Recent research reveals that there are nearly five million British expatriates living and working abroad.

Oct 11, 2012 by BusterFauscett783

The fifth annual NatWest International Personal Banking Quality of Life Index survey reveals that Australia tops the list of popular destinations for British expats, with 1.4 million opting to relocate there. Spain follows with 940,000, the USA with 794,000, Canada with 630,000, South Africa 237,000 and France 225,000. Other popular destinations are the United Arab Emirates with 64,000, Singapore with 49,000, Portugal with 47,000, and China (including Hong Kong) with 38,000.

The rise in the number of expatriates choosing Australia as their preferred destination has been a steady one since New Zealand was overtaken back in July 2010. Both Spain and the USA have now overtaken Canada, which placed second in 2010. That said, those living in Canada were recently revealed to be the happiest.

The report, which was compiled in conjunction with the Centre of Future Studies, commented that British expatriates have become unofficial ambassadors, shaping the global knowledge economy by promoting British values to their host countries and projecting an image of their Britishness around them.

Dave Isley, head of NatWest International Personal Banking, said: Their contribution to local economies and communities, either financially or socially, cannot be underestimated. The common glue is the English language which has proved to be a vital tool and has played a leading role in the globalised world. It has provided a common platform for international drive, driven global collaboration and thinking, and opened the doors to opportunities around the world. The English language is an industrial tool now as basic as the screwdriver.”

Indeed, the prevalence of the English language is showing no signs of lessening, as there are now 74,264 teachers from the UK working in British international schools, with latest predictions suggesting that by 2013 there will be nearly 115,000. In the last year alone, over 500 new English-speaking international schools were opened across the world, most notably in Dubai, Qatar, Spain and China. British education remins very well regarded overseas, with many parents strongly believing that they are securing their childrens future by sending them to a school that teaches in English. By 2013, Asia will have more than 1,600 British international schools.

Isley concludes: The increase in the number of English speaking international schools means that the skills offered and the role teachers play in the community will continue to be in demand. The English language is a highly valued tool which is still held in high esteem by many parents across the globe.

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