For future participants

1️⃣ Break out of your bubble—use Meetup! I joined language exchanges and food tours through the app, connecting with folks from Spain, Brazil, Japan… you name it. It’s not just about Barcelona; it’s a global vibe. You’ll learn slang, hidden spots, and maybe even salsa steps!
2️⃣ Turn “abroad” into a launchpad. I applied for a school library grant to research second-gen Chinese Spaniards’ identity here. Interviewing families, diving into Chinatown’s history—it wasn’t just “academic.” It clicked for me: Chinese-Spanish culture is Catalan culture. Their stories are part of Barcelona’s heartbeat.
3️⃣ Skip shipping from home—trust Barcelona (and the planet!). Unless it’s urgent, don’t haul stuff overseas. Shipping costs a fortune, cranks up your carbon footprint, and honestly? The diaspora here (like the Chinese-Spanish community) has everything. Needing toothpaste? Hit a farmacia. Craving chili oil? Check out shops in El Raval. Hunting for substitutes led me to quirky local tiendas—think olive soap, recycled notebooks, or paprika-spiced chocolate. Bonus: you’ll learn the Catalan word for “aisle”!

Living here taught me: Say “yes” to the weird onions, download that app, chase opportunities that scare you, and trust the local hustle. You’ll taste, learn, and belong in ways you never expected. 🥳 (And yes, always lick the romesco sauce off your fingers… and save the shipping boxes for souvenirs.)