I spent years building a steady public-relations career in New York City, but ended up burned out and craving more.
Driven by my longtime desire to transition into the journalism industry and live abroad, I applied to master’s programs in Europe. I chose one in Lisbon — a city I’d never even visited — and before I knew it, I was packing my life into two suitcases and making the move.
I’ve now been here for 10 months, and my life has improved in so many ways. However, I’ve also encountered financial challenges I didn’t see coming.
I live a healthier lifestyle now, and spend tons of time outdoors
In New York, getting exercise beyond walking always felt like a chore. I’ve been passionate about activities like surfing and skateboarding since my early teens, but it was tough to consistently keep up with them in New York.
Now, with great surf beaches a mere 30 minutes from Lisbon’s city center and numerous world-class skateparks across the country, Portugal has made it possible for me to reconnect with both sports and build community through them.
I was pleasantly surprised to learn that Lisbon’s vibrant skate scene includes so many women and girls — something that isn’t always the case. I’ve joined several free community groups that have also made it easy to find like-minded friends interested in these activities.
My social circle has become more international
In New York, it was easy to fall into familiar social circles and befriend people whose upbringings looked like mine. Moving abroad has pushed me to put myself out there, and as a result, I’ve actually found it easier to make new friends.
Conversations with new people in Lisbon often start with where we’re from and what brought us here — rather than the career-oriented introductions I got used to back home. In fact, I don’t think I’ve been asked what I do for work a single time since moving.
The friends I’ve made in Lisbon are largely international, hailing from all across Europe and beyond. I’ve been able to connect with many locals at the skatepark and at community events, too.
Through conversations about our lives and home countries, I’ve not only gained a great circle of friends, but a deeper understanding of the various challenges people are facing around the world.
I’ve been impressed by Portugal’s healthcare system
As a graduate student without a full-time job, I most likely would not have affordable health insurance if I still lived in the US.
Thankfully, in Portugal, I’m covered by the SNS, the tax-funded national healthcare system. All residents have access to care, regardless of age or employment status. Although the system isn’t without fault and requires a bit of bureaucracy to navigate, I’ve found it generally accessible.
For example, after being scratched by a stray cat in Morocco this winter, I completed the final doses of rabies post-exposure prophylaxis at a hospital in Lisbon — entirely for free. In the US, this treatment would have likely cost me several hundred dollars without insurance.
Despite these improvements, I’m struggling with the cost of living and a more limited job market
Lisbon consistently ranks among the cities with the worst average rent-to-salary ratios in Europe. Luckily, my student housing has been significantly more affordable than the New York apartment I shared with two roommates — but finding reliable work to help me pay my rent has been much tougher.
I initially planned to get a part-time job in the service industry to complement my studies. However, I was unprepared for how difficult it would be to find work in Lisbon without speaking fluent Portuguese, despite my efforts to learn the language and speak it conversationally.
Some students make a bit of extra income through internship stipends, but I’ve found these hard to access as an international student, too.
Although some of my expenses are lower than what I’d pay in New York — for example, I pay only €40 a month for unlimited rides on public transit — other costs, such as groceries and eating out, are fairly comparable.
Making matters worse, I’d underestimated the weakening value of the US dollar, which I now notice every day through exchange-rate conversions. Between rent, tuition, and daily expenses, I’ve found myself relying on my savings way more than I had expected.
Still, even though this chapter hasn’t been without its challenges, I’m glad that I decided to move. No matter how long I end up staying, I’ll always carry the Portuguese feeling of “saudade” with me: a bittersweet, nostalgic longing for the people I’ve met here and the gorgeous sunsets over the Tagus river.
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