Nov 23, 2022 | Collaborative, Relocation
There are a lot of fantastic reasons to relocate to Spain, such as the beautiful cities, the abundant culture, the high quality of life, the relatively inexpensive cost of living, the excellent healthcare, and the large ex-pat community.
As soon as you have established that moving to Spain is a possibility for you, it is time to prepare yourself with information, and we will look at some of the things you need to know here.
Culture and traditions
The traditions of Spanish culture are numerous, and these traditions have a significant impact on how modern Spaniards live their lives. This can be seen in everything from the way they greet one another to the way they date, as well as in the food they eat and the way they observe regional holidays. In general, increasing your knowledge of Spanish culture and traditions is only going to assist you in better understanding the natives and easing into life in Spain with as few or as many unexpected cultural bumps as possible.
Language
Catalan, Galician, Basque, and Spanish are the four most widely spoken languages in Spain. Spanish is spoken by almost everyone in the country, either as a first or second language. The regions of Catalonia, Valencia, and the Balearic Islands all speak Catalan. Galician is spoken in Galicia, and Basque is spoken in the Basque Country.
You should try to learn Spanish at one of the many language schools available, or at the least, you should try to acquire some fundamental Spanish phrases so that you can get by.
Requirements
Once you have determined that you want to move to Spain, where in Spain you want to reside, and whether or not you have the financial means to do so, the next step is to determine whether or not you fit the requirements to relocate to Spain.
Moving to a new country is not a simple task for people who are not citizens of the European Union or the European Economic Area because they do not have the right to be restricted in their movement or where they choose to live inside the Schengen area. To get residency in Spain for a period of one year or more, most non-Europeans will need to either find employment in Spain or gain admission to one of the country’s institutions. Alternatively, they need to have substantial funds or a steady passive income in order to relocate to Spain.
Housing
You should start looking for a place to live while you wait for the approval of your visa. Because of the large number of new arrivals from other countries, housing in Spain is in high demand; thus, you should begin your search three to four months in advance. When looking for the perfect house to rent in the city, it is important to investigate the various neighbourhoods and consider the accessibility of public transportation in each one. It is also a good time to look into climate controlled storage if you need extra space.
Sep 26, 2022 | Collaborative, Life
Is your family computer safe for children?
The children are back in school. That means they have to do their homework and projects. If you teach your kids at home in Spain or the UK, you might use your computer a lot. But there are things on the internet and even on your own hard drives that might not be right for children. So, here are some tips to make the family computer safe for children in Spain or anywhere else…
Install the Latest OS Releases
The programme that runs your computer is called its operating system, or OS. Windows and macOS are the ones most people use. But there are also different kinds of Linux that you could use. Often, new versions are put out to keep up with what features consumers want. But also to keep safe. For example, the latest version of macOS lets you protect family photo albums. But a new OS can slow down your computer. There are ways to get around this (read more) so you can get the great features of a new OS without putting your computer’s security at risk.
Make the Family Computer Safe for Children with Web Features
Almost 20% of the childrenwho were asked said that they had seen adult content online during lockdown. This number is way too high, as every parent will agree. Most web browsers come with built-in tools that let users control what they see. For example, you can decide which websites your kids can visit on Chrome and how much access they have to certain websites. If “Try to block explicit sites” is turned on in Family Link for your child, Chrome will try to block sites that have been flagged as sexually explicit, violent, or not child-safe in general.
Limit Child Screen Time
As a parent, you can do your part by keeping an eye on how much time your child spends on the PC. By taking an active role in how they use the computer, you can almost stop them from accessing anything that isn’t appropriate. You can also make sure they only use the computer for work and research. You can do this by giving yourself a set amount of time, like three hours, when you get home from school. It’s also a good idea to make sure they don’t spend too much time on social media and the internet at night. Blue light can make it hard to sleep.
Create Individual Accounts
Every operating system has ways to set up individual accounts on a computer. The most powerful account is usually called “Administrator,” and it lets you do everything, including manage other accounts. On a shared computer, it’s always a good idea to set up restricted accounts. This means that you can stop your kids from using certain features, programmes, and websites. By doing this, you make it much less likely that harmful programmes will be installed and protect yourself from cyber security risks like keyloggers, malware, and camera control.
Install Parental Control Apps
Some of the features that come with modern operating systems are great. But there’s only so far they can go. You probably already use fun apps. Installing parental control apps will give you more control over what your children can see and do. Here are some of the best you can get:
- Qustodio: comes with many features and is best overall.
- Google Family Link: free for macOS and Android.
- Bark: great for older kids because of social media monitoring.
- Canopy: excellent content filters make it the best for younger children.
- NetNanny: has excellent real-time monitoring features.
Parental control apps let you keep an eye on what your kids are doing on their devices no matter where they are. This is different from a parental control router, which lets you decide what websites your kids can and can’t access when they use your home network.
Use Encryption for Important Documents
Of course, not every threat comes from the outside. Because you use a shared computer at work, there could be sensitive files or websites on it. Suppose, for example, you are a private criminal forensics consultant. You wouldn’t want your kids to be able to look at pictures of murders. So it’s best to keep your work and your family life separate. Luckily, this is easy to do by locking certain drives and folders with encryption software. OneDrive from Microsoft is a great free tool. Apps like Secure IT, AxCrypt, and Folder Lock can also be used.
Always Logout and Clear History
Make sure you log out so your kids can’t see what you do at work or on sites you often visit as an adult. Some web browsers will keep you logged in to websites and save your history, so you don’t have to log in every time. This will save you time and make things easier for you. This is great, of course, if you have a computer that only you use. But if the family PC is shared, this could be terrible. You wouldn’t want your kids to see the sites you visit as an adult. For example, you might often use shopping or medication websites to buy items of a very personal nature.
Make the Family Computer Safe for Children with Kid Browsers
Most likely, you have only heard of a few web browsers. But around 200 are actually available. Microsoft Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome, Safari by Apple, and Opera are the five most popular desktop web browsers. All of these are great, but they don’t have enough safety features for kids. But you can download and install child-friendly browsers that are made with kids in mind and have safety features that are turned on by default. Google made Kiddle, and its search results will only show child-friendly content. Pikluk and Kidoz are two others.
Practice Basic PC Security
Lack of cybersecurity is one of the easiest ways for a child to see something they shouldn’t. Also, if you don’t protect your PC, hackers could use your webcam to take pictures of your kids. The good news is that most of the time, basic computer security is enough to keep your family computer safe. Antimalware packages like Malwarebytes are great security solutions that do a lot of things well. Malwarebytes will, for example, block access from the outside, stop access to malicious sites, and scan files and emails regularly. You should also cover your webcam.
Summary
There are a lot of dangers online these days. Luckily, it’s easier than ever to make the family computer safe for children. You can start by installing the most recent operating systems, which have better features. You can also use parental control apps to restrict access to explicit sites. And cheap and effective antimalware packages are excellent at making things safer all around.
Sep 8, 2022 | Collaborative, Education
Over to you Sinead …
Many international families choose to relocate to Madrid for either business or pleasure. Whilst most definitely landlocked (it’s over 300 kilometers to the nearest beach!), we can honestly say that no Spanish city matches Madrid’s offering of arts and culture.
When families relocate to Madrid, their success rate is very much attached to finding the right school. It can make or break the relocation and puts a lot of pressure on finding the right one.
Happy child equals happy parent, right?
However, choosing the right school is a difficult decision at any time but is even more complicated in a foreign country especially if you do not have a good grasp of the Spanish language and are unfamiliar with the education system (and let’s not forget Spanish bureaucracy). Madrid has an ample selection of school options (Spanish, British, American, French, IB, etc.) that quite often families need additional support with their search either by working closely with an educational consultant or joining online groups like Madrid Education Facebook group.
Whether you choose state (público), semi-private (concertado) schools or private schools (international schools included in this category) careful planning is a must. The first step is to gather information on the different school options available in the capital city to begin to understand how it all works.
This Madrid Education Guide sets out all you need to know about schools in Madrid and how to navigate the different schools’ applications process. It was written by Madrid Education consultant Sinead Galvin who is an expert on schools in Madrid and the founder of Steps into Spain (Madrid-based educational consultancy).
The Madrid Education Guide:
📌 Provides a detailed summary of each school option broken down into the following categories – fees, entrance, timetable, faith, curriculum, exams and languages.
📌 Outlines the five educational stages– Primer and Segundo infantil, Primaria, la ESO (Educación Secundaria Oblig atoria) and el Bachillerato.
📌 Explains the bilingual education programme on offer at each school option in both primary and secondary stages.
📌 Describes the level of SEND support and how to access available resources.
📌 Guides you through the application process (including late applications for families who arrive outside of regular application dates) and admissions in each school option.
After reading this guide you should feel more prepared to make an informed decision about the right school for your child in Madrid.
If you do have further questions or are needing help with assessing the right school for your children, don’t hesitate to contact Sinead at info@stepsintospain.es
Aug 16, 2022 | Collaborative, Life
There are so many apps available today that it can be difficult to know which is the best family app for your own family. With such a wide variety of choices, how can you be sure that you’re picking the right app for your needs? Fear not – we’ve got you covered! In this blog post, we will discuss five of the best family app and outline why each one is so useful. So whether you’re looking for an educational app, a game to keep the kids entertained, or a tool to help with organization and productivity, we’ve got you covered.
OurPact
This app is a must-have for any family with young children. It allows you to block apps and internet access on your child’s devices, set screen time limits, and even track their location. OurPact is the perfect tool for parents who want to make sure their kids are staying safe online and limiting their screen time. With this app, you can easily monitor your child’s activity and ensure that they’re not spending too much time on their devices. Plus, OurPact also offers a premium subscription that gives you even more features, such as the ability to schedule device usage and set bedtime limits.
Cozi
Cozi is a great app for families who want to be more organized and productive. It helps you manage your family’s schedule, create shopping lists, and even set reminders. Cozi is perfect for busy families who need help staying organized. With this app, you can easily keep track of everyone’s schedule in one place and make sure that no important tasks are forgotten. You can also use Cozi to plan meals, share grocery lists, and set reminders for important events. In addition, Cozi offers a premium subscription that gives you additional features, such as the ability to sync your calendar with Google Calendar or Outlook.
ChoreMonster
ChoreMonster is a fun and rewarding app that motivates kids to do their chores. With this app, you can assign chores to your children and give them rewards for completing them. ChoreMonster is a great way to get your kids excited about doing their chores. With this app, they can earn points and redeem them for prizes, such as video games or gift cards. Plus, you can use ChoreMonster to track your child’s progress and ensure that they’re actually doing their chores. There is also a premium subscription available that gives you additional features, such as the ability to create custom chore charts and set up weekly allowances.
Toca Hair Salon
Toca Hair Salon is a fun and interactive app that allows kids to experiment with different hairstyles. With this app, they can cut, color, and style hair in any way they want. Toca Hair Salon is an excellent way for kids to express their creativity. With this app, they can try out different hairstyles and colors without having to make any permanent changes. Plus, it’s an excellent way for them to learn about different hairstyles and how to take care of them. There is also a Toca Hair Salon: Styling Kit available that includes real scissors, combs, and other styling tools.
Device Cleaner Apps
There are many different device cleaner apps available, but our favorite is CCleaner. This app helps you clean up your device’s storage and clear out junk files. CCleaner is a great way to free up space on your device and improve its performance. With this app, you can delete unwanted files, clear your cache, and even uninstall unnecessary apps. Plus, CCleaner can help you improve your battery life by stopping background processes that use up a lot of power. However, if you are a Mac user, many cool apps are available such as DaisyDisk, CleanMyMac X, or MacPilot.
There are many different apps available that can be useful for families. Whether you’re looking for an app to help with organization, productivity, or entertainment, there’s sure to be an app that meets your needs. What do you think is the best family app? Share your ideas with us …
May 13, 2022 | Collaborative, Life
The best birthdays in Spain as in any country are the ones that are memorable. You want to make sure that your loved one has a birthday they will never forget. There are many ways to do this in Spain, and we will focus on a few aspects you will have to consider to make it memorable for your loved one.
Try To Identify Their Favourite Spanish Activity Or Interest
If your loved one enjoys a certain activity, try to make their birthday revolve around that. For example, if they love Spanish food, then take them out for an authentic Spanish meal. Or if they love going to the beach, spend the day at one of Spain’s beautiful beaches. This will make the day more special for them if it is something they enjoy doing.
You could find some help by asking other people they’re close to for ideas.
You’ll have to actively listen to your loved ones throughout the year to understand what they like. That is why planning ahead is essential to make sure their birthday is extra special.
Do Multiple Things To Make Their Day Memorable
Doing one thing for their birthday is great, but if you want to make it even more special, try doing multiple things. This could include getting them a cake and presents, taking them out for lunch or dinner, and maybe even going out for drinks afterwards.
You could also get creative and do something unique that they will remember forever. For example, you could organise a treasure hunt around the city or write them a heartfelt letter expressing your love for them.
The sky is the limit when it comes to making someone’s birthday memorable. It just takes a little bit of creativity and planning on your part.
Getting Them The Ideal Present
A lot of the time, people think that the most important part of a birthday is getting the perfect present. While presents are great, they are not always necessary. What is more important is that you put thought into what you get them.
It doesn’t have to be an expensive gift, but it should be something that they will appreciate and remember. For example, if they love reading, get them a book by their favourite author or if they love art, get them a painting from their favourite artist or of their favourite Spanish landscape.
The key is to get them something that shows you know them and care about them. This will make the day even more special for them.
If you’re out of ideas, doing research online can be a great help for some inspiration. For example, you can read blog posts like “The 33 Best Gifts For New Parents In 2022” or “How To Make A Birthday In Spain Extra Special”.
Don’t Forget The Cake
A birthday cake is a must when it comes to birthdays. It is a tradition that has been around for centuries and is still going strong today. There are many different cake recipes out there, so you can find one that your loved one will enjoy.
You could also get creative with the design of the cake. For example, you could make a Spanish flag cake or a castle cake if they love history. The possibilities are endless when it comes to making a birthday cake. You could find some inspiration by researching which cakes are popular in Spain.
The most important thing is that you enjoy making it and that your loved one enjoys eating it! Remember to sing them a happy birthday song. If you’re up for it, consider learning the happy birthday song in Spanish too!
Make A Birthday Video
One of the best ways to make a birthday special is to create a birthday video. This can be a montage of pictures and videos from throughout their life set to music, or it could be a funny video you made yourself.
Videos are a great way to capture memories, and they will be able to look back on them for years to come. If you’re not sure how to make one, there are plenty of tutorials online that can help you out.
Making a birthday video is a great way to show your loved ones how much you care about them, and it will make their day even more special.
Remember To Take Photos On The Day
Another way to make a birthday special is to take lots of photos on the day. This way, they will have memories to look back on for years to come. Make sure to get photos of every activity and location you visit on the day.
If you’re not sure how to take good photos, there are plenty of resources online that can help you out. You could even hire a professional photographer if you want to make sure the photos are perfect.
Taking photos is a great way to capture memories, and it will help your loved ones remember their birthday for years to come.
There are many ways to make a birthday special for your loved one. It just takes a little bit of creativity and planning on your part. The most important thing is that you enjoy making it and that your loved one enjoys their day.
May 11, 2022 | Collaborative, Where to live
When it comes to making any move to Spain, it’s natural to consider traditionally popular inner-city areas including locations like Barcelona. After all, as if its stunning architecture wasn’t enough to tempt any potential resident, Spain’s second-largest city is something of a dream location for many, providing the best that Spain has to offer for anyone looking to feel more cultured in the wake of their move here.
Barcelona’s thriving art scene and generally stunning views have certainly made it a popular option for anyone looking to lay down Spanish roots. However, as with any location, ensuring that you’re making the most of what the city has to offer means considering the neighbourhoods which best suit your unique requirements and personality. Of course, taking a quick exploratory trip here yourself and dropping your bags in luggage storage Barcelona while you look at what the city has to offer is your best option for settling. To get started, however, it’s first worth considering whether the following personality types and their neighbourhood pairings ring true to you.
# 1 – Lusting after landmarks
Barcelona’s iconic landmarks are its main selling point, and they pose a pretty tempting argument as to why a move here could be worthwhile. Once a craftsman’s district, El Born is one of Barcelona’s oldest neighbourhoods and is therefore tempting for anyone looking to enjoy the most iconic areas of the city. As well as century-old shops that make it feel like you’re stepping right back to the heart of Spain’s charm, El Born is an especially tempting option for your move considering that it’s home to the gothic church Basílica de Santa Maria del Mar, and is within walking distance of the city’s other landmarks.
# 2 – Looking for atmosphere
Often, people moving to Spain are looking for a generally calmer way of life. In Barcelona, this atmosphere can be best achieved in areas like Gracia. Once an independent municipality, Gracia certainly isn’t afraid to stand apart and ensures a great atmosphere for locals thanks to a range of trendy stores, local folklore, and popular events. Gracia’s famed squares are, however, its best selling point, and are typically filled with residents young and old from around 7 pm.
# 3 – In love with the beach
If you love the idea of living in Barcelona but are attached to sea views and salty air, then Barceloneta may be the best option for you. Originally a traditional fishing neighbourhood, city harbour expansions have since seen this tourist-favourite becoming a great place to settle down and still enjoy the sea, complete with an iconic promenade and walks around the old harbour, Port Vell. Barceloneta beach itself is also famed as one of the city’s best despite being the most tourist-heavy, with entertainment always on-hand.
Other best places to live in Barcelona include El Raval and Sants, and each of them offers something different depending on what you’re after. Simply consider what that is, and which locations stand to tick the most boxes on your list of requirements.
Apr 5, 2022 | Collaborative
Spain can be an excellent place to raise children and live with them for a variety of reasons. However, what you do with the kids when they arrive isn’t the only question that might be on your mind. How you welcome those children into the world matters as well. Whether you’re expecting or planning to be expecting, it’s always a good idea to understand what it’s like to get pregnant and give birth in the country that you’re in. Here, we’re looking at some of the benefits, as well as the caveats, of doing it in Spain.
The quality of care that you should expect
Of course, one of the most important factors throughout your journey towards having your little one is being able to expect a decent quality of care. Spain ranks as one of the best-developed countries in terms of contact between expecting mothers and the medical professionals that they are relying on. You’re going to get all of the tests and scans that you should do to ensure that you’re able to rest easy and see exactly how your baby is growing inside of you. What’s more, Spain benefits from public health care coverage for maternity services, though you can opt to go private for some extras.
Celebrating and welcoming your baby
Although they may not have always been a part of the tradition of welcoming a new member of the family, baby showers have now started to become a much more common sight in Spain. Sometime before the birth, such as a month before the due date, you can expect to have friends and any family members nearby attending to celebrate the birth, as well as bringing gifts to help take care of the new member of the family. Other modern traditions like planning a memorable gender reveal party is starting to become a lot more common, as well. Essentially, you can plan to have the same kind of fuss made over you as you would in most other western countries.
How much can you expect to pay to give birth?
No matter where you are, there’s always some cost to giving birth and that’s no different for Spain, of course. Even if you don’t have insurance, the costs of giving birth in Spain can be fairly low. In 2018, those costs came in at around $1,950 even for those who aren’t on the public insurance that’s available to many. Additional complications tend not to add too much to that bill. As such, Spain is at least one of the countries where you don’t have to worry about the costs of giving birth, which can be pretty exorbitant in other parts of the world. All the while, you’re getting that high standard of care mentioned above.
The big day itself
It’s always a good idea to have some idea ahead of time as to how the actual birth itself is going to go. When you do go to the hospital, it’s important to bring with you your passport, your NIE identification card, and any other necessary paperwork, such as insurance paperwork to get the care that you need. It can be vital to have someone who speaks Spanish with you if you cannot do it yourself, as English is not spoken universally, and you want to be able to ask nurses what is happening and to understand the process as it’s going. Spanish hospitals do not provide gas or air during childbirth, so if you want to manage pain, then you have to plan for epidurals or pethidine and ask for them. Similarly, alternative birthing methods that are becoming more common around the world, like water births, are not quite as widespread in Spain.
After the birth
Just as a lot of care goes into antenatal care in Spain, the same goes for postnatal care. Your child’s health will be monitored and the doctor or midwife will be there to check on them and to address anything that might cause any concern. It should be noted that midwives in Spain don’t give as much aftercare to the mother themselves, but that family and friends are expected to give them that care as well. Usually, you can leave with your child after 5 days, after which you should register your baby’s birth, within 8 days. Statutory maternity leave does exist, but it’s a little less than in some other countries, with 16 weeks of statutory leave available to all mothers.
No matter where you do it, every pregnancy and birth is going to have its ups and downs, its pros, and its bumps along the way (pun intended.) Knowing what to expect can be a major help in acclimating, so hopefully, the info above helps.
Mar 23, 2022 | Collaborative, Life
If a relocation to Spain is on the cards for you, there will undoubtedly be many questions you will need to answer regarding the new change of lifestyle and the logistics of doing things you previously took for granted, such as shopping, commuting, and getting around your day-to-day life.
An important consideration is how you can still stay healthy while living in Spain. The Mediterranean diet is often classed as one of the best ways to eat and can help you get everything you need daily while still being delicious. Exercise, on the other hand, can be trickier. With over half of Spaniards surveyed saying they don’t participate in regular exercise, you can be forgiven for thinking there aren’t many options available. But this post looks at some ways you can stay fit in Spain.
Outdoor Gym
You can find some outdoor gyms right in the middle of the city, and they offer a variety of different equipment. For example, if you want to do some weightlifting while you’re working out, there are outdoor gyms that will have free weights and machines available. There are also outdoor gyms that offer other classes besides just weightlifting like boxing or yoga.
Outdoor gyms in Spain are free to use; all you need is to get some suitable footwear, find appropriate sports t-shirts and loose-fitting bottoms, put on some sunscreen, and you’re good to go!
Hiking
The top 10 lists of the most popular hikes across Spain will give you plenty of options. As well as some good old fashioned walking, hiking is an excellent way to burn calories and get your heart rate up. It also boosts your mood and has been known to help people with depression. You can do many different hikes in Spain, from coastal walks with gorgeous views over the mediterranean sea or inland high mountain routes for more experienced hikers.
Walks or Runs On The Beach
The beach is a great place to start your day. This can be especially true if you’re lucky enough to live near the beach. There are many benefits to starting your day with a walk on the beach. First, it’s a beautiful way to get fresh air and exercise in a scenic setting. The clear air will provide ample opportunities for deep breathing and reduce any stress you might have before starting the day. And, of course, there’s the added benefit of having an active ocean view as you stroll along with the waves crashing in front of you! You’ll also have the opportunity to see new things and meet new people.
Swimming In The Sea
One of the most popular ways to stay fit in Spain is swimming in the sea. The Mediterranean diet and the saltwater will work wonders for your skin while you get your daily dose of exercise all at once.
Swimming is a great way to keep in shape while living in Spain. You can take advantage of the country’s many beaches and seaside towns and have a swim whenever it suits you. It has been said that this activity also helps with weight management while giving you a full-body workout.
Dancing
If there is one thing they know how to do in Spain, it is dancing. There are so many different styles of dance you can learn in Spain. At one point, there were over 200 different styles of traditional Spanish dancing. These days, there are far fewer. However, dancing remains widespread, and you can find dance classes in any region of the country.Now sure what style to pick? Why not try a range of dances to what still you prefer before committing to any classes.
You can choose from: Flamenco, Fandango, Pasodoble, Bolero, Zambra, to name a few.
Football
If you are looking to play a sport and join one of the country’s favourite pastimes, you need to enter a football club. Football is king in Spain, and they take their games seriously.
Over 29,000 football clubs are registered in Spain, and around 23 clubs are classed as professionals. You can find a team pretty much anywhere, or you can even get to know your new neighbours and join a local team for fun to keep you fit.
In conclusion, there are so many ways you can get out and about and join in with different exercise styles or even make healthier lifestyle choices – did you know there are nap clubs you can head out in Spain for an afternoon siesta? Naps are taken seriously and are a great way to recharge and avoid the midday heat. So make the most of your move, get outside and explore everything Spain offers.
Don´t forget Padel 😉 Read more here!
Oct 26, 2021 | Collaborative, Relocation
Any type of relocation can be exciting, but moving abroad is a particularly exhilarating prospect. It’s natural to approach a move with a mixture of trepidation and enthusiasm, especially when you think about the stresses of packing and organising logistics, but there are steps you can take to make life easier. Here is a handy guide to help you oversee a seamless move.
Image source: https://pixabay.com/photos/plane-wing-flight-sky-clouds-841441/
Finding somewhere to live
The first task to tick off your list when moving to Spain is to find somewhere to live. You may want to rent a house or an apartment while you find a permanent home, or you may prefer to buy a home to move straight into when you relocate. Explore both options and figure out where you want to put down roots. Consider locations based on where you plan to work or what kind of job you have, your lifestyle preferences and your budget. Spain is a country that caters to everyone and you can choose to enjoy city life, escape to the peace and tranquillity of the countryside or embrace outdoor living by the coast. Start narrowing down your options and use filters to find properties that match your wish list criteria. It’s wise to use virtual tours and to browse listings online before you arrange viewings. If you’re hoping to get over to Spain before you move to see properties, you’ll have a shortlist ready and you can visit agents to add any other properties that fit the bill.
Learning the language
It’s not possible to learn a language in a matter of days or weeks, but if you’re counting down the days until you move to Spain, it’s a great idea to try to learn some simple phrases and common vocabulary. There are various options to explore, including taking beginner classes at home, learning Spanish online through sites like Memrise and hiring a tutor. If you have friends or family members who speak Spanish, you could also ask them to help you learn some words and phrases before you relocate. You can also watch TV programmes in Spanish with English subtitles and use activities and exercises to hone your speaking and reading and writing skills. Once you get to Spain, and you’re immersed in the culture and people around you are talking Spanish, you’ll find it easier to pick up common phrases, improve your accent and expand your vocabulary.
Building friendships
It can be daunting to leave family and friends behind and embark upon a new adventure, but technology has made it possible to make friends and build relationships without actually meeting people in person. When you know where you are moving, look for community groups and social media accounts you can join or follow to meet families living in the area and get to know people before you move. Being sociable online can also help you access practical information and useful tips to make your move simpler. You might want to ask about schools or colleges, local amenities or how to set up a bank account, for example. People who know the ropes and have experience of relocating can help you.
Image by https://www.pexels.com/photo/a-family-hanging-out-building-a-sand-castle-on-the-beach-8623434/
Relocating to Spain is an incredibly exciting prospect, but it’s natural to be stressed or a little anxious before a big move. If you’re preparing for a new adventure, take these tips on board!
Oct 18, 2021 | Collaborative, Life, Relocation
Before moving to Spain with your family, it is essential to know how best to help your child dig in and transition. This guide will provide you with four simple ways that will help ensure that your child is happy and prosperous in their new life in Spain.
Discuss with your Children About the Move
It is essential to let your child know you will move to Spain. You want them to know that the new home they will move into is unique for everyone. It would help if you discussed the reasons for the move, so your children can feel at ease. A more straightforward way of describing it is by saying that you are on an adventure. Your children will benefit from this information as it helps them understand why things may seem different.
Pack and Ship Before You Move
You will want to ensure that your child’s room has plenty of their belongings, but you will also want to make sure you don’t pack everything until they arrive. Pack and ship most of your child’s belongings to Spain before you arrive. It helps your child feel like they already have many things with them when they get here. It can frustrate a child if their clothes and toys are still in boxes even after they’ve moved into a new house.
Give your Child New Exploring Opportunities
When you arrive in Spain, please encourage your child to explore their new home and surroundings. When they are out exploring, have a map of the area so your child can become familiar with their surroundings and to help them easily find their way back home.
Since it is a new area, take all precautions necessary to ensure that they are safe. You may choose to appoint someone to accompany them as they explore the new location. Better yet, to be safe, you can track your child’s cell phone without having to install any tracking app; you can read the guide here.
Language Classes
Once you arrive and settle, get your child involved in language classes. These language classes will give them the tools to continue to learn and pick up additional phrases and vocabulary about Spain and themselves.
The teacher can also be constructive in this process as they will try to decipher how your child learns. It is helpful because they will find a method to help your child keep learning and comprehending things better.
Conclusion
When you take these steps to help your child adjust to their new home in Spain, they will feel right at home. Your child will feel like they belong wherever you live, and it will show in their behavior and lifestyle.
You want them to flourish in this new environment, so the extra time and effort you put into getting them to acclimate to the new location are worth it. As a parent, you want them to thrive wherever they are. Spain is great for kids to live and grow up in, so make it work for your family.
