Article Written By anyexpat

Expat or Immigrant? (You do not have to be an intellectual)

So you have your own definition, about expat vs immigrant but a popular one is this

Expats are rich people who choose to move abroad temporarily, which is what most people think of.

Expat what does it mean?

This question is the cause of debate in many circles is what is meant by expat?. An expatriate is a person who lives outside of his or her home country, usually temporarily. These individuals are often skilled workers, artists, or professionals. They are usually employed or choose to live in their chosen country. However, expatriates may also be exiles. In this article, we’ll explore the meaning of the word expat and what it means to you. And, of course, there’s a lot more to it than that!

Historically Expat vs Immigrant: Origins and Early Usage

The term expatriate connoted the lifestyle and habits of westerners living abroad. The word expatriate often meant high pay, great benefits, and private education. In those days, wealthy expatriates expected the locals to conform to their culture. But today, this term is used to describe both migrants and corporate CEOs who are working long-term overseas assignments. Expatriates may prefer to use the term “expat” for self-image and political correctness reasons.

The dichotomy between “Expat” and “Immigrant” traces back to the colonial era. In the past, “Expat” was a term given to people from wealthy Western countries who moved for work or diplomacy. However, the term “Immigrant” often referred to people who moved to Western countries for settlement, usually because of economic goals.

Immigrant Meaning

An immigrant is someone who usually can’t go back to another place after leaving their home country. Conversely, an expatriate is someone who leaves their native country in order to work in a foreign location for an extended amount of time.

Who would you describe as an Expat?

My argument is that The Economic status of any worker moving abroad is not relevant

The word “Expat” is used to provoke moral outrage, especially online. If you call yourself an Expat, your fellow social media users can quickly go from minding their own business to being outraged. YOU ARE A MIGRANT and god help you if you are a white male using this expression, you are the worst kind of person…

What other words are there?

Remember, your job status doesn’t matter when it comes to how you’re defined. Whether you’re a male investment banker or a female cleaner, moving to a new city means you’re both seen the same way.

I wouldn’t label the cleaner or the investment banker as foreign workers or migrants because of their jobs. Instead, I’d call them both expats. If you try and split them based on their job status or income this is just displaying a prejudice or disdain for certain jobs that people do.

If i call you a Migrant are you offended?

Some people love to use loaded words. When they find a chance to claim moral high ground, they jump on it. It’s like German tourists reserving beach loungers at 6am.

They express their offense in block capitals and call themselves migrants. They expect you to do the same, you elitist pig. My internal response is, “Wow, you’re a moral hero!” I bet you actually help people instead of just expressing outrage online for your friends.

If, like me, you mostly watch Western Media, you probably think of African men when you hear “Migrants.” They are searching for a better life, often traveling in large groups on foot or in unsafe boats. I instinctively call those people Migrants.

Now it is not a term meant to demean, it is simply a term that is accurate, those people are Migrating.

I cannot see how anyone would think this to be odd, if you were in the position they were, would you make the trek? Birds migrate in winter for a better life. If humans do it, it shouldn’t surprise us. To me, migration means groups of people. What does it mean to you? anyway would YOU be offended if I called you a Migrant?

A WHITE MAN IN SPAIN

So you are a white man in Spain and I say you are a Migrant, did you get offended and say NO i am Expat? If you did my simple definition is coming but before this let me tell you why I am publishing this.

I created an ExPat network, so I wanted to learn about it. I read many theories by Phds. They had different definitions and connotations. They were long, but I found out that if you want a quick and simple answer or definition.

Do not ask someone with a PHd!

(My suspicion is that they have had to hit so many word counts in their lives it is now just a habit) so without wanting to go all PHd on you ..

…here is my definition..

This should help you avoid getting offended or feeling the need to respond quickly to controversial statements online.

Addressing Stereotypes and Misconceptions

It’s crucial to dispel the stereotypes surrounding both expats and immigrants.

Expatriates encompass a spectrum of professionals, from corporate executives to digital nomads. each contributing to the global exchange of ideas and skills. , immigrants bring diverse perspectives and talents to their host countries. enriching local communities with their cultural heritage.

Expat or Migrant?

DRUMROLL

You are both!

..and you always will be

What you call yourself is always irrelevant, I speak to a person that calls themselves a MARKETING GURU, that is fine, it is on their Linkedin and all their social profiles, but I am mostly just going to call them an idiot if they are not actually very good.

The thing is, what you call yourself in any aspect of your life makes no difference to anything or anyone.

Anyone can arrive in a new country and announce to their friends HEY GUYS LIVING THE EXPAT LIFE, no problem..

The people whose country you arrived in will still call you an immigrant

So do not be offended when someone uses one term over the other or try and make an argument about whether you are an Expat or an Immigrant, you are always going to be called both and what you are called means nothing, what you do means everything.

Needed to share this, hope you can share it too!

Expat Communities

Many expatriates seek out other expatriates. They find friends and socialize with people of similar nationality. They form communities of their own, with schools and shopping options. Anglo-American communities are usually English-speaking. There are also several enclaves of people of British nationality. Expatriates in these areas often have their own identities and have a sense of community. The term expatriate can also be used to describe people who emigrated from the United States.

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About the Author(anyexpat)

Quick Intro, I am Kenny and I am from sunny Scotland. I have experienced the Expat specific challenges of all aspects of moving and living in several countries over the years. Having previously built large online networks I created a single Facebook Group called "Expats In Italy" as this is what I was at that time. This single group has grown to many, with the groups focus being to help people save Time, Money, Effort and Stress in their relocation journey. My focus and that of AnyExpat is on Legal, Financial and Real Estate services, rather than offer advice myself (I do not) instead I have curated a highly qualified, English Speaking network of professionals who are standing by to assist you.

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Expat or Immigrant? (You do not have to be an intellectual)

So you have your own definition, about expat vs immigrant but a popular one is this

Expat what does it mean?

Historically Expat vs Immigrant: Origins and Early Usage