I thought I wanted the American dream. Moving to a small city in Spain changed my mind.

Kevin Schreck relocated from a small town in North Carolina to Valencia, Spain, to pursue a teaching program. Initially, he intended to stay for a few years while improving his Spanish and eventually returning to the US. However, he fell in love with the city and now plans to remain there permanently. Schreck expressed that he feels safer and happier in Spain, and his life is more affordable.

As a language assistant, Schreck was placed in a school in Valencia, which became the beginning of his journey to embrace the Spanish lifestyle. Despite the initial stress of his first three months, during which he lived off his savings, Schreck stayed in the program for several years, allowing him to renew his visa and eventually work towards Spanish citizenship.

Valencia is renowned for its culture and sunny weather, offering a vibrant atmosphere for newcomers. Schreck appreciated the small neighborhood he lived in, close to the metro and other amenities, which made daily life convenient and affordable. His family back in North Carolina drove long distances to enjoy the same restaurants he now enjoys locally.

Affordability is a hallmark of life in Spain, as evidenced by Schreck's modest monthly expenses. Their flat costs €604 ($692) per month, while groceries for two people amount to €80-100 per week. Dining out is also budget-friendly, with a decent dinner costing around €25 per person. The universal healthcare system in Spain is a significant advantage, as Schreck doesn't have to worry about copays or unexpected bills.

Despite the challenges of adapting to a new culture, Schreck finds that the unspoken rules of Valencia gradually become second nature as he becomes more fluent in the language and meets more people. He doesn't plan on returning to the US and has found contentment in Valencia, working as a travel advisor and pursuing the process of adopting a child with his partner.