MAGAZINE
https://www.easyexpat.com/en/mag/2013/11/21/2013/11/21/from-the-uk-to-the-usa-the-move-to-america.htm
Interviews
From the UK to the USA: The Move to America
We have followed Molly in her quest to join her American husband and become an expat in America. She has recently settled in Ohio and is continuing to share her tips on life abroad the first Wenesday of every month.
My name is Molly and I am originally from the UK and I am currently living in Ohio, USA.
1. Why did you move abroad?
I moved to America because my husband is a U.S. citizen and after careful consideration, we decided we would have a better standard of living here in Ohio.
2. How do you make a living?
I am not currently working as I have just moved to America, but by trade, I am a teacher. My husband works and is supporting us both at the moment.
3. How often do you communicate with home and how?
I get on Facebook everyday to write messages to loved ones, I write letters and emails throughout the week and I am about to embark on chatting through the computer with my Mum. I am very excited about seeing her, and hope to set up regular video chats with other family and friends. I feel very lucky to have all this technology on hand to keep us all connected!
4. What's your favorite thing about being an expat in the USA?
I am so new at it (currently been an expat for 12 days) that I am not really sure yet - other than being with my husband after so many years apart!
5. What’s the worst thing about being an expat in the USA?
This is also hard to answer fully, but the subtle differences in how things are done or operate here in the U.S. has been a bit of a challenge. The everyday stuff has been a bit stressful as everything is new - using the washing machine and driers, getting used to the coins (money) have all had me constantly second guessing myself.
6. What do you miss most?
I am missing all my family and friends, but also the sea air! I used to live by the sea and would take picturesque walks along the promenade in the morning. My walks currently consist of walking beside a huge road with lots of traffic.
7. What did you do to meet people and integrate in your new home?
My husband is really my first guide on meeting people, as I know some of his friends and have been for coffee with one of them and have chatted to others over the past couple of weeks. I will look into joining some groups when I have settled more into the everyday routines - plus getting a job will help me meet new people.
8. What custom/ habits do you find most strange about your adopted culture?
The very friendly and welcoming customer service is fantastic here, but being a Brit, I am not used to shop assistants being so nice so feel a bit awkward at first. That is really more my issue than a strange custom/habit here in America!
9. What is a myth about your adopted country?
I think a lot of people assume America to be full of loud, brash people - there are some like that, but I have not found that to be an overwhelmingly accurate myth.
10. Is the cost of living higher or lower than the last country you lived in and how has that made a difference in your life?
The cost of living is better here in the U.S. but it can balance itself out when you look at healthcare etc. When my husband and I decided I would come to America, it was based on the fact that his earnings would be higher with more chance of progression than in the UK. I could earn a decent wage in either country, but the fact my husband could earn more was a deciding factor.
11. What advice would you give other expats?
Do not put too much pressure on yourself to have everything sorted, organised or familiar straightaway. Be open to the fact that everything will be new, and not to worry if you get things wrong to start with.
12. When and why did you start your blog? 
I have been blogging since January 2013 and started my blog The Move to America to be a place where friends and family could follow my journey through the visa process, but also to help anyone else going through the same experiences too.
Molly's blog, The Move to America
Find out more about being an expat in the USA with Easy Expat's
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Author: texkourgan | 2013-11-21 10:56:09