Why does making friends as an adult feel so much harder than it should?

In this episode, we unpack the hidden challenges behind building a social life—from feeling like an outsider in new spaces to navigating unspoken social dynamics. Whether you’ve moved to a new city, started over in a different phase of life, or just feel stuck on the outside looking in, you’re not alone.

We go beyond the usual advice and share real strategies that actually worked—the awkward attempts, small wins, and mindset shifts that made the biggest difference. Most importantly, we explore what it really takes to move from outsider to insider—and why that transition is less about luck and more about intentional action.

If you’ve ever wondered, “Why is this so hard?” or “Am I the only one struggling with this?”—this episode is for you.

Episode Time Stamps:

Introduction and Background

Erasmus Trips: A Gateway to Friendship 2:00

Building a Social Network Abroad 5:00

Navigating New Cultures and Making New Connections 6:05

Breaking the Ice 9:20

From Introversion to Extroversion: Personal Journeys 13:20

Building and Maintaining Friendships Abroad 20:15

Feeling Like an Insider: Cultural Integration 24:30

Erasmus Barcelona's Instagram Page:

https://www.instagram.com/erasmus_barcelona/

Thinking about working or interning abroad? In this episode, we break down what it really takes to land opportunities as a foreigner—and what no one tells you before you apply.

We start with a hard truth: not every company that promises a work visa follows through. We unpack how these situations happen, what red flags to watch for, and how to protect yourself before committing to a role. From our firsthand experiences living in Spain, we share practical strategies for finding jobs and internships abroad, where to look, and what international employers actually expect from candidates.

We also dive into the cultural side of the job search—how hiring practices differ across countries, what makes applications stand out, and how workplace expectations can shift depending on where you are.

Beyond work, we get into what life in Spain is really like: from navigating daily life to discovering some of the best local restaurants, accessing free Catalan classes, and even exploring government-supported living subsidies that can help ease the cost of living.

Whether you're a student, recent grad, or just curious about building a career abroad, this episode gives you both the reality check and the roadmap you need to get started.

Rent subsidies: Ayudas para pagar la vivienda | Jóvenes de Barcelona | Ayuntamiento de Barcelona

Full list of rental aid programs: Ayudas al alquiler | Vivienda | Ayuntamiento de Barcelona

Free Catalan courses (A1-A2): Consorci per a la Normalització Lingüística | Consorci per a la Normalització Lingüística - CPNL

Free online Catalan courses: Parla.cat: Inicia sessió al lloc

Alejandro's Top 3 Restaurants Recommendation in Barcelona:

1. ​Perikete (Tapas) https://maps.app.goo.gl/zsjrFegXHMws5kdZA
2. ​ L'Arrosseria Xàtiva (Paella) Three locations available: https://maps.app.goo.gl/CW2XNZPrvRXhT8jC9 https://maps.app.goo.gl/JTEgx6LNpmzazbQx7 https://maps.app.goo.gl/81rxvM5UMstJwV9P9
3. ​ Raspall (Free tapas with beer) https://maps.app.goo.gl/LAbWBpMEKtB87FMo9

Dishes mentioned at 5:14:

Bocadillos (sandwiches)

Tortilla patata (potato tortilla)

Paella (staple dish of Barcelona)

Jamón serrano (specialty of Spain)

Tapas (appetizers)

Patatas bravas (deep-fried potato wedges)

Most people waste months stuck on apps and wonder why they can’t speak. In this episode, we break down what doesn’t work, why immersion changes everything, and how leaning into social discomfort can dramatically speed up your progress. If you want real-world fluency—not just streaks—this is where things start to click.

YouTube/Podcast channels mentioned:

Introduction to Dreaming Spanish | Learn with Comprehensible InputSimple Swedish Podcast | Podcast on SpotifyDuolingo Spanish Podcast | Podcast on SpotifyDuolingo French Podcast | Podcast on SpotifyEasy French: Learn French through authentic conversations | Conversations authentiques pour apprendre le français | Podcast on Spotify

If you’re a YouTuber, podcaster, or language-learning creator and you’re interested in collaborating, I’d love to connect.

My podcast focuses on learning languages faster through immersion, real-world practice, and honest conversations about what actually works (and what doesn’t). I’m always open to joint episodes, guest features, experiments, or creative collabs that bring value to both audiences.

If that sounds like your kind of thing, feel free to reach out—let’s build something useful together.