Hi,
I am struggling with my choices in life right now because the story is that I have just moved to america to study and live near some of my family here. I lived in europe before nearly my whole life and suddenly I have moved here which has been a little culture shock for me and I feel less development here and I do not feel like myself. I miss some parts of culture in europe and I just feel very split between the two 'worlds'. I have a best friend in europe and we have talked about moving to germany together and living our lives over there because we are both very creative and independent, europe is all about that. Education is very important, but I am not a career freak, I just want an average income to afford what I would like. Thus america seems very very career oriented and hard living. So I am thinking whether I should move to germany with my friend and leave america after I just came here about 1.5 months ago to actually stay here, but I do not feel myself here. What should I do?

Hello R:

Well, I'm partial to America. It DOES have its rough edges, but these days people can travel back and forth pretty easily and take advantage of BOTH cultures...

excon

A month and a half in one area doesn't give you a very clear picture of a country. America is such a large country, with such diverse landscapes, communities, and individuals, you could find a location that would suit just about anyone.

Europe is the same... something to suit everyone. There are going to be pros and cons wherever you decide to live.

It may come down to what sort of work you want to do, where you would find the most opportunities for such work, how close you are to your family, how often would you be able to visit if you didn't live in the same location, etc..

Some people, when faced with such a decision, choose to give a location a year or two. It is ample time to make friends, learn your way around, embrace some of the culture, and enjoy what the country has to offer. If that is possible, it may be something to consider. Perhaps finishing out your schooling in America and see how you feel once it is completed.

If you feel that being with your friend, and the adventure of living together in Germany, is too good of an opportunity to pass up, then do that. You can always go back to America at a later time. You are very fortunate to have a choice.

As excon said, back and forth travel is easy... although not inexpensive!