From the U.S. to Spain: Kate Baquero’s Journey to Barcelona
In this episode, airing on October 16, we sit down with Kate Baquero, who shares her experience of moving from the United States to Spain with her family. She dives deep into how her Venezuelan husband and two young children adapted to life in Barcelona. From learning Spanish, navigating the educational system, to experiencing cultural differences, Kate’s story offers insights into the life of an expat family making a new home in a foreign country.
Episode Highlights
Cultural and Linguistic Adjustment: Kate shares her experience of moving to Barcelona with little knowledge of Spanish and how her family adjusted to the local culture, including the challenges of learning Catalan.
Educational Integration: Kate talks about enrolling her young children in a trilingual private school and how they adapted to learning Spanish, French, and English.
Community and Parenting: She explains the benefits of living in Barcelona’s tight-knit communities, where local parks became a hub for building relationships with neighbors and fellow parents.
Healthcare and Lifestyle: Kate compares the healthcare systems of Spain and the U.S., praising Spain's affordability and accessibility, especially for her children’s medical needs.
Challenges and Triumphs: From her husband’s work transitions between Spain and the U.S. to managing life in a new country during the pandemic, Kate opens up about the highs and lows of expat life.
Why Listen?
This episode offers valuable insights into the experience of moving abroad as a family, adjusting to new cultural norms, and navigating the complexities of raising children in a foreign country. Whether you're planning a move to Spain, interested in expat life, or curious about balancing work and family across borders, Kate’s journey will provide inspiration and practical advice. Her candid reflections on adapting to a new language, integrating into local communities, and overcoming challenges make this episode a must-listen for anyone considering life abroad with children.
Guest Bio
Kate Baquero is an American who recently moved to Barcelona with her husband and two children. With her husband hailing from Venezuela, Kate embraced the opportunity to immerse her family in the Spanish culture. Though the move came with challenges, including learning a new language and adapting to local customs, Kate’s story is one of resilience and adaptation. As a working mother, she continues to build her family’s life in Barcelona, sharing her insights on integrating into the Spanish way of life.
Follow Kate: @k8_baquero
