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How to: Host Long-term Visitors
Hosting friends or family that come to visit for an extended amount of time can be trickier than short-term visitors. In this post, we share our top tips for setting clear expectations and boundaries to allow for both guest(s) and host(s) to enjoy the time together while balancing their other responsibilities and everyday lives.
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The Complete Guide to Ambiguous Expat Grief
The word ‘grief’ tends to make us think about the deep sadness that comes from a loved one dying. However, this is not the only kind of grief that exists. In this post, we take a deep dive into "ambiguous expat grief," a wide-ranging, confusing sense of loss that expats / immigrants experience.
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How to Get a Student Visa to Study in Spain
Today we are pleased to welcome to the blog guest writer, Ciaran O Toole. Ciaran is from SegurCaixa Adeslas, where he is part of the English speaking team and works with clients who are looking for health insurance as part of their visa application or renewal. He is from Ireland and originally came to Spain to study Business and Spanish. He has lived in Madrid for 3 years and has been working in insurance for 2 years. Ciaran knows the headache of moving to Spain and his job is to help you! For that reason, we knew he was the right person to help answer some of the questions you…
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Language-Learning Tips: Change Your Relationship with Mistakes
Today we welcome to the blog Pat, the founder of Laid-back Languages. After struggling to learn French in school, Pat used psychology to crack the code of language-learning and has since taught himself five languages. In this post, he shares one of his biggest tips for language-learners: healing your relationship with mistakes.
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Confessions: After 8+ Years Living in Spain, It’s Still Hard to Make Friends!
Dear Chantal, If you’ve been following the Sincerely, Spain blog for a while, you know I have more than eight years of experience when it comes to expat life in Spain. You know that Claudia and I can speak as authorities on the subject but let me tell you—it is still really hard to make new friends! At the beginning of 2022, my husband and I moved away from Granada and into a beautiful new location. As much as I love it, finding myself in a Spanish town where I knew no one has really forced me out of my comfort zone. For the first time in a long time,…
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Top Three Things to Consider Before Relocating to Spain
Today we welcome to the blog guest writer, Christopher Nye to talk about the top three things he recommends you consider before relocating to Spain long-term.
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Spending the Holidays Away from Home
The Christmas season is typically a time of joy and good cheer, but it can be difficult to feel that way when you're getting ready to spend the holidays far away from home. Not to worry! We know how it is and we're happy to share some tips for keeping the season bright.
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Easy Spanish for Asking for Directions (and Giving Directions)
Whether you’ll be in Spain for a short or long time, there’s a good chance you’ll need to ask for directions. Check out this guide with tons of tips, vocab, and things you should know.
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Giving Birth as an Expat in Spain – Insights from a Doula
If you are an expat who plans to give birth in Spain, it can be very overwhelming to embark on this journey in a different culture and language. Thankfully, Madison (the Doula in Madrid) has put together this incredible resource for expectant mothers.
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Managing Finances for a Short-term Stay in Spain
Have you thought about how you're going to manage your banking transactions and international transfers while living in Spain? Read our top four recommendations for managing finances during a short-term stay.
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Moving Abroad to Spain as a Family: An Interview
In 2009 Claudia’s family decided to move abroad to Granada, Spain. Here is a little bit about their story and some advice they would give you if you are planning on doing the same.
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What to Expect at Sunday Lunch in Spain
Eating is one of Spain's greatest past-times and it’s an honor to get invited to a friend’s family meal. Still, it can be overwhelming to go eat lunch with a new family. Here are our top tips for Sunday afternoon lunch in Spain, an affair that you shouldn’t miss!