My Family Left Spain When?

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Historically, European emigration to North America has fluctuated due to changing economic, religious, historical, and political circumstances. During the Colonial era, the number of migrants increased every year, but overall, fewer than a million people have moved to Spain. Spain has a number of descendants of populations from other countries, such as Richard Gere, who left Hollywood behind and moved to Spain with his wife Alejandra Silva and their sons.

Spain offers generous maternity and paternity leave, which can be a significant advantage for expat families. Understanding your rights and how to access these benefits is essential. Leaving friends and family behind to move abroad is tough, but making new ones is one of the great joys of migrant life. Heath Savage discovers there are like-minded souls in migrant communities, while Margarita Gokun Silver lost her home after her husband of 27 years died unexpectedly.

To avoid making mistakes when moving to Spain, it is important to understand your rights and how to access these benefits. Spain has expanded family leave benefits this year to include adaptable working hours and 8 weeks of unpaid parental leave. The Spanish government provides a standard maternity leave of 16 weeks, fully paid by Social Security. This period can be divided into Entitlement, which allows eligible employees to take up to 16 weeks paid leave for the birth and care of an infant. Adobe extends this to up to 15 days of leave for an employee’s marriage, 2 days of leave in cases of a death, serious accident, or serious illness of a close family.

Mothers and fathers are both entitled to 16 weeks of paid parental leave in Spain, receiving 100 of their usual salary. The standard maternity leave is known as Permiso de Maternidad, which entitles mothers to 16 weeks off work. This increases to 18 weeks for twins and 20 weeks for mothers. The law grants mothers 16 weeks of paid leave, with six weeks of mandatory leave immediately following childbirth.

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📹 Why My Family Moved To Spain, ALL of Your Questions ANSWERED!

I’m answering ALL of your questions about our family’s move to Madrid, Spain. In this video I will answer WHY we moved, HOW …


Do Sephardi Jews Emigrate To Spain
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Do Sephardi Jews Emigrate To Spain?

Historically, Sephardi Jews and Moriscos have been significant minority groups in Spain, contributing to its culture. In a bid to amend past injustices, the Spanish government is now offering citizenship to Sephardi Jews descended from those expelled in 1492. This initiative allows for citizenship applications from Sephardi Jews residing in Greece, Hungary, Bulgaria, Romania, and other countries without needing to renounce their existing citizenship.

The Law enacted in 2015 simplifies the process, enabling descendants of expelled Jews to obtain Spanish nationality with reduced residency requirements—just two years in Spain, significantly less than typical requirements. However, many applications have faced rejections, causing concern among potential applicants.

The expulsion of approximately 100, 000-300, 000 Jews during the Spanish Inquisition marked a historical turning point for Sephardic Jews (with Sepharad being the Hebrew name for Spain), many of whom fled to Portugal. Well over five centuries later, this initiative serves to reconnect these communities, offering a chance to rediscover their heritage. Applicants can complete their naturalization procedures at Spanish consulates without relocating to Spain, facilitating new connections with Spain's Jewish heritage sites and communities, allowing they can engage with their history without fully relocating.

How Long Is Paternity Leave In Spain
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How Long Is Paternity Leave In Spain?

In Spain, fathers are entitled to 16 weeks of paid paternity leave, with a structure that includes 6 mandatory weeks immediately after the birth or adoption of a child. This policy, implemented on January 1, 2021, aligns paternity leave with the 16 weeks granted to mothers for maternity leave. The total leave can be taken following childbirth, adoption, or long-term foster care, allowing both parents to share crucial family time at home.

Fathers are required to utilize the first six weeks consecutively after the child’s arrival, while the remaining 10 weeks may be taken at their discretion. Spain's progressive approach makes it a leading country in Europe for parental leave, extending the duration of paternity leave over recent years to provide equity between mothers and fathers. All leave is fully paid, allowing parents to receive 100% of their salary during this period.

Additionally, the law applies in cases of disability or hospitalization of the newborn, emphasizing the importance of family support during critical times. Full-time employees can ensure they are registered in the social security system to qualify for these benefits. Overall, Spain's parental leave policies reinforce gender equality and support new families effectively.

What Age Is Adults Only In Spain
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What Age Is Adults Only In Spain?

Los hoteles solo para adultos en Mallorca, Menorca e Ibiza son sinónimo de descanso y relajación, ofreciendo vistas espectaculares al mar. En España, la mayoría de edad se alcanza a los dieciocho años, momento en el cual una persona es considerada adulta. Este tipo de turismo está viviendo un auge, con un informe que indica que el 5% de los hoteles españoles son exclusivamente para adultos. Este tipo de alojamiento es legal en función de las normativas relacionadas con las restricciones de edad, y generalmente acepta huéspedes mayores de 18 años, aunque algunos permiten a personas de 16 años acompañadas por un adulto.

Estos hoteles están diseñados exclusivamente para adultos, ofreciendo un entorno sofisticado y tranquilo, ideal para parejas o grupos de amigos. Las instalaciones, la decoración y la experiencia son adaptadas para un público mayor, garantizando un ambiente sin niños. Las autoridades españolas han indicado que la publicidad de estos hoteles no debe discriminar por edad, aunque, en práctica, los lugares no admiten a menores.

Al optar por hoteles solo para adultos, como Iberostar o TUI BLUE, los huéspedes disfrutan de un servicio todo incluido y experiencias exclusivas. Tales destinos también se encuentran en destinos internacionales como el Caribe o México, donde los requisitos de edad varían, pero en general se estipula que no hay admisión para menores de 18 años.

Why Did Spain'S Population Increase In 2010
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Why Did Spain'S Population Increase In 2010?

Spain's population surged dramatically from 40 million in 1999 to over 47 million by 2010, primarily due to high immigration from countries like Ecuador, Bolivia, Romania, and Morocco. This demographic change is attributed to the intricate interplay of birth rates, death rates, and migration rates. In 2021, Spain's population rose by approximately 50, 100, with a death rate of 9. 5 per 1, 000 (around 450, 000 deaths) and a birth rate of 7. 1 per 1, 000 (around 336, 000 births). The population increase was particularly pronounced between 2002 and 2008, driven by rising birth rates and significant immigration.

By 2022, Spain's population reached 47, 558, 630, marking a slight increase from the previous year. Although the fertility rate has gradually declined, growth continued, with projections indicating a population of about 50. 76 million by 2029. However, the growth rate is expected to decrease in the coming years, with estimates suggesting a drop to -0. 536 by 2050 due to an imbalance of births and deaths.

Furthermore, while there has been national growth, some regions face population decline, leading to potential economic challenges related to aging. Despite high immigration, Spain grapples with unemployment and stagnant economic growth, influencing future demographic dynamics.

Can A Foreigner Give Birth In Spain
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Can A Foreigner Give Birth In Spain?

Many expats in Spain opt for private hospitals to give birth, provided they have private health insurance. Treatment standards are generally high, though expectant mothers may have to handle more on their own. It's crucial to weigh the pros and cons of public versus private healthcare to make an informed choice. In 2021, transnational couples accounted for 21. 4% of births, a figure that doesn't reflect concerns about healthcare quality.

Spanish laws grant pregnant foreign women, whether temporary or permanent residents, access to healthcare throughout pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum. For EU citizens, reciprocal agreements mean that their European Health Insurance Card typically suffices for maternity care while on holiday in Spain.

Despite the unfamiliarity of giving birth in a foreign land, Spain boasts a highly regarded healthcare system with various childbirth options, including public and private services. It's important to note the limited postnatal care in most hospitals, though mothers are entitled to 16 weeks of paid maternity leave.

Foreign nationals can choose between public clinics, which offer extensive coverage at little or no cost for those legally residing in Spain, or private facilities. Notably, during childbirth, a companion may be present, and accommodations are available for a fee. New parents can seek special permits for their children born in Spain under specific conditions.

What Is The Leave Policy In Spain
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What Is The Leave Policy In Spain?

In Spain, employees are entitled to a minimum of 30 calendar days of paid annual leave, which translates to 22 working days for full-time employees. This right is outlined by Article 38 of the Workers' Statute. Additional vacation days may be granted through collective agreements, and employers can provide extra leave beyond the statutory minimum. Employees can divide their annual leave into separate segments, with at least one segment lasting two weeks.

The policy extends to all workers, including interns, apprentices, trainees, and part-time employees, ensuring a broad coverage of employee benefits. Employers are also mandated to adhere to regulations regarding dismissals, ensuring just cause is established, and strict legal guidelines are followed.

In addition to annual leave, employees receive paid sick leave, parental leave, and maternity leave. Specifically, employees are entitled to 15 days of paid sick leave per year, with full salary covered by the social security system. For personal events, employees qualify for specific leave duration such as 15 days for marriage and 2 days for a family member's death.

Moreover, full-time workers experience generous holiday allowances compared to global standards, with an annual leave capacity extending to 30 calendar days or 22 business days. The typical offering in practice often exceeds the minimum, with many employers providing around 25 or more vacation days annually. Lastly, employees benefit from a weekly rest period of one and a half days, plus 14 public holidays each year, further enhancing their work-life balance in Spain.

How Did Migrant Arrivals Affect Spain'S Economy
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How Did Migrant Arrivals Affect Spain'S Economy?

The influx of five million immigrants to Spain initially provided cheap, unskilled labor, contributing to an economy overly reliant on low-value construction and agricultural work. This demographic shift significantly impacted Spain's employment and education systems. However, by the end of 2007, the construction boom collapsed, leading to a deep economic recession that adversely affected both migrants and the Spanish economy.

Despite the economic challenges, the demand for foreign labor was essential for recovery, especially in the post-pandemic period, with immigrants accounting for 64% of new job creation and half of Spain's economic growth in 2023.

In the years following the economic downturn, additional waves of migrants arrived, often associated with higher unemployment rates and concerns about social integration. While immigration has been viewed as a necessary element to balance labor supply and demand, public opinion remains divided, with some associating immigrants with insecurity rather than progress. Furthermore, studies indicate substantial performance gaps between immigrants and native Spaniards in the labor market.

Amidst rising inflation and changing economic conditions, understanding the effects of immigration on the Spanish economy and society has become increasingly important. This analysis highlights the structural role of immigration in shaping Spain's labor landscape, emphasizing the need for effective management of migrant flows to support economic recovery and growth.

Is Parental Leave Pay
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Is Parental Leave Pay?

The Paid Parental Leave (PPL) scheme, introduced on 1 January 2011, provides financial support to eligible working parents, allowing them to take time off work to care for a child following birth or adoption. In the U. S., parental leave is governed by both federal and state laws, with the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 (FMLA) mandating 12 weeks of unpaid leave for eligible parents in larger companies.

Paid parental leave allows for paid time off specifically for child care or family member welfare, typically lasting up to 35 weeks and must be claimed within a year after a child's birth or adoption.

Employees maintaining a parental role are entitled to 12 weeks of paid leave per qualifying event under PPL, which is distinct from sick leave or annual leave. The Federal Employee Paid Leave Act (FEPLA), effective from October 1, 2020, extends PPL benefits to federal employees. The FMLA allows both mothers and fathers equal rights to take unpaid leave, while paid leave policies can vary significantly by state.

Most eligible parents can take up to 12 weeks of paid leave for a new child, which must be utilized within a year of the event. However, there is no specific federal law mandating paid paternity leave.

How Long Are You Allowed To Live In Spain
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How Long Are You Allowed To Live In Spain?

The 90-day rule in Spain allows individuals to stay for a maximum of 90 days within any 180-day period without needing a residence permit. However, staying over 183 days within a year classifies a person as a legal resident, necessitating a long-stay visa or residency permit for those wishing to remain longer. Failure to obtain the appropriate documentation can lead to fines or deportation. This rule applies to foreign nationals, including US and UK citizens, who can visit Spain without a visa for up to 90 days for tourism or business. For longer stays, a non-lucrative visa allows residency for up to one year, requiring renewal after 183 days of residence.

When considering residency, it's essential to not be absent from Spain for over six months within a year. Ownership of a property in Spain does not grant an automatic right to stay beyond 90 days. For those who fulfill residency conditions continuously for five years, permanent residency options become available. Understanding these regulations is crucial for foreigners wishing to live in or frequently visit Spain, ensuring compliance with immigration laws to avoid complications while enjoying time in the country.

What Age Do People Leave Home In Spain
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What Age Do People Leave Home In Spain?

La edad promedio a la que los jóvenes en España abandonan el hogar parental es de aproximadamente 30. 3 años, superando en casi tres años la media europea. Este fenómeno de emancipación tardía se debe, en gran medida, a las dificultades de acceso a viviendas asequibles en ubicaciones preferidas. Según Eurostat, en 2021, el 64. 5% de los adultos de 18 a 34 años seguían viviendo con sus padres. Solo el 15.

6% de las personas menores de 30 años vivían de manera independiente, evidenciando una baja movilidad juvenil en España. Comparativamente, más del 80% de los jóvenes de entre 16 y 29 años residían en casa familiar, frente a un promedio del 68% en Europa.

Los hombres españoles suelen dejar casa a los 30. 3 años, mientras que las mujeres lo hacen a los 28. 3. En 2021, la edad promedio era de 29. 8 años, una de las más altas de la UE. La falta de oportunidades laborales, combinada con un mercado de vivienda poco accesible, contribuye a esta situación.

En comparación con otros países europeos, la media de emancipación en España también es más elevada que la de naciones como Italia y Grecia, donde los jóvenes abandonan el hogar familiar a edades similares. A lo largo de una década, ha habido un aumento en la edad de emancipación en España, reflejando una tendencia mayor en 14 países de la UE. Por ende, es necesario implementar políticas que faciliten el acceso a la vivienda y promuevan el emprendimiento entre la juventud.


📹 The Alarming Reasons Expats are Leaving Spain

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Freya Gardon

Hi, I’m Freya Gardon, a Collaborative Family Lawyer with nearly a decade of experience at the Brisbane Family Law Centre. Over the years, I’ve embraced diverse roles—from lawyer and content writer to automation bot builder and legal product developer—all while maintaining a fresh and empathetic approach to family law. Currently in my final year of Psychology at the University of Wollongong, I’m excited to blend these skills to assist clients in innovative ways. I’m passionate about working with a team that thinks differently, and I bring that same creativity and sincerity to my blog about family law.

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58 comments

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  • I am an American expat living in Paris. We’ve been here almost 5 yrs and love it. Year one was tough…I liken it to learning how to be an adult all over again. But now that we are settled, I am so glad we took the plunge. Our kids (9 & 13) are now completely bilingual and have a global perspective/exposure to so many other cultures. Enjoy your time in Spain to the fullest. You are giving your kids the best gift!

  • What an amazing thing you’ve done for your family! The education and memories are priceless. My husband and I lived in Costa Rica, and then Panama for 6 months each, and then Guadalajara Mexico for 2 years. We don’t have kids but the hardest part was dragging our pets around and making sure they were ok and not traumatized. 2 cats going there and then country hopping. Then we left Mexico and moved back to Florida with the 2 cats and 2 Mexican dogs that we adopted. Beautiful experience, wouldn’t trade it for the world. But, not easy. I believe everyone should get the chance to experience life in another culture other than the US. It’s brain and heart expanding.

  • I really enjoyed this Erin. I can see that it is such a fantastic opportunity for your family. I know there are challenges, but what you are doing for your children is absolutely invaluable. And they will grow from this and it will give them more confidence than you can ever imagine. They will be able to handle so many challenges that come in their lives and the poise they will gain will always serve them well. And I absolutely feel with children if they have their family with them and that security, it really doesn’t matter which country they live in. They have you and Chris and they have each other. I’ve written a book, but please know this is absolutely a fantastic opportunity you are giving them. Much love! Melissa

  • Erin, I just love how you always speak from the heart. Just like when you did your menopause series, I just feel like you are a real person sitting down and being so genuine with us. You’re not giving us the typical influenser BS. I can trust what you are saying. My husband and I plan to be expats after we retire, so this was very helpful information. Also, your family is so beautiful. Thank you for sharing!

  • Hola Erin, mil disculpas por hablar en español, mi inglés es básico, lo que no me permite decir todo lo que quisiera. Te felicito, me alegra mucho que todo haya salido bien, te sigo desde hace un tiempo y no sabes cuantas veces quise compartir contigo mis gustos, experiencias y un montón de cosas por las cuales te sigo, te envío un fuerte abrazo y deseo lo mejor para ti y toda tu familia!!, cariños 🤗

  • This is an amazing time to be in Europe. The Christmas Markets are so gorgeous, especially in France and Germany. Not sure if they are still happening with Covid but we lived in Europe for three years and the Christmas Markets are one of the experiences we treasure most. The City Centers are decorated so beautifully, the food, the one of a kind Christmas ornaments and decorations for sale, the music…

  • Madrid is such a beautiful city! My husband and I loved it and marvelled at how clean it was. Your children have not only learned about language and culture, but I’m sure they have also learned a thing or two about being empathetic when meeting future newcomers when they arrive back home in their own country.

  • Hi!! A spaniard that randomly get here to improve his english. I just wanted to say how beautiful you family is and how brave you all are!! Moving your entire family to another country, culture even continent!!! WOW! You all have my respect!! And yeah! what an experience for the kids!!. I’ve been listening other foreingers (younger people without family) who come here in Spain and a common point is that they think they should have had a higher level of Spanish before coming. I wish you have a really good time here.

  • Hola Erin! I’m a Spanish expat living in the UK.. Just wanted to send you lots of love!! It is all exciting, magical, brave and beautiful, but also very challenging and sometimes it does get lonely. I can assure you though that it does get better, and soon you realise you are growin into a much more open minded, thoughtful and generous person. It’s a very humbling experience. Making friends was the most difficult part for me, but nowadays there are many apps to meet people. You’ll be surprised of how many women (expat and locals) are out there looking for like-minded friends!!

  • Loved this!!! I would do this in a heartbeat, but most Americans, I know, have no desire to even visit Spain. You and your family are truly on a learning curve, and 100% understand your need to cut back. It is essential to learn the culture. You have given your children a gift and like you said tools they now have for the rest of their lives. Bravo! Please share more about their culture, I would love to learn more. I also look forward to European fashion, believing we all could learn from our European neighbors.

  • Erin, you and Chris are a good match. I am a risk taker as well. There are folks who are not confident, self sufficient to take on this challenge. I continue to move places where I know no one, am single and I start all over again learning where the post, grocery, pharmacy are and making new friends. I would guess 95% of the population can’t or won’t do this. Good on you!

  • Wow. Love Madrid!!! The best way to learn a language is to be in the country where people speak that language. I´m from Argentina and I´m a former spanish proffesor. You have El Corte Inglés, Erin!!!! Madrid have those little places. The cons is the food Hahahahahah. It´s so good. You all are so brave. Your children are going trough a huge experience that is going to change the way they see the world. Don´t be so exigent with you, Erin. Let you enjoy what you can do and live what you cannot do. It´s all right. Estamos aqui para escucharte y apoyarte. Cariños

  • Erin, I think the opportunity you are giving your children is priceless! I grew up in Central America, married and Englishman and worked in Russia for several years. Travel is therapy for my soul and my brain and has shaped me into a well rounded individual, if I do say so myself! Your children will learn other cultures, other languages, other foods and make many unforgettable memories along the way! Congratulations!

  • You are doing a wonderful thing for your children. I was 9 when my mother got a job at the swedish embassy in Washington D.C. I did not know a word of english. I was fluent after about four months. It has been such an advantage my whole life. I am now 66 and my spelling is not as good as it used to be but I still read mostly english books. The trick is to keep it up after you leave. We stayed for 2 years and here in Sweden it is easy because we have subtitles and only use voice over in childrens programs. Good luck

  • I did a year of full-time French immersion (40 hours a week) at a Francophone university in Montreal when I was a young adult. I have always said that it was harder for me than undergrad or law school. I completely empathize with how taxing you found your Spanish studies. I think it is wonderful you have been able to give your kids this amazing immersive experience in Spain.

  • Moving to another country is stressful, but worth it. We moved to California from Ireland 28 years ago, with a 2 yo and a 3 month old. Crazy. We also brought our great dane – leaving him behind was not an option – and that was so stressful, with paperwork, timing etc. We were seriously afraid he would not survive the trip, like you, I read all the horror stories. Glad you are settling in, wonderful experience for the whole family.

  • How wonderful! Wish did this with our daughter before she grew up. We love bringing her to new places and we were actually in Madrid right before the pandemic. Now that we’re back to traveling, we went right back and this time spent a few weeks in Portugal before going back to Spain. Hopefully, you have visited Portugal or have it on the list. It’s spectacular. I also recommend food tours as they allow for a quick deep dive into the culture of a new place. Enjoy your travels with your beautiful family (and just know, you’re not missing anything here 🤦🏽‍♀️)

  • I enjoyed your story greatly. After living in Florida for 65 years we moved to Berlin 6 years ago. We love living here and still feel like we are on an adventure vacation since we both don’t work. We can walk to visit our family and get to be with our grandchildren often. Our German born grands are bilingual, speaking English at home and German in school. We never dreamed of living abroad but I certainly can recommend it.

  • Thank you for sharing all of that with us! I myself have lived in more than 12 countries over the past 35 years and I can tell you that it was a very enriching experience for me and the kids! An excellent way to learn a new language and about other cultures and traditions. I have also been to Madrid, a lovely city but I felt it was a bit crowded in certain areas. You forgot about telling us what kind of visa did you get to go live in Spain and if it was difficult to get etc? Enjoy your stay there and make the most of it’s you already are. God bless. 🤗

  • Welcome Erin, we retired to Spain from England when we were just 47. Still here and listening to you realised just how much of a challenge it was. We don’t have children but had 2 dogs. We also built our own villa but quickly learned we had made mistakes. We moved to the Costa del Sol but now live in an apt by the beach in Costa Blanca. I still get home sick after 18 years here and love going home but, once you live here you adapt, it becomes your way of life. We also have a Motorhome so we have travelled a lot around Spain and Europe. I love your honesty about how your settling in and great fashion advise. I went from shopping in London to a small place in Spain and I struggled to even find shoes that fit me. Anyway enjoy your journey and I look forward to perusal you evolve into your new surroundings and live style Stay safe have fun and enjoy Happy New.

  • Amazing experience for The family! You did great! Glad you found a bakery you like and take- out food to your liking. Make sure and take your kids to the museums there, showing them Picasso’s Guernica and talking about the background of the war he painted about is a good tangible history lesson. Make sure and sign up for “Free walking tours” of the city. You’ll learn so much more than what’s in a history book, they’re very entertaining, your kids will love it, they’re tailored for all ages

  • Wow..how I wish I could do the same. I used to live and work abroad (USA, Ireland) and I loved it. Now, when I am married I have to respect my husband’s feelings and opinions and he, unfortunatelly, isn’t as brave as me 🙁 I wish you all the best Erin, keep my fingers crossed for your family 🙂 I cried with you when you mentioned your kids (I am a mother of two boys ) Looking forward to your new articles! 🙂

  • As a USA expat in Ecuador: Thank you! Erin! Beautifully stated article! I truly believe your children will reap unimaginable benefits of living abroad for the remainder of their lives! Learning Spanish will open doors for them forever personally and professionally! Excellent parenting!! In 2013, Zero Spanish, single at 66 yrs old, I sold everything in the US, landed in Cuenca, Ecuador at 8500 ft elevation, (currency is US dollar), with six suitcases, live on 66% less per month in a luxury 18-story high-rise. I will never live in the States which I deeply love because the Ecuadorian culture is welcoming, kind, respectful, like it used to be in the USA decades ago. Usually around two years we expats find the Honeymoon phase is over and experience “culture shock”, because everything is different here. EveryThing! This is not even Mexico-like. Ecuadorians don’t process USA logical thinking. And there’s No mail service in country. No Amazon deliveries from the States. No Starbucks no Walmart. As a 16 yr international flight attendant, thought I was prepared. Being a tourist is Nothing like living as a full-time expat visa- holding resident. We pay Ecuadorian ‘Facilitators’ who assist in apartment/home rentals, legal matters, healthcare, banking etc. The culture here is centered around Family, not shopping, not consumerism, not to-do lists. Family. So happy for you and your family taking a well deserved time out in beautiful Madrid, Spain, and fun side trips. You may even miss Spain and be forever changed when you return Stateside.

  • HI Erin, very good article, very informative. Me and my husband just retired and we are planning to move to France, so we will be expats (We are originally Dutch / Caribbean) . Have so many things to arrange and a couple of hurdles in the way. We have two dogs that we are planning to take with us, but like you mentioned that is also a whole chapter in itself. We wish you and your family all the best for this Holiday season and a Healthy, Happy New Year.

  • Erin, this was so lovely of you to post! I enjoyed every moment of this article and the real talk about this family adventure . It’s understandable to have so many opposing emotions, that being so grateful for this opportunity but at the same time being homesick. Your children are incredible for adapting to this time and they will carry this experience with them forever . Thank you again,this was wonderful ! ♥️👏👏👏👏Pam

  • I might have already posted this 🤔 but I had an incredible experience in high school. It did help I went to an international school. I was sent when I was 16, turning 17 to live with my boyfriend’s family (we were watched😂). It was amazing. They sent me all over to live with every aunt, uncle and cousin. I lived with a fashion model in Paris, in Lyons with a car engineer, Marseilles, etc. I went with the grandparents to live in Barcelona and Valencia. It was amazing and I patiently waited until my boys were in early teens. They’ve seen Croatia, London, Paris, Normandy, Italy, and now we are looking at Japan and they didn’t bat an eye when i mentioned it. One’s in college and one a junior in hs. We have one rule…they are required to pick three things to see in each city so they have to do their own research. It’s been great because honestly I probably would have never spent a day 🤣 at the Churchill War museum or gone to some of the things that my engineer son sees. I think though, that they will continue this and you are doing just that! Creating memories and lessening the fear of visiting new and strange places where you feel out of your element but you embrace it rather than dread it. Kudos mom!

  • I know basics in Spanish I took 2 years of Spanish in high school from living in southern California as young person and then later as a nurse I’m near fluent, with 2 great phrases to know “Como se dice” “how do you say it” and “donde esta” where is it. Great experience for your children and perhaps they will have way more opportunity doors as adults as a result. Kids will adjust and they will become more resilient once they adjust.

  • Thank you for sharing your experience in Spain. Kudos to you and your husband for prioritizing such a rich cultural experience for your family. I am a graduate student in counseling and I’m looking forward to hearing about your experience with EMDR. Are you seeing someone virtually or in person in Spain?

  • LOVE this! You answered so many questions I had! I was in Alaska until I was a teenager so I also took French and then….we moved to Arizona 😆 I feel ya! Please keep these articles coming! It is so fascinating! And thank you for being so honest and sharing the good, the bad and the ugly. Your amazing kids are a testament to their amazing parents ❤

  • Thank you for sharing your amazing story. Your kids will look back on this and say remember when we lived in Spain and the different culture they are learning will give them a great outlook on life. My freshman son who has special needs has been learning Spanish for two years and loves it. My daughter is 19 and is fluent in Spanish. You have a beautiful family❤️

  • Thank you for sharing this story! I think it’s absolutely fantastic the gift you’re giving your kids. I’ve lived overseas for school and work and it’s completely changed the way I view life and I attribute my personal and professional successes to having those international experience that so few have. It’s so rare to hear your story and it’s so refreshing. It’s something I would’ve love to give my kids but without giving excuses my kids went ballistic when I had proposed a very similar idea. Kudos for you!!! It’s the best gift you can gift you can give that will take them very far in life, bar none!!

  • Hi Erin. I so admire you and your family for embarking on this great adventure. I live in the UK now (I’m English), but I spent many years living and working abroad, from Italy to the Middle East and North Africa. Whilst living out of your native country is a fabulous, enriching experience and one which you will never forget, I know it takes huge resilience to keep going daily in a country where the people, however lovely, don’t speak your language and the culture is different. I think you are absolutely wonderful. Lots of love. XX

  • Hi Erin, I have been following you for some time and love your take on style and the positive and very genuine perspective you give your viewers. I hardly ever comment on articles but this one spoke to me. What an amazing gift you have given to your kids and to yourself and your husband! We are a Franco-American family raising our kids in Belgium and I relate so much to what you said about being an expat. It can be challenging but yields great gifts. Our kids are now 19 and 21 studying in the UK but they were born in Paris, have lived in Shanghai, New York and Brussels. They are so resilient, they have a very solid knowledge of culture, history, geography, and politics. Not from sitting in a classroom but from traveling and being friends with people from all over the world. They have an empathy for others that only comes from feeling “other” themselves at times. Enjoy the rest of your time in Spain, I know you and your family will continue to benefit from this experience for years to come. All the best, Shirley

  • I lived in Spain for one year during college and I have been so interested to hear how you are doing there and what your impressions are. I 100% agree that living in another country (even when you speak the language well) takes a lot of brain bandwidth, and I really noticed it when I came back to the States; like, oh, I don’t have to mentally rehearse what I’m going to say to the clerk at the post office or the pharmacy all the time anymore. It’s a lot to deal with every day. But I also agree that it is a life changing experience and you learn so much about yourself, above and beyond the culture and language. Thank you for sharing this with us, I love hearing about it and I look forward to your thoughts on Spanish and European style. I have loved prints and patterns for many years and I credit my time in Spain for that! Wishing you and your family the very best, and applaud you for making this choice to “disfrutar”!

  • Your advice about pairing back and having room for experiences resonates with me- as in processing a stimulating and unfamiliar environment. So refreshing that you admit to being overwhelmed at times, and thank you for sharing how you care for yourself to manage and overcome those feelings. We appreciate you and your team❣️

  • Dear Erin, I understand so well when you said ”it’s not easy”…having lived myself, in another country, for instance Russia, learning the language, the culture, etc., I know what homesick is about, so you have all my respect and my love. I admire you and your husband for thinking ”out of the box” (taking your family on a great adventure). Bravo ! You look absolutely BEAUTIFUL !!! Love also the fact that you arrange the best transportation for your lovely dog. Super big hug ! xo

  • Hi Erin, I loved this article. Our family moved from South Africa to Spain in January and I could identify with so many things you said. With our kids in the Spanish school system, still learning the language I cried with you about how brave they are… good luck with the rest of your journey, embracing the unknown and enjoying all the surprises that comes along with it. X

  • Hi, Erin. I love your honest and relatable manner! My family moved to Mexico for two years when I was very young. I went to nursery school there. As the youngest one in my family, I became the most fluent, to the point that my mother worried I would struggle with kindergarten when we returned to the US. Within 10 years of returning, I lost all my Spanish. I encourage you to find ways for your kids to keep speaking Spanish when you return.

  • It is great your family did this! It is an experience worth every dollar spent. When I was 24 and single, I moved from a beach community in southern California to the mountains of Colorado. It was a great decision for me on many levels. In 2013 at the age of 57 and widowed, I moved to Poland. I have been here 8 1/2 years now. I really love and appreciate living here. Enjoy your time in Europe!

  • I hope my homeland is treating you well. I am a Spanish teacher living in the USA. As a language teacher this is the best you can do for you kids. Being bilingual is a blessing. Awesome experience. Visit Valencia in the spring if you can, I am from there and it is beautiful. Keeping giving us these awesome articles. I love them. I have been following for years.

  • I am so surprised! I watched this article a couple of weeks ago and thought you were staying there for a year… and just today, I watched a short article on Facebook and heard that you were back. I was almost sad, maybe I shouldn’t be saying this, but I felt that the Spanish adventure was such a breath of fresh air! Anyway, I’m sure that a lot of what you discovered there will stay with you and I wish you the best in Colorado!

  • Our family moved from New England to Portugal in 96, my kids were 12 & 7, they didn’t speak Portuguese, fast forward 25 years, both have good jobs there own homes, we have all been back to the States for vacation but would never move back, very contente here, how ever you can take the kid out of the States, but never the States out of the kid. We have visited Madrid, it is a beautiful city, also loved Barcelona. Enjoy your experience, Stay safe. Thanks for sharing

  • Hi! Both my husband and I are originally from Romania, but we have been living in the States for over 40 years in his case and about 20 in my case. We have twin daughters and 14 years ago we bought a house in Spain, close to Marbella. Every summer we spent it there and from there we took trips all over Europe. I think it was/is magical and our girls enjoyed their childhood summers by the beach in Spain. They played tennis there, enjoyed the food, the bullfights in Seville and the overall different cultural experience! Our life is richer because of it and our little adventure well worthed. I am excited for your adventure and I commend your bravery and stoicism of your move! Enjoy and Bravo!

  • Hi, I commend you for doing what you did; a different culture and way of living is something that may sound scary but all will fall into place. I spent five years in Germany and I absolutely fell in love with everything. Living among the german people and making an effort to speak their language, I found they would help me out. So happy for you! Enjoy to you fullest extent! May God bless!

  • My family moved to Kobe, Japan when I was only 7 years old and we lived there for 8 years. It was the best childhood memories and experiences my parents could ever gifted me and I am forever grateful. Believe me, your children would thank you for this very special time of their lives when they are older. Thank you for sharing your resources and experience so far. You are truly inspirational in many ways 🥰😊

  • I love this article. I can relate to all you said. I lived and worked in Spain for 4 years and eventhought I did speak Spanish, the culture was still quite different and it took getting used to, but now I that I have a kid, would love to give her a similar experience at some point. Thank you, loving this content. So glad I found your website.

  • How delightful! What a wonderful opportunity! My family and I have been to Madrid a few times. We also had an exchange student here in Colorado who was from Madrid. And I taught Spanish. I feel like I have a few things in common with you. I really enjoy your articles. Have a fabulous time living in Spain! What a dream come true. All the best to you and your family.

  • OMG, sign me up!!! I knew 30 years ago that my 57ish self would regret not just leaving for someplace a lonnnng way away. My husband and I fantasize daily about doing an adventure like your family. And yes, we’d be totally freaking about getting our pets overseas. I’m so glad Traveler was okay after her trip over! Thanks for all this documentation! Fascinating and inspiring.

  • Thank you so much for this article. Our family just moved to Europe from the USA (our dog included!). I’ve never lived abroad before and I don’t speak another language. I was so excited about the opportunity and 3-weeks in I’ve been feeling badly about how challenging I’ve found this transition. Thank you for putting words to, and validating my experience. Also, for re-igniting my initial hope for this adventure. I know this is different content than your usual fashion articles, but I would greatly appreciate more article’s on this topic. Salud!

  • Erin, several days before you released this article I saw another One of your articles mentioning that you were in Spain and I made the mental decision to move to Italy for a year with my husband and children in the next few years. It was like a lightbulb went off and he had always wanted to do something like that with me but I wasn’t ready and then I saw the experience you guys were having and it was so inspirational. So our plan is about a three-year plan when the kids are like a little bit older to go to Italy, where we both have roots and allow them to experience another culture for a year. Thank you so much for sharing this I just want you to know you have made a mark on peoples lives.

  • It’s nice to see that you and your family are doing well in Spain😊 I’m Spanish and I moved to the UK almost 8 years ago. I can relate when you say being surrounded by another language and culture can be overwhelming… taking some space and time to relax is the best thing you can do for your brain. I wish you the best in your experience! Looking forward to your next articles.

  • I moved to USA in 1987 with my family from USSR and I was 16yo at the time. As hard as it was to be in two schools and to deal with culture shock, it was still easier on me than my parents, who were in their middle to late 30s and had to learn English through work and just other people. My dream is to retire in the Mediterranean some day…I guess life will show me how realistic it actually will be and when and how it will happen. Thank you for sharing your experience.

  • We moved to Merida Mexico almost two years ago and I get the stress of having to learn the language. They say it is a lot harder for adults, and takes dedication. I was doing great for the first 6 months but lost steam. I have to get back on my Spanish because we are now building a wellness center here and my son is also moving here by Christmas! It is a great opportunity you are giving your kids.

  • This was great! Thank you and I am very happy for your family. And a lesson for everyone, when you travel to another country, do not expect that country to bend to your customs and language. Be respectful and endeavor to learn and appreciate life in that country. Not a sprinkle of entitlement with your family, much respect to you and Chris and the kids.

  • Loved this and, as a fellow American, identify with SO much of what you say! I traveled to Madrid to go to language school when I was in my twenties and, while I loved it, I also found it exhausting. Despite taking lessons, my Spanish was’t good and I remember how tiring it was having to figure out how to say everything in Spanish – even the placards for the art in museums were only in Spanish then – most other capital cities would have them translated into other widely spoken languages like English, French, German – but not Madrid (that may have changed since I was there.) You had to work for everything! That having been said, I do think it is the best way to do it if you can…I learned more in a month than I did in the prior three years of taking classes. Thank you for sharing your experience – you are an inspiration to us all.

  • Im a dual immersion educator and administrator and I also temporarily moved with my son abroad to Argentina to support his sociocultural consciousness and linguistic development when he was little. It’s been a wonderful gift to him although the temporary social setbacks and struggles can be tough. They’ll be better for it in the long run. He’s now 16 and has so many options open to him because he can move in Spanish spaces with authority and ownership. His ability to read and write the language is nothing but a win, 1000%. Good. For. Y’all! (We’re from TX, lol) Nothing but love, Erin!

  • Dear Erin, thanks for sharing this beautiful and touching article. Congrats to you and your husband for being such as “good parents” by thinking and doing everything you as a couple can do for the well-being and future of your kids. Bravoooo for that!!!! Also, thanks for sharing with us “all the well organizing process” of your moving to Spain. Many feelings that you’ve described were very familiar to me. It reminded me how difficult emotionally, and physically is the process of moving to other country and adapting to its new reality. Every “change” is a challenge in life. Enjoy your living there. My best wishes of happiness to you and your family in Spain.⚘

  • I could totally relate about being an expat with kids. I’m also from Colorado and I brought my then 2 year old to Taiwan and she also was the only western kid in public schools for 11 years. We used Taiwan as a base to travel all over Asia. My daughter is fluent in Mandarin, reading and writing. We moved back to the US 2 years ago, and she has been learning Spanish..Love your articles, thanks for sharing!

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