Moving Abroad at 48: Robin’s Journey from Teaching in the U.S. to Raising a Family in Spain
At Expat Livin, we’re all about helping you get from where you are to where you want to be, and today’s story is a beautiful example of what’s possible when you take that leap. In this episode, Danielle sits down with her friend and fellow expat, Robin Villa, who left her life as a Spanish teacher in the Midwest and moved her family to the sunny coast of southern Spain.
This wasn’t a retirement story in the traditional sense, it’s one about reinvention, family, resilience, and the power of intentional change.
From the Midwest to the Mediterranean
Robin’s expat journey started in Oklahoma, where she grew up and spent over 20 years teaching Spanish in Missouri. Like many of us, COVID-19 was the unexpected catalyst that made her reevaluate everything. When her father fell ill, Robin left her job and moved her kids to Oklahoma to care for him full time.
Shortly after her father passed, Robin and her husband, both recently retired teachers, knew it was time to follow through on a dream: moving abroad.
Why Spain?
Robin had taken students to Spain on exchange trips before, but she had never lived there herself. Originally, she and her husband considered Panama, like many U.S. expats. But eventually, Spain felt like the right fit:
Safe communities
Rich Spanish language immersion
Access to European travel
High-quality healthcare
A balanced lifestyle
Ultimately, they chose Almuñécar on Spain’s southern coast, a town nestled between Málaga and Granada known for its blend of local charm and expat accessibility.
The Family Factor: Moving Abroad with Children
Robin’s family dynamic is unique: a 26-year-old son still living in the U.S. and two younger children born from a second marriage. Moving with kids always adds complexity, and Robin didn’t take it lightly.
In fact, she made sure her husband was on board with the idea of living abroad from the beginning, something she encourages every couple to talk about early.
While her children were raised with exposure to Spanish, the transition still came with challenges, especially for her son, who developed a stress-related tick and stutter shortly after moving. With love, counseling, and time, he’s doing better now, but Robin’s experience is a powerful reminder that every child reacts differently to change, and no expat journey is ever picture-perfect.
“You think it’s going to be hard for one child, and it ends up being the other,” she says.
Spain’s Surprises: The Good, the Beautiful, and the Bureaucratic
Even with years of international experience, Robin was still surprised by some aspects of daily life in Spain:
The driving test was one of the hardest things she’s done
Getting a Spanish driver’s license felt like being in high school again
Everything takes longer than expected; sometimes two hours, sometimes two weeks
Still, she embraces it all. As Robin puts it, Spain is like living in an escape room. You’re constantly figuring things out without a manual, and the only way forward is through curiosity, community, and courage.
What Robin Misses About the U.S.
When asked what she misses most, Robin’s answer was powerful:
She misses comfort, but not just physical comfort. She misses the feeling of knowing how to navigate the day without thinking. In the U.S., we know how to shop, drive, schedule, and speak without second-guessing ourselves.
But once you live abroad, that comfort zone vanishes, and something new is born: adaptability.
“Life begins at the end of your comfort zone,” Robin reminds us, echoing a mantra she once shared with her students.
Her Advice for Parents Moving Abroad
Robin’s biggest takeaway is one every parent should hear:
“Don’t assume your kids will adjust easily just because they’re young.”
She encourages parents to:
Start language prep early
Prepare emotionally, not just logistically
Watch for signs of stress
Remember that adaptability looks different for every child
A Real Look at Expat Life
From balancing school schedules and community engagement to cultural challenges and cross-cultural parenting, Robin’s story is a refreshing, honest, and encouraging look at what life abroad can really be like.
Spain isn’t always easy, but it’s rich, rewarding, and full of moments that stretch you into a stronger version of yourself.
Final Thoughts
Whether you're dreaming about retirement abroad or moving your whole family overseas, Robin's story proves that it’s never too late to pivot. If you're willing to step outside your comfort zone, build relationships, and embrace the adventure, the world opens up in incredible ways.
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