THE FUTURE IS INTERNATIONAL
Island X is a new networking site for international people and has a section devoted to international students.
The world is changing. Fast. With access to global communication, better technology and low-cost flights on the increase – going abroad for study, work or travel is now an attainable goal for millions of people. In fact, ten million relocate to foreign lands each year in search of their dreams, and new social networking site,
IslandX.com, is set to ride the crest of this new wave of internationalism.
Since humans took their first steps out of Africa over 100,000 years ago, we have been circumnavigating the globe at an ever-increasing rate. But, in the last few decades with low-cost airline travel and multinational companies ruling the economy, this has increased even further. In fact, over 200 million currently people live outside their country of origin, and the International Office for Migration expects this to reach over 400 million by 2050.
So, apart from the obvious, what’s fueling this international travel explosion? The reasons are complex, and are a combination of economics and the changing nature of cultures across the world. If study and job opportunities just aren’t there in your home country, then it makes
sense to move to where they are. Alongside wanting to expand your horizons, meet new people, travel the world and immerse yourself in other cultures, this makes for a very alluring melting pot of global opportunity.
Marius Hjelet, founder and CEO of
IslandX.com, understands this phenomenon first hand. Born in Norway, he moved to Singapore with his family when he was four years old due to his parent’s work, before being uprooted again to the USA then Indonesia, all before the age of 16. He’s been living in the UK ever since, only moving back to his
native Norway for one year when he volunteered for national service at 18.
Marius explains, “My childhood was international by default, but now it’s by choice. Growing up all over the world has taught me how comfortable you can get virtually anywhere if you have the right things in place, whether that be the job you love, the education you want or good friends.
For me, an international lifestyle has many personal benefits; I believe my cultural awareness and improved ability to connect with people no
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