Expat lifestyle "stretches the brain"

An expat lifestyle can make a person 'more intelligent' according to a major Chinese newspaper.

A Chinese national who spent many years abroad in Australia, Helen Zhang, believes that living abroad encourages people to expand their knowledge.

Writing for China Daily, Ms Zhang said that life in a foreign country offered opportunities to explore the nation's history, economy and culture while "meeting many colourful characters one would not have otherwise met".

Her comments followed a conversation with an Australian living in Beijing who tended to focus on the negative aspects of living abroad.

Pointing out the many benefits, Ms Zhang added: "Research has found that living an expatriate life stretches our brain.

"It stimulates creative ideas and also makes life more interesting, as we see new images, new people and have new experiences."

The 'Brits Abroad' study carried out by the Institute for Public Policy Research in 2006, found that China was becoming a more popular destination for Britons, with around 36,000 choosing to set up home in the country.

Click here to make an International Money transfer (www.hifx.co.uk/online)

Posted by Thomas Smith