Moving to Madrid is no ordinary feat because you have to deal with a lot of things, from the burden of cultural adjustments to other life-changing experiences like speaking the language, dealing with the local people, and changing your old lifestyle.
Before you decide to move to Madrid, you have surely done your assignment of researching, exploring the city, and preparing yourself for any unexpected circumstances that may go on your way—surely, moving to Madrid means more than just getting used to the sights of the city, tastes of the foods, sounds of your environment, and smell of your new surrounding.
Learning More about Madrid
If you are from Europe and the US, you know that Spain is also a western country that practices some western standard of living, attitudes, and habits similar to your former country. However, there are still more that you will serve as new experiences to you in Madrid like the following:
1. The family concept of Madrileños and the entire Spain is something you have to deal with. General families tend to stay much longer, for about three generation of families that live under the same roof. The family life and values are important among Spanish people and the concept of inheritance is strictly observed.
2. The Spanish language would be another factor you have to deal with when you move in Madrid. With your everyday dealings and interactions with the local people, you will surely find speaking and learning Spanish language an easy task.
3. You also have to be aware of certain Spanish belief and such beliefs include:
- The body language since it is not good to point your finger at other people
- The concept of time for Spanish is simply spontaneous and improvised since most Spanish people are not used to planning ahead of time
- Spanish are naturally pleasant people who greet a lot and used to giving farewells. Physical contact is always highlighted during meetings like hand shaking, kissing on both sides of a person’s face, and participating in conversation
- The eating schedule is: lunch from 1:30 to 3:00 pm and dinner at 10:00 in the evening
It would be a challenge to become an expat in Madrid, but if you are sensitive enough and you deal with Spaniards with sincerity, you will not have a hard time adjusting to your new environment. And if you are equipped with information and have experienced living in Madrid for some time now, you will survive and enjoy your new life in Madrid.
