Embracing Change: Families Finding New Beginnings Abroad
A New Dawn for Makayla Oberlin
Makayla Oberlin, a mother of three, embarked on a life-changing journey when she decided to leave behind the state of Texas and move to Panama. This decision stemmed from a heartfelt desire for more quality time with her children. "There were never mornings really consistently where we could both get up with our kids and get them ready for school and cook breakfast," Oberlin reflected, sharing her yearning for a family-centric lifestyle.
Oberlin’s family had already experienced the ups and downs of relocation; her husband served in the Army for 12 years, which led to a series of moves. Although they had adjusted to changing environments, it became increasingly challenging for both of them to remain fully present in their children’s lives. In searching for a way to fulfill their family aspirations, they began to explore affordable destinations abroad. Ultimately, the couple decided on Panama, which presented the opportunity to live off their savings without the necessity of immediate work.
Immersing in a New Culture
Oberlin was adamant about providing her children with an immersive experience in Panamanian culture, particularly through the language. To facilitate this, she researched various schools and enrolled her kids in one that offered a blend of Spanish and English classes. Most lessons are conducted in Spanish, and her children benefit from a classmate who assists with translation, easing their transition into a different educational system.
"It’s been going really well, but definitely different," Oberlin acknowledged. She pointed out that in the United States, language learners might be segregated into different classes. In contrast, her goal was for her children to learn in an integrated setting, acclimating from day one.
The Challenges of Transition
While the family is adapting to this new way of life, the transition hasn’t been without its hurdles. Oberlin’s older sons, aged 14 and 12, were initially apprehensive about leaving their friends and entering a foreign school. On the other hand, their youngest daughter, at just 10 years old, embraced the adventure, viewing the move as an exciting new chapter.
Oberlin has already spotted promising educational opportunities on the horizon for her children. The school in Panama offers international university advising for kids in high school, a stark contrast to the traditional path offered in many U.S. schools. "Here, I feel like they truly are expanding their horizons," she explained, noting that this global perspective is invaluable for her children’s futures.
Seeking Balance in New Zealand
Elissa Johnsen’s journey from Maryland to New Zealand carries its own set of challenges and triumphs. During the pandemic, the emotional toll of working as a nurse alongside the looming threat of violence in schools became overwhelming for her family. After receiving an enticing job offer from a New Zealand-based agency, she and her husband took a leap of faith and made the significant move, with their youngest child only 11 months old.
Johnsen was drawn to New Zealand’s emphasis on child well-being within its educational system. She was excited to discover a play-based curriculum that focuses on relationships and emotional safety, which she feels has given her younger children a chance to experience a more carefree childhood compared to her eldest, who grew up in the U.S.
Quality of Life Improvements
Financially, Johnsen found that life in New Zealand was lighter on her family compared to the U.S. "Expenses aren’t as burdensome here," she noted. Lower childcare costs—coupled with a sustainable work-life balance—provided a sense of relief. In New Zealand, she receives 20 hours of free childcare per week, an unimaginable benefit compared to the exorbitant rates quoted in Maryland.
Despite the upheaval of leaving what was familiar, Johnsen highlights the major benefits of her decision. "Moving across the world with three young kids meant letting go of everything familiar and building a life from the ground up," she shared. This journey, though fraught with uncertainty, has proven to be exceptionally fulfilling.
Ahnika White’s Journey to Belgium
Ahnika White’s transition from Minnesota to Belgium is another compelling narrative of seeking a better environment for her children. Raised in the Netherlands, her husband had the opportunity to return to Europe after spending years in the U.S. Faced with concerns over school shootings in the U.S., White felt increasingly uncomfortable enrolling her child in an American school.
Once her husband secured a job in Belgium, the family made the move, and White was relieved to find that they were financially better off. "Between mortgages and kids, those bills rack up quickly," she explained, highlighting the advantages they experienced after relocating.
Adapting Without Fear
White’s daughter, familiar with Dutch, navigated the local dialect with a degree of ease. This familiarity eased the typical stresses families face when moving to an unfamiliar linguistic landscape. White plans to stay in Belgium until her children graduate and is proactively setting aside funds for their futures, considering both college and alternative paths.
"It’s important to stress that uprooting kids isn’t as daunting as it might seem," White said, urging hesitant parents to weigh the potential benefits. The adaptability of children, she notes, often surprises parents, enabling them to thrive in new environments.
These families exemplify the courage it takes to uproot their lives for the promise of something better. While challenges abound, their stories reveal the profound rewards of embracing change, cultivating new experiences, and nurturing relationships in an unfamiliar land.
