Chase Henry

The relocation story of Chase Henry

Work

Sabbatical year

Languages

English and learning Spanish

Nationality

American

Age range

25-34 years old

Landed in

2022

Chase Henry; an American expat in Barcelona

The California Dream

Hola! My name is Chase Henry, and I am an American expat. Originally from a small town in Northern California, I spent my first 32 years living in the same state (granted, you could fit several European countries in California). I was living a great life with a successful career, amazing family, and close group of friends (the “California Dream”). California is great, but it’s all I’ve ever known. So, in an effort to shake things up, I decided to ditch comfortability and complacency, and trade it for uncertainty, vulnerability, and adventure! Off to Spain I was.

‘Most of my friends and siblings are focused on getting married, having kids, and buying a house. And rightly so…there are MANY perks to living the conventional lifestyle. For me, however, the “nonconventional” lifestyle just seems more appealing – quit my 8-5 job, sell my stuff, move abroad, travel to unknown destinations, meet people from all backgrounds, join a cult, overthrow the cult leader, change my name, and disappear from the life I once knew…’

Why Barcelona

Why Barcelona? I visited Barcelona in 2022 and fell in love. After thinking “I could live here” (like many people do), I decided to make it happen! So, I crafted a plan to leave my job and take a sabbatical year in Barcelona. 

 

I decided to focus my time on studying Spanish, so I obtained a study visa through Speakeasy Language School. I am really enjoying the Spanish classes at Speakeasy. Class sizes range from 6-12 students, which is ideal for learning. There is a mix of students from all over the globe, so I have learned a lot about other cultures and perspectives. One of my goals is to break the stereotype that most Americans can only speak one language!

‘The stereotype that Spain is much more “relaxed” is definitely true; however, it doesn’t mean lazy. The vast majority of people work…they just don’t necessarily live to work. They work to live. There seems to be less emphasis placed on money and social class.

 

Most people here live on a moderately low salary and are completely contempt. They do their part, operate within their means, and leave a relatively small carbon footprint. In general, people do not desire more than they need. It’s what an American may call a “minimalist” lifestyle. I have started adapting to this refreshing mentality.’

The first week in Barcelona

The first week in Barcelona was a rollercoaster of excitement, doubt, exhaustion, adventure, homesickness, and fomo… Since then, things have been going great! I have met so many people from so many backgrounds. There is so much to explore, do, eat, and see here. From beautiful beaches to gothic architecture, the city is just…cool. There is a real emphasis on living, experiencing, and enjoying life. The people operate both independently and interdependently to create a vibrant, lively, and caring culture. I am looking at every day as its own adventure and living in the moment.

‘The culture in Barcelona is very inclusive and judgement-free. Nobody seems to care what you’re wearing, what you look like, or who you want to hop in bed with.

 

Drinking and smoking take on a different stigma here. The legal drinking and smoking age is 18. Both are much more casual and socially accepted. You can find people drinking cañas (draft beers) during any part of the day, and smoking is still very much the norm. “Drinking” isn’t a term reserved for Saturday night debauchery. You can have a drink or two whenever you want. It’s less of a “drink to get drunk” mindset, and more of a “let’s take a moment to relax and appreciate life.’

Career Chase Henry

My career background is in project management and business. Prior to coming to Barcelona, I was working as the business director for a firm in Southern California. I am currently taking a break from the full-time grind while doing some freelance work for several companies. I am really enjoying the freelance/entrepreneur mindset, so I may stick with it for a while.

 

I am also a bit of a writer, so I started a blog to document my experience! I have written numerous articles about Barcelona and Spain, including:

‘“You’re so lucky you get to do that” is a common response I’ve received since first embarking on my sabbatical year in Spain. Luck? Sure, I have always been one to admit that I was dealt a lucky life. BUT, the ability to take a sabbatical leave is far from just “getting lucky” – it requires planning, strategy, aspiration, and a little courage!’

The future

I am not sure what the future holds, but what I do know is that Barcelona is a GREAT place to figure it out! It is super popular with expats living abroad, while VisaGuide ranks Spain as the number one country for digital nomads. There is a solid balance of internationals and locals, so you get a local vibe without feeling overwhelmed as an outsider. Therefore, for anyone on the fence about moving to Spain, this is your PUSH to make it happen!

‘The culture in Barcelona is very inclusive and judgement-free. Nobody seems to care what you’re wearing, what you look like, or who you want to hop in bed with.

 

Drinking and smoking take on a different stigma here. The legal drinking and smoking age is 18. Both are much more casual and socially accepted. You can find people drinking cañas (draft beers) during any part of the day, and smoking is still very much the norm. “Drinking” isn’t a term reserved for Saturday night debauchery. You can have a drink or two whenever you want. It’s less of a “drink to get drunk” mindset, and more of a “let’s take a moment to relax and appreciate life.”’

Thank you Chase Henry for sharing your story with us!

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Americans in Barcelona

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