About Angelica, TEFL teacher in Barcelona
Angelica is currently teaching English in Barcelona as a TEFL teacher. Hi my name is Angelica I’m Filipino American and moved to Barcelona from Maryland seven months ago. I teach English in Barcelona both online and in person and am currently taking Spanish courses at a language academy. Moving to Barcelona has been a wonderful adventure full of ups and down in the midst of the global pandemic. I’ve been using this time to explore the city and find all of the hidden gems It has to offer from parks to cafes and everything in between. I’m excited to learn more about Catalan culture and travel around all of beautiful Spain while I’m here.
Why did you move to Barcelona?
I moved to Barcelona to live with my partner who is from Tarragona. She is taking the MIR in March, which has been delayed due to COVID-19. It is really easy for me to move around because I mostly work from my computer and I just need a quiet space with some good lighting to get all my work done. We are planning on staying in Spain throughout her medical residency which will be four years. Hopefully we will also have the opportunity to live in another city!
How was the transition?
The transition was fairly easy, the biggest obstacle was paperwork and the heat. Arriving in Barcelona in July the weather was hotter than I expected but the sea is so close and is always refreshing. I am definitely happy that we had figured out our housing situation before coming to Barcelona because that is one obstacle some people struggle with here. We found a place and started searching a long while before moving. Paperwork is another story especially with the pandemic going on, getting appointments for paperwork has been really difficult because it takes so much time.
Having lived in both countries, from your point of view, what are the main differences between Barcelona/Spain and the US?
Barcelona is in a way a party city with laid back vibes but in the background there are the hard working Catalan people who have a deep pride for their culture, language and traditions. There is also a large immigrant population that supports the tourism sector of the city. You can experience a melting pot of cultures throughout the diverse neighborhoods. For me, it is easy to get caught up in the vacation paradise and forget about the worries of work and bills. In a city like Barcelona work can be balanced out with play if you have the money.
Have you experienced a “cultural shock” at some point?
The biggest shock for me is my experience when buying groceries. I am ALWAYS the person in line with the most food in their cart. I buy food for a two person household but I don’t hold back. In the states I am used to buying a bunch of groceries once or maybe twice a week. Here many people and families are able to go to the market once a day. I have received many funny looks from cashiers as I unloaded a cart by myself in line with enough food to feed a football team for a month. Buying a lot of food at once is just what I am used to, it is convenient for my lifestyle because I don’t have the time to shop multiple times a week.
How would you describe Barcelona in three words?
Sun, Spirit, Grind.
What do you like the most about the city? And what do you dislike?
I love how easy it is to get around the city, the subway and the buses are great and affordable. It is a small city and there are many options for getting around, I also love using bicing because it is easy and affordable. I don’t like the bureaucracy that moves slower than glaciers. It was a headache getting my padron paperwork and then working through NIE/TIE paperwork and appointments.
What do you miss the most from back home in the US? And what you don’t?
The one thing I miss most about the US is the food scene. Barcelona is a melting pot of cultures but it is also lacking in some cuisines. I miss the accessibility to cheap diverse dishes. One awesome thing about the size of the city is that there are small businesses like bakeries and people making food out of their homes who are asy to find and cheap options.
Do you miss some specific food that you can’t find in Barcelona? And to compensate that… is there any Catalan/Spanish dish or food that you have tried and loved it?
I miss Chipotle! The Mexican food scene is for sure lacking here, along with spicy food in general. I miss some other chain restaurants although I don’t tend to go to them. I miss them now that they are not an option. As for Catalan food, I LOVE arroz negro, I can eat it all day everyday, delicious rice and seafood and the salty sea taste from the squid ink YUM.
What is your favourite spot in the city? Do you have a special place for some reason?
One of my favorite spots in the city is matcha gracias. It’s a little matcha cafe with vegan baked good options. The matcha is super fresh and the staff is friendly. For outdoor spaces I really enjoy walking around montjuic or having a picnic up there, there are many quiet spots where you can take up a blanket and a book and relax all afternoon.
Have you visited other places near Barcelona? Any special city that you liked?
My partner is from the South of Catalonia and the beaches are very beautiful there. I also really like Sitges it is a beautiful town and the beaches are very clean, the vibes are different too it’s more quiet and also very queer friendly.
Have you thought about traveling to some other countries in Europe in the future? Any particular city that you would like to visit?
I am hoping to travel to Germany and Italy. I haven’t travelled around Europe and I am hoping that after everyone is vaccinated I will be able to explore a lot more!
Living in Barcelona as a TEFL teacher in Barcelona
How is your day to day as a TEFL teacher in Barcelona?
My day to day work schedule is very hectic. I teach for an online Chinese company, as well as teaching in person. My in person classes are private with one or two students and they are in people’s homes. For the Chinese company I work all morning from 6/630am to around 2pm. I have a busy schedule but I always find time on the weekends to enjoy the natural spaces in Barcelona.
What do you like the most about being a TEFL teacher in Barcelona?
The thing I like most about being a TEFL teacher is the cultural exchange that goes along with teaching a language. I love being able to share customs and discover new things about other cultures. Teaching English in Barcelona I have been able to learn more about the Catalan language which has been very interesting.
What would you say to someone who is planning to move to Barcelona?
I would tell them to save up, plan ahead financially, get all the paperwork together and done before arriving and to pin down a secure job before arriving. I would also recommend bringing some spices from home because you may need to search around a bit before finding a shop you like.
And to someone who is visiting Barcelona for a couple of days? What places or experiences can’t be missed?
Someone visiting for just a few days should definitely see Sagrada familia, eat pintxos in poblenou, walk up to the bunkers or Tibidabo for the views and eat a rice dish by the sea. If you have more time I would do a day trip to Sitges or another beach town nearby in Costa Brava.
How do you see the future living in Barcelona?
I am currently living in Sants and I love it here. But, I hope to get to know more neighborhoods and connect with other TEFL teachers as well as US expats. It is an adventure moving to another country and rebuilding a social circle. I am hoping to network with other teachers and gain more experience in the field of English teaching.
What are your future plans?
I hope to continue teaching English and start teaching more clients once the pandemic is more under control and we are able to live with less restrictions.