"Miami, I wouldn't recommend it to start with": Colombian reveals things she wished she had known upon arriving in the U.S

TikTok content creator Valentina (@valentinabuof) shared her reflections in two videos on what she wishes she had known before emigrating to the United States.

In her message, specifically aimed at newly arrived immigrants, Valentina emphasized that the "American dream" is not as it is portrayed. According to her, people arrive with many idealized notions, but the reality is different, particularly when it comes to finances.

"One comes in very naive and idealizing many things because one doesn't know until they experience it." He explained that, for most people, the first year is the hardest, as if one arrives without a plan, a job, or anything stable, "it's the most difficult year, likely the most challenging."

Valentina also spoke about the significant differences between the states in the U.S., stating that each one is a distinct world when it comes to laws, salaries, and the cost of living. She highlighted that in her personal case, she wouldn’t recommend starting in Miami because of how expensive it can be for those arriving without concrete plans, adding that "it would have been good to arrive with an open mindset or some expectations, but one arrives very naïve."

Another key point was the criticism of the American healthcare system, describing it as expensive and accessible only to privileged individuals. While mentioning the importance of having health insurance, he stressed that going to the hospital for a serious issue is a cost that many cannot afford: "It's a pretty expensive co-pay that someone can incur by going to the hospital and being hospitalized for a day."

His videos have generated a significant amount of reactions among his followers: “The problem is that people think it's just a matter of arriving and everything will fall into their laps, that they'll have everything done for them; that working hard is necessary"; "Honestly, I wish I had seen this video before coming"; "And they exploit you because you don't have documents"; "Regarding healthcare, Colombia is the worst. You go in as a priority and have to wait from 6 am until 5 pm," are some of the responses that illustrate the range of opinions sparked by his reflection.