An Expat's Tale

Learn the language

I have always disliked the expression EXPAT. I don’t know why but it grates.

But that is what I am. A foreign-born person living in Spain. This led me to consider how integrated I am in the community I live in.

I smile, I wave, I say hello to the old and the young. I shop in the local shops and I drink and eat, in the bars and cafés but how many Spanish friends do I have?

When I first moved to the island and the village that I still live in today, I was determined to integrate, learn Spanish and become part of the community.

I volunteered, teaching English at the local school. I made friends with a few chicas in the village and I really felt part of the village.

The good intentions unfortunately did not last: I worked for many years all around the island, driving here, there and everywhere. I would come back home to our village house, that we were renovating; I would hibernate and stay home.

My language skills did not improve and I retreated into the comfort of expat friendship groups.

Move forward a few years, I went into business, opened up a tutoring academy and worked 6 days a week for years. Coming home tired and with only one day off a week which I spent cleaning and endeavoring to be a domestic goddess.

But you have to work at this as with anything in life.

Over the past few years a friend and I have run a weekly theatre group for kids.  Also, through the town hall, I gave English lessons to adults each Monday night for a year.

Little monetary reward but that isn’t the point; it felt good.

I felt like I was contributing once again.

I felt as if I was part of the community again.

What has held me back? Language skills. Despite being a teacher and imparting knowledge and advice to my students, of all ages, I have not heeded my own words.

If you want to live and integrate as much as possible then do the following and more:

Learn the language.

Shop locally. Eat locally. Drink locally. Talk to everyone. Get involved.

Oh and top tip take part in the village fiestas, in whatever way you can, it is fun. You will definitely receive acknowledgement from some of the locals.

Don’t be scared.

They are generally really friendly and accommodating people.