Research

Is is neccessary for expats to learn the regional language of their town - such as Catalan, Valenciano or Euskara - aswell as (or even instead of) Castilian Spanish ? - Or are these languages surplus to all useful requirements and only really used by the older generations purely on social occassions ?

Is the UK's Winter Fuel Allowance a luxury that is simply not required by expats living in Spain, or are they only taking a benefit that they are legally entitled to after years of paying into the system ? Give us your thoughts ....

After the recent General Election in the UK, is the resulting uncertainty that this has brought likely to mean good news in the coming months for expats keeping an eye on the euro/sterling exchange rates ?

Do countries such as Poland, Turkey, Bulgaria or Estonia offer a better standard of living to other Western European Countries? - Even if you believe that this is the case could you, or would you want to live there?

Has the UK media blown the recession out of all proportion, or is it really as serious as it claims to be? - If so are things any worse in Spain?

Maybe you are in the UK and considering emigrating to a new country, or maybe you are already living in Spain but considering a move back to the UK - or another country. Let us know what your thoughts are.

The Many Overseas Property Programmes on the television tell the story of finding the crock of gold at the Rainbow's end. Of course few things go to plan for most ex-pats, but on the whole how does life in a new country measure up to the life you left behind?

Is Britain in the grip of a recession? - Are Government policies and overall values leading towards a general feeling of unrest across the Country? - Or does the UK media focus mainly on the negative aspects purely to fan the flames of public opinion? - What do you think?

Currency markets have taken a severe hammering over the last 18 months - some more than others - in the current worldwide economic downturn. Businesses have suffered and families have had to tighten their purse strings to ride the storm as UK pensions and savings that have converted to other currencies don't buy the luxuries or even the necessities required by ex-pats. In more serious circumstances, ex-pat families have had to abandon their dream lives and return to the UK only to find things are not much better there !

It has long been known that there is a chance that UK join the Euro currency. With mounting critisism and presure from other European member states, UK businesses and a variety of highly prominent currency professionals, the UK Government is fast running out of excuses not to join. With this in mind it is highly unlikely there will be a popular referendum, so the public opinion is not considered. Have your say! Right here, right now!