Culture shock is a common experience when moving abroad, but with the right preparation, its negative effects can be minimized. For me, creating a consistent schedule, finding similar spots that remind me of home, and making friends from both my home country and my new one have helped ease my transition. I have been living in Barcelona, Spain, for almost a month now, and overall, the adjustment has been smooth and enjoyable.

My typical day starts off early, waking up around 8am, which gives me time to prepare myself for the day. Whether I have class at 9 or work at 10 I find waking up early sets myself up for success. I also try to explore something new each day. Since Barcelona is such a large city, I want to make the most of my time here. Whether it’s taking the metro to the Gothic Quarter for pizza at Da Nanni’s or thrifting in Gràcia, I find that the small adventures help keep my day fresh and exciting.

The lifestyle in Spain in notably different from what I was used to in Charleston. I live on Las Ramblas Catalunya, one of the most touristy streets in Barcelona, so I am constantly surrounded by people. Despite the constant buzz, the pace of life here feels more relaxed. In Spain, health and relaxation are prioritized, and this slower pace of life has been refreshing for me.

I’m also interning here, which has allowed me to experience the local work culture firsthand. One notable difference is the encouraged breaks, which people are regularly leaving work to grab coffee in the middle of the workday. These small differences help me better understand the cultural shifts I’m experiencing.

By balancing work with exploration, I’ve been able to immerse myself fully in both the local and tourist sides of Barcelona. This beautiful city has already taught me so much, not only about its culture but also about myself.