Question for the Europeans: why choose the US over Europe?

[Soup Dragon 104]

Yes, I asked because my sister knows some Americans in Austria/Germany/Czech Rep and so forth who say "I'm never going back to the US! The US is awful, Europe is so much better..." and so on. So I was curious if anyone else here had had similar experiences to my sister.

My husband, the USC, has been living in Europe for the past twelve years, stationed in the Netherlands with USAF and then Germany with the Army. He loves it here and feels very much at home. I am from the UK and he loves it there too.

When we first met he told me he never wanted to move back to the US. We realized that when he retired from active duty he would not be able to stay in Europe and work so we accepted that we had to move to the US (I was happy with that because we could be together) and we applied for my CR-1 visa. We moved to the US last year and he really wasn't happy, couldn't find work and missed Europe and his son. Five months later an army civilian job came up in the same office where he worked while he was active duty so we had government orders to move back to Germany, something we were not expecting at all. For him it felt like going home. However, we realize that when his three year contract is up there is every possibility that we will have to move back to the US but in the meantime we are very much enjoying life back in Europe. Plus I get to go home and get all the English goodies I miss!

(As I am on his orders, being stationed in Germany doesn't count as being out of the country so I can continue with the ROC and citizenship process as normal).

[BigDaddy28 228]

This is an interesting topic and I love reading most of the replies here. I wish I could say I was European however I'm a European descent (not European in citizenship). I went to France ( not for as long as I want to) just so I can see for a few hours where I originated from (great grand father was French). However the people there didn't want to help me when I asked questions ( like directions, or food...). I don't know if the lightly darker skin I have (even though my wife was white) had anything with how they reacted toward me but it made me feel uncomfortable. Do not get me wrong I'm not saying anybody there is racist, as a matter of fact this nice little lady called me and tried to help find my way ( I owe her for that). However I think living in the US and having a great job here wouldn't be possible in my case to achieve in Europe as easy as here.

I still love visiting France and the rest of the countries in Europe and I will get back to where I originated from for a longer time and just get lost and find my way back by myself lol.

Please if anybody thinks I shouldn't comment here just because I'm not a citizen of a European country, flag my post so a moderator can take. I promise it won't hurt my feelings.

Yall have a good day,

[Boiler 45,770]

Please if anybody thinks I shouldn't comment here just because I'm not a citizen of a European country, flag my post so a moderator can take. I promise it won't hurt my feelings.

Yall have a good day,

Lots from the UK posting here.

[millefleur 5,047]

Lots from the UK posting here.

For most Americans, the UK is considered part of Europe. So it's fine. I mean, I'm thinking more the continent of Europe rather than just the European Union/Schengen zone. So, yeah, anyone's experiences in "Europe" are fair game in relation to my original question. No matter if you are European or merely lived there, it's interesting to hear everyone's experiences. Switzerland, Norway, UK and the EU countries....all those are Europe to me.

Edited September 18, 2016 by millefleur

[Boiler 45,770]

For most Americans, the UK is considered part of Europe. So it's fine. I mean, I'm thinking more the continent of Europe rather than just the European Union/Schengen zone. So, yeah, anyone's experiences in "Europe" are fair game in relation to my original question. No matter if you are European or merely lived there, it's interesting to hear everyone's experiences. Switzerland, Norway, UK and the EU countries....all those are Europe to me.

and Russia...?

[A'n'L 735]

I must say I'm moving to the US strictly for love. Being fortunate enough to grow up in Norway, the US just can't compete. I will be missing the liberal spirit, the true gender equality, the fresh air, the walking distances and the free school and health systems.

However, with the current decline in oil prices, there was no way my husband would be able to find employment in his field in Norway (we are both professionals). Further, the US does offer other positives that Norway doesn't have, like actually good schools (although you have to pay for them), polite and open people - and customer service.

[millefleur 5,047]

and Russia...?

Weeeelllllllll, I just feel like most Russians who emigrate to the US do not miss Russia as a country. They miss their family and personal ties but....few people are lamenting about wanting to go back forever. While it falls into the European continent, it doesn't have the same quality of life/standards of living that the other European countries have. Plus Russia-US relations are so abominably bad, there's just an animosity between the two countries that isn't present in Western/Central/Schengen Europe, and also, the lack of VWP and yeah....just a lot of barriers here that make it feel like it's NOT Europe compared to "Europe"....you know what I mean?

[Unidentified 2,930]

and Russia...?

Well majority of it is in Asia... But many people still consider it to be European.

[Unidentified 2,930]

Weeeelllllllll, I just feel like most Russians who emigrate to the US do not miss Russia as a country. They miss their family and personal ties but....few people are lamenting about wanting to go back forever. While it falls into the European continent, it doesn't have the same quality of life/standards of living that the other European countries have. Plus Russia-US relations are so abominably bad, there's just an animosity between the two countries that isn't present in Western/Central/Schengen Europe, and also, the lack of VWP and yeah....just a lot of barriers here that make it feel like it's NOT Europe compared to "Europe"....you know what I mean?

Actually it doesn't. Only about 20% of Russia is in Europe.

[Boiler 45,770]

Well majority of it is in Asia... But many people still consider it to be European.

Just amused me the definition of Europe changes. A bit of Turkey is in Europe as well as many other countries that I have a feeling were not included.

Edited September 18, 2016 by Boiler

[Unidentified 2,930]

Just amused me the definition of Europe changes. A bit of Turkey is in Europe as well as many other countries that I have a feeling were not included.

Yeah it's very confusing. I learned that it was the Ural mountains that split Russia into Europe and Asia and when I learned geography when I was young I'm pretty sure all of Turkey was Asia

[Scandi 4,173]

I will be missing the liberal spirit, the true gender equality,

That's something I absolutely won't miss, same goes for the insane political correctness and fake freedom of speech.

I'll be better off in the US regarding these things.

[Unidentified 2,930]

That's something I absolutely won't miss, same goes for the insane political correctness and fake freedom of speech.

I'll be better off in the US regarding these things.

And don't forget all the "I'm offended" BS... For example the very offensive skin colored band-aids...

[A'n'L 735]

That's something I absolutely won't miss, same goes for the insane political correctness and fake freedom of speech.

I'll be better off in the US regarding these things.

???

That's something I absolutely won't miss, same goes for the insane political correctness and fake freedom of speech.

I'll be better off in the US regarding these things.

And don't forget all the "I'm offended" BS... For example the very offensive skin colored band-aids...

Huh, sounds like Sweden is more different from Norway than I imagined. Can't relate to your statements ;-)

[Scandi 4,173]

And don't forget all the "I'm offended" BS... For example the very offensive skin colored band-aids...

Exactly. I totally agree.