Americans living abroad have all kinds of reasons for doing so. Some wanted to shake their lives up. Others followed a job or spouse. Some went for a visit and then decided to stay. All of them miss something from the United States, but also cherish their new experiences. Heather Mancini lives in Barcelona, Spain.
What she misses most about life in America: Family and friends. “When I was still single and living abroad, I got back to the States once or twice a year. Now that I have a family, and many of my friends and family have their own families, two or three years may pass without seeing some of my siblings or closest friends.”
What she loves most about life in Spain: “I learn something new every day. It could be a new word in another language, politics in another country, or how to prepare a cultural dish. Also, my kids hold three passports and will grow up with an international mindset, speaking four languages. I’m not sure what others think, but to me, that’s pretty cool.”
Buzzfeed interviewed 14 Americans living in countries from Germany to Japan to Argentina, and asked them what they’ve learned from their experiences.
(Image credit: Heather Mancini)