Nine out of ten expatriates say their quality of life has improved – earning more and enjoying better conditions than they would have in Britain.

On average, pay for managers and professionals who choose to work abroad is up to £20,000 higher than they would get here.

The findings from a study by NatWest underline the reasons why emigration among Britons has reached record highs. It suggests that the attractions for talented and able workers of quitting Britain are strengthening during the recession as private sector wages stagnate and public services threaten to deteriorate.

More than 200,000 British citizens sought overseas removals to live abroad in 2006, followed by another 169,000 in 2007. But in 2007 only 75,000 Britons who had been living or working in a foreign country chose to return – again a record low.

The bank’s Quality of Life report said that 19 per cent of those working abroad currently intend to come back to Britain at some time, down from more than a quarter, 26 per cent, two years ago.

It said: ‘When it comes to living and working overseas the advantages come thick and fast. Working hours are far less intensive and expats say they manage to achieve a better work/life balance with much more leisure time. Professional expats can earn significantly more than their peers back home. On average an expat professional’s salary is up to £20,000 higher than their UK counterparts.’

One comment on the survey, from a British expat, summed up the feeling for many disillusioned Brits:

Of course most people are glad to have left otherwise they would come back…

“People are building lives for themselves and are sick of the UK where your tax money goes towards building a life for those who sit on their backside and contribute nothing to society (and maintain the same lifestyle as you do) rather than building the amazing society that the UK could have…”

1. If you lose your passport

If your passport is lost or stolen they can issue you with a replacement one or, in some situations, an emergency travel document.

2. If you’re a victim of crime

They can help you get medical attention if you need it, contact your family and friends to let them know what has happened, and give you a list of local lawyers and interpreters.

3. If you have to go into hospital

They can help you liaise with your insurance company or a medical evacuation company and can contact your family and friends to let them know what has happened. They can also help if someone dies.

4. If you need emergency funds

They can give you information on how to transfer money from the UK.

5. If you’re arrested

In some countries you’re not entitled to call a lawyer, but you are legally entitled to call your nearest embassy wherever you are arrested. The British embassy can put you in touch with lawyers and contact your friends and family at home.

Visit www.fco.gov.uk for more information

This is according to Leanne Ruddick, a woman from Carlisle who packed up for ten weeks to participate in a building project in Nepal, she informed the Cumberland News.

Living with a host family in the village of Lamatar, Ms Ruddick assisted in the establishment of a learning resources centre within the grounds of the local secondary school and taught classes twice a week.

“I came away from the experience with a huge sense of achievement, and hope one day that I will be able to return to Nepal,” she told the news provider.

For university-leavers in the UK, working and living overseas may be a wise option at the present time.

According to the Times, several major firms have received unprecedented numbers of graduate job applications within the last 12 months and many believe that this will only intensify during the course of this year.

According to Real Gap Lauren Mackay, Brits are increasingly living into old age and are healthier, fitter and more adventurous than ever before. This has resulted in a rise in the number of people from older age groups who are eager to embark upon adventures and see the rest of the world.

A company representative explained that many have “also been inspired and encouraged by their children’s gap years – they want to see and experience the places that they have heard so much about.”

“We think it is likely this trend will continue.” This suggests that the attractions of life abroad may increasingly appeal to older Brits in the future.

Speaking to gulfnews.com, United Arab Emirates expat Bianca Handel stated that for her, the event had her excited from the beginning of December onwards.

“I thought I would miss out on a lot. But thanks to the UAE authorities for their tolerance of all religions and cultures, I didn’t,” she told the publication.

Shopping also begins four weeks earlier, the professional added, as she likes to buy items such as decorations made from evergreen leaves and candles and advent calendars, to get her into the festive spirit.

Ms Handel attended church on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day to sing in a choir and get to know others in the area.

The expat’s opinion is one echoed by teaching English abroad specialist i-to-i, which highlighted earlier this month that being overseas in December takes away the traditional stresses of the festive period.

Do you like to entertain? Would you like to win a cash prize and take part in a incredibly entertaining ITV1 hit show?

HOUSE GUEST is a fantastic feel-good programme where 5 couples take turns to host a dinner party, going all out with the cocktails, food and entertainment.

Each night the guests then score the host’s efforts before finding out which of them will then be staying over for the full bed and breakfast experience. This overnight stay is also scored and at the end of the week the hosts with the most win a big cash prize.

We are coming to the Algarve to film five episodes, and are looking for five expat couples who love to entertain and meet new people.

As couples, you could be married, related, friends, work-mates or any other kind of partnership!

Contestants must be able to give up five evenings in the week, and 1 day (or at least an afternoon) on the day they are hosting. Only 1 person from each couple (the lead contestant) will attend every dinner party, while their partner helps them to host their own evening.

If you are interested in taking part please feel free to email us at our general email address: houseguestinthesun@itv.com

Please get in touch ASAP with your name, location and phone number, as we’ll be coming over to the Algarve from 30th Sept 09 to 6th Oct 09 to meet interested couples.

We will then be looking to film a couple of weeks after that.