The Politics of Moving Abroad: Escaping to vs. Living in Costa Rica

It’s politics season and we know with the negativity and polarized positions that bombard the airwaves, moving abroad sounds pretty nice. Not a day goes by that we don’t hear from someone considering moving to Costa Rica as a solution to political dissatisfaction in their home countries: 

“The Presidential Election scares me,” “The PM race is too nasty,” “We’ve shifted too far to the left/right,” “I can’t take more years of ___,” etc. 

Notice what’s missing here? These comments are all about running from, not being pulled towards an international move. While it might seem like an attractive option to escape the chaos at home, making such a significant life change solely based on politics can lead to unforeseen challenges and disappointments. Here, we’ll explore why escaping political turmoil shouldn’t be the primary reason for relocating and why Costa Rica stands out as a unique choice for those with a truly balanced purpose for seeking a new home.

Are you dissatisfied with the politics in the United States or your home country?

Political dissatisfaction is a common and growing sentiment globally. People often feel disillusioned and anxious by the political climate in their home countries and how it does (or may) impact their personal lives, leading them to consider drastic measures like moving abroad. Indeed, both of Your Pura Vida’s founders have cited politics as one reason they are happy to be in Costa Rica versus the States. However, moving to another country involves more than just changing your address; it entails adapting to a new culture, legal system, and lifestyle. When politics is the sole motivator, it can overshadow other critical factors necessary for a successful transition.

Adapting to your new country

1. Cultural Adaptation: Moving to a new country means immersing yourself in a different culture. Language barriers, cultural norms, and societal expectations can be challenging to navigate. A decision based solely on political dissatisfaction might not prepare you for these aspects, leading to a difficult adjustment period.
2. Economic Factors: Financial stability is crucial when relocating. Different countries have varying costs of living, job markets, and economic conditions. Without thorough research and planning, you might find yourself in a precarious financial situation.
3. Legal and Bureaucratic Hurdles: Each country has its immigration laws and processes. Understanding and navigating these can be complex and time-consuming. Political dissatisfaction does not simplify the bureaucratic challenges you’ll face.
4. Community and Support Systems: Leaving behind established support systems — family, friends, and professional networks — can be emotionally taxing. Building new connections in a foreign land takes time and effort, which might be underestimated if political escape is the primary motive.

Embracing a New Life in Costa Rica

At Your Pura Vida, we encourage people to discover a new life if they are motivated by a true life change. This means moving abroad for a variety of reasons, including political ones, but it’s crucial to have a well-rounded set of motivations. Factors such as family life and education opportunities, quality of life, cost of living, and personal freedoms should all be part of your decision-making process. Importantly, adapting to the culture and customs of your new country is essential for a successful transition.

Too often, individuals move because of an election result and expect to replicate their home country’s lifestyle in a different setting. This approach, known as “pulling a geographic,” often leads to dissatisfaction: you aren’t looking to change at all, just avoid an issue. That (almost) never works. To truly thrive in a new country, you must embrace the new culture and way of life, rather than clinging to the old.

Some ways we recommend transitioning away from your “old” life

• Ditch 24/7 news feeds and doomscrolling echo chamber social media. You can stay informed, but you need to make sure that your sources include some from your new country and perspectives on how your home country impacts your new one.
• Stop referring to “our” when talking about your former life. If you are moving, they are not your representatives, they are not your leaders, etc. Learn about local politics and how issues affect your new life. If you are going to live here, embrace here.
• Do not continually compare. You are not going to find Costa Rica at all like your life back home. It is a completely different way of life. The more you try to change it, or talk nostalgic about how great it was back home, the less you will truly adapt. Bluntly: if you don’t like how it is here — don’t be here.
• Keep a global perspective on politics and policy. How does your home country affect your life for the better or worse where you are now? How do you need to shift your perspective?
• Don’t live in an expat echo chamber. If you stay around a bunch of expats from your same country, talking home politics at the local café, you are not getting any further removed than you would sitting at the corner café at home. If what you want is your exact life but with a palm tree you will not survive here.

Why move to Costa Rica?

At Your Pura Vida, we emphasize a holistic approach to moving to Costa Rica, considering various factors beyond political dissatisfaction. Costa Rica, for example, may offer unique advantages that align with our values and philosophy:

1. Political Stability: Costa Rica is known for its stable and peaceful political environment. It abolished its military in 1949, investing in education, healthcare, and social welfare instead. This focus on peace and stability makes it an attractive destination for those seeking a calm and secure living environment.
2. High Quality of Life: Costa Rica consistently ranks high in global happiness and quality of life indices. Its emphasis on environmental sustainability, healthcare, and education contributes to a well-rounded and fulfilling lifestyle. Notice we said “quality of life”. We are not saying that Costa Rica has a cheaper cost of living — that is very different.
3. Natural Beauty and Biodiversity: The country’s stunning landscapes, from beaches to rainforests, provide an unparalleled connection to nature. This can significantly enhance one’s overall well-being and satisfaction with life.
4. Welcoming Expat Community: Costa Rica has a well-established and welcoming expat community, making the transition smoother for newcomers. This sense of community and support can be invaluable when adapting to a new country. 
   
   But as noted throughout this article, we heavily encourage our members not to live in the expat echo chamber. You are moving to Costa Rica to be part of the daily life and needs of your community, not removed. We don’t need more “ugly (insert country)” expats here (or anywhere). We need people who want to participate and support/grow/nurture this incredible country. 
5. Economic Opportunities: With a growing economy and opportunities in various sectors, Costa Rica offers potential for professional and entrepreneurial growth. Its commitment to sustainability also opens avenues in eco-tourism and green technologies.

While the urge to escape political dissatisfaction is understandable, it’s essential to approach the decision to move abroad with a comprehensive perspective. By focusing on the broader picture and embracing the culture and customs of your new country, you can make an informed decision that leads to a more satisfying and enriching life abroad.

At Your Pura Vida, we believe in considering all aspects of relocation to ensure a successful and fulfilling transition. Costa Rica stands out not just for its political stability but for its overall quality of life, making it a compelling choice for those seeking a new home for the right reasons. And if you have a balanced list of reasons to move, we would LOVE to support your dreams. Ready for your new life? Reach out. We’d love to hear from you.

And as always: Pura Vida!