The digital nomad lifestyle is characterized by individuals who work remotely while frequently traveling, detached from a fixed office and traditional routines.

While often idealized on social media as a carefree and adventurous existence, the reality involves significant personal discipline, adaptability, and trade-offs.

Nomads must manage time zones, adapt to new cultures, and guard against isolation and burnout.

Although they gain flexibility, exposure to new experiences, and potentially reduced living costs—especially in countries with favorable climates and lower expenses—these benefits must be weighed against the instability and psychological toll of frequent transitions, homesickness, and the challenges of temporary living arrangements.

Loneliness, loss of stable relationships, and limited access to consistent healthcare are also common hidden drawbacks.

The most suitable work for digital nomads includes software development, IT management, content creation, design, digital marketing, writing, translation, and video editing, all of which require only a reliable internet connection and the ability to work independently.

Key tools of the trade are laptops, mobile hotspots, noise-canceling headphones, cloud storage, project management platforms (such as Trello or Asana), and communication apps (like Slack or Zoom).

Success as a digital nomad requires robust self-management, planning for technical difficulties, and the cultivation of routines that establish work-life boundaries.

Over 50 countries offer digital nomad or remote work visas, though accessibility and requirements vary, especially for Russian citizens.

For Russians, Latin American countries such as Mexico, Argentina, and Brazil are prominent, with relaxed entry rules and, in some cases, dedicated digital nomad visas that require proof of ongoing remote work but no strict financial thresholds.

Some EU countries have more restrictive entry policies, and access may fluctuate with political developments.

The digital nomad lifestyle is characterized by individuals who work remotely while frequently traveling, detached from a fixed office and traditional routines.

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Content: The Latest
A Computer Goes the World: What do digital nomads bring to local communities when they go to work around the world?
From Mexico to Iceland, how is the impact of digital nomad tourists traveling to destinations around the world?
The digital nomad life has boomed since COVID-19 and the fall of travel restrictions, but some on TikTok think the new type of traveler could be causing more harm than good.
Credit: Daria Mamont, Unsplash
Cassie, a digital nomad from Australia, came to Bali to work for two months.
She wanted to experience the local community, but instead she stumbled upon the “mini Australia ” of Canggu.
Cangu is a popular tourist attraction in Indonesia, favored by many digital nomads.
Kathy works as a virtual assistant around the world. In 2020, when she realized she could work anywhere, she thought of working as a virtual assistant on TikTok.
When her lease ended last year, she gave up office work and commuting to work remotely from her favorite place, taking charge of virtual social media and email management.
She has seen firsthand the positive and negative impact that digital nomads can have on local communities.
Canggu has become a popular destination for digital nomads escaping the traditional desk life.
Credit: Cassie Gallegos, Unsplash
"A lot of westerners have bought [Kuragi's] restaurants and villas and they really drive up prices, which in some way pushes locals out of the market," she said.
Digital nomads thrive in the era of telecommuting, often in freelance digital roles such as social media management or content creation, and even finance, where they revere the freedom to live and work overseas, free to choose their working hours and decide how to spend each day.
They are also being welcomed by the tourism and hospitality industry, with co-working cafes offering cocktails and swimming pools, while co-op hotels offer high-speed Wi-Fi and group activities.
Canggu is full of signs encouraging tourists to work remotely, and the economic benefits of tourism provide opportunities for the region.
But, as some have questioned on TikTok, is the digital nomadic movement a kind of neo-colonization?
Tourists come and go, but digital nomads can stay in one place for weeks, months or years, potentially exacerbating gentrification and the housing crisis.
Recently, The New York Times reported that Mexico City has become a hub for digital nomads, but the surge has exacerbated the pressure on the already tight housing market, making it unaffordable for locals.
Housing activists accused city leaders of allowing “modern colonization. ”
The rise of digital nomads
Countries around the world are embracing the era of digital nomads, with 50 countries, including Dubai and Iceland, offering specific visas for this new type of traveler.
To work remotely in Mexico, you need to prove that you have $43,000 in your savings account in the past 12 months; to Portugal, you need to have at least $4500 a month in income; to Indonesia, you need to have more than $200,000 in savings but can do “investment and other activities. ”
The requirements mean many digital nomads use tourist visas to leave the country when their visas expire, just to re-enter.
According to the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, between January and September last year, 3,000 foreigners entered Indonesia on B211A tourist visas for telecommuting.
One enthusiast of the digital nomad industry predicts that there will be 1 billion digital nomads by 2035, driven by factors such as the rise of high-speed internet and freelancing, as well as declining home ownership and marriage rates.
Are digital nomads taking part in the new colonization?
Some communities are opposed to the influx, and Mexico City residents say they see gentrification and housing drain problems triggered by foreigners seeking cheaper accommodation.
Anthropologist Shaun Busuttil, a PhD candidate at the University of Melbourne who studies digital nomads, believes that digital nomads are undergoing some form of neo-colonization, but it ’ s not all black and white, or good and bad.
In an interview with Erik Muth of YouTube ’ s Rising Nomad channel, Basutil explained: “Historically, colonialism was when a group of people with more power or resources came into a place and effectively took over it and used the space for themselves. ”
“What are we doing as digital nomads? We go into these places, take over them, and enjoy their low cost of living. ”
Shops and businesses will eventually cater to the financial prowess of new visitors, Bousutier believes.
“So the old-fashioned fruit and vegetable shop that has been in town or village for generations now has suddenly turned into a cafe to attract digital nomads.
Is digital nomadism, then, a form of neocolonialism? ” he asked.
"Well, we're coming in and we're effectively taking over," he said.
"Look at Lisbon, or even Mexico City, or Barcelona, where locals are being replaced by foreign teleworkers and digital nomads," he said.
He told Moos that while it was usually those with fewer resources who were most affected by gentrification, those with more resources were able to take advantage of the economic opportunities offered by tourism.
How to avoid causing problems?
Keith thinks deeply about the impact on the communities he visits and how it can have a positive impact.
"As a digital nomad, I feel like we should make sure we contribute to the local economy - eat at local restaurants, stay locally and pay a reasonable fee for that," said the statement.
Both Busutil and Casey believe tourists should pay the full price, not haggle.
“It ’ s important to be aware of the impact you have on the local area, ” says Casey.
"That way you can walk into the local community, eat at the local restaurants, stay in the local area, and give back to the local community," said the statement.
At the moment, Casey likes the pace of life of digital nomads and has no plans for a pause.
“Being able to finish work in the morning and then off work and take an adventure in the afternoon – I experienced paragliding in Laos and was great and went swimming to see the waterfall – I think when you can schedule your own time, you can experience more from life. ”
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Published 24 May 2023 11: 28am
Updated 5h ago 11: 48am
By Edwina Storie
Source: SBS
Available in other languages

While often idealized on social media as a carefree and adventurous existence, the reality involves significant personal discipline, adaptability, and trade-offs.

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Content:   • Your one stop for college news and resources!
Featured, Features, Study Abroad

A Guide for College Students Embracing the Digital Nomad Lifestyle

A digital nomad is someone who works remotely and travels often. Their work doesn’t require them to report to an office or adhere to a strict schedule. Instead, they can work anywhere in the world, doing the job they love.

It’s no wonder this lifestyle is appealing more to college students. They can travel the world while studying and working abroad. That said, being a college student and a digital nomad is a challenge. It’s not like a vacation where all you have to worry about is enjoying yourself.

You have to learn how to balance the fun of traveling with work and school commitments. The following tips will help you do just that.

Understand What the Digital Nomad Lifestyle Will Be Like

You have to understand what the digital nomad lifestyle will be like if you want it to work out. You can assess whether this life is for you, and better prepare for it if you decide that it is.

Here are some critical points to consider about the digital nomad lifestyle:

  • A work-life balance is a must
  • Traveling often can be exhausting
  • You must ensure access to healthcare
  • You need a plan for financial stability
  • You’ll have to adapt to new cultures and languages
  • Knowing visa requirements and other legal requirements is essential
  • You might experience homesickness, especially if you go international
  • Balancing school with work and life in a new place is a big commitment

Dig into these factors and research all you’ll have to do and give up to be a digital nomad. Then, you can make an informed decision about moving forward.

Master Time Management

You’ll have to take your time management up a few notches if you want to be a digital nomad.

It’s one thing to balance life and school. It’s another to balance life, school, traveling, and potentially, work. You must learn how to divide your days so that you pay each of these things the attention they need. In addition, time management will ensure you don’t burn out.

Start with a routine to build some consistency into your days. Wake up at the same time regardless of your schedule and get ready for your days the same way.

You can establish priority tasks the night before, like your classes, if you’re working, and when you’ll study. Set aside time for breaks, meals, and leisure time as well. Building these activities into your schedule will ensure you actually do them.

Attach times to each task and activity. For example, you have classes from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. Next, you’ll have lunch from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. After that, you have work from 1:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Then, you’ll study from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., and the rest of the night is yours.

Manage your time wisely and you can achieve everything you set out for each day.

Learn How to Stay Productive

One of the biggest challenges digital nomads run into is staying productive. All of the fun activities you can do when you travel to a new place can be distracting. It might be hard to stay motivated when you’re homesick. Technical and logistical issues can impact your productivity as well.

So, learning how to maintain peak productivity while studying and working on the road is essential.

Adhering to the routine we mentioned above will help keep you focused. Eliminate distractions while working by turning your phone on Do Not Disturb and muting social media apps. Create a designated workspace. You could also incentivize productivity by promising yourself a fun activity after you complete your work.

Secure your tech setup as well to maintain optimal productivity. Make sure you have the basics, like a good laptop set up with the proper work and school software and noise-canceling headphones.

Another crucial tool to have is a mobile hotspot. A hotspot ensures you can connect to the internet wirelessly on your mobile devices from virtually anywhere. This will come in handy when you travel internationally or to places with spotty internet connections. No matter where you are, you can still access your studies and any work you’re doing online.

Equip yourself with the right tools and techniques to stay productive as a digital nomad.

Choose Work That Aligns With Your Studies and Interests

Digital nomads are known to take many different directions with their work. You have options and can easily make a living while studying and traveling abroad. The key is ensuring the work you do doesn’t distract from your education and pull you away from who you are.

You’ll have a much better experience as a digital nomad if you choose work that aligns with your studies and interests. Rather than taking the barista job at the local cafe, work with your school to see if there are any work-study opportunities where you’re traveling.

You can also take the job search into your own hands. Search for job openings before you head to your destination through online job boards. Ask for referrals from fellow students.

Consider fully remote positions as well. There are many work-from-home jobs available that can accommodate a college student’s digital nomad lifestyle, such as being a tutor or a content writer for subjects related to your major.

Whatever work you decide to do, make sure it doesn’t take away from your studies and aligns with who you are and what you want to be.

Conclusion

Many college students are attracted to the digital nomad lifestyle because it allows them to travel freely while studying and working where they want to. As enticing as this life is, being a digital nomad isn’t void of challenges.

Make sure you understand what you’re getting into, master time management, learn to stay productive, and choose work that aligns with your studies and interests to give yourself a real chance at a successful digital nomad life.

SEE ALSO: How to Choose the Right Student Housing in the U.S.

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What are critical aspects of the digital nomad lifestyle?

Adaptablity to new cultures and language

Nomads must manage time zones, adapt to new cultures, and guard against isolation and burnout.

What are critical aspects of the digital nomad lifestyle?

Adaptablity to new cultures and language

Although they gain flexibility, exposure to new experiences, and potentially reduced living costs—especially in countries with favorable climates and lower expenses—these benefits must be weighed against the instability and psychological toll of frequent transitions, homesickness, and the challenges of temporary living arrangements.

Title:

Content: Drop everything and sail around the world
In recent years, the global media began to vigorously promote "travel living", translated from English - travel-life.
Its supporters are called digital nomads, or digital nomads.
They are not attached to the place of residence and work and are ready to trade comfort, stability and career prospects for life in continuous motion.
In the US alone, this philosophy is shared by 22 million people, or one in 15 Americans, in the world – 35 million, and by 2030, the number of digital nomads on the planet is projected to grow to one billion people.
Experts believe that this is the way to form a “seamless ” world with a“ connected person ” without roots.
Photo: Parliamentary GazetteParliamentary Newspaper
Down with office stress
Video of the day
The first digital nomad was an American writer and programmer.
In 1983, he set off on a computerized bike and completed it on a yacht in 2021.
The revival of the ancient nomadic way of life in the 21st century has become possible thanks to the Internet and IT technologies, and the pandemic of the covid with a remote format of work has spurred it.
By 2030, the number of digital nomads could reach a billion people.
What kind of people are these?
The first group is digital.
Programmers, project managers, graphic designers, journalists, writers, lawyers, translators, analysts, testers, copywriters, video editors, product managers.
Six months in the Maldives, three months in Barbados or the United Arab Emirates, where the world ’ s fastest mobile Internet.
The second is adventurers and wanderers.
The third is mortgages, for which loan payments are more expensive than permanent tourism and being in cheap areas of the world.
The philosophy of digital nomads is to untie themselves from their place of birth and one job.
Choose countries where the best climate, cheaper food, where there are no toxic offices, civil duties, but only the right to live in pleasure.
Digital nomads consider themselves the chosen ones of fate, because, in their opinion, they make the free choice of a free person.
Life in motion, they argue, is not bliss, but the norm.
Their favorite slogan is “The values of minimalism make us happy. ”
Nature, freedom, unprocessed food, physical activity...
A lot is said about this on their profile sites.
Anxiety and desire to change places
Hunting for a change of places is a problem of motives, and they are different, correspondent member, philosopher, chief researcher of the Institute of Sociology of the Russian Academy of Sciences Jean Toshchenko told the “Parliamentary newspaper ”.
Someone just has the opportunity to choose the best conditions of life and work.
Others have the pressure of economic circumstances.
This is facilitated by the growing class of precariat (people working in low-paid and unstable jobs without social guarantees - sick leave, vacation, with a reduced salary).
The transition from permanent to part-time, temporary, part-time employment makes it easier for such people to get out of place and go wherever they look.
Another category is those who, in principle, do not care about the content of the work, says the scientist.
They expect to find something to do everywhere.
From here the ease of lifting.
Finally, there are those who choose a way of life where civil obligations do not prevail over them.
An expert from the United States John Peters in a sensational article “Exile, Nomadism and the Diaspora ” called the opposition of nomad and state as the key idea of the movement.
Many travelers begin with the term “climate emigration ”, but constant mobility erases the boundaries of cultural and national identity.
As a result, the concept of homeland is also being rethought, and this is already marginality, he concludes.
A typical portrait of a digital nomad, according to the Nomad List survey, is a minimalist with a laptop, a backpack, a bachelor ’ s degree, a passport and a cup of coffee.
Lives in one place for an average of 70 days.
At the heart of the mentality is anti-materialism and contentment with small things.
The most attractive side of travel is cheapness, according to one of the profile sites.
Nomadism saves a lot of money because the costs of maintaining the property, maintaining the car, parking, winter clothes disappear.
It is fascinating and good for health.
The main cost item is renting a roof over your head and food.
Geo-arbitrage helps to live better and cheaper – the use of price differences between countries.
Peace in your pocket and nothing of your own
Some researchers call traveling a new socio-economic model.
It echoes the program slogans of the “great reset ” of the world proclaimed at the Davos Economic Forum.
According to it, the preservation of the planet in the interests of future generations requires tightening the belts of the living, limiting economic growth and reducing consumption.
The projected image of the future assumes that a person will be available to the whole world, a lot of services, but at the same time he will not have anything of his own.
Globalizers argue that property and binding to a permanent place of residence burden and encroach on the personal freedoms of citizens.
Why buy a house when you can rent it?
Why a personal car when there is carsharing?
Why save money when you can have a basic guaranteed income?
Why spend money on heating an apartment, if you can go to the warm lands for the winter?
When a person has no stake or yard, it is especially easy.
Modern nomads often call themselves citizens of the world.
The nomad is always online, and it is more convenient for him to communicate even with friends online, rather than offline.
Therefore, some experts have given it the definition of “connected person ”.
The unwritten motto of digital nomads: movement is everything, goal is nothing.
There are 300 people in the world who have visited all 196 countries of the world (including unrecognized territories).
Among them are Australian Rach and Slovak Marty.
The women described the adventures of the 15-year-old circumnavigation in the blog “Very Hungry Nomads ”.
They set out to inspire the women of the world to live without office stress, work on the beach, expand horizons and embrace new thinking.
Travelers sold out all the property and lived with luggage from two backpacks of hand luggage.
The focus of their project was food.
Odyssey cost 274 thousand dollars.
Her conclusion: the most delicious food is in Ethiopia, Afghanistan and Uzbek farmers.
The number of nomadism activists in Russia is also increasing.
For example, ethnologist Mikhail Zarubin traveled to 193 countries for 10 years and wrote a book for children “Tales of Young Travelers ”.
Four years more spent on the circumnavigation of his friend, the photographer.
150 hotels annually - the norm for Lisa and Vitalik, whose journey lasts 12 years.
Many other travel bloggers share their impressions on the website travcave.ru.
Traffic infrastructure
The digital nomad relies on infrastructure.
A digital nomad visa allows individuals who earn an income of at least $2,000 from a foreign jurisdiction to legally stay in the country longer than tourists.
Its price in Brazil is 72 dollars, in Greece - 75, Costa Rica - 100, Argentina - from 120 to 240, in Bermuda - 260, in the Bahamas and in the UAE - a thousand dollars.
Validity from 180 days to 10 years.
In countries where there is no such visa, nomads often live on tourist and even student, and the authorities turn a blind eye to this.
The elements of infrastructure are also coworking and coliving (common spaces where you can live and work with like-minded people).
The number of the first, according to forecasts, by 2025 will reach 26 thousand, and the second annually grows by a third.
In Russia, too, there is a coliving - "Station Smena".
It provides, according to the presentation, a unique opportunity to combine work and party.
Remotely you can work from home, public libraries, cafes - if only there was an Internet and a laptop.
The wealthier ones move around in offices on wheels.
However, the vans at home with a table, a lot of sockets, chargers and a background for conferences are like a luxury German crossover.
The system of hubs for nomads is characterized by a favorable climate, high-speed Internet, an easy visa regime and a low cost of living.
The most attractive locations are Chiang Mai (Thailand) and Bali (Indonesia), in Europe - Lisbon, Gran Canaria and the island of Madeira, in America - Medellin, Mexico City and Buenos Aires.
If the money runs out, nomads can spend the night in churches for free, in extreme cases - in a tent, especially since they do not tend to cold lands.
Someone on occasion earns remote trade, hand-made, bartenders, guides, DJs and VJs, nurses, teachers and what God will send.
As befits a philosopher, Jean Toshchenko is not surprised:
“The world is entering an era of great migration of peoples, similar to the one that took place 15 centuries ago.
The process of global migration is driven by economic, political and climatic factors.
And this general mobility affects all of humanity, making it dynamic. ”
The philosophy of individualism
And if everyone wants to live on an eternal journey, who will remain in their native country and will improve it?
Is there a balance between personal freedom and civic responsibility?
Is not the sense of patriotism atrophied, for example, among the digital class, part of which has amicably rushed outside Russia?
The balance between freedom and responsibility was sought by Voltaire and Belinsky.
They are looking for it and will be looking for it at all times, ” the chairman of the Council for the Development of the Digital Economy evasively replied to the Parliamentary Newspaper.
First Deputy Chairman of the Committee for Tourism and Tourism Development Nikolai Valuev did not hide skepticism from our publication:
“No matter what you dream and want, people will always be tied by a bunch of circumstances to the place of residence.
Work, habit, property, kinship and social ties, so these cosmopolitans will always be in the region of statistical error. ”
Comparing digital nomads, immigrants and relocants is incorrect, said the development director of VTsIOM Consulting.
The concept of “digital-nomadism ” develops a philosophy of individualism, he told“ Parlamentskaya Gazeta ”.
Its values: freedom to choose life goals, ways and places of work, the desire for openness of information, intolerance of discrimination and the conditional “seamless ” of the world.
At the same time, nomads, earning in their country, spend money in a foreign country.
How should this state be treated?
Why in the US with a population of 330 million people, Trump in his election program promises to introduce maternity capital for a new baby boom?
"Any government wants its citizens to work at home and develop the domestic economy," Yermolaev said. - The generation of the first baby boom is close to retirement age, which increases the burden on social infrastructure and reduces the number of able-bodied people.
And the digital nomad community in the US is growing.
According to MBO Partners, there are 16.9 million, and according to Nomand List, 22 million.
If the trend continues, the country ’ s economy will face a serious challenge in the coming years. ”
In Russia, according to Nomad List, digital nomads are still relatively few - 2.3 million.
And yet they should be taken seriously, urges the dean of the Faculty of Economics.
As a rule, nomads do not seek to part with the country, they can continue to work for domestic companies, benefiting the state.
And in order to preserve this human capital, to prevent its possible leakage, an income tax of 13 percent should be saved for this category, the economist believes.
According to the current rules, tax non-residents - people who have been in Russia for less than 183 calendar days for twelve consecutive months - must pay income tax not 13 percent, but 30 percent, besides they are not entitled to tax deductions.
As the head of the State Duma Committee on Labor, Social Policy and Veterans Affairs Yaroslav Nilov told our publication, all the necessary regulation in the field of remote employment was developed and fixed in Chapter 49.1 of the Labor Code even during the coronavirus pandemic.
Thanks to this, many workers today work remotely, most of them within the country.
Any changes to the law will also affect them, he explained.
This is usually used in a situation where there is an imbalance of interests of employers and employees.
“If people continue to perform their duties in accordance with labor contracts, taxes and payments are deducted from their income, then why invent something? ” the deputy concluded.

What are critical aspects of the digital nomad lifestyle?

What makes some parents hesitant about remote work abroad?

Loneliness, loss of stable relationships, and limited access to consistent healthcare are also common hidden drawbacks.

Title:

Content: Spain: Number one for remote-working Brits

Digital nomad on the beach. Credit: simona pilolla 2/Shutterstock.com

According to Nebeus’ 2023 study on remote work trends, Spain emerges as the top dream destination for UK professionals seeking a better quality of life.

With 46 per cent of British professionals considering relocating for remote work, the survey sheds light on this trend.

Remote work growing in UK

In 2023, 44 per cent of British people embraced remote work, a trend echoed globally. Not only does it trim down commuting expenses, but it also opens doors to work from new countries.

Nebeus conducted a survey of 400 UK professionals, exploring their attitudes towards remote work abroad, with a focus on financial aspects.

Spain leads the way

For UK nationals seeking relocation for a better quality of life, one country stands out as the preferred destination for remote work, with 22 per cent choosing Spain as their first option

The United States received 19 per cent of the votes and France in third place with 13 per cent. The report revealed the other placings: Portugal, 6 per cent; Southeast Asia 5 per cent and Latin America, 3 per cent.

Spain’s allure lies in its blend of tradition and modernity, warm ambiance, and relaxed lifestyle. According to the survey’s findings, the most popular Spanish regions among UK remote workers are Barcelona, 14 per cent; Valencia, 7 per cent and Madrid, 5 per cent.

Unveiling the Digital Nomad Visa

Surprisingly, 89 per cent of respondents are unaware of Spain’s Digital Nomad Visa, designed to enable remote work without changing jobs.

This lack of awareness highlights the need for better promotion of this visa, offering flexibility while enjoying Spain’s benefits and retaining UK employment.

Concerns and considerations

When contemplating a move to Spain, respondents expressed their concerns about healthcare costs, language difficulties, and the cost of living and leaving loved ones behind.

Fifty-three per cent of those who participated stated language difficulties to be their primary concern. This was a particular worry for those in Scotland and the East of England both at 62 per cent and Yorkshire, 58 per cent.

Regarding finances, 51 per cent believe their spending power would match or exceed that in the UK. Londoners, in particular, expect a higher spending power in Spain, with the cost of living in mind.

Interestingly, higher-income individuals are less inclined to move abroad, possibly due to tax considerations or job seniority. Those with mid-range salaries are the most willing to relocate for remote work.

Parents are more hesitant to work remotely abroad, concerned about their children’s wellbeing, schooling, and leaving friends behind. Non-parents are more open to the idea.

Nebeus’ survey reflects a growing interest in remote work abroad among UK professionals, emphasising the need for accurate information about digital work visas and addressing linguistic, financial, and cultural challenges.

As the working landscape evolves, remote work is becoming an increasingly viable option, reshaping careers and lifestyles.

Thank you for taking the time to read this article. Do remember to come back and check The Euro Weekly News website for all your up-to-date local and international news stories and remember, you can also follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

What are critical aspects of the digital nomad lifestyle?

What makes some parents hesitant about remote work abroad?

The most suitable work for digital nomads includes software development, IT management, content creation, design, digital marketing, writing, translation, and video editing, all of which require only a reliable internet connection and the ability to work independently.

Title:

Content: TRAVERSE CITY — Kyle Anderson seems to meander through his 40-foot blue school bus still in awe of what he’s created. With a large, callused hand he gives his shaggy Irish wolfhound a pat on the head as she snoozes away on the couch.

Yes, the couch is inside the school bus — among many other things like a sink, stove, toilet, and a queen-sized bed. It’s the culmination of work stretched nearly two years.

Anderson was back in Traverse City, his hometown, just for a while before setting out on his next adventure. His bus has become somewhat of a spectacle in the area, he says. When it drives down Front Street the trees and mountains painted on its side stand taller than most cars.

The bus wears its name above its front and rear windows, “Makwaden” — aka “The Bear Den.” It’s the combination of English and Anderson’s native language which is used by the bear clan of Grand Traverse band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians.

Anderson said he has had the idea to live in a bus since his school years.

“It just made sense,” he said. “Having a school bus being one of the safest vehicles on the road, transporting children, that why not build [a home] inside of that bus? These engines are made to be robust and travel long distances.”

He bought the retired bus from Anchor Bay School District for $1,800 with the goal of renovating the whole thing for under $10,000.

Of course, Anderson isn’t the first to convert a school bus to a mobile home. He said much of his vision came from following other projects on social media, mainly Instagram.

When a bus turns into a home, it’s called a “skoolie,” and, according to Anderson, there are hundreds of skoolie enthusiasts occupying American roads.

Anderson said his most memorable pilgrimage was to a Skoolie-Palooza in Arizona where more than 200 buses congregated in the dessert.

One of these meetups was held for the first time in the Upper Peninsula last month, organized by fellow nomad who lived on the road with her family for more than six years.

As the nomadic lifestyle becomes popular, the skoolie community grows. she said.

“When we first started out in the nomadic life we had to almost hide it because people didn’t understand it,” Walenski said. “Now it has come into the spotlight thanks to the pandemic and the internet has absolutely opened up a world that you can’t even imagine.”

Research from MBO Partners, a Virginia-based consulting agency, suggests “digital nomads” are increasingly populating campgrounds and public lands. A digital nomad is someone who can take their work anywhere, anytime — if they have an internet connection.

7.3 million Americans described themselves as digital nomads in 2019, which is 2.5 million more people than the previous year, according to MBO Partners. That number is expected to hike as the COVID-19 pandemic normalizes remote work.

Anderson is one such digital nomad. He’s a tech entrepreneur and IT professional for his own consulting company called Makwa USA. After working in Los Angeles during his early 30s, he moved back to Michigan and began working closely with the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians — his father’s tribe.

He sat on the Grand Traverse Band LLC board, the non-gaming side of the tribe, then worked to start Arrowhead Incubator, a Traverse City-based nonprofit.

During this time, Anderson said minimalism became one of the most important aspects of his life, in addition to environmental protection.

“We’re driven in this time right now to buy, buy, buy, and consume, consume, consume,” Anderson said. “I think we need to take a step back and ask, ‘what are we doing with this planet right now in our time? Are we making decisions right now for the next seven generations?’”

In the two years since Anderson first bought Makwaden in August 2019 and designed it to be a bachelor pad, he has taken on new responsibilities. He now takes care of a family, putting their safety and happiness at the forefront.

That does not mean giving up the bus life, he said. More people means another Makwaden.

“The first bus was my proof of concept,” Anderson said. “It was really just a bus to give me an idea of what I wanted to do for the next one before I dropped a lot of money into it. I’m really excited to get it done and see where we go with this bus.”

Anderson has been documenting the Makwaden v2 build along with all his camping adventures on his Instagram page.

His travels and lifestyle, he said, has taught him things about himself and the world around him. While he understands the nomadic lifestyle isn’t feasible for everyone, he hopes to inspire people to take a leap of faith.

“Most of us base our lives off the experiences that we gain,” Anderson said. “You have to dare to cut that rope and be free.”

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Title:

Content: Columns
Moving business to the UK: 4 main types of visas and their features
Columns
Anastasia Mirolyubova
Co-founder of Immigram immigration platform
Alina Aleshchenko
In recent days, the demand for business relocation has grown significantly.
Fortunately, despite the growing list of sanctions, there are no restrictions on issuing business visas to the UK at the moment.
Moving a company to the United Kingdom or starting a new business in the country is possible with the help of four main categories of visas.
About them told Anastasia Mirolyubova, co-founder of Immigram.io.
Moving business to the UK: 4 main types of visas and their features
Content:
Start-up Visa
A visa for start-up entrepreneurs who are starting a business in the UK for the first time.
• Issued for 2 years.
• Application processing time – up to 3 weeks when applying outside the UK.
• Permanent residence permit (ILR) can be obtained only through switching to another visa – work visa, Innovator visa or Global Talent visa.
• The bank account must be at least £1,270 within 28 days before submitting the application.
• It is necessary to confirm the knowledge of English at least B2.
For this visa, it is necessary to provide a detailed business plan that meets three criteria:
1.
Innovativeness – the idea for a business should be unique and provide a competitive advantage in the market;
2.
Perspective – the applicant must have experience and skills that will help in promoting the business;
3.
Scalability – a startup should have prospects for growth and development in a competitive environment.
The business idea must be approved by an independent body approved by the UK government.
RB.RU organizes Founders ’ Mondays project meeting for beginners and experienced entrepreneurs.
Twice a month on Mondays.
Innovator Visa (Innovator Visa)
For experienced entrepreneurs looking to start a business in the UK.
• Issued for 3 years.
• Application processing time is up to 3 weeks if the application is not submitted in the UK.
• Can be extended for another 3 years.
Obtaining ILR after 3 years in the UK.
• The account must be at least £1,270 within 28 days before submitting the application.
• Level of English – B2.
• As in the case of a startup visa, it is necessary to provide a business plan that reflects the innovativeness, prospects and scalability of the project, and get approval from an accredited organization.
• In addition to obtaining approval, there is another requirement: it is necessary to have funds to finance the project - a minimum of £50,000.
Sole Representative Visa
Visa of the sole representative of a foreign company.
This visa category allows the applicant to move to the UK for the purpose of opening a branch or representative office of a parent company registered in another country.
Holders of this visa are allowed to engage only in the declared business.
• Issued for 3 years.
• Application processing time – up to 3 weeks if the application was not filed in the UK.
• Can be extended for another 2 years.
You can apply for ILR after 5 years of residence in the UK.
• The minimum level of English proficiency is A1.
The company sending its representative must have existed for at least 12 months before applying for a visa and have serious grounds for expanding to the UK (for example, business relationships and long-term contracts with UK companies).
It is also necessary to prove that the company operates without losses and provide a business plan for opening a branch.
• The candidate for Sole Representative visa must hold a senior position in the parent company, but cannot be a holder of the main stake.
Global Talent Visa
A free resident visa that allows you to conduct your business, work in another organization, freelance and study in parallel.
• Issued for a period of 3 or 5 years, depending on the subcategory (Exceptional Promise or Exceptional Talent).
• Application processing time – up to 3 weeks when applying outside the UK.
• You can extend the visa an unlimited number of times.
The Global Talent Visa can be extended for a period of 1 to 5 years.
ILR after 3 or 5 years in the UK.
• There are no requirements for language proficiency and availability of funds in the account.
In addition, you do not need an offer for work, a business idea and financing.
• The talent visa can be obtained by recognized leaders and potential leaders of various fields: digital technology, art and culture, medicine, science and engineering.
• The candidate must obtain the approval of his candidacy from the authorized organization, proving that he is a recognized (subcategory Talent) or a potential leader (subcategory Promise) of his field.
In addition, it is necessary to confirm 2 criteria out of 4 proposed:
1.
Innovation – innovation of the candidate ’ s developments, which have had a beneficial effect on the work of the company and the industry as a whole;
2.
Contribution is a significant technological, commercial or entrepreneurial contribution to the development of a product;
3.
Recognition outside of immediate occupation - recognition for activities outside of the main work that contributed to the development of the field of technology;
4.
Academic contribution - publications in respectable and peer-reviewed journals or approved by experts scientific works.
• The applicant must also submit at least 3 letters of recommendation from recognized experts and leaders in their field.
Currently, immigration routes to the UK for Russians remain open.
In addition, citizens of the Russian Federation can also apply for these visa categories in countries where entry does not require a visa.
These are, for example, Armenia, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Tajikistan.
In any of these countries, you can take a TB test and apply for a visa.
Before filing, that is, during preparation, submission for approval, waiting for a response, and three months after receiving approval from Tech Nation, you can be in any country.
The British government offers different ways for business relocation for candidates with different qualifications, experience and professional goals, so that every entrepreneur will be able to find a suitable visa category.
Cover photo: Shutterstock / Kite _ rin
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What are critical aspects of the digital nomad lifestyle?

Knowledge of visa and other legal requirements

What are the criteria of the top 20 digital nomad locations?

A digital nomad visa program or the equivalent

Which countries have become popular for Russian emigres after the invasion of Ukraine?

Some EU countries have more restrictive entry policies, and access may fluctuate with political developments.

Title:

Content: The huge influx of Russians in Latin America
Argentina and Brazil were among the most popular destinations for emigration of Russians after the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, writes The Wall Street Journal.
In total, for 2.5 years of war, more than 135 thousand citizens of the Russian Federation moved to these Latin American countries.
Argentina received about 75 thousand, follows from the data of the migration authorities.
Russians prefer to settle in Buenos Aires, mainly in the areas of Palermo and Belgrano, famous for their trendy restaurants.
New residents open Russian-speaking beauty salons, bars, cafes, kindergartens and small theaters.
There are also many digital nomads in the capital of Argentina.
The Digital Nomad visa is granted for 180 days with the possibility of a single extension.
It can be obtained by any foreigner who is able to document remote regularly paid work.
There are no minimum wage requirements.
Pregnant Russians were the first to arrive in Argentina, as the country grants immediate citizenship to newborns and their parents temporary residence and work permits, allowing them to quickly obtain a local passport.
However, to take root in Argentina is not so easy, given its long history of financial turmoil and the current economic crisis.
Now the country is struggling with an annual inflation rate of 272%, one of the highest in the world, and a poverty rate of 56%.
60,000 Russians moved to Brazil.
Most of them chose the city of Florianopolis with a population of 500 thousand people, located on the west coast of the island of Santa Catarina.
Over the 2.5 years of the war, Russians have invested more than $300 million in the country ’ s economy, mostly in real estate, according to estimates by international immigration consultancy Hayman-Woodward, based on official data.
Newly arrived residents say they are attracted by the city ’ s cooler climate and lower crime rates than São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro.
In the southern states of Brazil already live the descendants of numerous Russian Jews and immigrants from Germany, who immigrated after the two world wars of the last century.
“They are looking for a place where there is at least some similarity to where they come from, ” says Hayman-Woodward CEO Leonardo Freitas, explaining why most of the arrivals chose the south of Brazil, where winter is in full swing.
Brazil also provides benefits to new parents, allowing immigrants to apply for citizenship after the birth of a child in the country.
The passport of both this country and Argentina allows you to freely travel to the European Union at a time when it became very difficult to get to Europe with a Russian document due to sanctions against the aviation industry, tougher visa requirements and other restrictions.

What are critical aspects of the digital nomad lifestyle?

Knowledge of visa and other legal requirements