Hi, I'm Rozemarijn, I’m 21 years old, and I am originally Dutch. I’m currently working as a marketing intern at Worldwiders. I've been living abroad my whole life, and now I’ll be starting my new adventure in Barcelona! 

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​Preparing for the Move

When I learned I'd be heading to Barcelona for my internship, I was excited about sunny weather, tapas, and life by the Mediterranean. The reality, however, was that moving abroad required preparation: navigating rental contracts, handling paperwork, and learning how to get by in a new language. It can all feel quite overwhelming to manage before leaving home, so I wanted to share the key things I had to think about before moving to Barcelona.

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Paperwork Essentials 

​First things first, the paperwork. When moving to a new country and starting a new job, there’s always a variety of paperwork that must be completed to live and work legally, access essential services, and settle into your new life without unnecessary delays. Depending on your nationality, you may need a visa or work permit, while EU citizens usually only need to register their residence. Other important documents include your NIE (foreign ID number), health insurance, and any paperwork required to open a bank account or sign a rental contract. 

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Finding Housing in Barcelona

​After that, I started to focus on housing, which can be quite the challenge, especially in a big and popular city like Barcelona. Which is why the earlier you start looking, the better! When I first told people I was moving here and searching for a place to live, I got a lot of warnings about scammers, which honestly made me a bit anxious and nervous. But after checking out some trustworthy housing agencies, I started to feel much more confident. There are loads of housing platforms available, such as Idealista, HousingAnywhere, Helphousing, Spotahome, and more, all offering rooms or studios for rent in various neighbourhoods. In a city like Barcelona, it’s very important to be aware of scams. 

Here are some of my tips to avoid housing scams:

• ​Ask the landlord for a video call to verify that the apartment exists

• ​Do a quick Google Maps search of the address

• ​Request recent photos of the space

But don’t worry too much, with a bit of healthy caution and common sense, you’ll be just fine!

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Navigating Public Transport

​Another essential thing to arrange early on is your public transport pass, which makes getting around the city much easier. Barcelona’s well-connected metro, bus, and tram system allows you to reach most parts of the city quickly, and I found it surprisingly straightforward to navigate. For shorter trips, the Bicing bike-sharing system is also a fun and practical way to explore while staying active! Barcelona offers a variety of transport passes to suit different needs, and you can pick them up at metro stations, some tram or train stops, or online through the T-mobilitat website:

• T-usual: Unlimited travel for 30 consecutive days, great for daily commuters and affordable

• T-jove: Unlimited travel for 90 consecutive days for people under 30, ideal for students, interns, or young professionals

• T-casual: 10 single journeys across all types of public transport, perfect for occasional travel

​I purchased the T-Jove pass myself, and so far, it has been amazing not having to worry about buying tickets and being able to get around the city hassle-free. For those traveling less frequently, the T-casual pass offers 10 single journeys across all types of public transport, providing flexibility without a long-term commitment. Overall, having the right pass makes getting around Barcelona easy, convenient, and budget-friendly, allowing you to explore the city with ease.

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Settling Into the Lifestyle

​Now that all the essential and potentially stressful tasks were completed, I could finally focus on the exciting aspects of preparing for life in Spain. The country has a unique rhythm that takes some getting used to. From late dinners and long lunches to bustling streets and local markets, adapting to the pace and customs is an important part of settling in. After spending my first week here in Barcelona, I can already notice that I’m settling in well, I am gaining confidence in navigating daily life, and slowly discovering my favourite spots around the city.It’s amazing how quickly a foreign city can start to feel like home, and I’m sure you’ll experience that too once you settle in.

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Language Tips

​One thing to keep in mind when moving abroad is the language barrier. I grew up speaking Dutch, German, and English, but unfortunately not Spanish, so I wanted to learn at least the basics before moving to Barcelona. On top of that, many people here also speak Catalan, so picking up a few simple phrases can be really helpful. Thankfully, my university offered language classes, which gave me a head start, and I also practiced on Duolingo every day to stay consistent and keep improving. The good news is that many people in the city speak English, so there’s no need to worry about being fluent right away. That said, making the effort to use Spanish is always appreciated and makes connecting with people even easier.

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Final Thoughts

​With the paperwork done, a home secured, and a few Spanish phrases under your belt, the adventure can finally begin. Moving abroad can feel overwhelming at first, but I hope that by sharing everything I had to consider, it makes the process a little easier and helps you feel more prepared. Living abroad is one of the greatest experiences someone can have, and in my opinion, everyone should do it at least once, so don’t be afraid to take the leap and embrace the adventure!