Feeling at Home in Spain? Here’s What Actually Helped скачать в хорошем качестве

Feeling at Home in Spain? Here’s What Actually Helped

We moved to Spain and, surprisingly, felt at home really fast — not because we knew what we were doing, but because we showed up with curiosity, humility, and a willingness to look a little ridiculous. In this video, we’re sharing the 9 things that helped us build real connections, make friends, and feel like part of our new community almost immediately. From language learning with our amazing teacher Ava, to volunteering at a local animal shelter, to showing up at awkward events (and saying yes anyway), this is what worked for us. If you're thinking about moving abroad, already navigating expat life, or just trying to feel more grounded in a new place — this one's for you. You don’t need perfect Spanish, a big social network, or endless confidence. You just need to be willing to lean in. We’d love to hear your experiences, too. What helped you feel at home somewhere new? Or what’s still feeling hard? Drop a comment — we read every single one 💬 👇 RESOURCES MENTIONED: 🇪🇸 Our Spanish teacher Ava:   / 164mcqnwnz   https://www.instagram.com/spanish_ele... 🌍 iTalki Language Learning Platform: https://www.italki.com/ 🐶 Animal shelter (Triple AAA Marbella) Donations always needed: https://www.tripleamarbella.org/donate Come walk dogs with us! We always need volunteers: https://www.tripleamarbella.org/get-i... Or maybe grab a few things from their Amazon wish lists - we really need large dog beds right now! Living in Spain as Americans has opened our eyes to some major cultural differences—and we’re sharing the ones that truly surprised us. From phone habits at the dinner table to the rhythm of daily life, meal times, healthcare, social customs, and even how people interact with elders, Spain has a way of doing things that feels refreshingly human. In this episode of Closer to Happy, we reflect on some of the most striking contrasts we’ve experienced between Spain and the U.S.. It’s not about which country is better—it’s about recognizing how much culture shapes our habits, priorities, and expectations. 🇪🇸 Fewer phones. More face-to-face connection. 🍷 Long, lingering meals with wine at lunch. 💬 Multilingual respect. 💊 Healthcare that’s shockingly affordable. ❤️ Family-centered living. 🎉 Festivities that aren’t sponsored by a soft drink brand. For our friends in the U.S.—if you’ve ever wondered what everyday life could feel like somewhere else, or if you’re considering a move abroad, this episode is for you. #CloserToHappy #LifeInSpain #ExpatLife #SpainVsUSA #SlowLiving 👉 Which of these cultural differences do you relate to? Which ones would be hardest to adjust to? Drop us a comment—we’d love to hear from you! 📺 Welcome to Closer to Happy — we’re Cliff and Cheryl, an American couple living in Spain, sharing real stories about moving abroad, designing a slower lifestyle, and finding joy in everyday moments. Subscribe for honest reflections on life, culture, and change. — 📌 Like this video? Check out: 🔹 13 Mistakes We Made Moving to Spain    • 13 Things You Should Never Do in Spain (We...   🔹 Why We Moved to Spain in the First Place    • Why We Left the U.S. for Spain | A Life of...   — 🔔 Subscribe for more honest expat life, connection, and creating a life that feels like home: 👉   / closertohappy   ⏱️ CHAPTERS 00:00 - Intro & Why This Matters 00:40 - The Mindset That Helped Us Integrate 01:30 - Saying Yes (Even When It’s Awkward) 02:25 - How a Padel Class Changed Everything 03:20 - Learning the Language: What Actually Worked 05:25 - Meet Ava: Our Teacher & Cultural Guide 06:50 - You’ll Laugh, But We’ve Tried Everything 07:50 - iTalki Mention & Other Language Resources 08:40 - How One Birthday Changed Everything 09:20 - Volunteering: Connecting With Purpose 10:35 - Don’t Dismiss Expat Groups Too Soon 11:55 - Why Routines Build Connection 13:05 - You Don’t Need Fluency or Fearlessness 14:10 - Still Lonely? That’s Normal 15:00 - Wrap-Up: Your Story Matters Too — #movingtospain #expatlife #expatlifeinspain ,#howtomakefriendsabroad, #howtofeelathomeinanewcountry #relocatingtospain #howtointegratein spain, #volunteeringabroad #learningspanish #expatadvice #howtoconnectinanewplace. #howtomeetpeopleabroad #languagelearningtips #duolingoreview #realexpatlife #closertohappy #lifeinspain #howtoadapttoanewculture #communitybuildingabroad #thingstodowhenmovingabroad