l find simple pleasures in a lot of things in life lately. One of them is seeing young people upscaling and thriving in life. Christine Osazuwa is a prime example. With a combination of determination, resilience, and masters degree, we chat about leaving the family in Maryland for life in Stockholm and beyond.
AMERICAN EXPAT IN LONDON CHRISTINE OSAZUWA
Christine grew up in Maryland to Nigerian parents, so l think it was only natural for the love of travel or at least the curiosity to be genetically passed on. It was a bit easier on them because she was a young newlywed, so she wouldn’t be alone.
Fleeing The American Lifestyle:
By the time she moved, she had seen over half of America and felt a pressing need to discover more of the world, specifically Europe as she did more research. Post-college graduation, she and her new husband set about moving from the U.S. in search of adventure and travel in a more cost-effective way.
Highlights of the American expat in London podcast:
- Life in Maryland and her parents’ reaction to her desire for travel.
- Her criteria for countries to consider for her expat experience.
- Wedding and election stress and the decision.
- Setting about getting the long-stay visa, and how the stars aligned.
- Life in Stockholm, and how it was different from America.
- Her dislike for the Swedish cuisine.
- The cost of living in Sweden.
- Planning a new destination after ultimately deciding that Sweden wasn’t for them.
- How London became their new home base.
- The difference in lifestyles between Stockholm and London.
- The cost of living in London compared to Stockholm.
- Meeting Michelle Obama, one of the top moments in her life.
- Working for a top music label, and enjoying the challenge.
- How the pandemic has affected everyday life in London.
- What other countries she would consider for expat living.
From Lagom In Stockholm To London High Tea: Listen To The Podcast
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I really enjoyed my conversation with Christine. She has achieved quite a lot in her young life. She is fun, outgoing, and is quite accomplished. She currently works as the Head of Data and Insights for Global Marketing at Warner Music Group.
Prior to that, she had held the same position at Universal Music while she lived in Sweden. I also love the fact that like me, she is what l call an experimental ex-pat. One of the things l talk about in the moving to Spain course to all is that we are not locked into the first destination.
If it’s not the right place, there is no shame at all in searching for that place for you to call home. Most of you know our journey from Malta to two other different cities before finally calling Valencia home. At the end of the day, it’s your life.
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Are you harboring any thoughts of moving, be it between states or out of the country?
When listening to this episode, I realized that I really never heard anyone say: “You know what? Swedish cuisine is the best!” hahaha Both countries are really expensive in my opinion but they also offer a lot in return. The best thing, though, is when you have options: this is ideal. Great episode! Rock & video games!
Haha! I actually enjoyed the Swedish food when we visited Stockholm. We mostly ate sushi because it was a bit cheaper. That is one expensive city for sure, and l don’t think we would go back because of that. Way, way, way too pricy. Even the second place we stayed at (a hostel) we stayed in was like 100 dollars for a private room. No thanks. The first was a tiny room on one of those moored boats, which was fun..but cramped. Thanks for listening and l am glad you enjoyed it.
We have lived in multiple countries beginning in early childhood. Always a new adventure. It has always been great.
We have always told folks who are contemplating a move to a foreign country to rent for a minimum of a year. Never buy right away.
We have many times seen folks who jump into a property purchase AND come to regret it after 2 years or so. Then their capital is tied up in a property that does not sell quickly and they cannot wait to get ‘back home’ (whatever that might mean).
Living in a different country is always an adventure and one learns so much. But committing to one country? Stay flexible. The grass may be greener across another border. Maybe; maybe not. Be willing to look.
I love your sense of adventure. It really sets you up for success in my opinion. Yes, I also think it is important to rent first. I can not stress that enough, no matter how much people think they are going to like a place. Even Valencia which is a huge hit with foreigners might not be a good fit. You just never know. We have also known several people who are just stuck with homes that stook on the market for 3 plus years no matter how much they lowered it. A lot of people think they want solitude only to regret it later when they are isolated and can’t penetrate and mix with the locals for instance. So many scenarios, especially the noise factor.
Excellent advice. Stay flexible and realize that things are not as you know them.