You will be surprised to know that $ 444.000 millions coming from remittances are injected in developing economies, (which will be like the full GDP of Sweden, or almost the triple of Ecuador) it seems quite obvious how remittances are necessary and in some cases, vital for millions of families around the world.

Taking into account that remittances save 750 millions of people from poverty, it is easy to understand the positive effects of this money coming from expats who have abandoned their home country in search for a better life. In under-developed nations, remittances are the engine of the economy and as an example, just in Latin America it represented $ 66.000 millions in 2014.

One of the most outstanding benefits of the remittances is without a doubt education. Millions of families can support their children´s education costs thanks to the money that family or friends send from abroad, and otherwise it would be very difficult or even impossible to confront school fees. The same happens with nutrition and good health; children and entire families can escape from devastating malnutrition thanks to that extra help.

Most migrants take the step of moving to a foreigner country (that usually is very far from their home country) in order to pursue happiness. It is easy to become disappointed if we are not flexible and open-minded enough or if we had too high expectations about our new life. Despite happiness does not mean the same to all of us, these are some basic advices to lead us to fulfilment:

• A healthy body and mind helps to manage our emotions, which are normally strong while living abroad. Get enough sleep, eat healthy and do exercise!

• Accept who you are and be happy and grateful for it, comparison with others will never lead you to a happy life.

• Learn the local language ASAP and get close to the culture as much as possible to adapt to your new country. Think outside the box!

• Never give up! Keep rowing towards your goal no matter the storms you encounter, always be persistent.

There are 3 types of Visa that you can apply for studying in one the countries with the best education of the world:

1) Short-term visa:

- To do a short course in UK: English language course or a small research for your degree back home.

- You must be a citizen outside de Economic European Area and Switzerland.

If this is your situation you must as well have been offered a place on a course and have accepted it, you should also have enough money to support yourself without working or relatives or friends must be able to both support and house you. Additionally, make sure that you can pay for your return ticket.

If you are under 18, you need to have a permission granted by your parents or guardian and have made arrangements for your travel and stay. You can apply for it up to 3 months before your arrival and will get a response within 3 weeks. Bear in mind that you cannot study at a State school, work, extend this visa, bring family members nor receive public funds. A 6 months short-term visa has a fee of £85 and an 11 month visa £182.

There are different ways to become a British national, but in this post we are going to focus in the most common one; known as “naturalization”. If you are thinking of applying for British nationality through this process, bear in mind the following requirements:

​​- You must be 18 or over.

- You must be clean of criminal records.

- You will continue living in UK.

- If you are not a national from an English speaking country you must proof your level of English by either handing in certificates: B1,B2, C1 or C2 or if you have a degree taught or researched in English.

- You must have passed the Life in UK test: a 45- minute test where you have to answer 24 questions about British traditions and customs.

- You meet the residency requirement.

- You must have lived in the UK for at least 5 years.