This article needs additional citations for verification. Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed. (February 2008)

Look up expatriate in Wiktionary, the free dictionary.

Expatriate French voters queue in Lausanne, Switzerland for the first round of the presidential election of 2007

An expatriate (in abbreviated form, expat) is a person temporarily or permanently residing in a country and culture other than that of the person's upbringing. The word comes from the Latin terms ex ("out of") and patria ("country, fatherland").

Background[link]

In its broadest sense, an expatriate is any person living in a different country from where he or she is a citizen. In common usage, the term is often used in the context of professionals sent abroad by their companies, as opposed to locally hired staff. The differentiation found in common usage usually comes down to socio-economic factors, so skilled professionals working in another country are described as expatriates, whereas a manual labourer who has moved to another country to earn more money might be labelled an 'immigrant'. There is no set definition and usage does vary depending on context and individual preferences and prejudices. 'Expatriation' has also been used in a legal sense to mean 'renunciation of allegiance;' the Expatriation Act of 1868 said in its preamble, 'the right of expatriation is a natural and inherent right of all people, indispensable to the enjoyment of the rights of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.'^[1]

In the 19th century, Americans, numbering perhaps in the thousands, were drawn to Europe—especially to Munich and Paris—to study the art of painting. Henry James, for instance, was a famous expatriate American writer from the 1870s, who adopted England as his home.

The term 'expatriate' in some countries also has a legal context used for tax purposes. An expatriate living in a country can receive a favourable tax treatment. In this context a person can only be an expatriate if they move to a country other than their own to work with the intent of returning to their home country within a certain period. The number of years can vary per tax jurisdiction, but 5 years is the most commonly used maximum period. If you are not affected by taxes 3 years is normally the maximum time spent in one country.^{[clarification needed]}

During the Nazi era, the German government deprived many left-wing and intellectual opponents of citizenship through expatriation, such as Albert Einstein, Oskar Maria Graf, Willy Brandt and Thomas Mann, often expatriating entire families.^[2][3]

Trends in expatriation[link]

During the later half of the 20th century, expatriation was dominated by professionals sent by their employers to foreign subsidiaries or headquarters. Starting at the end of the 20th century globalization created a global market for skilled professionals and leveled the income of skilled professionals relative to cost of living while the income differences of the unskilled remained large. The cost of intercontinental travel had become sufficiently low such that employers not finding the skill in a local market could effectively turn to recruitment on a global scale.^{[citation needed]}

This has created a different type of expatriate where commuter and short-term assignments are becoming more common and often used by organizations to supplement traditional expatriation.^[4] Private motivation is becoming more relevant than company assignment. Families might often stay behind when work opportunities amount to months instead of years. The cultural impact of this trend is more significant. Traditional corporate expatriates did not integrate and commonly only associated with the elite of the country they were living in. Modern expatriates form a global middle class with shared work experiences in a multi-national corporation and working and living the global financial and economical centers. Integration is incomplete but strong cultural influences are transmitted. Middle class expatriates contain many re-migrants from emigration movements one or two generations earlier.

In Dubai the population is predominantly expatriates, from countries such as India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and the Philippines, with only 20% of the population made up of citizens.^[5]

The continuing shift in expatriates has often been difficult to measure. According to UN statistics, more than 200 million people would be living outside of their home country in 2010.^{[citation needed]} However, this number also includes economic migrants.

In terms of outbound expatriation, as of 2009, the United Kingdom had the highest number of expatriates among OECD countries with more than three million British living abroad, followed by Germany and Italy.^[6] On an annual basis, emigration from Britain has stood at about 400,000 per year for the past 10 years.^[7] Expatriates from the UK have the advantage of being able to convert their existing pension scheme into a Qualifying Recognised Overseas Pension Scheme (QROPS), often providing tax advantages in other countries with lower tax rates.^[8]

In terms of influx of expatriates, the most popular expatriate destinations are currently Spain, followed by Germany and Britain.^[9]

The Expat Directory is currently collating information on expatriate movements to provide a statistical overview of expatriate origin and destination countries. Current statistics show that the majority of expatriates originate from the United States. The questionnaire aims to provide further information or key destinations and the length of time that expatriates spend overseas. The survey will remain open ended with monthly snapshots collated from March 2010.^[10]

There are currently an estimated 5.2 million Americans living outside the United States. The US is the only industrialized country to tax citizens on income earned abroad, even when taxed by their countries of residence, though they are allowed to exclude their first $91,400. Additionally, US law requires expatriates to report any foreign bank accounts exceeding $10,000, with heavy fines for noncompliance. American expatriates have also frequently been denied service at banks and other institutions in their countries of residence, as the US government requires other nations to abide by its banking and financial laws when dealing with its citizens. As a result, hundreds of US expatriates renounce their US citizenship every year.^[11][12]

Business handling of expatriate employees[link]

The salary of internationally assigned personnel customarily consists of standard salary and monetary benefits such as cost of living and/or hardship allowances supported by non-monetary incentives i.e. housing and education. Some companies will completely cover the cost of the education, even at relatively expensive international schools, while other, usually smaller companies, encourage families to find local schooling options.

International corporations often have a company-wide policy and coaching system that includes spouses at an earlier stage in the decision-making process, giving spouses an official voice. Not many companies provide any compensation for loss of income of expatriate spouses, although they often do provide other benefits and assistance. The level of support differs, ranging from offering a job-hunting course for spouses at the new location to full service partner support structures, run by volunteering spouses supported by the organization. An example of an expatriate-led project can be found in the Gracia Arts Project of Barcelona.

There are several advantages and disadvantages of using expatriate employees to staff international company subsidiaries.^[13] Advantages include, permitting closer control and coordination of international subsidiaries and providing a broader global perspective. Disadvantages include high transfer costs, the possibility of encountering local government restrictions, and possibly creating a problem of adaptability to foreign environments.^[14]

Expatriate Archive Centre[link]

The Expatriate Archive Centre in The Hague (Netherlands) has a unique collection of letters, diaries, photographs and films documenting the social history of expatriate life. It collects journals, letters, diaries and photographs – in fact, almost any document from the past detailing the lives and experiences of people working and living away from their home country.

The Expatriate Archive’s purpose is to collect, preserve, promote, and make available to the public and researchers a collection of primary source materials documenting the social history of expatriate life. It aims to give a voice to the memories and experiences of expatriates of all nationalities from all over the world, and to establish a research resource for historians worldwide.

Switzerland[link]

In Switzerland, the term "expat" is not used for all foreigners living and working there, but only to those on "expat" contracts. Typical Swiss expats will be living in housing provided by the employer, with most other expenses such as children's (English) education also paid by the employer. In theory, this is because they are still maintaining a home in their original country. This is in strong contrast with those on "local" contracts who are treated and paid like other locals. The "expats" have a reputation of being flush with money, and raising the prices for others who are not subsidised in this way. Expat contracts are usually time limited, so the expats either move on to another assignment, or are given a local contract without expat subsidies.^[15]

See also[link]

• Alien (law)
• Cosmopolitanism
• Diaspora
• Domicile (compare and contrast with permanent residency)
• Émigré
• Ethnic enclave
• Existential migration
• Foreign worker
• Migrant worker
• Permanent residency (compare and contrast with domicile)
• Qualifying Recognised Overseas Pension Scheme
• Teaching English overseas
• Third culture kid
• Worldwide ERC

References[link]

Further reading[link]

• Cardy, Robert (2007). Managing Human Resources. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson. ISBN 0-13-187067-X. 

External links[link]

• Website of the Expatriate Archive Centre

Aaron Eckhart
Eckhart at the San Diego Comic-Con International in July 2010
Born	Aaron Edward Eckhart (1968-03-12) March 12, 1968 (age 44) Cupertino, California, United States
Occupation	Actor
Years active	1992–present

Aaron Edward Eckhart (born March 12, 1968) is an American film and stage actor. Born in California, he moved to England at the age of 13, when his father relocated the family. Several years later, he began his acting career by performing in school plays, before moving to Sydney, Australia, for his high school senior year. He left high school without graduating, but earned a diploma through an adult education course, and graduated from Brigham Young University-Hawaii (BYUH) in 1994 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in film. For much of the mid-1990s he lived in New York City as a struggling, unemployed actor.

As an undergraduate at Brigham Young, Eckhart met director and writer Neil LaBute, who cast him in several of his own original plays. Five years later Eckhart made a debut as an unctuous, sociopathic ladies' man in LaBute's black comedy film, In the Company of Men (1997). Under LaBute's guidance he worked in the director's films, Your Friends & Neighbors (1998), Nurse Betty (2000), and Possession (2002). Eckhart has chosen roles in an eclectic range of movies, from science fiction films such as The Core (2003) and Paycheck (2003) to romantic dramas like Conversations with Other Women (2006) and No Reservations (2007).

Eckhart gained wide recognition as George in Steven Soderbergh's critically acclaimed film, Erin Brockovich (2000), and in 2006 received a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actor for his portrayal of Nick Naylor in Thank You for Smoking. In 2008 he starred in the big-budget studio film The Dark Knight as Harvey Dent/Two-Face. Eckhart starred alongside Nicole Kidman in the film Rabbit Hole (2010).

Early life[link]

Eckhart was born in Cupertino, California, the son of Mary Eckhart (née Lawrence), a poet and children's author, and James C. Eckhart "Jim Senior", a computer executive.^[1] He is the youngest of three brothers.^[2] Eckhart was raised as a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Mormon) church, and served a two-year LDS mission in France and Switzerland.^[3][4]

Eckhart's family relocated to England in 1981,^[1][5] following his father's job in information technology.^[6] The family resided in Surrey, South East England, first in Walton-on-Thames,^[7] later moving to Cobham.^[6] While living in England Eckhart attended American Community School, now known as ACS International Schools,^[6] where he was first introduced to acting, starring in a school production as Charlie Brown.^[8][9] In 1985 he moved to Sydney, New South Wales, Australia, where he attended American International School of Sydney for his high school senior year; he further developed his acting skills in productions like Waiting for Godot, where he admits that he did a "terrible" production.^[10] In the fall of his senior year^[2] Eckhart left the school in order to take a job working at a mall movie theater.^[11][12] He eventually earned his diploma through an adult education course.^[13] This also allowed Eckhart time to enjoy a year of surfing and skiing in Hawaii and the coastal waters of France.^[1][14] In 1988, Eckhart returned to the United States and enrolled as a film major at Brigham Young University–Hawaii,^[15] but later transferred to Brigham Young University (BYU) in Provo, Utah.^[1] He graduated in 1994 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree.^[11][16]

Career[link]

Early work[link]

While at Brigham Young University,^[17] Eckhart appeared in the Mormon-themed film, Godly Sorrow, and the role marked Eckhart's professional debut. At this time he met director/writer Neil LaBute,^[17] who cast him in several of his own original plays.^[18] After graduating from BYU, Eckhart moved to New York City, acquired an agent, and took various occasional jobs, including bartending, bus driving, and construction work.^[9] His first television roles were in commercials. In 1994 he appeared as an extra on the television drama series, Beverly Hills, 90210.^[9][19] Eckhart followed this small part with roles in documentary re-enactments, made-for-television movies, and short-lived programs like Aliens in the Family.^[20]

In 1997 Eckhart was approached by Neil LaBute to star in a film adaptation of LaBute's stage play, In the Company of Men.^[21] He played a frustrated white-collar worker who planned to woo a deaf office worker, gain her affections, then suddenly dump her.^[22] The film, his first feature to reach theaters, was critically well received,^[23] with Desson Howe of The Washington Post reporting that Eckhart is the "movie's most malignant presence" and that he "is in chilling command as a sort of satanic prince in shirtsleeves".^[24] In the Company of Men was a critical success, winning Best First Film at the 63rd annual New York Film Critics Circle Award.^[25][26] His performance won him the Independent Spirit Award in the category of Best Debut Performance.^[27] The film was ranked as one of "The 25 Most Dangerous Movies" by Premiere magazine.^[28]

The following year Eckhart starred in another LaBute feature, Your Friends & Neighbors (1998),^[16][17] as Barry, a sexually frustrated husband in a dysfunctional marriage. For the role Eckhart was required to gain weight.^[29] In 1999 he starred opposite Elisabeth Shue in Molly, a romantic comedy-drama in which he played the self-absorbed brother of an autistic woman who was cured by surgery.^[30] Eckhart also starred that year as a football coach, an offensive coordinator in Oliver Stone's Any Given Sunday.^[31]

Critical success[link]

Eckhart first gained wide exposure in 2000 as George, a pony-tailed biker, in Steven Soderbergh's drama, Erin Brockovich.^[32] The film was met with reasonable reviews,^[33] and was a box office success, earning $256 million worldwide.^[34] His performance was well received by critics; Entertainment Weekly's Owen Gleiberman, wrote that Eckhart "may be playing a bit of an ideal [...] but he makes goodness as palpable as he did yuppie evil in 'In the Company of Men'."^[35] In an August 2004 interview, Eckhart claimed that he had not worked for nearly a year before he was cast in the movie. "I felt like I sort of was getting away from what I wanted to do as an actor. [...] I had nine months off, but it wasn't a vacation. Sure, I didn't earn any money for nine months, but every day I was reading scripts, I was producing my own material, I was taking meetings, I was working on my craft."^[36]

Nick Nolte, Eckhart, Joshua Michael Stern, and Alan Cumming promoting Neverwas at the 2005 Toronto International Film Festival.

Following the release of Erin Brockovich, Eckhart co-starred with Renée Zellweger in LaBute's Nurse Betty (2000).^[16] He next appeared in Sean Penn's mystery feature The Pledge (2001), in which he played a young detective partnered with a veteran detective, played by Jack Nicholson.^[37] The movie received generally favorable reviews,^[38] but it did not fare particularly well at the box office.^[39] The following year, he collaborated with LaBute in a film adaptation of the Man Booker Prize-winning novel Possession (2002).^[40] In 2003, Eckhart co-starred with Hilary Swank in The Core, a film about a geophysicist who tries to detonate a nuclear device in order to save the world from destruction.^[41] The film was critically and financially unsuccessful.^[42][43] Also in 2003, he appeared in The Missing, in which he played Cate Blanchett's lover,^[44] and in the action-thriller Paycheck opposite Ben Affleck.^[45] Paycheck, based on a short story by science fiction writer Philip K. Dick, garnered generally negative reception.^[46] Film critic Roger Ebert of the Chicago Sun-Times gave the film two stars (out of four), saying that he "enjoyed the movie" but felt that it "exploits [Dick's story] for its action and plot potential, but never really develops it."^[47]

The following year, away from film, Eckhart guest starred in two episodes of NBC's comedy sitcom Frasier, where he played a boyfriend of Charlotte, Dr. Frasier Crane's love interest.^[48][49] His next film role was in E. Elias Merhige's thriller Suspect Zero, a movie about an FBI agent who tracks down a killer who murders serial killers.^[50][51] Upon release, the movie received broadly negative reviews.^[52] Despite the reception, Eckhart's performance was favored by critics; Newsday wrote that Eckhart was a "classically handsome leading man ... but Merhige demands of him complexity and anguish."^[53] Suspect Zero was a box office disappointment, earning $11 million worldwide.^[54] Also in 2004, Eckhart starred on the London stage, opposite Julia Stiles, in David Mamet's Oleanna at the Garrick Theatre. The drama ran until mid-2004.^[55] For this performance, Eckhart received favorable critical reviews.^[36][56] In 2005, returning to film, Eckhart appeared in Neverwas as a therapist who takes a job at a rundown mental hospital that once treated his father (Nick Nolte). The feature was never given a full theatrical release, eventually being released straight to DVD in 2007.^[57]

Worldwide recognition[link]

Eckhart's next project was Thank You for Smoking, in which he played Nick Naylor, a tobacco lobbyist who researched the link between smoking cigarettes and lung cancer. Eckhart said that he felt challenged playing the role: "You have to say these words that are crazy, and yet do it with a smile on your face and have the audience like you. At one point, I'm doing a talk show with a kid who's dying of cancer, and he's going through chemotherapy and the whole thing, and I spin it so the anti-smoking people are the bad guys and I'm the good guy, and I'm this guy's best friend. I mean, it's whacked out."^[58] The film was screened at a special presentation at the 30th annual Toronto International Film Festival in 2005.^[59][60] It had a limited release in March 2006 and was released worldwide the following month.^[61][62] For his performance, Eckhart received a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actor in a Motion Picture Musical or Comedy.^[63] A contributor of USA Today wrote that he gave a "standout, whip-smart performance" citing that as Nick Naylor he kept him "likable even in his cynicism."^[64] In the Seattle Post-Intelligencer review of the film, it was reported that "Under his chummy but compassionless smile" Eckhart radiated charm and "Naylor's true joys: manipulating arguments, steering debate, cooking words."^[65]

In this same year, he starred with Helena Bonham Carter in Conversations with Other Women (2006).^[66] While promoting this film, Eckhart revealed that he wishes not to be typecast or repeat himself, saying he does not want to play any more villains.^[2] He appeared in the 2006 film noir The Black Dahlia—based on a real 1947 crime—as Sergeant Leland "Lee" Blanchard, a detective investigating the murder of Elizabeth Short, later dubbed the "Black Dahlia".^[67][68] The film premiered at the 63rd Venice International Film Festival.^[69][70] Reception for the movie was mixed,^[71] but many critics enjoyed Eckhart's performance; Time Out magazine praised Eckhart and co-star Hillary Swank for their performances, writing "...both [are] great in their secondary roles."^[72]

Internationally viewed as a sex symbol, he was named one of People magazine's 100 Most Beautiful People in 2006.^[73][74] The following year, Eckhart was invited to join the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.^[75] He starred in No Reservations (2007), a remake of the 2001 German romantic comedy, Mostly Martha. He starred opposite Catherine Zeta-Jones as an up-and-coming hotshot chef.^[76] The film was met with mixed reviews and was unfavorably compared to the original film.^[77] Eckhart starred in the 2008 comedy Meet Bill, in which he played the eponymous character, a sad executive working at his father-in-law's bank.^[78][79] He gained 30 pounds and donned a fat suit for the role.^[21][80]

Eckhart signing autographs for fans during promotion of The Dark Knight in 2008.

Also in 2008, Eckhart portrayed the comic book character, Harvey Dent/Two-Face, in Christopher Nolan's The Dark Knight, the sequel to the 2005 film Batman Begins.^[81][82] Nolan's decision to cast Eckhart was based on his portrayal of corrupt characters in the films In the Company of Men, The Black Dahlia, and Thank You For Smoking.^[83][84] He noted in his depiction of the character that "[he] is still true to himself. He's a crime fighter, he's not killing good people. He's not a bad guy, not purely", while admitting "I'm interested in good guys gone wrong."^[83][84] The Dark Knight was a big financial and critical success, setting a new opening weekend box office record for North America. With revenue of $1 billion worldwide,^[85] it became the fourth highest grossing film of all time,^[86] and the highest grossing film of Eckhart's career. Roger Ebert opined that Eckhart did an "especially good job" as his character in the feature,^[87] while Premiere magazine also enjoyed his performance, noting that he "makes you believe in his ill-fated ambition ... of morphing into the conniving Two-Face."^[88]

Following the success of The Dark Knight, Eckhart next appeared in Alan Ball's Towelhead (2008), an adaption of the Alicia Erian novel of the same name, in which he played a Gulf War Army reservist who sexually abuses his 13-year-old Arab-American neighbor.^[89][90] The film was screened under the name Nothing is Private at the 2007 Toronto International Film Festival.^[91] When he was first approached for the role, Eckhart revealed that he did not want to play a "pedophile".^[90] When asked about the sex scenes, Eckhart said: "Those were difficult times .... The way I did it was to really trust Alan. It was in the words. I really trusted Summer [Bishil], and I tried to get her to trust me, to build a relationship when we were doing physical scenes. We'd really rehearse them mechanically, and I'd say, 'OK, I'm going to put my hand here, I'm going to do this.' ... I think I found it more difficult."^[92] Towelhead was critically and financially unsuccessful.^[93][94]

He next co-starred with Jennifer Aniston in the romantic drama, Love Happens, released in September 2009, as a motivational speaker coming to terms with his own grief.^[95][96] The movie received ambivalent reviews,^[97] with a contributor of the Orlando Sentinel reporting that Eckhart plays "broken" for the whole movie.^[98] The following year he starred alongside Nicole Kidman in Rabbit Hole (2010), an adaption of David Lindsay-Abaire's 2005 drama of the same name.^[99][100] The feature premiered at the 2010 Toronto International Film Festival.^[101] In 2011, Eckhart starred in Jonathan Liebesman's science fiction film Battle: Los Angeles, in which he portrayed a combat veteran Marine platoon sergeant, the film was set in modern day Los Angeles and followed a platoon of U.S. Marines during a global alien invasion, who are joined by an Air Force Special Operations Sergeant and some Army Infantry Soldiers. This group of fighting men and women are engaged in combat operations against the alien enemy in the city of Los Angeles.^[102] He appeared alongside Johnny Depp, Richard Jenkins, and Amber Heard in Hunter S. Thompson's novel adaptation The Rum Diary, directed by Bruce Robinson.^[103][104] In the film, Eckhart played Sanderson, a wealthy landowner, who believes everything has a price and introduces Paul Kemp (Depp) to a different standard of living.^[103][104] For the future, among the actors Eckhart hopes to work with are Jeff Bridges and Angelina Jolie.^[105]

Personal life[link]

Eckhart once was engaged to actress, Emily Cline, whom he met during filming of In the Company of Men, but they separated in 1998.^[16][55] He always has been reluctant in speaking about his relationships in interviews.^[2] Eckhart dated Country Music songwriter and member of SHeDAISY, Kristyn Osborn, from 2006-2007.^[16][55] He appeared in the group's video for their hit, "I'm Taking the Wheel".^[55]

In various interviews Eckhart has talked about his beliefs, his way of life, and his future career ambitions. Talking to Entertainment Weekly regarding his Mormon faith, he revealed: "I'm sure people think I'm a Mormon, but I don't know that I'm a Mormon anymore, you know? To be honest, to be perfectly clear, I'd be a hypocrite if I did say that I was, just because I haven't lived that lifestyle for so many years."^[106] In other interviews he has divulged that, through hypnosis, he quit drinking, smoking, and partying,^[2][107] and that in his spare time, he enjoys photography.^[108] In an interview with Parade magazine, Eckhart revealed that before he discovered acting, he wanted to become a songwriter.^[8]

Filmography[link]

Eckhart at the 2010 Toronto International Film Festival

Additional sources[link]

• Mitchell, Peter. "Dundee a talisman for Eckhart." The Age. May 1, 2003. Accessed December 15, 2008.
• Head, Steve. "IGN interviews Aaron Eckhart." IGN. August 24, 2004. Accessed December 30, 2008.
• Roberts, Farin. "BBC Movies - Aaron Eckhart interview." BBC Films. June 16, 2006. Accessed December 30, 2008. (Farin Roberts interviews Aaron Eckhart in discussion of Thank You for Smoking.) [Includes video clip].
• Fischer, Paul. "Aaron Eckhart No Reservations Interview." Femail. Accessed December 30, 2008.
• Berkshire, Geoff. "'Dark Knight' Q&A: Aaron Eckhart." Chicago Metromix. July 14, 2008. Accessed December 15, 2008.
• Blades, Nicole. "Aaron Eckhart Interview." Women's Health. July 16, 2008. Accessed October 24, 2008.
• Mottram, James. "Aaron Eckhart interview." Marie Claire. July 28, 2008. Accessed December 30, 2008.
• Fischer, Paul. "Aaron Eckhart The Dark Knight Interview." Femail. Accessed December 30, 2008.
• Berk, Phillip. "Man of the Hour." Filmink. September 16, 2008. Accessed October 3, 2008.

References[link]