Woven Spotlight: Rosana Greco
On choosing courage over certainty, finding belonging in unfamiliar places, and weaving connections across borders
Moving abroad isn't just about changing locations—it's about stepping into the unknown, rebuilding a sense of home, and discovering parts of yourself you never knew existed. For Rosana Greco, a seasoned expat who has lived in the U.S., Germany, and now Luxembourg, each move has been a lesson in resilience, adaptability, and cultural discovery. Her story is one of making tough choices, embracing change, and finding belonging through intentional community connections.
Navigating Life Abroad: Tough Choices and New Beginnings
Every move comes with difficult decisions, but Rosana's latest relocation presented one of the hardest—staying close to her aging parents or pursuing the life she envisioned. In the end, she chose to move forward while staying as connected as possible, a balancing act familiar to many women abroad.
"I've packed my bags and moved abroad several times, but this last move came with a tough choice—stay close to my aging parents or build the life I had envisioned for myself. In the end, I chose to pursue my goals while staying connected to them in every way possible," she shares.
Her journey spans continents, from two decades in the U.S. to life in Berlin, and now, settling in Luxembourg. Each move brought its own set of challenges—navigating visa processes, leaving behind close-knit communities, and starting over in unfamiliar surroundings. Luxembourg, however, turned out to be an unexpected delight.
"My first host country was the U.S., where I spent 21 years. It's a challenging place, but I integrated exceptionally well. Then came Berlin in 2023—bureaucracy aside, I found it easier than the U.S., probably because I didn't have to deal with visa drama as an EU passport holder. Now I'm in Luxembourg, and it's been an absolute delight—better quality of life than I imagined, and the people are incredibly welcoming."
While often perceived as an extremely expensive country, Rosana found daily expenses to be more manageable than expected. "Sure, real estate will make your wallet cry, but everyday costs—food, phone plans, etc.—are pretty much on par with Berlin and definitely cheaper than Miami," she explains, debunking common misconceptions about life in Luxembourg.
Settling into a new country also meant learning about its legal and bureaucratic systems. One piece of advice she wishes she had known earlier was the importance of legal insurance—a safeguard she now considers invaluable for expats navigating unfamiliar systems.
Finding Routine and Community in a New Home
With every new home comes a shift in daily life. In Luxembourg, Rosana has embraced a more walkable lifestyle, adjusting to a hybrid work routine after years of working fully remotely. Some habits, however, remain unchanged—her dedication to exercise, her passion for exploring new places, and her commitment to building a strong support system.
Arriving in a country where she knew no one, she took an active role in seeking out connections. Making friends became a personal mission, one she tackled with strategic intentionality:
"Luxembourg is the first place I've moved to where I knew absolutely no one, so making friends has been a mission. I've been proactive—volunteering, joining the board of the American Women's Club of Luxembourg, going to whisky tastings, and attending group dinners. Slowly but surely, I'm building my community."
This methodical approach to community-building offers a replicable strategy for women finding themselves in similar situations—identify interest-based communities, take leadership roles when possible, and participate consistently in social gatherings.
Language has been another key part of her adaptation. With a background in multiple languages, she has continued to sharpen her German, rekindle her French, and even pick up some Luxembourgish along the way—a valuable reminder of how language skills create additional connection points within new communities.
For celebrations and holidays, she has found joy in travel—whether it's returning home to visit family or venturing somewhere new—highlighting the importance of maintaining connections across borders.
Communities That Made a Difference
In Luxembourg, where nearly half the population consists of foreigners, finding your people becomes both essential and accessible. For Rosana, joining the American Women's Club of Luxembourg provided not just social connections but also leadership opportunities through board participation.
"By joining communities that align with my interests, I found the easiest way to find my people," Rosana explains, highlighting a strategy that works across countries and cultures.
Her approach to community-building has been methodical and proactive—volunteering, attending whisky tastings, and participating in group dinners. These activities serve as entry points to the rich tapestry of expatriate and local communities that make Luxembourg unique.
Despite the challenges of starting fresh, Rosana hasn't experienced significant loneliness—a testament to her proactive approach to community integration. "There's always something to do—museums, shopping, free walking tours—you name it," she shares, emphasizing how engagement with local activities naturally leads to connections.
The Power of Community and Cultural Exchange
Finding meaningful connections in a foreign country takes effort, but Rosana has discovered that shared experiences among fellow expats create a strong sense of camaraderie. With nearly half of Luxembourg's population being foreign-born, she has found comfort in the collective understanding of those navigating similar transitions.
"In Luxembourg, almost half of us are foreigners, so we're all in the same boat. It makes for a strong sense of camaraderie, and the cultural exchange is endlessly enriching," she reflects.
Despite moving away, the friendships she built in Berlin have remained a steady source of support. Her friends were a pillar of strength during periods of career uncertainty, and those bonds have endured across borders—an important reminder that community connections can transcend physical location.
"It's not just one person. My friends in Berlin were my rock while I was unemployed and figuring things out. We still talk daily, and their support was everything," she shares.
Embracing local culture has also been a highlight of her journey. Luxembourg's Moselle Valley wines have become a newfound favourite, and she never passes up Gromperekichelcher, the crispy potato cakes that are a holiday staple.
"Luxembourgish wine is chef's kiss—thanks to its proximity to the Moselle Valley, and the prices are fantastic. Also, Gromperekichelcher, a crispy potato cake that's a holiday staple. If I see it on a menu, I'm ordering it," she enthuses, demonstrating how culinary exploration can be a delightful pathway to cultural integration.
Luxembourg Resources: Rosana's Recommendations
For women considering or newly arrived in Luxembourg, Rosana suggests:
Legal Insurance: "Get legal insurance. Trust me, it's worth it," she emphasizes, highlighting a practical resource many newcomers overlook.
Cultural Integration: Free walking tours provide both orientation and social opportunities when settling in.
Language Support: Luxembourg's multilingual environment offers natural opportunities to practice German, French, and pick up Luxembourgish.
Community Connections: The American Women's Club of Luxembourg welcomes not just Americans but women from diverse backgrounds seeking to build connections.
A Tapestry of Cultural Perspectives
Moving between the U.S., Germany, and Luxembourg has given Rosana a nuanced understanding of cultural differences and similarities. "It's easy to develop a black-and-white view of the world when you live in a massive country like the U.S.," she reflects, "but being in Europe—where cultures mix daily—adds so much nuance to your worldview."
This perspective exemplifies what Woven seeks to highlight—how women's experiences abroad can transform not just their lives but their understanding of the world. In Luxembourg's multicultural environment, where almost half the residents are foreign-born, this cultural exchange happens organically, creating a natural laboratory for growth and understanding.
One of the greatest lessons she has learned is her ability to integrate into new environments, connect with people from all walks of life, and embrace the inevitable uncertainties of expat life. "My ability to integrate, adapt, and connect with people from all walks of life," was the most surprising self-discovery from her time abroad.
Practicality also plays a role in keeping her motivated—financial responsibilities ensure she remains driven, adaptable, and forward-moving. When asked how she stays motivated when faced with challenges, her answer is refreshingly straightforward: "I have bills to pay—nothing like financial responsibility to keep you going!"
For women contemplating a move abroad, her advice is unwavering: take the leap. "DO IT! You won't regret it," she encourages, with the confidence that comes from multiple successful transitions.
Weaving Your Own Connections
Rosana's journey illustrates how connecting to the right communities can transform the expatriate experience. While each woman's path abroad is unique, the strategies she's used—proactively seeking community, embracing local culture, and maintaining connections across borders—offer valuable guidance for others navigating similar transitions.
For those contemplating their own international moves or seeking to deepen their connections where they are, Rosana's enthusiastic advice rings clear: "DO IT! You won't regret it." The world indeed awaits, but so do communities ready to welcome you, support your journey, and enrich your understanding of both yourself and the cultures you encounter.
Whether you're in Luxembourg, dreaming of a move abroad, or somewhere in between, Woven aims to connect you with the stories, resources, and communities that can help you thrive wherever you are.
Connect with Rosana
LinkedIn: Rosana Greco
Communities Rosana recommends:
American Women's Club of Luxembourg - A welcoming organisation for women seeking connections and involvement opportunities
Luxembourg City walking tours - Great for orientation and meeting fellow newcomers
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The Woven Spotlight Series weaves together authentic stories from women living far from home, connecting you to diverse voices, supportive communities, and wisdom on belonging, becoming, and beginning again across borders.