From Stranger to Local

After two years of living abroad across Spain, France, and Italy, I take a step back to reflect on what went well, what I wish I had done differently, and the lessons that only come with experience. From missed opportunities and cultural misunderstandings to friendships, finances, and personal growth, I share the mistakes that shaped my journey and the advice I would give to myself on day one. Whether you're planning your own move abroad or simply curious about the realities of expat life, this honest reflection offers practical insights and hard-earned wisdom from two unforgettable years overseas.Working holiday visa: Work and travel in Spain: International Experience Canada - Canada.caApartment rentals site: Rooms, Flats, Apartments and Accommodation for rent at UniplacesMy Masters program: Home - FRP++

Moving abroad changes more than your location — it changes how you see yourself. In this episode, I sit down with one of my closest friends from my master’s program in Barcelona, someone I also travelled across Europe and Northern Africa with, to talk about the culture shocks no one really prepares you for.We dive into work culture differences, unspoken social norms, identity shifts, and the small but powerful moments that come with living abroad — like learning to enjoy your own company, eating alone at restaurants, and caring less about what other people think.We also share some of our favorite travel destinations, unforgettable stories from the road, and a hidden gem hotel in Venice you’ll definitely want to save for your next trip.This conversation is part travel diary, part reflection on growth, independence, and what it really means to build a life away from home.Whether you’re living abroad, dreaming about it, or just curious about how travel changes people, this episode is for you.Venice Hotel:Bateo Room - At the boatyard - Apartments for Rent in Venice, Veneto, Italy - AirbnbTop 4 neighbourhoods for students and expats in Barcelona: 1. Sarrià2. Gràcia3. Sant Antoni4. PoblenouBeautiful park in Sarrià:Jardines de Pedralbes

Why does making friends as an adult feel so much harder than it should?In this episode, we unpack the hidden challenges behind building a social life—from feeling like an outsider in new spaces to navigating unspoken social dynamics. Whether you’ve moved to a new city, started over in a different phase of life, or just feel stuck on the outside looking in, you’re not alone.We go beyond the usual advice and share real strategies that actually worked—the awkward attempts, small wins, and mindset shifts that made the biggest difference. Most importantly, we explore what it really takes to move from outsider to insider—and why that transition is less about luck and more about intentional action.If you’ve ever wondered, “Why is this so hard?” or “Am I the only one struggling with this?”—this episode is for you.Episode Time Stamps:Introduction and Background Erasmus Trips: A Gateway to Friendship 2:00Building a Social Network Abroad 5:00Navigating New Cultures and Making New Connections 6:05Breaking the Ice 9:20 From Introversion to Extroversion: Personal Journeys 13:20Building and Maintaining Friendships Abroad 20:15Feeling Like an Insider: Cultural Integration 24:30Erasmus Barcelona's Instagram Page: https://www.instagram.com/erasmus_barcelona/

Thinking about working or interning abroad? In this episode, we break down what it really takes to land opportunities as a foreigner—and what no one tells you before you apply.We start with a hard truth: not every company that promises a work visa follows through. We unpack how these situations happen, what red flags to watch for, and how to protect yourself before committing to a role. From our firsthand experiences living in Spain, we share practical strategies for finding jobs and internships abroad, where to look, and what international employers actually expect from candidates.We also dive into the cultural side of the job search—how hiring practices differ across countries, what makes applications stand out, and how workplace expectations can shift depending on where you are.Beyond work, we get into what life in Spain is really like: from navigating daily life to discovering some of the best local restaurants, accessing free Catalan classes, and even exploring government-supported living subsidies that can help ease the cost of living.Whether you're a student, recent grad, or just curious about building a career abroad, this episode gives you both the reality check and the roadmap you need to get started.Rent subsidies: Ayudas para pagar la vivienda | Jóvenes de Barcelona | Ayuntamiento de BarcelonaFull list of rental aid programs: Ayudas al alquiler | Vivienda | Ayuntamiento de BarcelonaFree Catalan courses (A1-A2): Consorci per a la Normalització Lingüística | Consorci per a la Normalització Lingüística - CPNLFree online Catalan courses: Parla.cat: Inicia sessió al llocAlejandro's Top 3 Restaurants Recommendation in Barcelona: ​Perikete (Tapas) https://maps.app.goo.gl/zsjrFegXHMws5kdZA​ L'Arrosseria Xàtiva (Paella) Three locations available: https://maps.app.goo.gl/CW2XNZPrvRXhT8jC9 https://maps.app.goo.gl/JTEgx6LNpmzazbQx7 https://maps.app.goo.gl/81rxvM5UMstJwV9P9​ Raspall (Free tapas with beer) https://maps.app.goo.gl/LAbWBpMEKtB87FMo9Dishes mentioned at 5:14:Bocadillos (sandwiches)Tortilla patata (potato tortilla)Paella (staple dish of Barcelona) Jamón serrano (specialty of Spain) Tapas (appetizers) Patatas bravas (deep-fried potato wedges)

Most people waste months stuck on apps and wonder why they can’t speak. In this episode, we break down what doesn’t work, why immersion changes everything, and how leaning into social discomfort can dramatically speed up your progress. If you want real-world fluency—not just streaks—this is where things start to click.YouTube/Podcast channels mentioned: Introduction to Dreaming Spanish | Learn with Comprehensible InputSimple Swedish Podcast | Podcast on SpotifyDuolingo Spanish Podcast | Podcast on SpotifyDuolingo French Podcast | Podcast on SpotifyEasy French: Learn French through authentic conversations | Conversations authentiques pour apprendre le français | Podcast on SpotifyIf you’re a YouTuber, podcaster, or language-learning creator and you’re interested in collaborating, I’d love to connect.My podcast focuses on learning languages faster through immersion, real-world practice, and honest conversations about what actually works (and what doesn’t). I’m always open to joint episodes, guest features, experiments, or creative collabs that bring value to both audiences.If that sounds like your kind of thing, feel free to reach out—let’s build something useful together.

Finding a place to live abroad isn’t always as straightforward as it seems. In this episode, we break down the pros and cons of student residences vs. private rentals, share common red flags to watch out for (from scams to tricky contracts), and talk through what we wish we knew before moving.We also dive into life in Naples—what the people are like, the culture, the food scene, and some must-visit spots across Italy—so you know what to expect beyond just housing.Whether you’re planning to study abroad or move overseas, this episode will help you avoid costly mistakes and settle in with confidence.Time Stamps:Meeting in Naples 1:48Living Experiences in Europe 2:30Cultural Insights 3:45Safety and Challenges 6:38Cultural Immersion in Student Residences 8:35The Italian Coffee Experience 9:56Friendships and Connections 11:50Comparing Cultures: Italy vs France 12:12Living Conditions and Community 14:45Safety Tips for Tourists 20:53Final Thoughts and Reconnecting 24:57Barcelona residence: Resa Barcelona Diagonal University Hall of Residence - RESANaples residence: Collegio Universitario Villalta, Napoli - IPEApartment rentals site (mentioned at 5:50):Rooms, Flats, Apartments and Accommodation for rent at UniplacesMy book (mentioned at 12:00): Susan's European Memoir: THE GEOGRAPHY OF BECOMING: A memoir of leaving, living abroad, and redefining home.: Chen, Susan: 9798250683050: Books - Amazon.caItalian pizzas/dessert mentioned:Coffee (I was trying to recall at 10:07): Cafe con crema Margerita pizzaDiavola pizza Cannoli TiramisuCreama pasticcera Caprese Italian travel destinations mentioned:UNESCO sites (mentioned at 3:50): Pompeii and Ercolano TurinRomePuglia Sicily (Palermo & Catania)Mt. Etna

Landing in Barcelona is exciting—until the paperwork, logistics, and daily setup hit all at once. In this episode, we break down your first 30 days abroad in Barcelona into a simple, step-by-step survival guide. From securing residency documents and opening a bank account to getting a local SIM card and navigating the metro, we cut through the admin overwhelm and focus on what actually matters. If you’ve just moved—or are about to—this is your practical roadmap to getting settled in Barcelona quickly and confidently.Time Stamps: Address Registry (Empadronamiento) 02:32Foreign Identity Card (TIE) 3:53Bank Account 5:47Metro 8:50SIM 11:24Empadronamiento:Process info (Barcelona City Council)Registration in the municipal register of residents of the city of Barcelona | Barcelona International Welcome | BarcelonaBooking an appointmentEmpadronamiento (TIE)EX-17 form for TIE:How to fill in form EX17 (TIE)CaixaBank: About us | CaixaBankBarcelona Metro:TMB – metro bus Barcelona | Transports Metropolitans de BarcelonaHow to get the T-Jove (Youth discounted pass):1. Register for T-mobilitatCreate an account:Go to: https://www.tmb.cat or T-mobilitat siteRegister with:Passport / NIE / IDEmail + phone number2. Choose your support (how you’ll use it)You have 2 options:Mobile (fastest)Use NFC Android phoneLoad ticket directly onto phone walletPhysical cardOrdered online or at service pointArrives in ~5 days3. Buy and load the T-JoveOnce registered:Open the TMB / T-mobilitat appSelect T-JovePay (price is around €40–€45 depending on zones) Load it onto your card or phoneRecommended alterative phone carriers: MovistarVodaphoneeSIMs:eSIM for travellers | eSIM.sm

In this episode, I break down the key visa differences between Spain, France, and Italy—specifically for Canadian passport holders applying for student visas. I share what to expect in each country, why Italy is often the most challenging, and the common mistakes that can cost you time, money, and opportunities.If you’re planning to study abroad, this episode will help you navigate the process with more clarity and confidence.Time Stamps:Spanish Visa 3:00French Visa 8:15Italian Visa 10:44Spanish Student Visa: Study visaRequired funds: about €600–€700 per monthFor 1 year: roughly €7,200–€8,400 totalFrench Student Visa:Student - France-VisasRequired funds: about €615 per monthFor 1 year: about €7,380 totalItalian Student Visa:Student in Italy - Migration and Home Affairs - European CommissionRequired funds: about €460–€470 per monthFor 1 year: roughly €6,000 totalSpanish Health Insurance:Sanitas Health Plans • Sanitas health insurance in Spain for expatsBarcelona Student Residence: Resa Barcelona Diagonal University Hall of Residence - RESA

In this episode, I break down how I got paid €25,800 to study abroad—and how you can too. From where to find EU-funded opportunities to the key mistakes most people make in their applications, I walk you through the process step by step. If you’ve ever thought studying abroad was too expensive or out of reach, this episode shows you exactly how to make it possible.Scholarship Program: Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters (students) - Erasmus+Current Opportunities: Erasmus Mundus Catalogue - European Education and Culture Executive AgencyThe three scholarships I applied for (with the third being the one I received):BIM A+ European Master in BIM - Building Information ModellingErasmus Mundus in Management and Engineering of Environment and Energy - AboutHome - FRP++

In this first episode, we unpack the gap between the romantic idea of starting something new and what it actually feels like once you’re in it. From the initial excitement to the unexpected loneliness and the slow process of adapting, this episode walks through the real emotional journey most people don’t talk about. It also sets the tone for who this podcast is for—anyone navigating change, feeling out of place, or trying to find their footing in something unfamiliar.