I thought I wanted the American dream. Moving to a small city in Spain changed my mind.
An American man recounts his decision to move to Valencia, Spain, for a teaching program, eventually choosing to pursue citizenship rather than returning to the US. He cites a higher quality of life, affordability, and a stronger sense of community as reasons for his permanent relocation.
Why it matters
The story highlights the 'expat' phenomenon and the growing trend of Americans seeking alternative lifestyles abroad due to economic and social pressures at home.
Kevin Schreck in Simat de la Valldigna. Courtesy of Kevin Schreck Kevin Schreck moved from a small town in North Carolina to Valencia, Spain, for a teaching program. Schreck expected a short stay, but fell for Valencia and does not plan to return to the US. He told Business Insider that he feels safer and happier in Spain, and his life is more affordable. This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Kevin Schreck, a 33-year-old from North Carolina who moved to Spain in 2018. The conversation has been edited for length and clarity. I was pursuing a master's in Spanish when I met my husband, who was also working on his master's. He's from Valencia , so when we finished our programs, I thought, "He's lived here for a couple of years, why don't I go ahead and try Spain?"
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