Working or Studying in Barcelona | Learn Spanish Quickly

Are you interested in the idea of coming to Barcelona to study or to work? If you’re looking to improve your language skills, there’s no better way to learn than by immersing yourself in the culture and living in the country itself. Barcelona is a popular choice for students and young professionals, thanks to its warm climate, sandy beaches, and vibrant city life. You can get practicing your Spanish and have lots of fun while doing it!

There are different options depending on how long you want to come to Barcelona for. If you want to stay for a shorter period, choosing to do an internship or semester abroad is a great option for a fast yet exciting experience of living abroad. If you know you’re already a Spaniard at heart, you could even consider finding a permanent job position in the city, or to undertake a full degree here.

Of course, there are many different things to consider before you make the plunge of moving to Barcelona. Read on to find out our top tips of things to consider before coming to work or study in Barcelona.

If you want to work in Barcelona

Finding the right job for you

The first and most important step in having a successful time when coming to work in Barcelona, is to invest a lot of time researching job opportunities. Look on sites such as indeed and Glassdoor where new positions are added regularly. Think about what demands you have for your future position, the working hours, salary, the type of work that you would like to do, etc…

Next step once you have found a job that entices you and that meets your requirements, is to start writing an application. Pay close attention to the skills that the employer is asking for in the advertisement, and also to what language it must be written in. Some international jobs require an application in English, but if the role is Spanish spoken, it’s likely your application will need to be in Spanish too. The format of CVs varies dependent on the country, so make sure to take a look at the format of a Spanish CV before applying.

If you create a glowing CV and complete all the important points, the next stage is being invited for an interview! This will most likely be a video interview, given that you are most likely applying from abroad. Prepare well to show you have researched the company and what they’re looking for, then we’re sure you will be well on your way to starting your position in Barcelona!

Making sure you integrate in Spanish culture

After you have successfully been accepted into your new job role, it’s now time to consider some important practical aspects and get organising. You need to take care of travel, insurance, residency documents or visas, and finding accommodation too. There’s a lot to organise before you arrive, so make sure you start the process in good time!

The best way to further your language skills is to surround yourself with other Spanish people and to have as much exposure to it as possible. Your job is a great way to get practicing in the day, as long as the language of the office is Spanish, but an even better way is to choose accommodation where other Spanish people are living. Having international flatmates or neighbours will truly immerse you in the culture, and you can support one another by maybe even teaching them some English too.

The advantages of working

An internship or job abroad shows employers that not only have you gained valuable professional experience, but that you have broadened your cultural horizons
Speaking another foreign language, like Spanish, will help you stand out from the crowd of other future applicants
You’ll gain personal skills, confidence and have a more worldly view of life when you come back home.

If you want to study in Barcelona

Barcelona is one of the most popular destinations in the world for students to come to study every year, and for good reason! The city is famed for its culture, gastronomy, and above all, its miles of beautiful, sandy beaches. Studying in Barcelona gives the perfect combination between a top-class education, with the opportunity to relax and have fun in one of the best cities in the world.

Being in Catalonia means you don’t just have the opportunity to practice your Spanish, but also to gain proficiency in Catalan too. Many students come from all over the world to study here and to improve their language skills, so you can practice with other people who are in the same boat as you and help one another out.

Choosing the right university

There are a wide range of universities to choose between, all of which are open to international students. There’s a mix of old, established universities and more modern campuses, specialising in business, technology, engineering and much more. If you are coming from an EU country there is the option to study on the Erasmus program, or to simply apply directly to the university itself if not.

Many of the courses are taught in English, so be aware of this if your goal is to improve your Spanish, and perhaps opt for the courses that are taught in Spanish instead!

The best and most popular universities for international students in Barcelona are:

The advantages of studying in Barcelona

You will be around other young people in the same position as you, so it will make the transition to moving abroad much easier
You can meet other young Spanish people easily
You can learn new things while also practicing your language simultaneously – a win-win!

Where can I stay in Barcelona?

Once you have decided on a study or work placement, choosing your accommodation is one of the most important next steps. Renting an apartment is the most popular option in Barcelona, and going with a reliable, trusted agency takes a lot of stress out of the process. At AB Apartment Barcelona we offer a wide range of excellent AB Apartment Barcelona, from 32 days to 11 months. All of our apartments come ready equipped with WiFi, bedding and kitchen utensils and appliances, to allow you to feel at home straight away when you arrive. We’re here to help you before, during and after your stay with us, just contact our friendly team who will be happy to assist with any requests or queries you may have.