Mission2go  >  Expatriate Meaning

Expatriate is a commonly used word in the international travel community.  Here is a quick explanation of what people mean when they use the word expatriate.

There are two common uses of the word expatriate:

In the international travel community, the word is usually used as a noun.  The word expatriate is often shortened to just "expat" as in, "A lot of expats hang out at the so and so cafe", or, "The church on the south end of main street has an English language expat service at 10:00am".

The word expatriate is also used by companies selling products such as travel insurance.  When the word expatriate is used in this context, it generally has the connotation of a longer term traveler.  So in the example of a travel insurance company, they would offer travel insurance to short term travelers, and expat insurance to long term travelers and people working in a foreign country.

What an Expatriate is Not

Much of the confusion from the word expatriate comes from the possible negative meaning.  The verb form can also mean to renounce one's allegiance, or to banish.  Though most travelers seldom mean that when they use the word.

Even more confusing, when the word is heard rather than read it is often assumed to be ex-patriot.  Or in other words, the listener thinks you mean the subject is no longer patriotic, or they dislike their country of citizenship.  These of course, are fighting words to some of us.

How to Become an Expatriate

Basically... go live and work in another country.  The term is used to refer to people living in a foreign country from all walks of life.  No one really sets out to become an expat, they travel to a foreign country for a specific reason, such as mission work, employment, humanitarian aid work, government work, etc, and the title is applied to them by other people.  So relax when someone refers to you as an expat and remember, you can love your country as a good patriot and still be a friendly expatriate.
 

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