Christina Davis, 32, has no intention of returning to the United States after choosing Barcelona over New Jersey. She discovered she wanted a European lifestyle that she couldn’t keep at home after studying in Madrid in 2015 and spending the pandemic in Asia. Her expatriation was influenced by balance, work expectations, and the cost of living. Frustrated by pressure and little paid time off, she quit her medical equipment sales position in the United States.
Europe, she says, “was a kind of middle ground—close enough to home to visit, but not in the United States.” It felt appropriate in Barcelona, in Catalonia. “I fly a few times a year, but the lifestyle and cost of living are truly astronomical right now, and you don’t get any better quality of life in return.” She said to the Daily Mail, despite the fact that she still takes flights back to visit family and friends. She created a routine in Spain that felt more sustainable by adjusting her work habits and negotiating the country’s healthcare system.
Choosing Barcelona: Lower Costs, a livable rhythm, and staying close to New Jersey
Davis’s decision to move to Spain started with her refusal to accept the United States’ 10 days of paid vacation per year rule. She weighed her options because she wanted to stay in the West and discovered that Barcelona had everything she needed: a direct connection to family in New Jersey, a cheaper cost of living than in the United States, and friendly locals.
She had to adjust to Spanish culture, learn procedures, and find an apartment, which made her first year one surprise after another. As is typical for newcomers, she had to get used to the Spanish healthcare system early on. Additionally, she characterizes Barcelona as being rather ephemeral, with many residents passing through after a few years, which affects the formation and dissolution of friendships. Nevertheless, she made a commitment to stay, earning a career as a podcast producer and visiting the US a few times a year.
Daily Life, challenges, and community
The initial phase of migration has the hardest emotional curve. She says, “I think the biggest challenge is probably the first year; settling in is really difficult.” “At first, you might feel a little alone because you’ll be talking to your friends from home, and they might not understand what you’re going through.” Support is complicated by distance, and routines need time.
That transitory speed shows up in social life. Making friends is simple, but maintaining them is more difficult. She says that people come, make connections, and then leave… Often in less than four years.
She is drawn to the United States by close family ties, but when she is abroad, she misses Barcelona, especially the cuisine. She acknowledges that eating American food frequently affects her stomach, “and I eat pretty clean.”
Plan your choices if you’re considering moving
Davis’s experience in Barcelona can help you navigate expatriation between Spain and the United States if you’re considering making the move:
- First, make sure the relocation aligns with your values; working time, social life, environment, etc.
- Second, “settling in is really difficult,” so be prepared for a rough first year. You will need to be patient when it comes to settling all your papers, rentals, health system and cultural adjustments.
- Third, be prepared for a transitory social environment, where friendships could form quickly but take time to solidify.
Finally, embrace the distance. Family relationships, domestic political divide, and the economic reality of living expenses will all continue to have an impact on decisions. But if you have though about it enough it will be worth it.