I’ve helped hundreds of Americans move abroad—the 6 biggest lies about relocating
In 2015, I packed my life in Austin, Texas and moved to Madrid. I was 35 years old, and that wasn’t my first attempt. I have spent Spain for more than a decade to dream, try and fail to make a house.
Since then, I have built a life in Spain and created it RenewedI helped hundreds of women move abroad.
Along the way, I had moments when my life in Europe felt like a movie. As I came across a flamenco dancer in a secret square, he sipped the wine in a Parisian café or passed Colosseum in Rome.
However, these moments are not daily life and not everything about moving abroad. Here are the sixth that I have heard most often about displacement.
1. ‘Very Cheap’
Many countries may feel more suitable than the US, but living abroad is probably not as cheap as you think. Costs in the world, especially housing prices are increasing. Housing prices in the EU rose Between the first quarter of 2010 and 2025, 57.9% increased, rents increased by 27.8%.
My advice is: run the numbers Today’s Real, not outdated blog posts. And remember, what makes you feel suitable for you in a US salary, it may not be suitable for the locals. Do not make excessive payment. It only feeds the problem.
2. ‘Americans are not welcome’
The real pressure comes from tourism, not a relatively few Americans moving abroad. And even though there is an anti -tourism feeling in crowded cities, it is not really about Americans, even expatriates. The bigger problem is affordable housing – or as I mentioned, the lack.
But smaller towns throughout Europe request Brand new inhabitants because of my filling. If you are serious about integrated, consider looking beyond hot spots such as Lisbon, Barcelona or Amsterdam.
Whatever happens, according to my own experience, when you learn the language, contribute and connect, usually, usually He was greeted with open arms.
3. ‘You will be alone’
Of course you will miss the family and friends, but the community abroad is usually faster than you expect.
Other Americans and English -speaking foreigners are eager to establish a connection. Meetups, language changes and immigrant activities, there will be no shortage of opportunities to meet people.
However, deep friendships take time. It still took 2.5 years to feel like I had a strong community in Madrid. Most My best friendships came from hosting my own meetings.
For deeper integration, friendships with the natives are key, but they are absolutely more difficult to form. Many local people already have strict circles and breakage is patience and persistence. Learning the language is important and it takes time. Most people are still new ones after a year.
4. ‘Life abroad is perfect’
Living abroad can absolutely improve your quality of life – you have a lot to love, whether a slower speed, a relatively lower life cost or easier travel. But that’s not a fairy tale.
You will still deal with bureaucracy, taxes and logistics such as finding an apartment, building bank accounts and making an appointment with doctors. And sometimes the grocery store will be closed on a Sunday when you need it most.
The most difficult challenges are usually personal. I will never forget when I get the call that my father passed away. In 2009, he received my master’s degree in one of my previous duties in Spain. At that time, I learned that the highest and the lowest of life has still occurred abroad and when you were far from home, I found out that the abortions were more difficult.
5. ‘This is where you should stay where you start’
Your first movement abroad does not have to be your home forever. Think of it as a starting point, not a lifelong commitment. As someone told me: This is a movement, not marriage.
When I moved to Madrid in 2015, I thought I would never go. But I moved to Málaga in 2020, and now I’m thinking of going back to Madrid again.
I saw this with others. Cindy SheahanFor example, Porto moved to Portugal, but decided that Italy was a better harmony and moved there a year later.
Permission to return to yourself can help you avoid stuck in research paralysis by trying to make a “perfect” choice before starting. There are many things you don’t know until you really move.
6. ‘It’s too late for me’
I was 35 years old when I moved, and I thought I was already very old. Then I only knew the students and Pensioners act abroad, not the people in the middle of their careers. But at the age of 45, I can say that it is the best decision I have made so far without hesitation.
And when I came here, I met many people who did the same thing as older and older. People jumped at any age – 30s, 40s, 50s, even 70s.
In fact, there are advantages of acting in your 30s or within a later time, because people tend to reach with perspective wisdom with more financial stability, better awareness and difficulties.
Cepee Tabibian founder RenewedA community and resource platform that helps to move women over 30 years of age. That author “I’m leaving here! An American’s final visa guide to live in Europe“And the host The renovation hit Podcast. As the daughter of Colombian and Iranian immigrants, Cepee grew up in Texas Houston before becoming immigrant in Spain. Follow him for a real conversation about tips and how to move abroad @Shehitrefresh
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