Cristina Martinez left behind life in the U.S. in her 30s to begin a new chapter in Spain — not just for herself, but for others she hopes to support along the way.
Once a resident of Miami, Cristina was drawn repeatedly to Spain on holiday, savoring the culture, pace of life and sense of community. Over time, her infatuation evolved into a deeper calling: she would relocate, plant roots, and use her experiences to help others considering a similar move.
But settling into a foreign country isn’t always a smooth transition. Cristina encountered numerous obstacles — from tricky bureaucracy and language hurdles to navigating cultural differences and the high emotions that come with uprooting your life. Along the way, she’s also had to face her own doubts and feelings of isolation.
Still, these challenges haven’t deterred her mission. Driven by empathy, Cristina now works to advise prospective expats — particularly Americans — on everything from visa procedures to forging new social networks. Her goal is to ease others’ adjustments by sharing hard-earned lessons and helping them avoid missteps she made.
Cristina’s journey illustrates how relocating is about much more than geography: it’s about transformation, bridging worlds, and turning personal growth into a resource for others.
