Nicole Echeverria, with a desire for change and a quest for safety, left New York for Portugal and found a new life.
Nicole Echeverria always felt that itch to live abroad. Growing up in New York and graduating from the University of Michigan, she saw the 2016 elections as a turning point. Feeling uneasy about her safety in the US, she started planning for a life overseas. Her choice was a graduate program in Portugal, not just for the academic value, but as a doorway to new experiences.
Echeverria aimed for a business-related degree, one taught in English and accredited by American standards, but also sought a place where living costs were lower. She found her match in the Católica Lisbon School of Business & Economics offering a two-year Master of Science in Business. With savings of 14,300 euros, she went back to live with her parents on Long Island, saving money while working in content marketing. By August 2019, she was off to Lisbon, sight unseen, driven by the hope that if things didn’t work out, New York would always be there.
Arriving in Lisbon, Nicole found herself drawn to its relaxed, sunny vibe, a stark contrast to New York’s hustle. But as she settled into her program, the pandemic hit, pushing her into a decision: return home or embrace this new life. The atmosphere of safety in Portugal won out, especially compared to the ever-present stress of crime and gun violence she felt back in the States. This peace of mind was worth the loneliness of distance from family.
Portugal offers a post-graduation visa allowing a year to find work. Echeverria utilized this to shift into a regular work permit and build a freelance career in social media management. Her family was surprised, especially her dad, who frequently reminded relatives of her new home overseas. However, she stayed connected, visiting the US for holidays and special events.
Love added another layer to Nicole’s Portuguese adventure. Through a TikTok connection in 2022, she met her now-fiancé, a local from Portugal. Two years later, they live together in Nazaré, a coastal town. They’re planning a wedding for next August in a historic venue near Porto, capturing the charm of the countryside within a reasonable budget of $3,500 for two days.
Although the idea of acquiring a Portuguese passport and potentially moving around Europe lingers, for now, Nicole and her fiancé dream of a life in Lisbon with summer getaways in Greece. The easy-going lifestyle, economical living, and remote work opportunities paint a picture of a future far simpler than what New York could offer.
Nicole Echeverria’s journey to Portugal started as a leap of faith but has turned into a life filled with safety, love, and possibility. For now, her heart is set on staying in the place that brought her peace.
Source: Yahoo
