From Brazil to Barcelona: An Inspiring Journey of Moving Abroad

Interview with Vinicius – A Brazilian Who Moved to Barcelona for New Opportunities
In this interview, we speak with Vinicius, a young Brazilian who recently moved to Barcelona with his girlfriend to pursue new opportunities and embrace a life abroad.

From the excitement of starting a new chapter in life to the challenges of adapting to a new culture and career realities, Vinicius shares his journey and the lessons he's learned along the way.


Alina: Hey Vinicius, welcome! It's so exciting to have you here. So, let’s dive straight in. You moved from Brazil to Barcelona just a few months ago. Can you tell us a bit about why you made the decision to move?

Vinicius: Hey Alina, thanks for having me! Yeah, it’s been quite a ride. I moved here with my girlfriend, who's studying an MBA in Barcelona. It was actually her idea to move to Spain, but for me, moving abroad has been a long-term dream. The idea of living in a different country, experiencing new cultures, and breaking out of my comfort zone has always been something I wanted.

Alina: It sounds like this has been in the works for a while. When did you first start thinking about making the move?

Vinicius: Well, the idea started really taking shape after the pandemic in 2020. I had this epiphany during a trip to Peru, where I visited Machu Picchu. I met so many people traveling and living life in ways I had never considered. I realized there was so much more to life than just working. When I got back to Brazil, I decided I needed a change, and that’s when I started considering living abroad seriously.

Alina: That’s incredible. It seems like travel really opened your eyes to a different way of living. And when you and your girlfriend decided to move to Barcelona, what was the planning process like?

Vinicius: It was a big decision! We started planning early in the year, writing down our goals, checking our finances, and figuring out how to make it happen. I had to leave my job in Brazil, so there was a lot to prepare—visas, finances, and logistics. My girlfriend already had the MBA program lined up, but I knew it was a leap of faith. There were a lot of challenges, especially with the paperwork and visas.


Alina: Let’s talk about that. Moving abroad involves a lot of preparation.
What was the hardest part of the process for you?

Vinicius: Honestly, the hardest part was the paperwork. I came here without a job or study program at first, so I had to figure out how to live legally in Spain. I initially tried for the digital nomad visa, but there was too much bureaucracy involved, especially with the paperwork between Brazil and Spain.
Eventually, I decided to apply for a student visa, but navigating through all these options was definitely the most stressful part.

Alina: That sounds intense. Moving to a new country can be both exciting and overwhelming. What was the first cultural shock you experienced after arriving in Barcelona?

Vinicius: The first thing that hit me was the language. I thought I could get by with my Portuguese and some Spanish, but I quickly realized how different the dialect here is. I started taking Spanish classes right away.

The second shock was the pace of life—Brazilians and Spaniards are similar in many ways, but the work-life balance here is completely different. I came from São Paulo, where it’s all about working long hours, and here, people really take their time to enjoy life.


Alina: Interesting! You mentioned the difference in work culture. What are some of the biggest cultural differences you’ve noticed between Brazilians and Spaniards?

Vinicius: There’s a huge difference in how people approach work and leisure. In São Paulo, it’s all about work. People focus heavily on their careers, and if you’re not constantly hustling, you feel like you’re falling behind. But in Barcelona, there’s a clear focus on balance. People really value their downtime, meals, and siestas. It’s not about rushing everything—there’s more emphasis on enjoying the present moment. It was definitely a culture shock at first, but I’ve come to appreciate it.

Alina: I totally get that! It’s a big shift from the work-centric lifestyle many of us are used to. But besides work, what other aspects of life in Barcelona have stood out to you?

Vinicius: One of the most surprising things is how international the city is. In São Paulo, it’s a big, busy city, but here in Barcelona, I hear so many different languages on the streets. It’s a mix of people from all over the world, and it creates such a vibrant, dynamic atmosphere. It’s also amazing how everything works here—transportation, infrastructure, and services.
Coming from a city like São Paulo, where traffic is chaotic and things often go wrong, it’s such a relief to see how smoothly everything operates here.


Alina: It must feel like a completely different world! But let’s talk about your career for a bit. You mentioned that you left your job in Brazil. How has it been transitioning to work life in Barcelona?

Vinicius: Well, I was a team leader in a FinTech company back in Brazil. When I arrived in Barcelona, I faced a big reality check. In Europe, the job market is much more competitive—especially when it comes to languages. I found myself competing with people who speak multiple languages fluently, and that was a huge adjustment. It made me realize I needed to start fresh and focus on improving my skills and broadening my horizons.

Alina: That must have been tough, especially with your experience. Do you think you’ve learned any key lessons through this process?

Vinicius: Definitely. One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is to focus on the value I can offer beyond just work. In Brazil, it’s all about climbing the career ladder, but here, I’ve realized it’s about making an impact. It’s not just about earning money—it’s about contributing to the community and finding purpose in what you do. It’s a much more holistic approach to life and work.


Alina: I love that perspective. It sounds like the move has not only changed your career outlook but also your mindset. What’s been the most rewarding part of this experience so far?

Vinicius: For me, the most rewarding part has been the sense of belonging I’ve found here. At first, I was worried I’d feel out of place—new country, new language, no job—but Barcelona has felt like home. The people here are so welcoming, and there’s a strong Brazilian community, too. It's been amazing to connect with others who share similar experiences and make new friends. Plus, I’ve had the chance to travel to places I never thought I’d visit, like the south of France. Life here feels like a dream!


Alina: That’s fantastic! It really sounds like you’ve embraced this new chapter with an open heart. What advice would you give to someone watching this who’s thinking about making the same move?

Vinicius: My biggest piece of advice would be to take the leap! If you’ve been thinking about moving abroad, just do it—but don’t go in blind. Research, understand the paperwork, and plan ahead. It’s not easy, but the rewards are worth it. And be open to the new culture, even when it’s challenging.
Building a community and finding your safe space is key. And remember, you’re not alone—there are always people who can support you. If you want to move to Spain, just take it step by step, and you’ll get there.


Alina: Great advice, Vinicius! Thanks so much for sharing your journey with us. I’m sure it’ll inspire many people who are thinking about making the move. We wish you all the best in your new life in Barcelona!

Vinicius: Thank you so much! It’s been a pleasure talking to you. And to anyone watching, if you need any advice or help with the process of moving to Spain, feel free to reach out. I’m always happy to help!


Final Thoughts:
Vinicius' story is a testament to the power of taking risks and embracing new opportunities. Whether it’s the cultural shifts, the challenges of finding a job in a competitive market, or simply adapting to a different lifestyle, his journey shows that with perseverance, adaptability, and a willingness to grow, you can create a fulfilling life abroad.

If you’re considering making the move to Spain (or anywhere abroad), remember that the journey will come with its share of ups and downs. But with the right mindset and support, it’s definitely a dream worth chasing.