Another excellent article filled with comprehensive and practical advice. Doing research beyond reading romanticized versions of a country is so important, and I think your many reminders here bring that home. I remember before I moved to Sweden to marry my ex-husband, I was naively enamored with Sweden after reading the Consulate General's promotional material. After the honeymoon period, which was extremely short lived, I woke up to the hard reality. Life was hard enough as it was, what with the extremely cold climate and darkness, and then came the financial abuse. Learning the language (for free, thanks to the government's language program for all immigrants) was helpful for sure, but I did not reach a level of fluency that would make my professional life easier. Anyway, my experience was not typical since I wasn't regarded as an American expat, but an Asian immigrant.
What you wrote below is 100% on point:
"Too many Westerners want all of life for free, for others to bear the burden of their poor health choices, and for a much poorer economy to carry the cost of fixing their broken bodies, and not even bother to learn enough language to engage in basic courtesies.
That’s what American imperialism looks like. It’s not welcomed anywhere."
I applaud you for laying out the many facets of life as an immigrant that reeks of American exceptionalism and imperialism. I call it neo-colonialism. I also appreciate that you use the word "immigrant" instead of "expat," as the latter has the connotation of entitlement and privilege.
Thank you so much Lily. I prefer to err on the side of frankness, and after many years of travel I've developed a different feeling for how we're experienced overseas.j Other travelers have reputations, too, but it's not mine to speak to that. We truly need to move past the idealized versions of other places and realize that being where we can't speak the language is genuinely hard for many.
An excellent post. I have been reading a lot of posts by people who moved abroad in their 60s, when they were in good health, writing about how hard life was now they are in their 80s. Everyone grows old, and even if you look after yourself cancer and other conditions you have no control over can strike. Being stuck in a country with a different culture, with no support and limited communication (if you don't speak the language) is very hard. You need to do the research.
Amen amen and amen. That very reality is precisely why a) I won’t buy, b) I keep my options open and c) I won’t rent out in the campo. I will need to be closer in. Exactly. But that's only if I go, which remains way up in the air. Meanwhile all of this is conjecture.
Meanwhile, I am a bit surprised that Australia is never mentioned. Sure, it would not be cheap, but maybe it is like Canada (not physically) without a gun to its head?
I lived in Australia for nearly four years back in the 1980s. It's hard to emigrate there, John, and it's very expensive. That's why it doesn't come up as a preferred location. Same with New Zealand. I spent a year there back in the 80s as well. If we're looking to reduce expenses, and I most assuredly am, then those locations don't work well for me. I loved Australia... for a thousand reasons....but it's pricey.
Julia, a very comprehensive post. I think many Americans are looking to ‘get out’ recently and I think you posed very good things that many don’t consider. We lived in Costa Rica for over 5 years. A few things in your post resonated with me-and one made me laugh! We did exactly what you said ‘not to do’: don’t sell and land in a new culture without talking to others or doing your research. We just jumped. We did research, after we decided to jump and all the wheels got moving very quickly-decide to buy a hotel in Costa Rica, decide to sell our U.S. home, but keep a U.S. apartment, sell all our things (mostly) and move. Done. Now, as you mention, YES there is a LOT of fine print: we did speak to legal before buying property/business and glad we did because we ran into some things shortly after closing that we were able to get the previous owner for (too long to explain here!). The taxes in the foreign country and in the U.S. also are a big thing-if you’re working and still maintain a domicile in the U.S. you’ve got taxes, for us, Costa Rica, and U.S. and the good ‘ol state of IL taxes. They find ya, they getcha! And the money laundering-trying to move money from U.S. to CR has a lot of hoops so glad you covered that-people don’t realize! Healthcare, should you or should you not get local residency? So many things to consider! Different cultures are great as you mention for walking, nature, and local, fresh things, but when a place starts to cater to more ex-pats, JIF is on the store shelves (and expensive because of the taxes to get it there!). So are you willing to forgo the U.S things you might be used to? If you’re willing as you say, magic is there! Appreciating the culture-isn’t that part of why people should want to move? I say yes, but I saw many expats not willing to learn Spanish (or try!) and tried to live a expat life like it was their U.S. suburban neighborhood. I will say that our community with expats and locals did work and pay for better infrastructure for our road so that aligned with your point about ‘paying your own way’. When the honeymoon phase is over and people started seeing what’s wrong-and really let’s face it-no place is perfect-that’s when I saw people return to their home country-or when a partner died, or when someone knew they could get better medical care back home (despite being a resident and paying into the new country’s healthcare system.) But if you like change, a challenge and are willing to adapt as you mention, living abroad is and can be magic for many! Pura vida. Lots to think about.
Terrific comment Marlo. Your input underscores why, after doing some serious research the other day, I decided to rent instead of buy in case I choose to make this move. Real estate moves at a snail’s pace here and I could die before I get my capital back out of the investment.
It’s still not decided. What will decide me is our current Administration’s insanity. If I lose my income frankly I have no choice but to move- this is on many people’s minds and it breaks my heart for all of us.
One thing I seldom see mentioned is the notion of moving to a place where one aspires to become a citizen--someone who shares the values of a nation and not just the amenities they perceive; someone who is willing to participate in and contribute to civic life; and someone who integrates linguistically and as fully as possible otherwise. My own feeling: if you are not willing to be or become a citizen, then you will always be a stranger, an outsider, and sometimes even as an unwelcome guest.
Thank you Donna. I haven’t made up my mind to move as yet but I am eager student. Much of what I decide depends on what happens to the limited resources I have to live on. If those are further threatened, I will likely pull the plug no matter how much I truly love where I live.
Thanks Julia enjoyed your article! I’m 68 retired, divorced and looking to make the move to Porto, Portugal in early 2026. I did live in London when I was younger and London is cosmopolitan compared to Porto, which I’m excited about- I love a challenge and want and need to do this- only wish I had gone earlier instead of waiting especially now bc of what’s taking place under this vile regime. Looking forward to reading more of your articles! Be well, Rose
Comprehensive, thoughtful, and extremely honest. Anyone considering a move to Ecuador MUST read this and think about whether it's the right place for you to settle. Much of the advice would also apply to any country---and I'll add if all you're reading is how great a place is and how easy it's been to move and live there, you're not getting the whole story. But the Ecuador specific info? It's worth reading this article at least 3 times in a row.
Excellent post. However, when I read these kinds of stories, I can't help but wonder—are Americans really that naive (or should I say ignorant?) about the rest of the world? Are they so wealthy that they can just move to a country on a whim, without proper research, spend a fortune shipping all their belongings, only to throw in the towel after three months when things aren’t as idyllic as they imagined?
Life in a foreign country comes with plenty of challenges, and resilience (sometimes even stubbornness) is essential to making it through the tough moments. If you're serious about a place, I believe you need to give it at least a year before deciding it’s not for you.
I write this as I sit in a very cold apartment in Lisbon—cursing the Portuguese indifference to heating and insulation—having moved here from Ethiopia via Sweden. I did my research before coming, and yes, there are days when it's not great. But adapting to a new place often means putting up with certain discomforts. In Sweden, it was always warm indoors, but the long, dark winters and the reserved nature of the people made it challenging. Ethiopia, despite its tourism slogan boasting 13 months of sunshine, was actually cold for several months of the year.
And then there’s the language. I had to learn Amharic (well, I chose to), and some Swedish too—though in Sweden, people will always speak to you in Swedish, except for some nurses and government officials on the phone.
Still, over the years, I’ve learned that living with curiosity about the world around me is key to surviving—and thriving—in the places I’ve called home.
LIza, the answer to your question is a resounding YES, Americans really are that naive. To be fair, they are hardly alone, in my travels I ran into plenty of Aussies and Brits who suffered similarly but the Americans seem to own the corner on this lack of sophistication. We grew up pummeled with the lie that we're the greatest country on earth and that fundamental dishonesty continues to inform our actions today. And while it's a few folks who can afford to lose this kind of money on a whim, the lack of research, the assumption that the rest of the world should bend to American sensibilities, that everywhere else should be America LITE, that indeed continues today if not worse. For we have ZERO understanding of geography, history, other countries leaders or much of anything else. WE are monumentally ignorant, untrained, inexperienced and woefully naive. And arrogant, on top of everything else, as a nation, as a people. This may sound harsh, but it's based on plenty of travel, observations and conversations. Happily there are plenty of my fellow Americans who don't fit this description, but too many of us do.
I really appreciate how honest you are about the shortcomings of your fellow country (wo)men. I just listened to this brilliant interview with a Brit living in Portugal for the last 25 years and she show really well how hard it can be to be part of a new culture, you may enjoy this https://elizabethink.substack.com/p/finding-home-86f
With apologies if this has already been asked, but you wrote, "If you move overseas, that could happen to us as well. One newly-elected leader could get the populace stirred up about those lousy American expats and get every one of us drummed out, losing our real estate investments and worse."
Do you have examples of that happening in the recent past in a country to which one would consider relocating?
There IS an example. America. You may be missing the point, but that's all right. Many people do. In fact a great many Americans can't see the point because America is leading the way in this regard and we as a nation are utterly blind to it. That's why it helps so much to have traveled extensively and get American exceptionalism out of our system so that we are able to observe intelligently.
I said it could happen, with America being the absolute perfect example of what hate, racism and intolerance look like in practice. With respect, STS, had there been another example I'd have listed it.
Yes. And then some more. After having been invited and visiting an acquaintance in Uruguay, the plandemic kicked in and I was not allowed to leave the country. Not so much because of Uruguay, but of course by the countries I could have gone back to. They would not let me in, because of "high incidences" - requiring the injection, and that was not an option for me.
The good, the bad and the ugly can easily be found in South America. The issue in Uruguay was utter corruption and this was in detail explained to me by the local friends I made in no time at all. What I need to emphasize - and it might be others' experiences as well - it was much easier to connect with the elderly. Most of my real good friends over the time I was stranded there, were over 70 years of age. My oldest friend - an Uruguayan farmer's woman - was 93 years old. And since I possess an incredible talent to learn languages - my older friends taught me Spanish in no time. One thing I took with me is my fluent Spanish now.
But I am in Florida now - still restless and unsure where I want to die. The thought occurred to me to go back to Uruguay - if I cannot get my two beloved Cats out there. This is my main depression inducing part of life. What I really want might not be possible to come by any longer. At 64, the spirit is still strong, but the body has surpassed its best before date.
In the end, what really matters is the community you are part of, or become part of.
What I loved about Uruguay was its Arts. Not one house looks like the other. Some are very old and some are very futuristic. An amazing blend of architecture. Markets are fantastic - but one must investigate where the produce comes from, as most vendors on any farmers' markets do not grow produce themselves, but buy it in Montevideo by industrial agriculture corporations. I also loved the many Coops they have down there. All the bus services are Coops. Anyway, thanks for this write up. It invokes memories of a time when I wished to be dead, because it seemed impossible to get out of the hole I fell in. My advice: Never underestimate the risk of getting stuck. Be connected with friends home.
That’s a great observation. That said you are still quite young and I am calling you out gently on that comment. You have plenty of time, assuming you take are of your health. With that in hand you can still do so many things. The animals though? So many emotional issues there. The quarantine issue makes that very complex.
Well, thank you for the compliment! My health has suffered considerably in Uruguay. The winters are really a proverbial pain. Cold and humid with most houses - like in Portugal - having no heating as one is used to in the colder states. Damp and cold was so bad that I couldn’t walk anymore - in spite of having had layered up. When someone told me about Portugal being just like Uruguay when it comes to winters, I shivered. Folks are wearing the same clothing inside they wear outside during winter.
All I dream now of is a small farm to grow my own food and build all of my inventions.
Excellent points, and thank you for bringing up key things to think about — like what will happen if your partner does while you're living abroad? — that most other posts don't mention. So important.
Many of my interviews were in part an outreach to potential new friends. I met a lot of very lonely people, often as the result of a death. If we’re overly fond of our independence we guarantee misery. That’s true in all places, but add a new language and different customs, it’s much harder. thanks Kaila.
It took over a year just to narrow down my choices based on to 2 primary factors: Needs and Wants.
Good article because there was no "happy sappy" Chamber of Commerce nonsense. It's going to be stressful, no matter where you eventually land. Recommend everyone considering becoming an expat to Do Your Homework! Please, and keep up with the consulate and embassy sites. Facts beat Wishing and hoping every time.👏👏😳
I'm not old yet, but I still have found it a challenge to make living overseas more permanent. I'm still curious to see more and determine where will fit me best. Thanks for sharing!
Very straightforward post, Julia. These messages need to be heard. During the first Trump administration, many of my US acquaintances, friends, relatives verbally toyed with the idea of leaving the country. I nodded sagely and wondered how many were really ready to give up the comforts they knew. Now it seems like a mass phenomenon: there are people "telling their stories" all over social media and again I wonder how many are going to stick it out.
I emigrated 30+ years ago to make my home in Europe and knew that I would not return to the US to live. Once I obtained a second citizenship, I had the option of renouncing my US citizenship and though it was not an easy choice to make, did so.
My (dual German and Swiss) husband and I (Swiss) are seriously looking into retiring to a different (European) country, and working through all the considerations you have mentioned. Starting over in a new language, culture, and bureaucracy is a very different proposition at 60 than it was at 25, or even at 40. Even for non-Americans, it's not for the faint-hearted.
Another excellent article filled with comprehensive and practical advice. Doing research beyond reading romanticized versions of a country is so important, and I think your many reminders here bring that home. I remember before I moved to Sweden to marry my ex-husband, I was naively enamored with Sweden after reading the Consulate General's promotional material. After the honeymoon period, which was extremely short lived, I woke up to the hard reality. Life was hard enough as it was, what with the extremely cold climate and darkness, and then came the financial abuse. Learning the language (for free, thanks to the government's language program for all immigrants) was helpful for sure, but I did not reach a level of fluency that would make my professional life easier. Anyway, my experience was not typical since I wasn't regarded as an American expat, but an Asian immigrant.
What you wrote below is 100% on point:
"Too many Westerners want all of life for free, for others to bear the burden of their poor health choices, and for a much poorer economy to carry the cost of fixing their broken bodies, and not even bother to learn enough language to engage in basic courtesies.
That’s what American imperialism looks like. It’s not welcomed anywhere."
I applaud you for laying out the many facets of life as an immigrant that reeks of American exceptionalism and imperialism. I call it neo-colonialism. I also appreciate that you use the word "immigrant" instead of "expat," as the latter has the connotation of entitlement and privilege.
Thank you so much Lily. I prefer to err on the side of frankness, and after many years of travel I've developed a different feeling for how we're experienced overseas.j Other travelers have reputations, too, but it's not mine to speak to that. We truly need to move past the idealized versions of other places and realize that being where we can't speak the language is genuinely hard for many.
An excellent post. I have been reading a lot of posts by people who moved abroad in their 60s, when they were in good health, writing about how hard life was now they are in their 80s. Everyone grows old, and even if you look after yourself cancer and other conditions you have no control over can strike. Being stuck in a country with a different culture, with no support and limited communication (if you don't speak the language) is very hard. You need to do the research.
Amen amen and amen. That very reality is precisely why a) I won’t buy, b) I keep my options open and c) I won’t rent out in the campo. I will need to be closer in. Exactly. But that's only if I go, which remains way up in the air. Meanwhile all of this is conjecture.
I am not well qualified to judge sources of information, but this channel may be one.
https://youtube.com/@travelingwithkristin?si=7qca8UpjuqOx_zH0
Meanwhile, I am a bit surprised that Australia is never mentioned. Sure, it would not be cheap, but maybe it is like Canada (not physically) without a gun to its head?
I lived in Australia for nearly four years back in the 1980s. It's hard to emigrate there, John, and it's very expensive. That's why it doesn't come up as a preferred location. Same with New Zealand. I spent a year there back in the 80s as well. If we're looking to reduce expenses, and I most assuredly am, then those locations don't work well for me. I loved Australia... for a thousand reasons....but it's pricey.
Julia, a very comprehensive post. I think many Americans are looking to ‘get out’ recently and I think you posed very good things that many don’t consider. We lived in Costa Rica for over 5 years. A few things in your post resonated with me-and one made me laugh! We did exactly what you said ‘not to do’: don’t sell and land in a new culture without talking to others or doing your research. We just jumped. We did research, after we decided to jump and all the wheels got moving very quickly-decide to buy a hotel in Costa Rica, decide to sell our U.S. home, but keep a U.S. apartment, sell all our things (mostly) and move. Done. Now, as you mention, YES there is a LOT of fine print: we did speak to legal before buying property/business and glad we did because we ran into some things shortly after closing that we were able to get the previous owner for (too long to explain here!). The taxes in the foreign country and in the U.S. also are a big thing-if you’re working and still maintain a domicile in the U.S. you’ve got taxes, for us, Costa Rica, and U.S. and the good ‘ol state of IL taxes. They find ya, they getcha! And the money laundering-trying to move money from U.S. to CR has a lot of hoops so glad you covered that-people don’t realize! Healthcare, should you or should you not get local residency? So many things to consider! Different cultures are great as you mention for walking, nature, and local, fresh things, but when a place starts to cater to more ex-pats, JIF is on the store shelves (and expensive because of the taxes to get it there!). So are you willing to forgo the U.S things you might be used to? If you’re willing as you say, magic is there! Appreciating the culture-isn’t that part of why people should want to move? I say yes, but I saw many expats not willing to learn Spanish (or try!) and tried to live a expat life like it was their U.S. suburban neighborhood. I will say that our community with expats and locals did work and pay for better infrastructure for our road so that aligned with your point about ‘paying your own way’. When the honeymoon phase is over and people started seeing what’s wrong-and really let’s face it-no place is perfect-that’s when I saw people return to their home country-or when a partner died, or when someone knew they could get better medical care back home (despite being a resident and paying into the new country’s healthcare system.) But if you like change, a challenge and are willing to adapt as you mention, living abroad is and can be magic for many! Pura vida. Lots to think about.
Terrific comment Marlo. Your input underscores why, after doing some serious research the other day, I decided to rent instead of buy in case I choose to make this move. Real estate moves at a snail’s pace here and I could die before I get my capital back out of the investment.
It’s still not decided. What will decide me is our current Administration’s insanity. If I lose my income frankly I have no choice but to move- this is on many people’s minds and it breaks my heart for all of us.
One thing I seldom see mentioned is the notion of moving to a place where one aspires to become a citizen--someone who shares the values of a nation and not just the amenities they perceive; someone who is willing to participate in and contribute to civic life; and someone who integrates linguistically and as fully as possible otherwise. My own feeling: if you are not willing to be or become a citizen, then you will always be a stranger, an outsider, and sometimes even as an unwelcome guest.
Precisely. Very well said, John. We can be takers or we can be givers, and the fundamental question comes down to how we show up.
Thankfully I don't have to consider relocating but if I did this would be excellent advice.
Thank you Donna. I haven’t made up my mind to move as yet but I am eager student. Much of what I decide depends on what happens to the limited resources I have to live on. If those are further threatened, I will likely pull the plug no matter how much I truly love where I live.
There sure is no easy answer.
Thanks Julia enjoyed your article! I’m 68 retired, divorced and looking to make the move to Porto, Portugal in early 2026. I did live in London when I was younger and London is cosmopolitan compared to Porto, which I’m excited about- I love a challenge and want and need to do this- only wish I had gone earlier instead of waiting especially now bc of what’s taking place under this vile regime. Looking forward to reading more of your articles! Be well, Rose
Comprehensive, thoughtful, and extremely honest. Anyone considering a move to Ecuador MUST read this and think about whether it's the right place for you to settle. Much of the advice would also apply to any country---and I'll add if all you're reading is how great a place is and how easy it's been to move and live there, you're not getting the whole story. But the Ecuador specific info? It's worth reading this article at least 3 times in a row.
Excellent post. However, when I read these kinds of stories, I can't help but wonder—are Americans really that naive (or should I say ignorant?) about the rest of the world? Are they so wealthy that they can just move to a country on a whim, without proper research, spend a fortune shipping all their belongings, only to throw in the towel after three months when things aren’t as idyllic as they imagined?
Life in a foreign country comes with plenty of challenges, and resilience (sometimes even stubbornness) is essential to making it through the tough moments. If you're serious about a place, I believe you need to give it at least a year before deciding it’s not for you.
I write this as I sit in a very cold apartment in Lisbon—cursing the Portuguese indifference to heating and insulation—having moved here from Ethiopia via Sweden. I did my research before coming, and yes, there are days when it's not great. But adapting to a new place often means putting up with certain discomforts. In Sweden, it was always warm indoors, but the long, dark winters and the reserved nature of the people made it challenging. Ethiopia, despite its tourism slogan boasting 13 months of sunshine, was actually cold for several months of the year.
And then there’s the language. I had to learn Amharic (well, I chose to), and some Swedish too—though in Sweden, people will always speak to you in Swedish, except for some nurses and government officials on the phone.
Still, over the years, I’ve learned that living with curiosity about the world around me is key to surviving—and thriving—in the places I’ve called home.
LIza, the answer to your question is a resounding YES, Americans really are that naive. To be fair, they are hardly alone, in my travels I ran into plenty of Aussies and Brits who suffered similarly but the Americans seem to own the corner on this lack of sophistication. We grew up pummeled with the lie that we're the greatest country on earth and that fundamental dishonesty continues to inform our actions today. And while it's a few folks who can afford to lose this kind of money on a whim, the lack of research, the assumption that the rest of the world should bend to American sensibilities, that everywhere else should be America LITE, that indeed continues today if not worse. For we have ZERO understanding of geography, history, other countries leaders or much of anything else. WE are monumentally ignorant, untrained, inexperienced and woefully naive. And arrogant, on top of everything else, as a nation, as a people. This may sound harsh, but it's based on plenty of travel, observations and conversations. Happily there are plenty of my fellow Americans who don't fit this description, but too many of us do.
I really appreciate how honest you are about the shortcomings of your fellow country (wo)men. I just listened to this brilliant interview with a Brit living in Portugal for the last 25 years and she show really well how hard it can be to be part of a new culture, you may enjoy this https://elizabethink.substack.com/p/finding-home-86f
With apologies if this has already been asked, but you wrote, "If you move overseas, that could happen to us as well. One newly-elected leader could get the populace stirred up about those lousy American expats and get every one of us drummed out, losing our real estate investments and worse."
Do you have examples of that happening in the recent past in a country to which one would consider relocating?
So no examples just equivocation. Got it. Thanks!
There IS an example. America. You may be missing the point, but that's all right. Many people do. In fact a great many Americans can't see the point because America is leading the way in this regard and we as a nation are utterly blind to it. That's why it helps so much to have traveled extensively and get American exceptionalism out of our system so that we are able to observe intelligently.
I said it could happen, with America being the absolute perfect example of what hate, racism and intolerance look like in practice. With respect, STS, had there been another example I'd have listed it.
Yes. And then some more. After having been invited and visiting an acquaintance in Uruguay, the plandemic kicked in and I was not allowed to leave the country. Not so much because of Uruguay, but of course by the countries I could have gone back to. They would not let me in, because of "high incidences" - requiring the injection, and that was not an option for me.
The good, the bad and the ugly can easily be found in South America. The issue in Uruguay was utter corruption and this was in detail explained to me by the local friends I made in no time at all. What I need to emphasize - and it might be others' experiences as well - it was much easier to connect with the elderly. Most of my real good friends over the time I was stranded there, were over 70 years of age. My oldest friend - an Uruguayan farmer's woman - was 93 years old. And since I possess an incredible talent to learn languages - my older friends taught me Spanish in no time. One thing I took with me is my fluent Spanish now.
But I am in Florida now - still restless and unsure where I want to die. The thought occurred to me to go back to Uruguay - if I cannot get my two beloved Cats out there. This is my main depression inducing part of life. What I really want might not be possible to come by any longer. At 64, the spirit is still strong, but the body has surpassed its best before date.
In the end, what really matters is the community you are part of, or become part of.
What I loved about Uruguay was its Arts. Not one house looks like the other. Some are very old and some are very futuristic. An amazing blend of architecture. Markets are fantastic - but one must investigate where the produce comes from, as most vendors on any farmers' markets do not grow produce themselves, but buy it in Montevideo by industrial agriculture corporations. I also loved the many Coops they have down there. All the bus services are Coops. Anyway, thanks for this write up. It invokes memories of a time when I wished to be dead, because it seemed impossible to get out of the hole I fell in. My advice: Never underestimate the risk of getting stuck. Be connected with friends home.
That’s a great observation. That said you are still quite young and I am calling you out gently on that comment. You have plenty of time, assuming you take are of your health. With that in hand you can still do so many things. The animals though? So many emotional issues there. The quarantine issue makes that very complex.
Well, thank you for the compliment! My health has suffered considerably in Uruguay. The winters are really a proverbial pain. Cold and humid with most houses - like in Portugal - having no heating as one is used to in the colder states. Damp and cold was so bad that I couldn’t walk anymore - in spite of having had layered up. When someone told me about Portugal being just like Uruguay when it comes to winters, I shivered. Folks are wearing the same clothing inside they wear outside during winter.
All I dream now of is a small farm to grow my own food and build all of my inventions.
Thank you for your reply and all the best to you!
Excellent points, and thank you for bringing up key things to think about — like what will happen if your partner does while you're living abroad? — that most other posts don't mention. So important.
Many of my interviews were in part an outreach to potential new friends. I met a lot of very lonely people, often as the result of a death. If we’re overly fond of our independence we guarantee misery. That’s true in all places, but add a new language and different customs, it’s much harder. thanks Kaila.
It took over a year just to narrow down my choices based on to 2 primary factors: Needs and Wants.
Good article because there was no "happy sappy" Chamber of Commerce nonsense. It's going to be stressful, no matter where you eventually land. Recommend everyone considering becoming an expat to Do Your Homework! Please, and keep up with the consulate and embassy sites. Facts beat Wishing and hoping every time.👏👏😳
i didn’t read the post before i liked it. It’s self-evident.
I'm not old yet, but I still have found it a challenge to make living overseas more permanent. I'm still curious to see more and determine where will fit me best. Thanks for sharing!
Very straightforward post, Julia. These messages need to be heard. During the first Trump administration, many of my US acquaintances, friends, relatives verbally toyed with the idea of leaving the country. I nodded sagely and wondered how many were really ready to give up the comforts they knew. Now it seems like a mass phenomenon: there are people "telling their stories" all over social media and again I wonder how many are going to stick it out.
I emigrated 30+ years ago to make my home in Europe and knew that I would not return to the US to live. Once I obtained a second citizenship, I had the option of renouncing my US citizenship and though it was not an easy choice to make, did so.
My (dual German and Swiss) husband and I (Swiss) are seriously looking into retiring to a different (European) country, and working through all the considerations you have mentioned. Starting over in a new language, culture, and bureaucracy is a very different proposition at 60 than it was at 25, or even at 40. Even for non-Americans, it's not for the faint-hearted.