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.

Finding a place to live abroad isn’t always as straightforward as it seems. In this episode, we break down the pros and cons of student residences vs. private rentals, share common red flags to watch out for (from scams to tricky contracts), and talk through what we wish we knew before moving.

We also dive into life in Naples—what the people are like, the culture, the food scene, and some must-visit spots across Italy—so you know what to expect beyond just housing.

Whether you’re planning to study abroad or move overseas, this episode will help you avoid costly mistakes and settle in with confidence.

Time Stamps:

Meeting in Naples 1:48

Living Experiences in Europe 2:30

Cultural Insights 3:45

Safety and Challenges 6:38

Cultural Immersion in Student Residences 8:35

The Italian Coffee Experience 9:56

Friendships and Connections 11:50

Comparing Cultures: Italy vs France 12:12

Living Conditions and Community 14:45

Safety Tips for Tourists 20:53

Final Thoughts and Reconnecting 24:57

Barcelona residence: Resa Barcelona Diagonal University Hall of Residence - RESA

Naples residence: Collegio Universitario Villalta, Napoli - IPE

Apartment rentals site (mentioned at 5:50):Rooms, Flats, Apartments and Accommodation for rent at Uniplaces

My book (mentioned at 12:00): Susan's European Memoir: THE GEOGRAPHY OF BECOMING: A memoir of leaving, living abroad, and redefining home.: Chen, Susan: 9798250683050: Books - Amazon.ca

Italian pizzas/dessert mentioned:

Coffee (I was trying to recall at 10:07): Cafe con crema

Margerita pizza

Diavola pizza

Cannoli

Tiramisu

Creama pasticcera

Caprese

Italian travel destinations mentioned:

UNESCO sites (mentioned at 3:50): Pompeii and Ercolano

Turin

Rome

Puglia

Sicily (Palermo & Catania)

Mt. Etna

Landing in Barcelona is exciting—until the paperwork, logistics, and daily setup hit all at once. In this episode, we break down your first 30 days abroad in Barcelona into a simple, step-by-step survival guide. From securing residency documents and opening a bank account to getting a local SIM card and navigating the metro, we cut through the admin overwhelm and focus on what actually matters. If you’ve just moved—or are about to—this is your practical roadmap to getting settled in Barcelona quickly and confidently.Time Stamps:

Address Registry (Empadronamiento) 02:32

Foreign Identity Card (TIE) 3:53

Bank Account 5:47

Metro 8:50

SIM 11:24

Empadronamiento:

Process info (Barcelona City Council)Registration in the municipal register of residents of the city of Barcelona | Barcelona International Welcome | Barcelona

Booking an appointmentEmpadronamiento (TIE)

EX-17 form for TIE:How to fill in form EX17 (TIE)

CaixaBank: About us | CaixaBank

Barcelona Metro:TMB – metro bus Barcelona | Transports Metropolitans de Barcelona

How to get the T-Jove (Youth discounted pass):

1. Register for T-mobilitat

Create an account:Go to: https://www.tmb.cat or T-mobilitat site

Register with:Passport / NIE / IDEmail + phone number

2. Choose your support (how you’ll use it)

You have 2 options:

Mobile (fastest)

Use NFC Android phoneLoad ticket directly onto phone walletPhysical card

Ordered online or at service pointArrives in ~5 days

3. Buy and load the T-Jove

Once registered:Open the TMB / T-mobilitat appSelect T-Jove

Pay (price is around €40–€45 depending on zones)

Load it onto your card or phone

Recommended alterative phone carriers:

Movistar

Vodaphone

eSIMs:eSIM for travellers | eSIM.sm

In this episode, I break down the key visa differences between Spain, France, and Italy—specifically for Canadian passport holders applying for student visas. I share what to expect in each country, why Italy is often the most challenging, and the common mistakes that can cost you time, money, and opportunities.

If you’re planning to study abroad, this episode will help you navigate the process with more clarity and confidence.

Time Stamps:

Spanish Visa 3:00

French Visa 8:15

Italian Visa 10:44

Spanish Student Visa:

Study visa

Required funds: about €600–€700 per month

For 1 year: roughly €7,200–€8,400 total

French Student Visa:

Student - France-Visas

Required funds: about €615 per month

For 1 year: about €7,380 total

Italian Student Visa:

Student in Italy - Migration and Home Affairs - European Commission

Required funds: about €460–€470 per month

For 1 year: roughly €6,000 total

Spanish Health Insurance:

Sanitas Health Plans • Sanitas health insurance in Spain for expats

Barcelona Student Residence:

Resa Barcelona Diagonal University Hall of Residence - RESA

In this episode, I break down how I got paid €25,800 to study abroad—and how you can too. From where to find EU-funded opportunities to the key mistakes most people make in their applications, I walk you through the process step by step. If you’ve ever thought studying abroad was too expensive or out of reach, this episode shows you exactly how to make it possible.Scholarship Program: Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters (students) - Erasmus+

Current Opportunities: Erasmus Mundus Catalogue - European Education and Culture Executive Agency

The three scholarships I applied for (with the third being the one I received):BIM A+ European Master in BIM - Building Information ModellingErasmus Mundus in Management and Engineering of Environment and Energy - AboutHome - FRP++

In this first episode, we unpack the gap between the romantic idea of starting something new and what it actually feels like once you’re in it. From the initial excitement to the unexpected loneliness and the slow process of adapting, this episode walks through the real emotional journey most people don’t talk about. It also sets the tone for who this podcast is for—anyone navigating change, feeling out of place, or trying to find their footing in something unfamiliar.