When you first arrive, you may prioritise meeting local people, but if stay a while it can help to connect with your community. There are many consulates in Barcelona offering some links back to your country, sometimes organising events and supporting businesses that are working in Spain, but those running businesses are more likely to guide you. The city has become increasingly cosmopolitan in recent years, with foreign-born nationals and non-national residents representing over one-quarter of the population. This is a significant change in the three decades since the 1992 Olympic Games.
Barcelona international community day
The City hosts an annual event that brings together a small part of the international community. When you first arrive you may find an event like this is useful to meet people facing some of the same challenges, or those who have been here longer with some solutions or useful advice.
This is a good place to find different Ex-pat associations and other groups that work with the international community. Personally, it has never been a high priority for me, but in recent years I have taken more interest in meeting those who share some of the same experiences. I’m also increasingly aware that we can help companies from our home country looking to build a market in Spain or Europe.
Ex-pats: embrace or avoid?
When you decide to live in another country, you are probably driven by a desire to learn the language, experience the culture and meet local people. That is one of the reasons why Ex-pat groups don’t appeal to everyone. The same might be said for Irish bars or bars that attract resident foreigners. The demographics of Barcelona have changed significantly in recent years and the city is far more multicultural than it was in the past. As a result, some places attract a more international crowd, so let’s embrace that for the value it has. You may find it easier to meet people in these places, which is also important when you are new to a city.
International study programs at private universities attract people from many countries, embracing ethnic diversity. If that is part of your plan, you can count on meeting many foreigners and moving with an international group. Take the time to get to know the local students, as they will introduce you to the city and its culture.
Big sports events bring communities together. The football world cup, the Olympic Games, the rugby world cup or big tournaments where people show up with flags.
If you are interested in setting up a business or working with international businesses that want somebody on the ground supporting them in Spain, then Ex-pat groups may open many doors. The same can be said for finding your way into the tech sector, or any sector that has links back to your own country.
Finding the right groups
Start by checking with your Embassy in Madrid or consulate in Barcelona, as they should be aware of any groups. Linked-in and Facebook may also have active Barcelona-based communities that can help you get started.
Some countries have official organisations set up in Barcelona. Primary and Secondary Schools, language schools, or even Universities. For example, there’s the Swiss school, Lycee Français de Barcelone, a number of British Schools, the Benjamin Franklin American School, or the Deutsche Schule Barcelona. Some language schools also run cultural events linked to their core offering. There are also many bars and restaurants run by foreigners, which often become a natural meeting point for other people from the same country, especially smaller or more distant countries.
You may be looking for a break from your culture and see a period in Barcelona as an opportunity to immerse yourself in another culture, but at some point, you may want to connect with others who share your cultural upbringing. As Barcelona fills up with Tourists, its good to know where to find those who live here permanently, as they will understand the challenges you face.
A good starting point is the latest Report from the International Community Day – or sign up to attend the 2023 event on 28 October.