My lonely first few weeks as an expat in the Netherlands drove me to finding whatever ways I could to pass the time, meet people, and make sense of my new status as a foreigner in a strange land.After finding some really excellent expats blogs and starting my own, I began writing for expat websites and publications. Before I knew it, I was embarking on a career as a freelance writer.
Last post, I listed some of the print publications available to expat writers in the Netherlands. Today, I wanted to list some of the expat websites that helped me get started, those I still contribute to, and those I have yet to explore.
Transitions Abroad - "The portal for paid and volunteer work abroad, living abroad, study abroad and cultural travel overseas." A former print magazine, TA now publishes all its issues online.
Expatica - "Provides daily news, features and practical information on living abroad in English for the international community." Founded in the Netherlands in 2000, Expatica now also covers the UK, Spain, Switzerland, Germany, Belgium and France.
Expat Exchange - "Extensive advice, country forums and expatriate resources for moving overseas, international jobs, international living, international real estate, culture shock, expat clubs and local expatriate events."
Expat Focus - "Expat Focus aims to make life easier for anyone moving or living abroad by being the most comprehensive information and support resource for expatriates on the Web today."
Expat Arrivals - Includes destination guides with input from experts and established expat communities as well as provides information on finding a job, managing finances, and understanding the local culture.
IamExpat - "The online communication platform for the English-speaking community in the Netherlands." Articles cover hot news as well as tips and information to help you live your best life abroad.
Pocket Cultures - "Aims to increase connections, awareness and understanding between different cultures." Articles focus on understanding different cultures and exploring various regions.
I have personally written for all of the above publications except IamExpat (which I plan to change soon!) and I can say that they have all been wonderful to write for. Articles are published in a timely fashion and each online publication goes out of its way to share their content.
This is a great way to build up some clips and get your name and your writing out there. If you're an expat, what are you waiting for? Get out there are start writing!
Are there other online publications that I missed? Have you written for any of these sites? Care to share your thoughts?
Image: kaeru.my, Flickr
© 2011 Tiffany Jansen, writer
