A Woman Commutes to Work, Traveling Over 8,000 km
Courtney El Refai, a 31-year-old US citizen who moved to Sweden with her family, travels over 8,000 kilometers each month to work several shifts at a hospital. The reason is the high income she receives for her work.
Courtney El Refai works as a nurse at an American hospital. According to her, she earns $100 an hour, which is enough to cover her expenses for several months. And if she works weekends or trains other nurses, she earns even more—up to 25% above her regular salary.
As for why she doesn't work directly in Sweden, the answer is simple: she lacks the appropriate license, and the pay is significantly lower.
"In Sweden, nurses earn a maximum of $30 an hour, while in the US, they earn three to four times that," Courtney explained.
Luckily, she doesn't have to fly 11 hours a day—Courtney flies to California for 10 days, works several 12-hour shifts, and then returns home. She's completely satisfied and confident that this schedule gives her more free time.
"Flying to work feels like a mini-vacation. I get away from the hustle and bustle of home and meet up with friends in the US," Courtney shares.
