Who are you?
My name is Corie and I am the founder of Barefoot in Luxembourg, the blog that gets people together through events, restaurants and social opportunities in Luxembourg.
Where, when and why did you move abroad?
I moved to Luxembourg almost 11 years ago.I actually wanted to have an experience abroad but I planned it to be quite temporary. At the end, after two years, I told myself: well, it is not that bad… and I decided to stay.
What challenges did you face during the move?
We should be honest: my first year as expat was pretty tough. I did not speak the language well and I was completely alone. Above all, the local culture was quite different from the place where I was coming from, therefore initial integration was not easy.
Are there many other expats in your area?
I am lucky because yes, Luxembourg is a very international city.
What do you like about life where you are?
The thing I like most about Luxembourg is the quality of the life and the – general – respect you have in the working field. For a woman it is – again, generally – easy to gain a position as good as a man, which is different from other countries.
What do you dislike about your expat life?
I don’t like to be far from my family and the fact that during the year several of my friends left.
What is the biggest cultural difference you have experienced between your new country and life back home?
In Luxembourg people tend to be pretty formal with regard to rules – noises, driving, timings. In Italy life is easier under this point of view.
What do you think of the food and drink in your new country? What are your particular likes or dislikes?
Luxembourg is a melting pot, so is the culinary scene here. You can find whatever food you like and it is something I personally adore.
What have you learned from living abroad?
To never expect relationships to last too long.
What advice would you give to anyone following in your footsteps?
Open yourself to the new culture and try to explore your new city the most you can. Get friends among local people and try not to complain too much.
What are your plans for the future?
We are working to expand the team of Barefoot in Luxembourg – we are three people now – and to grow in the expat community.
You can keep up to date with Corie's adventures on her blog, Barefoot In Luxembourg.
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