Spain draws people from all corners of the globe with its charm, warmth, and slower pace of life. But behind the allure of Spanish sunsets and siestas are real journeys of adaptation, discovery, and often, transformation.

In this blog, we spotlight eight individuals who call Spain home, sharing their thoughts on navigating language barriers, embracing new traditions, and finding a sense of belonging in a foreign land.

Cristina in Madrid: A New Sense of Security and Calm

For Cristina, a DEIB consultant from New York, Madrid was only supposed to be a “gap year” with her wife, but it quickly became much more. “We fell in love with the life we created here and with the lifestyle that Spain offers,” she reflects. Seven years later, she credits the move for giving her a sense of security, free from some of the pressures she felt in the U.S. “I don’t have the fear of drowning in medical debt here. I don’t have the fear of gun violence in my community.”

However, living far from family is a constant challenge. “There’s always a small fear that should anything happen, I can’t just jump on a ‘quick flight’ and be there,” she admits. Her advice? “Visit first, get to know the culture and the city a bit before making the move. Be prepared to adjust and be open to the newness of it all.”

Therapy Tip: Cristina’s journey shows how moving abroad brings trade-offs, like the emotional toll of distance from loved ones. Therapy can help manage these feelings, offering a stable anchor in a new country.

Teodora in Barcelona: Finding Community and Balance

Teo, originally from Bulgaria, was drawn to Barcelona for its sunny vibe, hoping to create the balance she craved. “After years in London and Australia, I wanted that sunshine Aussie life in Europe,” she says. Her fitness studio, Attika Fitness, grew from this dream, yet the journey hasn’t been simple. “The tax system… it is not a very friendly system when it comes to entrepreneurs,” she admits.

Still, Teo finds support in Barcelona’s expat community and her new network of dog-loving friends in Poblenou. “I’d advise newcomers: don’t do it alone. The expat community is really strong and supportive, and you’ll find like-minded people in no time.”

Therapy Tip: Starting over can be liberating but overwhelming. Therapy provides guidance through transitions and helps internationals connect with supportive communities to ease the process.

María from Galicia: Balancing Career Growth and “Morriña”

Moving from A Coruña to Barcelona for career growth, María planned to stay just a few years. Six years later, she’s still captivated by Barcelona’s culture and professional opportunities in aesthetic medicine. But the “morriña,” a Galician term for homesickness, never fades. “There is a part of me that misses every day where I come from, family and friends,” she admits, managing by visiting Galicia each summer to “recharge.”

Her advice to newcomers? “Waste time getting to know the city neighbourhood by neighbourhood. Each has something unique to offer.”

Therapy Tip: Even a move within the same country can trigger homesickness. Therapy provides a safe space to work through these feelings and build coping strategies for a fulfilling life in a new city.

Hande in Barcelona: Learning to “Disfruta”

Hande, a Turkish personal trainer, moved to Barcelona after living in Toronto, Minneapolis, and Florence. “We relocated for our children, so they can grow up with European values,” she explains. Barcelona has taught her the joy of “disfrutar”—a philosophy of savouring life’s moments. “One of the things I love the most about Spain is that you see folks—elderly included!—enjoying their life on a daily basis,” she says.

Navigating the local bureaucracy has been a challenge, though. “At times it felt like, ‘If you are here, you are here at your own risk,’” she jokes, adding that the strong expat community has been an essential source of support.

Therapy Tip: Navigating new systems can be intimidating, but therapy can offer tools to handle these challenges with patience, helping you stay grounded amid change.

Nicole: From Australia to Spain’s Sunny Coast

Australian financial adviser Nicole swapped Britain’s grey skies for Spain’s warmth ten years ago. For her, Spain has been “a true adventure,” even as language barriers have been difficult. “I’ve just become ‘at one’ with not always fully understanding a situation,” she admits, calling this acceptance her “expat tax.” Nicole emphasises the importance of adapting to the local language and customs: “Do the best you can to learn Spanish!”

Therapy Tip: Accepting that things may not always go perfectly can be freeing. Therapy provides support in building resilience and embracing moments of uncertainty while adapting to a new culture.

Dani in Barcelona: Finding Belonging and Raising a Family

Dani, from Liverpool, moved to Spain nearly two decades ago and eventually settled in Barcelona to find better work. “I finally found somewhere I feel like I belong,” she says. Her journey has had its share of struggles, especially raising a child with additional needs in a foreign system. “There’s definitely a gap in the market for foreigners dealing with kids who need more than the basics,” she reflects.Through friends and sheer perseverance, Dani has built a “village” of support, but she knows how hard it can be. “Find your people. You’ll need them,” she advises.

Therapy Tip: Family challenges can be amplified by the realities of international life. Therapy offers a space to navigate these unique pressures and build strategies for resilience.

Benedicte in Barcelona: Preserving History and Embracing Patience

French-born Benedicte has spent 22 years in Barcelona, dedicating herself to restoring the city’s historic tiles through her business, Mesa Bonita. Though she deeply admires Catalan traditions, adapting to the local work ethic has been a constant test of patience. “I still have problems being accepted as a woman and as a foreigner,” she confides, yet she is drawn to Barcelona’s vibrant, street-level culture and enduring traditions.

Her advice for newcomers? “Accept that people are different, and don’t come here to make money. Paciencia y tranquila!”

Therapy Tip: Cultural differences can be challenging, and therapy provides a constructive way to process them while adapting to a new environment without compromising personal values.

Brett in Barcelona: Family, Food, and Inner Growth

Australian journalist and author of the delightfully beautiful Slow Travels in Unsung Spain, Brett has lived in Barcelona for 18 years. Drawn by his love for Spain’s culture. “Living away from my country of origin has taught me a huge amount about who I am,” he says. While he enjoys the local emphasis on family and the rich food culture, he advises newcomers to ensure they have a stable income before making the move. “Food and wine-related activities are usually great because the local people care a lot about this aspect of their lives.” 

Therapy Tip: A strong foundation is essential when moving abroad. Therapy offers a way to reinforce that foundation emotionally and financially, building resilience and connection for life in a new culture.

Final Thoughts: Insights from Spain’s International Community

These international spotlights reveal a mosaic of experiences from people living throughout Spain. Whether it’s Cristina’s security in Madrid, Teo’s fitness community in Barcelona, or Benedicte’s preservation of local heritage, each story shows that building a life in Spain is a blend of adaptation, resilience, and connection.

While living abroad can be rewarding, it’s not without challenges, from homesickness to navigating unfamiliar systems. Therapy in Barcelona’s experienced team offers culturally sensitive support to help you thrive. Whether you need guidance through cultural transitions or tools to manage distance from loved ones, we’re here to support you on this journey.

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