Americans delighted with their lives in Europe. “You are not so robbed here”
“It sounds crazy, but every time I have to go to the doctor, I'm happy and I can't believe how cheap it is,” says American Susan Blackburn, who has lived in Portugal for three years.
The 54-year-old reveals that in Portugal she recently paid 65 euros (277 PLN) for a colonoscopy. In EU countries, this survey costs from 300 to 800 euros on average (1.2 thousand to 3.4 thousand PLN). In the United States it has been from 2,000 up to 4.8 thousand hole. (7.4 thousand to 17,000 PLN) – and depending on health insurance, many patients must cover some or even all costs. – But health care is just one of many reasons why I don't want to go back to America – says Blackburn.
It is no exception. There is no specific data on the desire to leave Americans, but the survey conducted by the Talker Research public opinion Institute shows that 17 percent. all respondents would like to move out of the United States. In the first place of the list of countries they would like to go to is Canada, followed by European countries, Australia and Costa Rica. 2 percent Americans participating in the study already have specific plans to travel abroad, and another 5 percent. He intends to do it in the coming years.
As a reason, he is often given financial motifs: More than half of the respondents believe that life in the US is no longer financially available to them. However, 69 percent He also thinks that the country is going “in the wrong direction” and 65 percent He perceives the atmosphere in the US as “toxic”.
Other statistics confirm this trend: According to Reuters, many moving companies inform that since Donald Trump's victory in the presidential election, more and more Americans are considering moving abroad. In the first three months of the year, 6,618 US citizens submitted applications for British citizenship – according to the data of the Ministry of the Interior of Great Britain, this is record number From the beginning of the statistics. In January and February, the Irish authorities also recorded the number of Americans for Irish passports in January and February. It amounted to 4.3 thousand, i.e. by 60 percent more than in the same period last year.
End of American sleep
Portals targeted at immigrants, such as “Welcome to Portugal”, also record much more inquiries regarding visa procedures since Trump has taken the office. According to the “Buraucracy” website, which helps Americans move to Spain, the number of queries increased by 300 percent.
– Especially younger generations are wondering if American sleep is still achievable – says Max Shak, managing director of the “Zapiy” marketing platform. – Huge student loans, housing and healthcare costs make it difficult for US residents a sense of financial security – he adds. Lower living costs and state health care in other countries make the move attractive.
Blackburn agrees with that. – Although I earn less in Portugal than in Austin, but life is also cheaper. I love wine. A good bottle that would cost $ 80 in America. (PLN 299), here costs 20 euros (85 PLN). This is the case with many things – he adds. Three years ago, the engineer moved with her husband from Texas to Portugal. – My company offered me a job in Lisbon. We agreed immediately because my husband can work from anywhere – he says.
The desire for adventures also prompted her to make this decision, but they also played a role political considerations. – Already before Trump's victory, we considered the provisions in Texas to be terrifying: a total ban on abortion, but everyone can wear a firearm. We have been even more pleased since the last election that we have left – says Blackburn.
Street in San Francisco
“You are not so robbed here”
The couple were well acclimatized in Portugal. – From the beginning we liked the lifestyle here more: everything can be done on foot and you do not have to spend many hours in the car every day, as in Texas. We would not like to go back to the United States – he adds.
Mitchell Larson also can't imagine returning to the USA. The 31-year-old moved in April from the state of South Carolina to Canada. – Politics in the USA is unbearable for me. Even if the democrats win again, the voters of the magician [ruch Make America Great Again, Uczyńmy Amerykę znów wielką] They will remain so – he explains.
The vet feels good in Canada. – Ontario easily recognized my medical license and I immediately found a job. The move was very simple – he explains. His Canadian colleagues are very friendly. – At Easter I was invited to a family dinner. I feel very welcome here – says Larson.
Melissa Oppi from Florida is also satisfied with her new life in Greece. – In June last year my husband found a job in Athens. We did not think for a long time, because many things in Miami bother us: for example, armed policemen standing in front of the entrance to primary schools and safety exercises for first graders in the case of a school shooter – says the American. After less than a year, her daughter (eight -year and ten years) feel better at the American school in Athens than in Stara.
OPPI values European health care. – You are not so robbed here. I will never forget how the pharmacist in Miami demanded $ 700. (PLN 2.6 thousand) for my prescription cream. I almost cried. Here, something like this would not have place – he adds.
