At Cup of Jo, we’ve covered a variety of living arrangements, from living alone to parenting around the world. But what about moving countries? Here, seven women share their experiences:
Erin Harwood from Decatur, Georgia, relocated to the Peak District, England during the pandemic in March 2021 to be closer to her husband’s aging parents. The move has allowed them to achieve a work/life balance that was challenging to find in the U.S. Erin appreciates the universal healthcare in England, which has alleviated the anxiety of affording health insurance. This move also changed her perspective on having children, as she felt more supported in a country with reasonable maternity leave and accessible healthcare.
Ximena Velasquez Lino left Lima, Peru, to move to Cary, Illinois, with her husband eight years ago. She found it difficult to leave behind her close-knit family in Peru and had to adjust to a different style of social interaction in the U.S. While making friends was a challenge, Ximena eventually found a sense of community through her children’s school and neighborhood activities.
Heeyoung, originally from NYC, decided to move to Amsterdam, Netherlands, after quitting her job and realizing she wanted a change of environment. She found the Dutch work/life balance refreshing, although there were cultural adjustments to make, such as the lack of preservatives in food and the slower pace on sunny days.
Michelle, from DuBois, Pennsylvania, moved to Northern Ireland after finally receiving her visa approval. Despite being a sun lover, she has come to appreciate the cozy winters in Northern Ireland and the sense of community that comes with it. Michelle has embraced the unique language and customs of Northern Ireland, finding humor and warmth in the local sayings and traditions.
Each of these women shared their unique experiences of moving countries, highlighting the challenges and rewards that come with such a significant life change.
