Living the Dream: How One Texan Made Spain His Home
Are you tired of feeling like moving abroad is only for the wealthy? Think again! Every week, we’re featuring individuals who have made the leap and are living their best lives in countries around the world.
Meet Trevor Huxham, the Texan Who Traded in His Cowboy Boots for Tapas
Trevor Huxham, a native Texan, spent over two years living in Spain, immersing himself in the culture and learning the language. He’s here to share his experiences, from finding a job as a language assistant to navigating the ups and downs of expat life.
Getting Started: Finding a Job and Funding the Move
Trevor’s journey began when he applied for a language assistant position with the Spanish Ministry of Education. With a recommendation letter, letter of intent, and a bit of perseverance, he landed the job. To afford the move, Trevor saved $4,000 from his summer job and lived with his parents. He also set aside $2,000 for initial expenses, including a round-trip plane ticket, apartment hunting, and security deposits.
The Cost of Living in Spain
Trevor’s monthly stipend of 700€ covered the essentials, leaving him with some extra cash for travel and private English classes on the side. He shared an apartment with two other American language assistants, paying 133€ in rent. Utilities averaged 50-65€ per month, and food was very affordable, with grocery store trips costing around 20-30€ per week.
Cultural Immersion and Challenges
Santiago de Compostela, Trevor’s adopted city, was a big university town, making it easy to connect with people his age. However, he faced challenges like making lasting friendships due to the constant flow of travelers and students. Trevor also had to learn Galician, the local language, in addition to Castilian Spanish.
Overcoming Obstacles
Trevor battled Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) during the winter months, combating it with socializing, comfort food, and sun exposure whenever possible. He also planned budget-friendly trips within Spain to boost his mood.
Visa Process and Advice
To acquire a visa, Trevor applied in person at the consulate in Houston, Texas, with a total cost of $252. His advice for those looking to move to Santiago de Compostela? Invest in quality rain boots and be prepared for the rainy climate.
Surprising Expenses
Trevor was surprised by the expenses related to adapting to the rainy, Atlantic climate, including rain boots, gloves, scarves, and a space heater. However, he notes that those already familiar with these temperatures wouldn’t need to worry about these additional costs.
Follow Trevor’s adventures on his travel blog, A Texan in Spain, and connect with him on Twitter and Instagram.
Leave a Reply