Love knows no borders, and the stories we heard on our recent Valentine's Day The View From The Top show prove it. Featuring special guests Irene Wolff (WACKER), Spencer Reynolds (Takeda), and Scherezade Maestre (Vialto Partners), tales were told of chance encounters, long-distance courtships, intercultural differences overcome, immigration challenges faced, and adventures shared.
One couple met while on scholarship programs in the United States. Falling in love fast, they had to decide - pursue long distance or change direction? She shifted her academic plans to Germany so they could stay together. Bold moves took bravery (and a little help from his mother with the visa paperwork)!
Other stories involved relocation for work bringing soulmates into orbit. One guest told of marrying an assignee she supported...after he first struck her as rather "high maintenance." His frequent desk visits eventually revealed his romantic intentions! In cases like this, following company policies on relationships added extra considerations, but it all worked out.
The experiences of LGBT couples also shed light on hurdles many heterosexual expats simply don't face. From legal recognition of marriages to securing dependent visas, barriers exist. One couple encountered skepticism and probing questions from officials when trying to register their partnership upon a European move. Maintaining rights and benefits through every transition becomes an ongoing struggle.
In the end, across continents and cultures, the human desire to love and be loved propels people to find each other and stay together against the odds. While escapades may be memorable and obstacles plentiful, if love sparks and passion endures, expat partners figure it out. After all, what's a little visa-wrangling when your soulmate is waiting on the other side? No border can separate two hearts meant to be.
You can view these fascinating stories, and watch the complete show here.
Don't forget to register for this week's show on Project Mobility.
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