Trend in global expat suburbs makes for easier emigration

A major concern for families accompanying the breadwinner to a new country is how to adjust to a completely new lifestyle away from familiar foods, communities and cultures.

The move from European city life to its equivalent in Asia is seen as the most challenging, but nowadays a surprise awaits parents wondering whether their kids will miss their friends and hate the food. Due to demand from the millions now emigrating to far-flung cities, it’s normal to find foods and goods with familiar Western names such as Marks and Spencer and Waitrose in supermarkets attached to apartment buildings in expat-designated suburbs.

In exchange for much-needed skills, destinations such as Singapore and Malaysia are offering high salaries and all the comforts of home. Trendy expat suburbs provide ready-made communities, and an ever-expanding choice of international schools offer British curriculums and a good standard of English language education.

In a nutshell, globalised expat life is now available far from the traditionally recognised global power centres. Middle class families can live their lives in a safe, comfortable, friendly environment in a manner increasingly difficult in their home countries, and internet access gives easy, fun communication with friends and extended family back home.

It has to be said that many expat families in, for example, Singapore, find the city safer and the lifestyle more relaxing than in the UK or USA. Cars don’t need to be locked and kids can get around without their parents worrying about their safety, parents can fast-track their careers far more easily than in their home countries, and healthcare is adjusted to Western styles and needs.

Many world countries are now in a race to encourage highly-skilled would-be migrants to their shores, with the best, brightest and wealthiest being offered permanent residency in exchange for investment. The arrival of global suburbs set up to provide all needs are the result of the huge increase in annual migrant numbers and give a friendly welcome to newcomers and their families.