EXPATS & BUSINESS: FROM SAUDI ARABIA TO SPAIN

Today I’m excited to share the inspiring story of an incredible woman —
Dr.Waad Masoud, an educational psychologist, founder of the G I Can Relate project, and an expert on cultural adaptation. Waad moved to Barcelona 11 years ago from Saudi Arabia, and her story is not just about building a successful career, but also about overcoming personal and professional challenges while adapting to a new cultural environment.

1. The Beginning of the Journey: How to Decide to Move

Like many others, deciding to move to another country was full of uncertainty and anxiety for Waad. She admits that, at the start, it was hard to imagine what her life in Spain would be like. She asked herself: “What am I doing here? How will I earn a living? How will I adapt?” This period was filled with doubts, but in the end, she made the decision and took the leap.

This feeling is familiar to many who face the unknown. However, despite all the difficulties, Waad took this step, and it became the starting point for her big journey. One of the main lessons she learned over the years of living in Spain is that it’s important to believe in yourself and not be afraid to make tough decisions. Psychological resilience and the ability to accept uncertainty are key qualities for expatriates looking to find their place in a new culture.

2. Visa and Work Issues: How to Overcome Obstacles

Moving to another country inevitably involves dealing with legal and bureaucratic processes. Waad faced many challenges in obtaining legal residency and work authorization in Spain. At the time, Saudi Arabia did not have favorable agreements with Europe, and getting a work permit was a real challenge.

The immigration process for non-EU nationals can still be complicated and time-consuming today. However, over time, the situation has improved, and Spain has made significant strides in facilitating the process for skilled workers and entrepreneurs.
For example, the introduction of startup visas and other initiatives has made it easier for foreign talent to obtain work permits.

Waad used her student status to work legally in Spain until she received her work visa. This decision, while not easy, gave her the chance to gain experience and better understand how the labor market in the new country worked.

3. Work and Career: From Teaching to Owning a Business

After moving to Spain, Waad started looking for work and, drawing on her background in education, decided to teach. Initially, it was difficult for her to break into Spain's educational system due to high competition, and she had to "tone down" her ego and return to teaching in order to adapt. This allowed her to better understand the local labor market and find her place.

However, after a while, Waad realized that her true passion was in entrepreneurship. She started a business in the tourism sector, offering tours to Arabic-speaking clients, but soon found that the industry required significant investment and did not provide a solution for her work visa.

Refocusing on her expertise, Waad began offering private lessons and established a successful tutoring business.
Later, she founded the GI Can Relate project, which became a platform to support and help people looking for their place in a new cultural environment. The project aims to assist those facing challenges in the process of integration, helping them gain confidence and build their careers and personal lives in their new country.

4. Health and the Healthcare System: Dealing with Medical Issues in a Foreign Country

Healthcare and medical insurance are also crucial aspects of expat life.
Spain has one of the best healthcare systems in Europe, both public and private. Initially, Waad opted for private insurance because she wanted to have more control over her healthcare and access the best possible treatment.
Private insurance in Spain provides faster access to specialists and a higher level of service, but it can also be quite expensive, especially for those just starting out in their careers or businesses.

However, over time, particularly after the COVID-19 pandemic, she changed her approach to healthcare and switched to the public healthcare system. As a self-employed worker, Waad was eligible for medical insurance through Spain’s Social Security system. This transition allowed her to save money, and despite some bureaucratic challenges, she was satisfied with the quality of care provided by the public system.

Waad shared her experience of being treated at Clinic Barcelona, one of the leading hospitals in the city. She was pleasantly surprised by the high level of care in the public system, especially considering the costs involved in using the service.

However, for certain services — such as dental or aesthetic procedures — Waad decided to maintain private insurance, as these treatments are provided at a higher level and require shorter waiting times.

5. Savings and Financial Stability: Why It’s Important to Think About the Future

One of the key lessons Waad learned from her experience living in Spain concerns financial stability. She noted that many people who move to a new country tend to live in the moment, enjoying life as it comes. However, it’s important to think ahead and plan for the future. Waad admitted that when she was a student, she didn’t pay enough attention to savings, and this turned out to be a mistake.

In Spain, as in many other European countries, the tax system can be an unexpected barrier for newcomers. High income taxes and various contributions can significantly reduce one’s net income. That’s why it’s important to understand the tax system from the start and plan finances accordingly.

According to Waad, even with a modest income, such as 3,000–4,000 euros per month, one can live comfortably in Barcelona if expenses are properly planned and taxes and other costs are taken into account. This is why, in her opinion, it’s crucial to start saving early. Financial independence allows you to avoid stress in case of unforeseen circumstances and provides long-term stability.

6. Support and the Importance of Community for Expats

For Waad, one of the most important aspects of adapting to a new culture was finding support. When she first arrived in Spain, she lacked a close-knit support network, and she struggled with loneliness, especially after the death of her father. The importance of finding a community and support — whether through friends, colleagues, or professional advisors — cannot be overstated.

Like many expats, Waad faced the challenge of not having a social support system, which significantly affects the adaptation process. Early on, she found it difficult to find people who understood her situation and could help her navigate the new realities of life in Spain. Over time, she realized how important it was to seek out those who could offer help and support and to open up to collaborating with people who had experience in adaptation.

Through the creation of her business and the I Can Relate project, she actively helped other immigrants overcome challenges and integrate into Spanish culture. This community has become a resource for people looking for support in finding their place in a new environment.

7. The Path to Success: How to Be Ready for New Challenges

Everything that Waad has achieved is the result of her persistence and ability to adapt to changes. Today, she helps others adapt to new cultures and build their lives abroad. As she says, her project became the realization of her passion for helping others overcome the difficulties of cultural adaptation.

Looking back on her 11 years in Spain, Waad confidently states that the most important lesson is to stay true to yourself and not be afraid of overcoming challenges. In her letter to herself 11 years ago, she would remind herself that although the path would be difficult and filled with unexpected events, she would overcome the obstacles — the key is to stay true to herself and seek out the people who will support her along the way.

Share Your Experience!

How did you adapt to a new culture? Did you have moments of doubt when moving? What obstacles did you have to overcome, and what helped you find your place in your new country?
Write in the comments — I’d love to hear your perspective and experience!