I’ve spent most of my life as a bit of a nomad. I was born in England, but I grew up across different parts of the US. When it came time for university, I wanted the “authentic” American experience, so I headed to the College of Charleston. If you know anything about CofC, you know it’s a legendary party school, but it’s also where I learned to grind. I ended up graduating early with a degree in Communications. I have never used my degree but it is nice having it in my back pocket.
After graduation, I wasn’t ready to sit behind a desk.. I may never be. I spent over a year traveling full-time through volunteering programs, such as Worldpackers. This is the ultimate “hack” because it makes travel basically free and working in restaurants to fund the rest. But this past April, I made the call to stop wandering and actually start living. I moved to Spain.
The Denia Connection
The seed was planted a couple of years ago when my dad and stepmum moved to Denia. Visiting them, I saw a version of life that actually made sense. I don’t understand how people can be so miserable with their lives or where they live. If you don’t like your situation, change it. It sounds simple because it is. I knew one way or another, I was going to end up here.
The Language Flip
The funniest part? In college, I couldn’t be bothered to learn Spanish. I sat through classes just to get the credit, totally uninterested. Now, learning the language is one of my biggest passions.
My Spanish has improved more in a few months of living here than it ever did in a classroom. Between taking actual classes and just going out and meeting Spanish friends, the immersion is real. You don’t truly know a language until you’re forced to use it to order a coffee or navigate a night out.
South Carolina vs. Spain: The Lifestyle Shift
Coming from the US—specifically the South—the culture shock was less about the food and more about the “tempo.”
• The “Tranquila” Lifestyle: In the US, especially in South Carolina, everyone is in a rush to get somewhere or get work done. It’s a constant race. In Spain, the focus is on being happy with everyday life. People actually enjoy the little moments rather than just checking boxes on a to-do list.
• Social Architecture: In Charleston, socializing often revolves around the “party school” high-energy vibe. In Spain, it’s about the sobremesa, staying at the table for an hour after the meal just to talk. Almost every time I have lunch with my family it lasts for 4-5 hours MINIMUM.
• The Mobility: While Charleston is beautiful, you’re often stuck in a car. Here, life happens on the street. You walk, you see people, you exist in the world.
My Advice for Americans
I know a lot of American students head straight to Barcelona or Madrid to study abroad. I 100% recommend that, it’s the perfect gateway. But don’t just go home when the semester ends. Move here for a year.
Living here as an adult is different than being a student. You learn how to navigate the bureaucracy (which moves slower than a turtle), sure, but you also learn that the “American Dream” isn’t the only way to live. In fact, the Spanish dream is better than the American dream could ever be! Whether you’re volunteering to keep costs low or working locally, the perspective shift of living in a place that values time over money is something you can’t get anywhere else.