Crossing Borders: Ramon Fritsch’s moving to California from Brazil

In the vibrant tapestry of expat stories, few are as compelling and full of life as that of Ramon Fritsch moving to California. An expat in the truest sense, Ramon’s journey from the southern reaches of Brazil to the bustling tech landscapes of California encapsulates the essence of adventure, ambition, and the pursuit of a dream.

At 36, Ramon has woven a life that many only dream of—living in Sunnyvale, California, with his wife and daughter, working for Airbnb, and running his own startup, SAVEE. His story is not just about a geographical shift but a profound transformation of lifestyle, opportunities, and perspectives.

This interview peels back the layers of Ramon’s expedition as an expat, shedding light on the motivations, experiences, and insights gained from such a significant life change.

From the skate parks of Rio Grande do Sul to the innovation hub of Silicon Valley, Ramon shares the essence of his journey moving to California, the adjustments and rewards of life in the USA versus Brazil, and the cultural amalgamation that defines his everyday life.

He discusses the profound impact of safety, cultural diversity, and the opportunities for personal and professional growth that have come with his move… Keep reading!

Hi Ramon, nice to meet you. First of all, can you tell us more about yourself?

Hi everyone, I’m Ramon Fritsch, born in Rio Grande do Sul – Brazil. I’m 36 years old and live with my wife and 7yo daughter in Sunnyvale, CA – USA. I’m currently working for Airbnb and also run a small startup called SAVEE.

What motivated you to make this significant life change?

I’ve always had the dream to go live in the USA, more specifically California. Had a huge influence during my teenage years on the skate scene and pop-punk bands at that time, it seemed like everything was happening in California.

But the key advantage was to come to an area where tech is the main industry, following my interest with coding and building digital stuff as well as setting us up pretty well financially.

Have there been any significant changes in your life following this decision?

Everything. I’ve got to experience first hand how comfortable and safe it is to live in a 1st world country. Especially in such an area where there are people from all over the world and we get to immerse ourselves in many different cultures. It also allowed me and my family to travel much more than we used to.

What differences do you find between living in your home country and in the USA?

The main one I feel whenever I go back to Brazil to visit family is general safety. I always get impressed by how my friends and family are always worried about what time they go out, always watching their backs everywhere they go and telling me to stay alert.

How often do you go back home, and how do you feel each time?

Usually every year. Every time I kind of want to shorten my visit with higher family time quality. For example at the beginning I’d stay for a few weeks but only see family and friends whenever they were available.

Two years ago we rented a house in Santa Catarina and had the whole family for a week, going to the beach and doing fun stuff. I rather do that and only stay 10 days than staying longer but setting people less often.

My wife and daughter are the opposite, they want to stay for as long as possible, they don’t get home sick as quickly as me.

What do you miss the most about Brazil?

Three main things: 1) The ability to just see my family whenever I pleased. 2) Gremio, the soccer team I support. 3) In general people are much warmer in Brazil. You can get hugs everywhere you go.

What are your future plans?

I plan to stay here for as long as I can. Just got my citizenship last year so now I can dream of retiring with my family in this beautiful place.

What advice would you give to someone who would like to make a courageous choice like yours?

In general, people like us that are born in a poor country like Brazil, we used to think we’re not enough to compete with other more fortunate people in richer countries.

My advice is that you’re definitely better than you think you are. Brazilians here are admired by their sheer perseverance and grit in difficult times as well as our creativity when solving problems in general.

Dream big and take the leap when the opportunity comes!

Thank You, Ramon!

Ramon Fritsch’s journey from the southern charms of Brazil to the innovative heart of California embodies the quintessential expat experience, marked by courage, curiosity, and an unyielding pursuit of personal and professional fulfillment.

His narrative is not merely a tale of geographical relocation but a profound testament to the transformative power of embracing new cultures, communities, and opportunities.

Through his reflections, we glimpse the myriad ways in which the expat life can reshape one’s worldview, foster resilience, and cultivate a rich tapestry of experiences that transcend borders.

Ramon’s story serves as an inspirational beacon for those contemplating a leap into the unknown. It underscores the importance of stepping beyond comfort zones, the value of cultural immersion, and the unparalleled growth that comes from facing and overcoming the challenges inherent in expat living.

His advice to dream big and take the leap when the opportunity arises resonates as a universal call to action for anyone standing at the crossroads of change, encouraging us to envision a future unbounded by geography or fear.

We are deeply grateful to Ramon for sharing his journey with us. For those interested in following his adventures further or learning more about his startup, SAVEE, visit his website at www.savee.it and follow him on Instagram @letssavee. Join us in exploring the life of an expat who has boldly crossed borders to build a life filled with new experiences, opportunities, and a global perspective.