Hi everyone! It’s week 5 of Q & A Wednesday, and this week I’m going to (try to) answer a questions that we think about a lot– why we’re expats, and how long we plan on living this way.
Sandra asked, “Will you ever come back to North America? Do you plan to be nomads forever or will you choose somewhere to put down roots?“
Great question! Here’s my (attempt at an) answer:
Below are some other posts that may provide a little more insight into this question.
(And if you haven’t read it yet, you should definitely start with Our Expat Story.)
- Expat Life: Let’s Talk About Alienation
- When it’s Hardest to be Away
- The Importance of Being a Stranger
- Nomadic PTSD
Here are some other things we’ve talked about in these Q & A Sessions:
- Let’s Talk About Life Pace
- What it’s Like Living in England
- Let’s Talk About Foraging
- Let’s Talk About Food
I enjoyed exploring this question with you, and would love to hear your thoughts.
Would you consider moving to another country that you don’t have ties to, for the long term? What are (or would be) your goals as expats? Do you have any other questions about this?
Hi Ariana, I found your blog several months ago via Pinterest. I have very much enjoyed reading about your expat experience. My husband and I are teachers in the US, but we have dreamed of working overseas. Due to various circumstances, it would be best to wait several years before pursuing this option. Do you have any advice for educators looking for jobs abroad. Does it take many years to get in with Department of Defense? Thank you so much!
Hi Ariana, my husband and I moved to the Netherlands Oct ’13 (from Australia) with the long-term goal to stay in Europe. We’ve started in the Netherlands, but as you say if a job opportunity came up in another country we’d take it with open arms. We are enjoying the challenge of learning a new language but are very grateful that they speak plenty of English here to help us in the transition. There have certainly been tough times but overall we are loving the experience. Thanks Katharine
Hi Ariana,
I love these weekly chats — such an interesting way to get to know more about you. I’m definitely in the “living in the US but want to become an expat” camp. Even though I’d be far away from family, I would move in a heartbeat. The biggest draw to me is experiencing other cultures and lifestyles, having adventures, and learning new things, but another huge reason is access to a better standard of living for my family and I. Maternity benefits, education standards, vacation time — you name it, EU countries seem to do it better, and I’m ready and willing to become a part of a society that prioritizes those things. I apologize if that is offensive to anyone!
My (now fiancé!) and I are still considering teaching English in Spain, or maybe moving to South America, where he has family.
My question for you is: How did you become interested in health and natural remedies? Could you talk a little about your beliefs and practices when it comes to that? I’m starting to become really interested in creating a healthier lifestyle for our family but am not really sure how I’ll pull it off here in Brooklyn, NY 😉
Thanks again for posting these!
Amanda
I answered your question in today’s Q & A. Thank you for asking!
I just had an epiphany – I’ve wanted to have my own business for a long time, and preferably independent of place, but I never connected it with spending more time in my home country, or living in both countries. I’m excited to think of the possibilities!