Navigating Life in Barcelona: Advice from an ESEI International Business School Alumni 2025

When Anton Goldshmidt first visited Barcelona in 2019 as a tourist, he never imagined the city would become his home. Walking through the streets, observing the people and the lifestyle, he fell in love with the city. Fast forward to 2023, after years of professional fatigue and the weight of global events, Anton decided it was time for a change. For him, the change he needed wasn’t just buying new clothes or taking a short trip, it was a complete life reset.

Why Barcelona?

Anton chose to move to Barcelona from Russia not only for the opportunities it offered but also for its accessibility and culture. “The first time I visited Barcelona, I got this weird feeling, this idea that it would be nice to live here,” he recalls. He carefully researched visa options as a non-European citizen and concluded that pursuing higher education was the most practical way to settle and start a new life. This led him to ESEI International Business School, where he began studying a Master’s in Marketing and Communication while simultaneously navigating Spanish bureaucracy, housing, and cultural adaptation.

He points out that moving to Barcelona involves preparation:

“I investigated the visas, the permits, the documents. For us, it is complicated and it’s important because if you are a non-European citizen, there are some basic things that you have to be sure about.”

First Impressions: A Medieval Welcome

Arriving late on a Friday night with two large suitcases, Anton checked into an Airbnb in the Gothic Quarter. “I was stepping into medieval Europe with two bags, surrounded by bars and people, and I was exhausted,” he remembers. Despite the initial overwhelm, within a week he began forming connections with his neighbours and prepared for ESEI’s induction week.

“The first month was stressful but inspiring,” Anton reflects. Between paperwork, apartment hunting, and trying to communicate in Spanish, he discovered that adapting to a new country requires patience, determination, and a willingness to face challenges head-on. “After a month, I felt I could do everything. You deal with bureaucracy, new documents, and finding an apartment, all in another language. It was stressful, but I learned a lot.”

The Power of Networking

One of Anton’s biggest lessons came from apartment hunting. After struggling with agents and online platforms, a chance conversation with a stranger in a local butcher shop led him to the apartment he still lives in today.

“It was simple networking. A random conversation turned into a connection, and that connection changed everything. Two years later, I’m still here,” he explains.

Anton encourages new students to be proactive:

“Ask questions, talk to people, and gather advice from different perspectives. Opportunities often come from community and conversation, not just traditional methods.”

Practical Advice for International Students

Moving to a new city, especially as an international student, comes with both challenges and opportunities. Anton’s experience shows that Barcelona offers incredible opportunities, but to make the most of your time, you need to be proactive, curious, and willing to embrace local life. From navigating housing and bureaucracy to discovering cultural gems, these five tips will help you settle in and enjoy the city like a local.

1. Network actively

Opportunities often come from personal connections. Casual conversations with neighbours, classmates, or locals can provide guidance on housing, jobs, and hidden corners of the city. Anton explains, “If you don’t understand something, ask somebody. Gather information from three, four, five people and you will see the pattern. That is how you understand how things operate here.”

2. Plan ahead and stay organised

Spanish bureaucracy moves slowly, so think several months ahead for visas, permits, and housing. Staying organised will help you manage paperwork and reduce stress, giving you the freedom to enjoy the city. Anton advises, “You have to keep in mind that everything will go slowly. Move smoothly, plan a couple of months ahead, and then you will proceed in a good way.”

3. Immerse yourself in the culture

Move beyond a tourist mindset. Explore neighbourhoods beyond the centre, such as Gràcia with its independent shops and cafés, Sant Gervasi for parks, or the port area for Mediterranean vibes. Attend cultural events, try local cuisine, and engage with the community to feel at home and understand the city more deeply. Anton advises, “Don’t act like a tourist. Try to get involved in the culture. That is how you really understand the city.”

4. Practise the language

Even basic Spanish or Catalan makes everyday life smoother, from shopping at local markets to visiting the doctor. Patience and a willingness to communicate not only help you adapt faster but also show respect for local culture. Anton explains that in Barcelona, “You speak a lot of English, but a little bit of Catalan and Spanish goes a long way. With a mixture of language, body gestures, and patience, you can express yourself and navigate life much more easily.”

5. Explore the city

Take advantage of free museum days, free Sunday morning services at the Sagrada Familia, street performances outside the Gothic Cathedral, and quiet escapes such as Montjuïc or the Cactus Garden. “Barcelona has so many hidden corners,” Anton says. “People travel thousands of kilometres to see it, and we get to live here. So go out, walk, and experience it yourself.” Experiencing these iconic parts of the city provides a richer, more authentic understanding of Barcelona.

By following these tips, international students can transform the challenges of moving abroad into opportunities to explore, connect, and truly experience life in Barcelona.

Final Thoughts

Anton’s story shows that moving abroad can be challenging, but it is also incredibly rewarding. His journey demonstrates that difficulties can become opportunities when approached with patience, curiosity, and openness.

At ESEI International Business School, we are proud to support students like Anton as they take bold steps toward building not just their careers, but also a life full of experiences, discovery, and connection in Barcelona.

Explore ESEI’s Programmes

👉If you’re considering starting your own journey in Barcelona, explore ESEI’s Bachelor’s and Master’s programmes and see how we can support you as you settle into life here.