An American who moved to Syros describes her life on the island

It all started in 2022 when she became a mother and began considering the possibility of living abroad, looking for a more alternative way of raising her child. Through online communities, she learned about the concept of world schooling, an alternative educational approach that replaces traditional classrooms with experiences through travel. Thus, she learned about the Boundless Life program in Portugal, which combines housing, education for children and work for parents. In 2023, the family left Texas and traveled first to Portugal and then to Greece.

An American woman describes her life in Greece
From the first moment in Greece, they felt like they had found the ideal environment and decided to stay, applying for a digital nomad visa. In an interview with People, the 34-year-old emphasizes that the main reason that kept them in the country is the strong sense of community. “For anything we needed help or support, we had a community around us at all times,” she says, explaining that even when they needed to find daycare for their little one, someone, whether local or foreign resident, was always there to help them. She stands by the interest her neighbors show, even if they haven’t seen her for days, in case she’s been sick, for example, while also noting that the digital nomad and expatriate community in Greece is also large. “It was absolutely incredible to have so much support and community around us, because I think in the United States, I didn’t even know my neighbors’ names,” she emphasizes.

West also explains that her 4-year-old daughter has now fully adapted and considers Greece her home. “She’s used to walking everywhere, going to the bakeries and buying fresh produce, going to the vegetable stand and everyone knowing her name,” she says.

Daily life on the Greek island is characterized by a more relaxed pace, while the coffee culture in Greece is one of the elements that impressed her. “There’s coffee on every corner. The coffee is absolutely delicious. I’ve never had anything like Greek coffee before,” says West.

Elsewhere, she refers to the different conditions she’s had to adapt to, such as the flexible opening hours of stores, the later dinner time, and the fact that the kids stay out at night. “It’s just these little things that were a culture shock, but in the best way possible, because everything is so collective and I love how warm and welcoming the Greeks are,” says West.

Life on Syros
Today, the family lives on Syros in a two-bedroom apartment for which they pay $1,400 a month. Despite being on an island, they don’t lack modern conveniences, as there are food and other delivery services, although with fewer options than in the US. Speaking of the Cycladic island, West describes it as having many restaurants and shops that are open year-round and that it stands out for its mansions with neoclassical architecture. When she feels the island is too small, she simply takes the ferry to other islands or to Athens.

West says she has not encountered any negative behavior as an American abroad, but instead highlights the warm hospitality of the Greeks. “The people are so warm. They are so kind and welcoming. If you come with the intention of learning more about the culture, of being part of it and respecting it, then they want to invite you to the next family dinner. Being in Greece has really restored my faith in humanity, in the way they love and treat children, in the warm hospitality. It’s the culture and the people. You really get drawn in. The beauty is so amazing,” she says.

In conclusion, she notes that the love her family receives in Greece was the reason they decided to stay and now call it home.