We left the U.S. and bought a house in Spain for $72K

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1

Think about these questions before watching.

  1. Many people dream of moving to a different country. What do you think are the biggest reasons someone might decide to leave their home country and start a new life abroad?
  2. Imagine you are planning to move to a new country. What practical things would you need to consider or arrange before you go? (Think about housing, money, language, or culture.)
  3. When choosing a place to live, what is most important to you? Is it the cost of living, the weather, the culture, job opportunities, or something else?
2

You only need to watch the highlighted section below — the exercises focus on this part.

▶ You only need to watch 0:38–3:59. The exercises focus on this part.
Video script175 segments · click a timestamp to jump

[music]

>> The region of Andalusia, if I had to

explain it, it's fire.

>> Yeah, yeah. These people are fire.

They're passionate. Life is completely

different in Spain, but especially in

the village we live in. These kids, they

can walk to the park and come home at

midnight.

>> We bought a home in Cordoba, Spain for

$72,000.

>> And we renovated it for $60,000.

>> Welcome to our home.

>> [laughter]

>> The number one question we get asked all

the time, like, why did we decide to go

to Spain? And I always say, like, why

not?

>> Yeah. Well, we also speak the language.

>> we had like a little list. What are

things that we want to change in our

lives? So, one thing was for us is like

quality of life. Time with our child was

top. And then affordability was another

thing. I mean, we work a lot in the US.

[laughter]

>> Yeah. And so,

>> Spain came back up on the map.

>> Yeah.

>> And that's when we actually got

discouraged because, again, we're coming

to Spain to live a more affordable life.

>> Right.

>> And our mortgage in the US wasn't even

the cost of the rent here. So, we were

like, what are we doing?

>> [music]

>> You actually picked up the phone and

called her right away.

>> Yes, I did. I'm like, we're getting a

rental. We're going to come and see it.

The number one reason is it's in

Andalusia, which is the southern part of

Spain, and it's hot, and it reminds me

of Dominican Republic. Plus, we're not

far from Malaga and Cordoba and Granada

and Jaen, and major parts of Spain that

you can easily get to in an hour. The

house also had space, uh especially the

backyard.

We can't take the mortgages out here

because

we're not from here. We didn't have all

the legal paperworks and all that. So,

we did pay cash for the home.

>> [music]

>> And that's a good feeling to have a

mortgage-less house.

>> Welcome to our home. Come on in.

So, this is our living room and this is

where we spend most of our time. As you

can see,

TV, we get to play some games.

>> All throughout the house we have all

this traditional Spaniard tile and

actually it came with this furniture.

We're going to touch it up and of course

as we improvise we're also changing the

floor, but this stays because it's very

traditional.

>> There is a full living quarters on the

bottom, but we also have that on the

top. And that's part of the reason why

we purchased. So, one of the rooms up

here is my office and I'm here most of

the time. But, what I absolutely love

about this

>> [music]

>> is space is the lighting. You can even

see the church from here, the mountains.

Not bad for a view.

>> And this is our bedroom. We want to take

this bedroom to another level, but right

now we just have the basics, very

minimal. So, this is my work in progress

cozy room. I'm a maximalist and my

favorite color is mint. And of course,

my Barbie collection. This is actually

my favorite Barbie.

>> [laughter]

>> It's Celia Cruz. She's a

>> for Latina.

>> [music]

[music]

>> The main heart of our house is our pool.

And then of course, this here used to be

a chicken pen and a pig pen and we've

turned this into our own Spanish oasis.

How can you not love this pool and

mountains?

>> [music]

[music]

[music]

[music]

>> I'll be very honest when it comes to

work-life balance. There's this sense

that you work less, but [music] to be

honest, we are on a visa.

>> You work more, really?

>> You work more in a way to make sure that

you are staying within those guidelines

to stay here.

Cost of living is less here when it

comes to even electricity and water and

food and home insurance

>> Um car insurance

>> health insurance. Because we don't have

a mortgage, our expenses are mostly our

home living and food, etc. So, we pay

about $115

for light and also for water. And again,

it depends on the month and then we pay

about 220 for health insurance and $58

for house insurance. And so, those are

just kind of like the main expenses.

Groceries vary, but it could be about

300 a month.

We're both crafters and artists. Lucy

does phenomenal work with like

multimedias and drawing and

>> wood

>> uh photography. And then I do a lot more

with textiles and sandal making, rug

tufting, clay. So, a typical day for us,

we take our daughter to school. I can

start the morning whether I have to look

at client work, we'll do something in

the back, cleaning something or walking

around or having a cafecito. Our day in

our life is just chill and then on you

know at night that's when the whole town

wakes up I would say.

And you know the local bars and if we

have a class we'll have a class. It's

different every day.

>> Life is completely different in Spain

especially in the village we live in.

These kids they can walk to the park and

come home at midnight. The kids are

running around it's pretty safe.

Everybody knows everybody. Everybody

looks out for each other. She's learning

grit here too. Cuz she was very like

uh instant gratification and all that

stuff and the kids here I feel like

they're more appreciative. You give them

like a little anything and they're like

wow and you know and

I just feel like everything is different

here. It's a great place to raise a

child period.

Do we ever think about moving back to

the states?

>> Why not?

>> Why not? Why why not have the best of

both worlds cuz we absolutely love Spain

and we love Ormond Beach.

>> Yeah and I think that our goal is not to

always just think of putting ourselves

in a box. We own a mortgage free home in

the future we might say hey let's go

back and forth but not to stay forever.

That never does not exist in our world.

>> [music]

[music]

3

Answer these questions in your own words. Support your answers with evidence from the video.

01What were the three main things the couple wanted to change in their lives by moving from the US?
Sample answerThey wanted to improve their quality of life, spend more time with their child, and find a more affordable place to live because they worked a lot in the US.
02Why did the couple initially feel discouraged about moving to Spain for a more affordable life?
Sample answerThey were discouraged because the cost of rent in Spain was actually higher than their mortgage payments in the US, which made them question if it was truly more affordable.
03What are some reasons the couple chose Andalusia as their new home in Spain?
Sample answerThey chose Andalusia because it's in the southern part of Spain, it's hot, and it reminds one of them of the Dominican Republic. Also, it's close to important cities like Malaga and Cordoba, which are easy to reach.
04Describe two unique features or personal touches the couple has in their new Spanish house.
Sample answerThey kept the traditional Spanish tiles throughout the house because they are very traditional. Also, they turned an old chicken and pig pen into a beautiful pool area, which they call their 'Spanish oasis'.
4

Vocabulary

Vocabulary
These expressions will help you communicate more naturally about this topic.
Examples
improve your quality of life — To make your daily living conditions and general happiness better.
This is a common collocation when discussing reasons for moving or making big life changes. It's often linked to health, happiness, and free time.
the cost of living — The amount of money needed to sustain a certain standard of living, including expenses like housing, food, and transport.
This is a very common phrase when comparing different places to live. You can say "the cost of living is high/low" or "manage the cost of living."
settle down — To start living a more permanent and stable life in one place, often by getting married, buying a house, or having children.
This phrasal verb is useful when talking about making a home in a new country or city. It can also mean to become calm or quiet.
embrace a new culture — To accept and adopt the customs, traditions, and way of life of a different country or group of people.
This is a positive phrase used to describe adapting to life abroad. It implies an active and open attitude towards differences.
a fixer-upper — A house or property that needs a lot of repairs and renovation to make it suitable to live in or sell.
This informal term is common when talking about buying property that is cheap but requires work, often with the aim of increasing its value or customizing it.
5

Complete the sentences with words from the box. One word is extra.

Word bank
01Many people move abroad hoping to by finding a better work-life balance.
02In some big cities, is so high that it's difficult for young people to afford housing.
03After years of traveling, they decided it was time to and buy a house in a quiet village.
04When you move to a different country, it's important to try to and learn about local traditions.
05They bought because it was cheap, but they knew it would need a lot of work.
6

Match each word on the left with its natural partner on the right.

A
B
7

Grammar: Present perfect vs. past simple

Grammar
The present perfect is used for actions that started in the past and continue to the present, or for past experiences where the exact time isn't important. The past simple is used for completed actions at a specific time in the past. When discussing big life changes like moving abroad, we often use both to describe experiences and specific events.
Examples
We have lived in Spain for two years now.
Use the present perfect to describe an action that started in the past and continues to the present (they still live there).
They bought their house in Cordoba last year.
Use the past simple for a completed action at a specific time in the past (last year).
Have you ever considered moving to another country?
Use the present perfect to ask about a life experience, where the exact time is not important.
Key points
  • Use the present perfect for experiences, actions that started in the past and continue, or actions completed recently with a present result.
  • Use the past simple for actions completed at a specific time in the past.
  • Time expressions like 'for/since/ever/never/already/yet' often signal the present perfect. Expressions like 'ago/yesterday/last week/in 2022' signal the past simple.
8

Rewrite each sentence using the structure indicated, focusing on the difference between the present perfect and past simple tenses.

01They bought a house in Spain last year.
Rewrite, focusing on the current result of this action.
Hint: Think about actions that started in the past but have a connection to the present.
02I lived in that village for five years before I moved.
Rewrite, implying you still live there now and have settled down.
Hint: Use the present perfect for actions that started in the past and continue to the present.
03We improved our quality of life when we moved abroad.
Rewrite, emphasizing that this improvement is ongoing since the move.
Hint: Use 'since' with the present perfect to show when something started.
04Did you visit the local festivals during your trip?
Ask if they have ever embraced the local culture there.
Hint: Use 'ever' with the present perfect to ask about experiences at any time up to now.
05They finished renovating their fixer-upper last month.
Rewrite, focusing on the recent completion of the renovation.
Hint: Use 'just' with the present perfect for very recent actions.
06The cost of living was very high in our previous city.
Rewrite, stating that the cost of living has been lower in their new location up to now.
Hint: Think about how to describe a situation that started in the past and continues to the present.
9

Sort each item into the correct category.

Past simple
Present perfect
I have always wanted to settle down here.We decided to move abroad in 2020.She renovated the old apartment herself.They haven't found a suitable fixer-upper yet.She has never tried to embrace a new culture.They bought their first home last year.They have lived in Spain for three years.The cost of living was much higher there.I learned a lot about Spanish culture.We have improved our quality of life.
10

Useful phrases: discussing the idea of moving abroad or making a big life change

Vocabulary
These phrases will help you talk about the exciting, and sometimes challenging, idea of moving to a new country or making another significant life change. You can use them to share your thoughts, ask questions, and discuss the practicalities.
Examples
''I've been thinking a lot about making a big change, like moving abroad.'' — To introduce the topic and express a personal reflection.
Register: neutral. Use when you want to share a personal thought and open a discussion with someone.
''Have you ever considered moving to a different country?'' — To ask someone's opinion or experience on the topic.
Register: neutral. Use to invite someone to share their thoughts or experiences about living abroad.
''For me, it's really about improving my quality of life and finding a lower cost of living.'' — To explain personal reasons for considering a big change.
Register: neutral. Use when explaining your motivations or priorities for a major life decision.
''I'd love the chance to embrace a new culture and learn a new language.'' — To express a desire for cultural experience.
Register: neutral. Use when talking about the positive aspects of moving abroad, especially cultural ones.
''Finding a place to settle down, maybe even a fixer-upper, is part of the plan.'' — To talk about practical steps or considerations for a big move.
Register: neutral. Use when discussing the practicalities of housing or establishing a new life in a different place.
''The biggest challenge would probably be leaving friends and family behind.'' — To acknowledge a difficulty or concern related to the change.
Register: neutral. Use to express a realistic challenge or drawback when considering a major life change.
11

Moving abroad: new beginnings

Read the passage about moving to a new country. Think about the reasons people make such a big change.

Fill in each blank with the correct word from the word bank.

Word bank
Many people dream of moving to a new country to their quality of life. They often look for a lower of living or a more relaxed lifestyle. While it can be exciting to a new culture, it also requires an open mind and patience. Some choose to buy a and renovate it, which is a great way to create a personalized home. This process can be challenging, but it allows them to their new surroundings. Eventually, many hope to down and build a stable life in their chosen destination.
12

Complete the sentences with words from the box. One word is extra.

Word bank
01Many people move to a new country hoping to by finding a better work-life balance and less stress.
02Before moving abroad, it's important to research in the new city to make sure you can afford it.
03After years of travelling, they decided it was time to and start a family in a quiet village.
04To truly enjoy life abroad, you need to be open to and learn about local traditions and customs.
05They saved money by buying that needed a lot of work, but they loved the challenge of renovating it themselves.
13

Words to take with you

Vocabulary
These expressions are not in the video but will help you discuss this topic more fluently.
Examples
make the move — To decide to move from one place to another, especially a significant move like to a new country.
Use this phrase when talking about the decision and action of relocating. For example: "After years of planning, they finally made the move to Portugal."
a slower pace of life — A lifestyle that is less rushed and stressful, often found in smaller towns or rural areas.
This expression describes a relaxed way of living, often contrasting with busy city life. For example: "Many people move to the countryside for a slower pace of life."
local amenities — Useful facilities or services in a town or neighborhood, such as shops, parks, or public transport.
Use this when describing what a place offers to its residents. For example: "Before buying a house, we checked if there were good local amenities nearby."
fit in — To feel comfortable and accepted by a group of people or in a new place.
This phrasal verb is important when adapting to a new culture or community. For example: "It took her a few months to fit in with her new neighbors."
start a new chapter — To begin a new and important period in your life.
Use this idiom to talk about significant life changes, like moving abroad or starting a new job. For example: "Moving to Spain felt like starting a new chapter in their lives."
14

Moving abroad: vocabulary match

Match the vocabulary word or phrase with its correct definition.

Match each item on the left with the correct item on the right.

A
B
15

A new life in Portugal

Many people consider moving abroad for various reasons. Read about Maria and Tom's journey.

Read the passage below, then answer the comprehension questions.

Maria and Tom have always dreamed of a different life. For years, they lived in a busy city, working long hours. They often discussed how they could improve their quality of life. Recently, they started looking at options abroad, especially in smaller European towns. They wanted a place where the cost of living was lower and life felt less rushed.

Last summer, they visited a charming village in Portugal. The moment they arrived, they felt a connection. People were friendly, and the pace of life was much slower. They found an old house, a real fixer-upper, with a beautiful garden. It needed a lot of work, but they immediately saw its potential. They decided it was the perfect place to settle down. They are excited to embrace a new culture, learn Portuguese, and create a new home. They have already begun planning the renovations, imagining their future there.

01What were Maria and Tom hoping to achieve by moving abroad?
Sample answerThey wanted to improve their quality of life and find a place with a lower cost of living.
02Which country did Maria and Tom visit and decide to move to?
Sample answerThey visited and decided to move to a village in Portugal.
03What kind of house did they find in Portugal?
Sample answerThey found an old house, a fixer-upper, that needed a lot of repairs.
04How do Maria and Tom feel about their decision to settle down in Portugal?
Sample answerThey feel excited about their decision, looking forward to embracing a new culture and imagining their future there.
16

Discuss these questions with a partner. Try to use vocabulary from the lesson.

  1. How important is the cost of living when choosing where to settle down in your country?
  2. Is buying a fixer-upper always a good way to save money?
  3. How can moving abroad improve your quality of life but also present challenges?