A number of Americans who chose to relocate to European nations in the wake of the 2016 presidential election are now voicing disappointment with their decision, according to a recent publication that explored their experiences. These individuals, who initially sought what they perceived as political refuge, have reportedly encountered a range of frustrations, including a lower standard of living, the emergence of right-wing political movements in their new countries, and a renewed appreciation for aspects of American culture.
Cultural Adjustments and Economic Realities Abroad
One individual, identified as "Annie," shared her account of moving to the United Kingdom, where she had been led to believe an idyllic life awaited her through social media portrayals. However, the reality she encountered diverged sharply from her expectations.
"There are huge misconceptions about access to quality healthcare, standard of living… the quality of life is significantly lower than in the U.S.," she stated, detailing difficulties with the healthcare system and a considerably reduced disposable income. She further noted that "Things in the U.K. that are considered luxury items are very common" in the United States, such as dishwashers and clothes dryers.
Annie also expressed surprise regarding the financial aspects of healthcare, having initially believed she would receive free services under the National Health Service (NHS). She explained that she now pays "huge amounts of taxes and an immigration surcharge" to access these national health services, concluding, "So no, the health care is not free here."
Her experience also included unexpected anti-American sentiment and distinct cultural norms within the professional environment.
"I found it particularly surprising how people feel so comfortable mocking my accent and culture, even in a workplace environment," Annie recounted. She contrasted the British mentality of 'it is what it is' with the American emphasis on continuous improvement and striving for better outcomes. "I thought that ‘British politeness’ existed as it does in movies," she added, "but unfortunately, the reality is that present-day British culture is very individualistic, as well as without the sense of charity and helpfulness that many parts of American culture value."
Sarah Wood González, a journalist and consultant, echoed these sentiments, expressing a newfound appreciation for the American approach to work and interaction after experiencing a different environment.
"Something I had taken for granted is the American outgoingness and default to action, where the question is ‘how can we collaborate?’" she observed. "Generally speaking, I also found that the American work style, for better or for worse, moves much faster and can get to a yes or no in less time."
Meanwhile, another individual named Josh, who moved to Germany, faced significant hurdles in his job search. He described the process as "so hard, and the endless bureaucracy had grown worse since I’d left." Josh confessed to missing "the friendlier people, freedom of speech, and ease of daily life" in the United States. He also commented on German daily life, saying, "If you aren’t born and raised there, and don’t look German, you’ll never be fully accepted." Josh recently returned to the U.S., reporting increased happiness and admitting he may have "overreacted" by moving to Europe in the first place.
Online Reactions and Economic Comparisons
The decision by some Americans to voice their regrets on social media has reportedly been met with sharp criticism from others who identify as politically liberal. These individuals are often chastised for considering a return to what is sometimes labeled "evil" America.
Posts expressing regret commonly draw substantial backlash, with commenters suggesting the poster must be right-wing and privileged, warning of a harsh reality if they were to return home. Ironically, some of these criticisms parrot the notion that individuals are not trying hard enough to integrate into their new country. In one instance, a person who expressed missing their community of friends in a "blue city in a blue state" and contemplating a move back was largely deemed "insane" by top comments.
Beyond individual accounts, broader economic comparisons highlight the varied experiences across Europe. While acknowledging that Europe is not a single entity, it was noted that earning an average Greek salary could be considered near poverty level by American standards. Living as an average Dane, while generally fine, still typically means earning significantly less than the average American. Some aspects of quality of life, such as lower crime rates and better food, were acknowledged as superior in certain European countries.
However, the fundamental reality of income often places Americans at a disadvantage when relocating to Europe. A key reason cited for this is the difficulty in terminating employees, which in turn makes securing initial employment more challenging. Additionally, most European nations, with the exceptions of Switzerland and the Baltics, impose high taxes on low and middle-income workers to fund universal healthcare and pensions for an aging populace.
A Political Perspective on European Models
Theo Wold, who served as a White House deputy assistant for domestic policy during the first Trump administration, offered a political perspective on these trends. He suggested that American liberals often fail to grasp that the very European socialist ideals they admire could undermine the qualities that define the United States.
"American liberals want to import European socialist ideas and wave after wave of third world immigrants into the U.S., but it turns out that in real life, socialism and mass immigration produce countries that are poorer, less productive, and less enjoyable to call home," Wold asserted. He argued that American liberals who moved to Europe are now witnessing this firsthand. "Every American voter who thinks they want single-payer healthcare should have to spend a few months on an NHS waitlist or look for housing in the Kreuzberg district of Berlin: the European malaise is a real wake-up call."