What does it mean to find home in a place your family once left behind? For Jose, a former US Customs and Border Protection Officer with 33 years of government service, moving to Portugal created a powerful full-circle moment—returning to the country his father had departed decades earlier.

Having previously been stationed in Portugal while working for the US government, Jose and his wife experienced that unmistakable feeling upon returning for a visit after living in Florida: they were coming home. Now retired and four years into life in Portugal with his wife and two youngest children, Jose offers rare insight into transitioning from law enforcement in America to peaceful retirement in Europe.

Security stands as a cornerstone of his family's decision. After experiencing multiple school lockdowns and frequent active shooter drills in Florida, the comparative safety of Portuguese schools provides immeasurable peace of mind. Add to this Portugal's affordable healthcare—just $189 monthly for comprehensive family coverage—and the equation starts making tremendous sense.

The cultural adjustments require patience, particularly navigating what Jose calls the Portuguese "traditional ways." Unlike America's streamlined efficiency, Portuguese bureaucracy follows strict processes with little deviation. Restaurant service moves at its own unhurried pace, with waiters not motivated by tips and perfectly content to let you linger for hours. The slower rhythm initially frustrates many Americans but ultimately becomes one of Portugal's most cherished features.

"I think that here you get to enjoy life more," Jose reflects, capturing the essence of what makes Portugal special despite its challenges. His advice for potential expats? Come with an open mind, embrace the differences rather than fighting them, and give yourself a full two years to adjust before making any permanent decisions about staying or leaving. After all, rebuilding a life isn't a vacation—it's an adventure requiring patience, flexibility, and the courage to adapt.

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What does it truly take to build a new life in Portugal? Cordelia, Chief Marketing Officer and partner at High Score Strategies, takes us beyond the sun-soaked Instagram squares into the complex realities of international relocation.

Unlike many expat stories that begin with fleeing problems, Cordelia and her husband had dreamed of living abroad for decades before making Portugal their home. After exploring options from Russia to the Netherlands, they eventually landed on Portugal through careful research and planning. Along with their teenage son and Cordelia's father, they navigated the labyrinth of paperwork, property purchasing, and emotional challenges of leaving their adult son behind in the United States.

The conversation delves into cultural integration challenges that aren't covered in relocation videos. "You have to work hard to be integrated at all," Cordelia explains, noting how today's technology makes it dangerously easy to remain in an expat bubble. From language learning (which requires deliberate daily practice rather than passive "picking up") to navigating healthcare with its cultural differences, each aspect of adaptation requires intention and perseverance.

Perhaps most fascinating are the identity revelations that emerge through cultural contrast. Seemingly innate personality traits—from smiling at strangers to conversational styles—reveal themselves as merely cultural programming once placed against different norms. Portuguese attitudes about age, privacy, and social boundaries create enlightening moments of self-discovery for newcomers willing to notice them.

Despite unexpected health challenges that limited her ability to live the active European lifestyle she'd imagined, Cordelia's enthusiasm for Portugal remains strong. The rewards include authentic connections with fellow boundary-pushers who've chosen to "change the status quo of their life," alongside simple joys like having "a real thousand-year-old castle ten minutes from my house."

For those contemplating a similar leap, her advice centers on financial preparation and cultural immersion. Join Portuguese organizations, find local coworking spaces, and make deliberate efforts to step beyond the comfortable expat community. Your Portuguese adventure awaits—castle views included.

All of Cordelia's links can be found on her website: https://www.cordeliablake.com/

Cordelia's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@globalprofessionalsportugal

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What makes a family of four trade the familiarity of Los Angeles for the cobblestone streets of Portugal? For Stephanie and Michael, the pandemic became a catalyst for reimagining their lives, creating space to question why they should postpone their European dreams until retirement.

Their journey began in 2020, with a newborn strapped to Stephanie's chest while working remotely and their toddler watching Sesame Street as an impromptu babysitter. These challenging circumstances sparked conversations about what truly mattered. Initially drawn to Italy, their plans evolved when Portugal repeatedly entered their conversations, eventually capturing their hearts during family visits.

The path from dream to reality wasn't straightforward. Their visa application experience reveals the intense anxiety of assembling critical documentation – from background checks to health insurance proof – all while managing passport renewal mishaps and racing against deadlines.

Now in the final preparation phase, they're simultaneously converting their garage into a rental property, making crucial decisions about their children's Portuguese education, and facing the emotional challenge of downsizing a decade of possessions. Most poignantly, they share the deeper motivations behind their move: escaping concerns about gun violence after their children's school experienced lockdowns, seeking walkability instead of car dependency, and craving more quality family time away from the relentless American hustle.

What makes their story remarkable is its accessibility. As Stephanie emphasizes, they're not exceptional – just an average middle-class family willing to persevere, stay aligned in their vision, and remain flexible through inevitable challenges. Their journey illuminates not just the logistical realities of international relocation, but the profound value of daring to reimagine what life could be.

Have you been contemplating your own international move? Subscribe to hear more authentic accounts of the Portugal relocation experience, and discover if this sun-drenched country might be your next chapter too.

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