Imagine waking up every day to the sound of flamenco guitars, with a view of the sun-drenched Mediterranean coast, and ordering a shrimp paella for lunch. This Spanish stereotype is something Slovak Nikola Noveková decided to experience firsthand when she moved to Spain to find work. But are these dreams as rosy as they seem? Nikola shares more about life in Spain in her article.
Why did you decide to leave Slovakia?
I’ve always dreamed of experiencing life abroad. At first, it was probably about the idea of “moving for a better life.” I’ve always been drawn to living outside of Slovakia, where I could feel happier and more alive—something I felt was lacking to some extent back home.
Why Spain?
The fact that I ended up moving to Spain was pure coincidence at this point. (laughs) I was working in Slovakia at an agency where I coordinated the Work and Travel USA program. In 2019, I participated in this program and experienced living abroad for the first time. I wanted to travel again to the USA in 2020 and 2021, but the pandemic situation prevented that.
Nikola in Spain
At that time, I had an intense urge to go somewhere for the summer, and I saw a post online that a company was looking for a fitness instructor for Mallorca. I thought to myself, this would be my dream job, especially since I’m a former dancer, I love yoga, and I’ve studied sports and dance.
THAT’S HOW IT ALL STARTED. ALL OF A SUDDEN, ONE SUMMER TURNED INTO THREE YEARS.
What is the biggest cultural difference between Spain and Slovakia?
There are really a lot of differences. For example, meal times are quite distinct. People have breakfast around 11:00 AM, lunch is usually between 3:00 and 4:00 PM. Then, around 6:00 PM, they have what’s like our afternoon snack (called merienda), and dinner is typically around 10:00 PM, sometimes even later.
The pace of life is also much slower, and people are generally very direct. They aren’t afraid to express their emotions openly, but they are also very friendly and communicative.
Parties here have no age limit, so even my friends in their 30s and 32s go out to clubs anytime they like 🙂
You found love in Spain. What is it like to date outside your culture?
Of course, there are differences, but we get along very well. At first, our paces were quite different, but at least I learned to slow down, because before that, I was always rushing around.
Nikola with her boyfriend
Many Spaniards also don’t plan their future in detail. They don’t rush into marriage, having kids, or buying homes or apartments. When it happens, it happens 🙂 They live more in the present and don’t chase after everything like we do. They believe that everything will come in its own time. So, there’s usually no social pressure from society.
To sum it up, my partner and I don’t really feel any extreme differences, but of course, it always depends on the people.
THANKS TO MY PARTNER, I’VE LEARNED HOW TO SLOW DOWN.
What would you recommend to those considering life in Spain?
If you’re thinking about moving there long-term, I definitely recommend learning Spanish. You also need to have an open mind because life in Spain is different from what we’re used to, and the mentality of people is also different. There are different laws and rights, the healthcare system is different, and your lifestyle will change significantly.
However, if you’re determined to move, like Spain, and are excited to try living here, I would wholeheartedly recommend it.
Would you do it again? Do you regret any of it?
I try to never regret anything that’s happened or my decisions. I admit I had a tough period in Spain, but I never thought about regretting my decision. On the contrary.
Nikola in Spain
Are you planning to get back to Slovakia?
I can’t really answer that question yet, as I think about it mainly because I miss my family a lot. I would return for them. On the other hand, there’s still something keeping me here, and I’m not ready to leave. We’ll see. I’m like a Spaniard now, not planning too far into the future. I’m living in the present and will see what life brings 🙂
Spain has changed my life. It’s shown me that I’m capable of things I never believed I could do. I’ve had an amazing experience, changed my perspective on life, and learned a new language. If I could turn back time, I know I would do it again.
Nikola in Spain
