Dear fellow Wanderlust Americans,
So, you want to move to Europe? Perhaps you’ve been enthralled with the idea of moving to Europe after binge-watching Emily in Paris or after scrolling aimlessly through thousands of picturesque photos of European landmarks on your Instagram feed. Whatever sparked this newfound desire to leave the good ol’ USA behind, we should have a conversation. This decision to move thousands of miles away from your home is not an easy one, as you have probably imagined. Nevertheless, it is a fantastic journey that will shape your view of the world and shock the very foundation that you rest your sense of being on. It is a journey full of trials and tribulations, misadventures, and victories. You’ll have some laughs and probably cry a bit but, you’ll be incredibly proud of your self-development throughout this endeavor. Now, before you toss those bags onto your United flight across the Atlantic, there are some things you’ll need to know as an American moving to Europe.
- What Do You Mean by Europe?
As a native Chicagoan, when people compare Chicago to New York City, I become emotionally piqued. As Americans, we are well aware of the regional differences in our country. You wouldn’t compare the Californian lifestyle to that of the Ohioan lifestyle, would you? Of course not! So, why are you making that same mistake with Europe? Odds are, you are reading this blog because you are an American interested in studying in Europe, specifically with one of the exceptional programs at the University of Tartu. Coincidentally, odds are you decided to move to Europe with the fantasized notion that you’d be living like the Parisians: the “your morning coffee at a beautiful café” pipedream that most Americans have when conceptualizing their move to Europe. My point here is, do not assume that moving anywhere in Europe means that you will be living the western European life. You need to search for information specific to the region you’ll be living in. In the case of Estonia, you want information about The Baltics. Trust me on this, not only will this better prepare you to adapt to your new life in Europe but, it will create realistic expectations for the life-changing adventure you’re about to embark on.
A wonderfully comprehensive map of all the regions in Europe
- Slow Down, Cowboy!
The American lifestyle heavily revolves around convenience. We wake up and jump in our cars to get a coffee and breakfast sandwich via a drive-thru. Then we hop on the Expressway to drive to work. While we are working, we are ordering our groceries online or buying some unnecessary products via Amazon. Then, we go home and pick up dinner via drive-thru yet again. That type of convenience is a rarity in Europe. For starters, most European cities are built to be walkable and pedestrian-friendly. This is emphasized so much that it almost becomes a burden to even own a car in an urban area. In addition, many European cultures see meals as times to sit down and properly enjoy your food with good company. Europeans, broadly speaking, take more care and consideration into their daily tasks. This is wildly different from the hyper-convenience focus and always multi-tasking American attitude. You must learn how to slow down and take more consideration into your daily tasks. You do not need to do everything in a day, and you can enjoy the process of going about your day. I find this one of the main initial struggles of Americans moving to Europe. Still, fear not; you will adjust to the European lifestyle with ease.
With views like this, why would you want to drive when you can walk?
- No News is Not Always Good News
Americans love the media! Let’s face it, we consume various media at a rapid speed. Unfortunately, most news and pop culture we concern ourselves with is mainly American-based. While you and your American friends could talk hours about the NFL, or current bills being passed by the Senate, these will not captivate the attention of your newfound European peers. Yes, they will most likely want to hear your perspective about the US but, cultural exchange is crucial to being an international student. You need to familiarize yourself with some significant events occurring around Europe. Diversifying your media outlets will be vital for understanding your new European life’s background context and better understanding your new group of globalized and international friends. I highly recommend the British Broadcasting Corporation, Euronews, or Deutsche Welle (DW). Also, since we are on the topic of understanding the world, please read up on the European Union (EU). The EU is an absolutely crucial component of European identity, European history, and your life as a resident of Europe. Fair warning, it is a highly confusing system for Americans, but knowing its gist will save you in the long run.
- We are American, not American’t
Your adventures in Europe will cause you to ask new questions about your identity as an American. These questions about identity may be unique and daunting if you’ve never lived or studied abroad. While citizens of one European country may share the same language, ethnicity, or religion, Americans do not have a universal aspect that fully conceptualizes “The American Identity.” Ultimately, there is not a simple answer or source for this sort of inquiry. The United States is “the melting pot.” Because of that, we have a wide variety of identities that partake in the American experience. Your American identity will slowly begin to transform as you realize how the United States, and your fellow Americans, interact in the international institutions and structures that bound our social world. However, as I said, this is an exciting part of the journey and a significant aspect of personal growth. Fear not, you Ameri-can do it!
I Ameri-can’t believe I didn’t move to Estonia sooner!
There are so many pieces of advice I could give to you, the adventurous and curious American. Like how you shouldn’t expect a mountain of ice in your drinks or that the bread is sweeter in Europe. However, all of this you’ve probably already uncovered as you’ve scavenged the internet for any and all information about Europe. Let me leave you with this: moving to Europe will change the course of your life. You’ll meet new people from all walks of life, you’ll experience cultures that you didn’t know existed, and you’ll learn to slow down and enjoy the little things. It will make you more aware of the world and where you as an American fit into it. Most importantly, it will give you stories that will empower you for the remainder of your life. This is a journey that should not be taken lightly, as it is intense and transformative. Now, my fellow American. Let me ask you a different question.
Are you ready to move to Europe?
