundaries of the U.S. However, with the growth of global markets, many young families with offspring are moving beyond borders to explore new vistas and opportunities.
One of the surprises of such a move is that these expat children not only adapt, but thrive, in their new surroundings. Below are 13 reasons why a move to paradise may be the most potent positive force in a child’s upbringing.
13. More Educational Choices
Expat children have a number of different schooling choices that can compete with (or surpass) a traditional U.S. upbringing. In this sense, education goes far beyond mere book learning.
Homeschooling is one option that also can strengthen family unity while providing learning. In areas with growing expat populations, local schools often will teach classes in English or provide opportunities to non-native speakers.
In many locations, international schools exist that instruct pupils in their first (or native) language. These institutions, while somewhat more expensive, offer wider curriculum choices and the chance to interact with other expat children both socially and during the learning process.
Roderick Eime
12. Learning Adaptability
Older expat children quickly discover that life in their new country is not the same as back in the States. Learning how to adapt and take advantage of the opportunities their new country provides is an important life skill that will make the transition to adulthood less stressful.
11. Self-Reliance
Being the “new kid” is a challenging task, whether in the U.S. or abroad. By learning to establish themselves in their new home, expat children build a sense of self-reliance that they can fit in anywhere in the world.
10. Growing Social Skills
Children enjoy interactions and mastering new skills. Getting involved in local sports (Hint: Football is actually soccer!), attending local festivals and going on play dates with other expat children will all contribute to the growth of social skills that are so necessary in the modern day world.
9. Checking Their Materialism at the Door
Being exposed to cultures that do not emphasize materialism can have a profound impact on expat children. Learning to appreciate what they have, and realizing that material goods are not the measure of happiness, can be a powerful lesson as they grow into adulthood.
AFS USA
8. Learning a New Language
Expat children have the advantage of being able to learn and use a second language on a daily basis. In the tropics, this second language is, most often, Spanish.
Communicating with locals in their own language makes immersing in local culture that much easier. With the number of Spanish speakers increasing in the U.S., this is a skill that will be in increasing demand in years to come.
7. Gaining an International Awareness
One of the most important lessons that expat children learn, and which helps them thrive in the future, is that there is a world beyond the U.S. borders. It can be far too easy for those who never travel abroad to ignore the uniqueness of other parts of the globe.
Living in a foreign country adds an awareness of just how diverse societies are. For youngsters growing up in a foreign country, they become “world citizens” whose view of life is not limited by a single national identity.
6. Stronger Family Ties
As everyone adapts to their new life abroad, reliance on the family and appreciation of mutual support tends to strengthen the bonds between parents and children. This, after all, is a shared adventure, and knowing that they are not alone can make the transition to an expat child that much easier.
AFS USA
5. Immersing in a New Culture
Instead of just reading about a new culture, expat children can actually become part of it firsthand. Participating in local events, celebrating local holidays, and sampling local foods are just some of the ways that young expats can immerse themselves in their new world.
Being part of a different culture is a profound experience that can provide a broader perspective on life in general that can carry on through adulthood.
4. Seeing “Home” Through a Different Lens
One of the most important lessons that expat children can receive is the ability to see their native country from a different point of view. Being able to see “home” as others see it can offer a unique understanding of how we are viewed and, more importantly, how our actions can influence the perception that the rest of the world may have of expats.
Viva Tropical
3. Living in a Special Place
Expat children quickly learn that their new country is truly special in its own way. The overall essence of their location can captivate their imaginations and bring them to an awareness of how unique this opportunity is and how fortunate they are to have it as a life lesson.
2. New Hobbies
Expat children living in the tropics have a whole range of new hobbies that they can experience. Surfing, snorkeling, and boating, are just some of the activities that are more readily available in the Latin Tropics than in most of the U.S.
Importantly, children will have the opportunity to get up off the couch and enjoy the beauty and the wonder of the natural world that is now part of their day-to-day life.
1. And the Number One Reason Expat Children Thrive Is…Becoming an Expat Is an Adventure!
Children are naturally curious and enjoy exploring and experiencing new and exciting places and things. This sense of adventure, with the security of sharing it with the whole family, makes the move abroad something to be embraced and treasured.
Doing your “homework” as a parent (and potential expat) can provide the kind of insight needed to ensure that your children’s expat experience is a positive one. The potential for learning life skills and self-awareness that expat children have can open many doors for them in the future.
Finding work abroad is an idea that has gained increasing popularity in recent years. With the growing interest in expat living, there are a number of options that exist today that weren’t even thinkable a few short years ago.
The potential for earning a living in a foreign location can be dependent on a number of important variables. Whether you are seeking a career change, looking to fund your retirement in paradise, or wondering how to take your skill set abroad, there are some important first steps that you need to take.
Sylvia Overkamp
Pick the Destination Where You Want to Work Abroad
Before packing up and moving, you need to have a clear idea of exactly where you want to live. The best way to do this is to visit your prospective destination, more than once, to see if it resonates with you.
Remember, in addition to working there, this new location is also going to be your home. If you aren’t comfortable as an expat, even in paradise, you won’t be successful trying to work abroad.
Where to Begin the Search
One of the best search tools you can use is the Internet. There are a number of job boards that offer opportunities for positions–both paid and volunteer–in foreign lands.
Other sources are expat groups and social media sites. Learning about others’ experiences can be a valuable tool in helping you fine-tune your search.
Learn the Rules and Regulations
Since you will be living there full-time, it is important to learn what the residency requirements are and whether you can qualify. In many Central and South American countries, establishing a type of residency is a prerequisite to working within that country’s borders.
Some countries are more expat-friendly than others when it comes to finding work abroad. Others have fairly stringent requirements that mandate that foreigners cannot be hired if a local could fill the position.
By knowing what the rules and regulations are beforehand, prospective expat workers can better plan how to make their transition to their tropical paradise.
Make a Budget That You Can Live On
It is important to realize that there is going to be a lag between your move and when your work abroad starts to generate income. Planning a budget that can sustain you for a minimum of three months can reduce your stress as you become acclimated to your new home and your new employment.
Andy McDowall
Working for an Employer Vs. Working for Yourself
Working abroad will involve either working for yourself or finding an employer. As mentioned above, many Latin Tropic countries have stringent rules for local companies hiring non-natives as employees.
Depending on your chosen location, and your experience, becoming an employee for a local business may not be a viable option. However, there are other alternatives that you can pursue.
Freelancing
A popular option for many expats considering working abroad is to become a freelancer. Being able to make your own schedule, live where you want to, and have the freedom of being your own boss is an attractive proposition.
Before beginning life as a freelancer abroad, there are several important factors to consider. First and foremost is whether your skill set can translate into a freelance career.
Writing, photography, and technical support are three of the most popular freelance careers. Increased Internet access in many tropical locations has broadened the horizons for individuals with skills in these areas.
However, it is also important to recognize that freelancers do not have a guarantee of a regular income. There can be (and often are) “dry spells” that would need to be navigated while waiting for the next assignment.
Having a plan B is an important part of any freelance career. Even in a tropical paradise, having a realistic economic plan is essential to a successful freelancing enterprise.
Translating Your Stateside Career to a Tropical Destination
If you are fortunate enough to work for an employer who has locations in the Latin Tropics, it may be worth your while to see if your job location could migrate to a foreign destination. Telecommuting, staffing offshore locations, and similar options may provide you the opportunity to work abroad in paradise.
Importantly, many countries that have strict limitations on foreigners working within their borders DO make allowances if you are filling a position for your current employer. While these types of positions are limited, being able to stay with your current employer while enjoying life in the tropics is certainly the best of both worlds.
Chris Goldberg
Starting Your Own Business
Starting your own business is a unique way to find a working niche in a tropical paradise. Launching your own enterprise is a great way to carve out your own “brand.”
Teaching yoga, becoming a diving instructor, tutoring English and even acting as a travel guide for other expats are some of the most popular self-run businesses by expats. But before you get too far into your business plan, make certain that you know any local restrictions that may impact opening up a business.
Is Working Abroad the Right Choice for You?
Working and living abroad, even in the Latin Tropics, is not necessarily the best option for everyone. Preparation, research, and actually experiencing the destination can go a long way to answering the question of whether this life choice is the right choice.
Ultimately, the decision comes down to a leap of faith and belief in your dreams. When those two elements work in harmony, paradise can be achieved.
For many seniors moving abroad, learning the truth about assisted living in the tropics can be an important first step in the decision process. In fact, it may come as a pleasant surprise that retiring abroad and living in a community that provides care and assistance are not necessarily choices that exclude one another.
Nearly one million Americans of retirement age have moved beyond the borders of the United States. As more and more “baby boomers” reach that life milestone, the demand for facilities and communities that can offer the services required by an aging population will also increase.
Kristopher Schultz
Assisted Living in Paradise Is a Viable Option
With rising medical costs, a volatile market, and general uncertainty about the future, it comes as no surprise that more and more Americans of retirement age are choosing the Latin American tropics as their preferred destination. With many countries actively promoting programs that can benefit seniors, the truth about assisted living in the tropics is that it is a viable choice for both retirees and their aging parents.
There are a number of compelling reasons to make such a move. The lower overall cost of living, improved access to high quality medical care, and the more relaxed lifestyle are just some of the features that should make the expat option a strong consideration as a way to spend your senior years.
Danny Kim
Latin Locations That Offer Assisted Living
Below are examples of four countries that offer high-quality assisted living in the tropics. Each of these locations provides the opportunity for a full and vibrant retirement combined with the individualized care some seniors need.
Mexico
Mexico has been a retirement destination for Americans for many years. With the median cost of long-term care in the U.S. averaging over $43,000 per year, it is not surprising that may retirees are exploring the options that the land south of the border can provide for retirees and their aging parents.
One of the most popular regions is the Lake Chapala area. As one of the largest expat communities in the world, there are a number of facilities that cost half (or less) what similar residences in the U.S. cost.
Seniors would find the Lake Chapala locations very similar to high-end retirement settings in the U.S. Offering clean, comfortable residences, amenities like swimming pools, access to medical professionals and even hospice services at a fraction of the cost, it is little wonder that baby boomers are looking to the region as a long-term option for themselves and their aging parents.
With close proximity to the United States, a familiarity with the culture, plus fresh food and quality medical care, the potential that Mexico has for seniors is undeniable.
Costa Rica
Costa Rica was the first Central American country to initiate programs geared towards attracting retirees. Once qualified as a “pensionado,” retirees can sign up for the country’s social security program, which includes full coverage for things like hospitalization and prescriptions.
As the Central and Pacific zones of Costa Rica become more developed, the rising number of expats also will increase the demand for retirement centers that can provide a high quality of life at a more affordable rate. Seniors will be pleasantly surprised to discover that living “la Pura Vida” is more than just an unreachable dream.
Many visitors to the country ultimately decide to relocate there upon retirement. Whether your choice is an independent living center or a community where 24-hour onsite assistance is available, the cost is still far less than equivalent operations in the States.
Fran001
Guatemala
Interest in Guatemala as a retirement option has grown dramatically recently. The area around Lake Atitlan has seen the development of modern assisted living communities where the lower price tag is not reflected in the high quality of the residences there.
The term “assisted living” has a somewhat different meaning in Guatemala. Instead of a dedicated community, assisted living means, literally, hiring someone, or a number of people, to clean, cook, and care for a person.
This cost for one full-time care provider may run as little as $150 to $300 per month. Even on a fixed income of $1200 per month, for example, this can allow a senior who needs assisted care to still enjoy life in a tropical paradise.
Panama
Panama is rapidly overtaking Costa Rica as the premier retirement destination in Central America. First world amenities, greatly improved infrastructure, and many discounts available for seniors have proven to be a magnet for older Americans looking to find a tropical retirement location.
While there are a number of options for retirees who are independent and looking for communities that cater to that population, the number of assisted living facilities is still quite small. However, with the continued influx of foreign investment, the potential for growth in this area is promising.
Is Tropical Assisted Living for You?
Discovering the truth about assisted living in the tropics opens the doors to infinite possibilities. Moving to paradise may just be the best way to make those golden years truly golden.
As many expats and investors have already discovered, living in your own tropical paradise is not an unreachable dream. In particular, Panama real estate has become the best choice for a 2nd home in the tropics for a wide variety of reasons.
Finding a destination that is affordable, provides stability, and offers a good return on initial investment can be a challenge. More and more people are finding that Panama real estate checks all those boxes.
F. Ermert
Top Reasons Why Panama Real Estate Is the Best Choice
There are many reasons why Panama real estate has become the preferred choice for a 2nd home or retirement destination. Below is a list, in no particular order, of some of the top reasons to pick Panama.
Location, Location, Location
Panama is readily accessible from many U.S. airports. As such, it is ideal for those wanting to stay connected back home even while they enjoy their time in the tropics. Daily, regularly scheduled flights, from at least 15 U.S. cities, make traveling to and from your second home affordable and easy to arrange.
Expat-Friendly
Panama has developed many expat-friendly programs that make living there an easy transition. A streamlined residency process, ease of obtaining work permits (for those so inclined), discounts for retirees, and a growing expat presence, are just a few of the features that draw investors, retirees, and those seeking a tropical escape.
Some of the many programs geared toward retirees can result in significant savings. Discounts of 30% on all forms of public transportation, medical services (including prescriptions) that can range from 15% to 20%, even savings of up to 50% on personal and commercial loan closing costs make choosing Panama as a second home an economically attractive option.
One of the most important features of Panama life is the growing number of English-speaking expats. While having some knowledge of Spanish is important, finding someone who can help translate is easier than one might imagine – especially in the larger areas like Panama City.
Climates and Contrasts
Panama has many comfortable climate options that range from cool and comfortable in mountain locales – such as Boquete – to hotter, humid, beachfront areas like Rio Hato. For those desiring the island lifestyle, the Las Perlas Island group on the Pacific side and the San Blas Islands on the Caribbean coast have some of the best beaches in the country.
Fast-Paced or Laid-Back
Having the choice of city living or rustic country life is yet another reason why Panama is a great choice. The selection ranges from Panama City, a vibrant, modern city with a skyline resembling Miami’s South Beach, to more rustic towns, like David and Chitre, which provide a more authentic village experience.
The U.S. Dollar
Perhaps one of the most important pluses for choosing Panama is the fact that the U.S. dollar is considered legal tender for daily transactions. Not having to go through the inconvenience and expense of converting money can make transactions, such as purchasing Panama real estate, much easier.
Being able to use U.S. currency for real estate transactions is especially attractive given the global fluctuation and uncertainty that impacts the value of many foreign currencies. This convenience also makes it much easier to budget for both the near term and longer time frames.
Stability
The stability of the Panamanian government greatly reduces the risk of investing in a foreign location. According to the Institute for Economics and Peace 2016 Global Peace Index, Panama is only one of 10 countries, worldwide, that is free from conflict.
A major advantage of this political stability is a sound legal system. Article 44 of the Panamanian Constitution guarantees protection of private ownership of real property.
These legal protections apply to both foreign investors as well as Panamanian citizens. Having this kind of security makes the investment decision much less complex.
Favorable Taxes
Although the 20-year exemption on property taxes ended in 2009, Panama’s revised tax structure still compares favorably with that of the U.S. With a 10-year exemption for property valued under $250,000, and a 15-year exemption for property under $100,000, buying Panama real estate certainly is a favorable investment long-term.
Price
Prices for property in Panama still compare favorably with neighboring Latin American countries. It can be anticipated, however, that as the market expands, the value of international real estate will also increase.
F. Ermert
The Bottom Line
Panama’s popularity and features have made it the best choice for your home in paradise. But just because Panama is growing, that doesn’t make it the ideal choice for everyone.
Like all important life choices, doing your homework is a major step in the decision-making process. Even more import is actually visiting to see if Panama is the perfect place for you and your 2nd home.