After the initial rush of novelty fades – the ‘honeymoon phase’ of moving abroad – everyday life begins. That transition can feel unexpectedly flat, even if you love where you’ve moved, something people rarely discuss. Here are some of the things I am doing to keep the excitement alive in daily life, after two months of living in Spain.
Engage in Language Learning
Being surrounded by a language that is not your native one can be mentally exhausting. It requires continuous brain power, and you will inevitably make mistakes. The good news is, every day without even realising it, you are strengthening the muscle in your brain that helps you learn a new language and process new information. Living abroad gives you free, constant language practice with native speakers: no Duolingo required. So, take advantage of every conversation you can have in another language, whether that be with shopkeepers, fellow teachers or friends you have made outside of school.
Keep Involved with Local Activities
While it is easy to want to return to home comforts, to get the most out of your time in Spain, you should expose yourself to local practices and activities in your area. For example, this month I attended Festivalet (a festival in my town) that showed local performers on the beach. Not only did this give me the chance to experience the way Catalonians make the most of the winter despite dropping temperatures, but I also saw many familiar faces, from work and my extracurricular activities. These types of events that bring the town together will surely make you feel part of a community.
Find a Routine that Feels Fulfilling
Once the thrill of the move has worn off and you come to realise this new place in a foreign country is now your home, it is important to create a routine that mirrors your routine in your native country. This way, you can start to feel settled and stave off homesickness for a little longer. For me, this meant including exercise and art classes in my week, as well as going to the local market on Sundays. Sticking to a routine can help ground you when things get tough.
Continuing to Discover New Places
Lastly, it is essential to remind yourself that this placement in Spain is a truly unique experience that you are unlikely to do again. So, treat it as such. Take the high-speed train to parts of Spain you’ve always wanted to go to but never had the chance to; take a plane to other parts of Europe that are now available to you, whether that be the Spanish islands, Italy, or, in my case, an hour train ride to Southern France.
In the end, the joy of living abroad is found not only in the big, exciting moments, but also in the mundane: learning a new word, making a connection in another language, remembering the way to your favourite cafe without Google Maps. Not in the constant novelty, but the steady contentment that comes with building a life away from home.
Author: Eryn D.