Looking back, I wish we had ticked any of the boxes you suggested. Instead, we moved (for me, sight unseen) to a country where we sort of knew two people. I did basically the same thing when interning in college. I moved around the world to a city I'd never been to, and a country where I knew one person.
However, I wouldn't trade my experiences for the world, and I still encourage others to get out there. Even if it's not perfect, there's something to be learned, and the US (ultimately) is a softer place to land if you have to return.
Definitely. Even if you can't do the above, I still think it's worth it to take the leap! I guess I was more thinking about people considering a very long-term move, like buying a house in Italy (so popular these days it seems) and hoping to leave the U.S. permanently. One thing moving abroad does is remind you that life in the U.S., for many people, is easy and convenient.
We moved to Ireland for work before the passage of the A.C.A. since a disabled family member ceased, at age 26, to be eligible for health insurance, which was not available at that time for those with "pre-existing conditions." I've never assumed that the A.C.A would stand indefinitely--and healthcare in the U.S. remains a mess (not a "system"), so we do not foresee returning--and we do not feel guilty about it. (We live in France now after retiring from work in Ireland.)
Your list at the end is a good one.
I'm always astonished when people wonder if it's necessary to learn the language of the country you move to. Jayzus, what a question! Of course you do. If you live there you're not a tourist anymore and nobody really needs to adapt to your limitations.
To the tax issues I'd add that it's wise to read and understand the tax treaties between the jurisdictions in question--not just income tax, but also capital gains and inheritance. Understand tax obligations, and be sure to understand the difference between tax residency and being domiciled before answering blindly on some bureaucratic form.
And maybe add checking one's eligibility for citizenship of another country based on bloodline. It will make things easier if one moves to the E.U. But if you haven't worked and paid sufficient social charges in Europe (think of these as being like the FICA charges in the U.S.) you'll not enjoy the same level of social benefits as those who have.
Thank you for reading and sharing your experience! I'm glad you don't feel guilty about it. I'm taking some inspiration from you! :) Crazy that people think they don't need to learn the language. I am not that good at Italian, to be honest, but practicing every day! Very good points about the tax issues and the social benefits. They're not guaranteed to anyone living in the country, which I am not sure many Americans considering a move understand.
Great post--factual and honest. We moved to Lucca 9 months ago and are very happy here, but there are some very big "howevers:" (1) we have been traveling to Italy for 35 years; (2) my husband worked in Italy years ago, so he knows the language and just generally knows how things work; (3) I worked in state government for many years, so I have a state pension to support us, as well as a high tolerance for bureaucracy.
A high tolerance for bureaucracy is definitely needed! Glad you're liking life in Lucca -such a pretty place. But these "howevers" are important. Thanks for reading. :)
Looking back, I wish we had ticked any of the boxes you suggested. Instead, we moved (for me, sight unseen) to a country where we sort of knew two people. I did basically the same thing when interning in college. I moved around the world to a city I'd never been to, and a country where I knew one person.
However, I wouldn't trade my experiences for the world, and I still encourage others to get out there. Even if it's not perfect, there's something to be learned, and the US (ultimately) is a softer place to land if you have to return.
Definitely. Even if you can't do the above, I still think it's worth it to take the leap! I guess I was more thinking about people considering a very long-term move, like buying a house in Italy (so popular these days it seems) and hoping to leave the U.S. permanently. One thing moving abroad does is remind you that life in the U.S., for many people, is easy and convenient.
We moved to Ireland for work before the passage of the A.C.A. since a disabled family member ceased, at age 26, to be eligible for health insurance, which was not available at that time for those with "pre-existing conditions." I've never assumed that the A.C.A would stand indefinitely--and healthcare in the U.S. remains a mess (not a "system"), so we do not foresee returning--and we do not feel guilty about it. (We live in France now after retiring from work in Ireland.)
Your list at the end is a good one.
I'm always astonished when people wonder if it's necessary to learn the language of the country you move to. Jayzus, what a question! Of course you do. If you live there you're not a tourist anymore and nobody really needs to adapt to your limitations.
To the tax issues I'd add that it's wise to read and understand the tax treaties between the jurisdictions in question--not just income tax, but also capital gains and inheritance. Understand tax obligations, and be sure to understand the difference between tax residency and being domiciled before answering blindly on some bureaucratic form.
And maybe add checking one's eligibility for citizenship of another country based on bloodline. It will make things easier if one moves to the E.U. But if you haven't worked and paid sufficient social charges in Europe (think of these as being like the FICA charges in the U.S.) you'll not enjoy the same level of social benefits as those who have.
Thank you for reading and sharing your experience! I'm glad you don't feel guilty about it. I'm taking some inspiration from you! :) Crazy that people think they don't need to learn the language. I am not that good at Italian, to be honest, but practicing every day! Very good points about the tax issues and the social benefits. They're not guaranteed to anyone living in the country, which I am not sure many Americans considering a move understand.
Great post--factual and honest. We moved to Lucca 9 months ago and are very happy here, but there are some very big "howevers:" (1) we have been traveling to Italy for 35 years; (2) my husband worked in Italy years ago, so he knows the language and just generally knows how things work; (3) I worked in state government for many years, so I have a state pension to support us, as well as a high tolerance for bureaucracy.
A high tolerance for bureaucracy is definitely needed! Glad you're liking life in Lucca -such a pretty place. But these "howevers" are important. Thanks for reading. :)