A woman who left America to live in Spain has revealed how making the move saved her thousands of dollars a month.
Shawna Lum, 31, originally from Los Angeles, California, became 'completely in love' in Spain after studying abroad in 2015 for six months abroad.
She decided to move to the European country full -time a year later and never looked back.
She now has all the advantages of living in Spain exclusively to DailyMail.com, because she explained that she not only enjoyed a much more relaxed lifestyle – but she also collected her costs of living.
Shawna said her rent of $ 2,000 a month went for her apartment with one bedroom in the heart of LA to just $ 350 a month for her house in a small town just outside Barcelona.
She also revealed that she only spends about $ 200 a month on groceries for herself and her husband, then, adding to it, “and all organically buys.
'The quality of the food is much better [in Spain] – Fresh products, food and wine at prices that people in the US would shock.
“My general costs are much lower than in the US, and I get more for my money.”
A woman who left America to live in Spain has revealed how making the move saved her thousands of dollars a month
Shawna Lum (seen with her husband), 31, originally from Los Angeles, is exclusively for all the benefits of living in the European country to DailyMail.com
Moreover, she pointed out that she has 'incredible health care' that 'does not cost a fortune'.
“$ 70 a month for my private insurance – no copays and no deductible,” she shared.
Shawna explained that she was initially attracted to the way people socialize, the great food ', and how cheap and easy it is to travel to other countries in Europe.
'[After studying abroad there] I didn't want to go back to my business job in the US, but I had signed a contract for that June, so I had to go back, “she shared.
'I worked in the company for 1.5 years before I throw in the towel to lead my dream life back in Spain.
“I kept thinking about Spain and how great my experience was and how happier I was.”
Regarding the biggest differences between Spain and America, apart from the money, Shawna explained that 'Life seems slower' in Spain, and added that the 'work-life balance' is much better.
'It is more about life than not to work alone. People give priority to the connection and spontaneity (which I am very much about), “she gushed.
She said her rent of $ 2,000 a month went for her apartment with one bedroom in the heart of LA up to just $ 350 a month for her house in a small city directly outside of Barcelona
Shawna explained that 'lifeline seems slower' in Spain, and added that the 'working life balance' is much better
'Europeans are always willing and able to take a coffee with friends, have long meals and enjoy the outdoors.
'Many do not want to have a plan versus the US … All life must be planned for a T.
'Our nervous system is confused in the US with so much Go-Go-Go and stress.
“The cost of living is lower, the food is fresher and there is just a general better balance between work and private life.”
She added that, despite her family and most of her friends who live thousands of kilometers in America, she never feels alone in Spain.
“There is a strong sense of community that I really appreciate, as well as an openness that I have never seen before,” she went on.
'I don't feel that I am being judged here. Life is not competition like in the US. '
Shawna also said that she is more active in Spain – she easily walks 15,000 steps a day – and has 'beautiful parks and beaches' within reach.
She explained that she not only enjoyed a much more relaxed lifestyle – but she has also withheld her costs of living
She said that she initially felt attracted to the way people socialize, the great food ', and how cheap and easy it is to travel to other countries in Europe. She has seen in Italy
Regarding the disadvantages, she said that many shops and restaurants are 'understaffed', which means 'waiting longer'.
“But this is part of the process and it teaches us Americans to be patient,” she added.
Moreover, she said that finding her way in the beginning was a 'bit of an adjustment', and added that she sometimes felt 'like that strange man' before she became Spanish fluently.
But in the end she doesn't regret – and she wants to encourage others to take the leap and move to their dream country.
“If you think about it, there is a reason,” who has now set up a company, moving abroad that “American pensioners, external employees, prospective entrepreneurs, students and Sabbatical-seekers help finally go abroad,” said.
'Environment is a huge factor for how you experience life and sometimes your environment has to change.
'I always say that the hardest part is to make the decision to bind to yourself and not to listen to other people – we constantly look outside (to the news, our friends and family) for what we have to do next, but this is a decision that you can make for yourself because life is short.
'We do not know when our last day will be on earth – as soon as you make the decision to bind to yourself and your dream, everything else falls into place.
'Moving abroad is not just about saving money; It's about getting a better lifestyle. If I can do it, you can do that too. '
