An Expat Woman – Spain
Aga • Mariya • Adeline • Olga • Kasia • Sonia • Agata • Joanna • Sara • Vanesa • Karine • Dominika • Zineb • Aga A
• Natalia • Marianna • Cristina • Valentina • Marie • Victoire • Valentina • Raphaëlle
It is my great honor and immense pleasure to present to you the photographic project entitled “Women in Expatriation – Spain.”
This is a story about extraordinary women who, for various reasons, settled in sunny Spain and who, despite living far from their homeland, found their own path here: professional, artistic, and spiritual. A path filled with passion, courage, and determination.They invited me into their world, allowed me to accompany them in their work and in the moments when they were pursuing their dreams, revealing a part of their personalities and sharing the story of their adventure with Spain. They are proof that, regardless of where we are in the world, we can find meaning, happiness, and fulfillment. Overcoming obstacles, they build their lives with strength, grace, and self-confidence.
Because we, women, are strong, creative, independent, and full of values.
I hope that I have managed to capture this essence of feminine power in my photographs. Discover the short stories of these extraordinary individuals who inspire, enchant, and remind us how beautiful the journey toward oneself can be.
Dear Ladies,
I am extremely pleased that you decided to take part in my project. I am very happy that I had the chance to meet you and that you allowed me, even if only a little, into your world. I hope I managed to capture everything that the world should see.
Each of you is a unique person, full of many talents and most importantly a role model for other women.
Remember this especially in moments of weakness, because everyone has their difficult days. What matters most, however, is the ability to find yourself in any situation and environment.
I wish you many successes, and once again I sincerely thank you for taking part in the project!
Olga
I come from Poland, and I’ve been living in Spain specifically in Madrid for 3 years now; before that, I lived in Portugal, in Lisbon. Today, this is the space where I grow as a teacher and anthropologist. I came here to immerse myself in what I taught and researched: the language, the culture, the way of being. Because you can’t truly learn that authenticity from books or classes you simply have to live it.
Spain constantly inspires me. I love its everyday ease, its sense of community, the diversity of its regions, and the fact that even an ordinary get-together with friends can turn into a small celebration. Living here has made the Spanish language and culture part of my daily life not just
a passion.
What would I say to a woman who has just arrived in Spain and is starting
a new life here?
“Open yourself to this experience. Spain can be loud, intense, and at first
a bit overwhelming, but with time it will reveal its warm and welcoming side. Give yourself time, be patient, and talk to people even if you don’t speak perfectly yet. Enjoy the journey, because it’s the journey that leads to the most beautiful discoveries. And if you want to learn the language,
I invite you to engaging and inspiring lessons!”
Sonia
I come from France and have been living in Spain, in Madrid, for 6 years.
I arrived here with my husband because of his work.
When he was later transferred to another country, I decided to stay here with our youngest son.This place has become our little corner of paradise, our daily sweetness.
Life here has a different rhythm. It is peaceful, bright, almost singing.
The sun accompanies me every day and invites me to breathe more slowly.
I am a hairdresser, image consultant and makeup artist. I love revealing the beauty in others, helping them feel good in their own skin and shine both on the outside and from within.
I enjoy walking through sunlit streets, stepping into small boutiques and soaking in the warmth of the people.
Here, nothing rushes me anymore. I simply live.
What would I say to a woman who has just arrived in Spain and is starting
a new life here?
“Give yourself time.
With time, you will feel at home here and perhaps you will discover a new version of yourself.“
Agata
I’m from Poland, and my adventure with Spain began with the Erasmus program. After my studies, I received a PhD scholarship, which I applied for deliberately because I wanted to live here and build my life in this place.
I had always dreamed of living in Spain because of the climate, the culture, and the people. I knew I needed sunshine and warmth to feel happy.
I’ve been living here for 13 years now!
I currently live in Madrid and work in a corporation, and in my free time
I teach yoga. My passions are, of course, yoga, climbing, music, and discovering new flavours and restaurants.
Moving here made me feel free and more confident. I started doing things
I wouldn’t have dared to do before, when I was living in Poland.
What would I say to a woman who has just arrived in Spain and is starting
a new life here?
“Be patient and relaxed. Try not to compare anything with what you already know, open yourself up to people, learn the language and the culture, and smile as often as you can. It really works!”
Natalia
I come from Poland, specifically from Wrocław. I have been living in Spain for 15 years now. My adventure with this country began with an Erasmus exchange in Elche, and later continued when I moved to Madrid. I stayed because, despite the initial difficulties, I managed to find my professional place and a space to grow.
I currently work as a International Development Manager in an international company, where I am responsible for the Spanish market and international development. My passions include foreign languages, Spanish and Italian culture, personal development, new technologies, and above all, travelling,
I have already visited around 30 countries and I keep planning new trips.
Living in Spain has made me more open, flexible, and courageous in making decisions both professional and personal.
What would I say to a woman who has just arrived in Spain and is starting
a new life here?
“Be patient with yourself and with the adaptation process. Spain is
a country with a big heart, but with a mentality very different from that of Poland. It’s worth learning the language, not being afraid to ask questions,
and building relationships they are what open most doors. The most important thing, however, is to give yourself time: after the period of feeling out of place, comes the moment when you truly begin to feel at home.”
Aga
I arrived in Spain on my name day January 21, 2009.
The reason for moving to Madrid was Alex, my current husband.
We met in Krakow in 2007. At that time, I was working as a city tour guide,
and Alex, along with a friend, used my services. That’s how our story began.
Currently, since 2018, I have been professionally practicing reflexology.
I completed the course here in Madrid, leaving tourism far behind.
I love the local climate, nature, and sunshine. I like Spain and its people
I feel at home here. It also helped that I came here already knowing Spanish, which I had learned studying Spanish philology at the Jagiellonian University.
What would I say to a woman who has just arrived in Spain and is starting
a new life here?
“Focus on what you like here and you will surely find many such things.
Our mind prefers what is familiar, so it will automatically compare Spain to Poland, often trying to direct attention to those differences where according to it Poland fares better. I don’t recommend following that path. Of course, differences exist, but give priority to those that speak in favor of Spain.
Be “smarter” and focus your gaze on the bright sides of your new surroundings, instead of lamenting the lack of sauerkraut or Polish bread. Spain has a lot of wonderful things to offer.”
Mariya
I came to Spain from Bulgaria 19 years ago together with my parents.
I grew up in Madrid a city that never sleeps, full of energy, diversity,
and warmth. Over time, I fell in love with Spanish culture, the language, the atmosphere, and the mentality of the people here. It was here that I learned what true openness, joy of life, and solidarity mean. Today, Spain is not only the place where I live, but my true home.
I am a hairdresser not just by profession, but by passion. I love working with people, being able to create, highlight their beauty, and give them confidence.
It brings me enormous satisfaction and a sense of fulfillment. Spain, and especially Madrid, gave me room to grow, stability, and a quality of life I once could only dream of.
What would I say to a woman who has just arrived in Spain and is starting
a new life here?
“I believe that anyone who decides to start a new chapter here will, in time, understand that it was the right decision. Patience and courage are needed but it is truly worth living and working in Spain. This place can change
a person and open up a world of possibilities.”
Adeline
I’ve been living in Madrid for 4 years. I first came to Spain on an Erasmus exchange during my sports studies, and I fell so deeply in love with this place that I decided to come back for good.
I’m from France, I’m 31 years old, and I work as a personal trainer.
I’m passionate about health, sports, and a holistic approach to well-being.
I decided to continue my education and began studying physiotherapy to better understand the human body and support others more effectively on their journey to health.
Today, I live in a country I’ve truly come to love. I learned Spanish by immersing myself in the local culture and following my passion for languages.
What would I say to a woman who has just arrived in Spain and is starting
a new life here?
“Put your whole heart into your goals and never give up, no matter what others may say.”
Cristina
I’ve been living in Madrid for 2 years. I’m originally from Moldova. My adventure in Spain has been a real roller coaster full of highs and challenges and it’s still going. Living abroad is always an experience: sometimes difficult, but also incredibly beautiful. It’s a constant invitation to grow and rediscover yourself.
I moved here with my Spanish partner and our two adopted cats. We met in Brussels, and after four years under mostly cloudy skies, we decided it was time for a change (and a bit of sunshine!).
As for me, I couldn’t wait to brush up on my Spanish.
What keeps me here besides my partner is the lifestyle, the warmth of the people, the natural joy that Spain radiates, and of course, the sun. I see this place as the space where we will one day start a family. I also love living abroad and being part of an international environment and Madrid has pleasantly surprised me in that regard.
Professionally, I’m a career coach. I support ambitious women in their 20s and 30s in discovering their strengths and building career paths that align with who they truly are paths that genuinely give them energy and a sense of meaning. Rooted in values. Driven by talents. Guided by mission. At the heart of it all,
I help women reconnect with themselves and give them the tools and strategies to create a career (and a life!) they truly love. Outside of work, I love deep conversations, learning languages (I speak four fluently and I’m also polishing my Russian, German, and Italian), and reading books on psychology and personal development. I’m also a bit of a “gut health enthusiast”, I love hosting dinners for friends, and I especially enjoy spaces where women support each other. I’m also socially involved I help young women navigate the job market and I support local organizations that rescue cats. Living in Spain has made me finally stop waiting for the “perfect moment” and fully commit to building my own values- and mission-driven business.
What would I say to a woman who has just arrived in Spain and is starting
a new life here?
“Embrace this new chapter with openness! Be curious. Try new things. Explore. Have fun along the way. And in the tougher moments, be as kind and compassionate with yourself as you would be with your closest friend.”
Kasia
I come from Poland, and I previously lived for several years in Paris.
I met my husband in Madrid. We decided together to settle there permanently and open our own business. I have been living here for 13 years now.
The beginnings were difficult, but over time I got used to most things… except the food 😉 In my free time, as a break from dental work, I engage in photography.
Life in Spain has broadened my horizons, allowed me to notice new social phenomena, and enriched me culturally. At the same time, it made me realize how Polish I am and how deeply connected I am to the values of Eastern Europe.
What would I say to a woman who has just arrived in Spain and is starting
a new life here?
“Every story is different, and the reasons we come here vary. The more time you spend getting to know the culture and history, the easier it will be for you to find your place in a society whose initial behaviors may seem strange or incomprehensible.”
Raphaëlle
I am Belgian, and my adventure in Spain has already lasted more than 3 years. Before moving to Madrid, I lived in Geneva for 4 years. Spain has been a deeply enriching human experience. I have also discovered
a cultural richness through learning new traditions and a new language.
Today, I still live in Madrid because of my husband’s career.
I had the luck and opportunity to start an artistic activity centered around painting in all its forms.
My main works are paintings that I create in my studio, but I also express my art in various forms (posters, decorative objects, etc.). I have always been passionate about art, both literally and also the art of the table.
I am also passionate about travel, discovering new cultures and traditions, music, concerts, and exhibitions. In Spain, I discovered a nation rich and powerful due to its history and beliefs.
I had the chance to travel all over the country and discover some paradisiacal “rincones” (corners). I think I will always keep the culture of sharing tapas, and
I have also gained the ability to adapt to their sometimes flexible schedules 🙂
My experience in Spain means that today I can manage in Spanish, and my children speak it as well. They have developed incredible open-mindedness, confidence, and have formed beautiful new friendships.Living abroad can often seem like a dream. And yes, I won’t hide it, I can no longer give up living this waking dream. But it also involves great family challenges, sacrifices, and many other things that make family unity more sacred than ever if you manage to overcome them together. And that is priceless.
What would I say to a woman who has just arrived in Spain and is starting
a new life here?
“I would advise her to find a professional activity as soon as possible. I would also tell her to enroll her children in a Spanish school so that the whole family is fully immersed and the language learning is faster. If she lives alone, I would advise her to learn Spanish as quickly as possible. I would tell her to live in
a “lively” neighborhood, with small shops and easy access to public transportation.
I would tell her to soak up the culture of her new country and live according to their rhythm.
I would encourage her to discover all the facets of Spain whenever she has the chance, rather than going to other countries for holidays.
Finally, I would tell her to LIVE her OWN experience to the MAXIMUM because it is an incredible opportunity that presents itself!”
Joanna
I come from Poland and have been living in Spain for over 20 years.
I am a pianist and educator, a graduate of the Fryderyk Chopin University of Music in Warsaw. My journey with Spain began thanks to a multi-year AECI scholarship, which enabled me to complete postgraduate studies at the Real Conservatorio Superior de Música de Madrid.
Although as a pianist–accompanist I find great satisfaction in interpreting music, it was in Spain that I discovered my true passion for teaching piano and music education.
Life in Spain, and especially in Madrid, has brought me many new professional and personal experiences. It is a fascinating country full of positive energy.
What would I say to a woman who has just arrived in Spain and is starting
a new life here?
“Open yourself to people, to a new culture and language. Explore, taste, and experience!”
Marianna
I’m from northern Poland and I’ve been living in Spain for 10 years. I came here for love, but over time I discovered that this is my place in the world. I feel at home here calm, safe, and free.
I work as a photographer and a linguist, and I love the world of art and the humanities in general.
What would I say to a woman who has just arrived in Spain and is starting
a new life here?
“First of all: when looking for a place to live, choose one with air conditioning!
It’s a small detail that can save your life in the summer. Secondly, give yourself time. Not everything has to be solved immediately. Go out, talk to people.
Build your new life and surround yourself with people who add something positive to it.”
Vanesa
I have been living in Spain for 6 years. Before that, my husband and I lived
in Dubai and planned to move to Europe. We weren’t sure exactly where we wanted to go, but we ultimately chose Spain because of the language and culture. This country is very similar to our homeland Argentina so we feel very comfortable here.
I am a personal trainer and I support expatriate women and entrepreneurs in regaining strength and mobility, which help them improve their quality of life.
I work with them by selecting exercises tailored to their individual needs and lifestyle, so that movement becomes lasting and balanced over time.
I love physical activity in all its forms, being in nature, and meeting with friends.
I also value participating in various communities both social and women’s groups that support my personal and professional growth.
I am passionate about helping women regain self-confidence and faith in their own abilities.
Living in Spain has allowed me to get to know myself better and to understand the challenges that expatriates face.
What would I say to a woman who has just arrived in Spain and is starting
a new life here?
“I would encourage her to boldly connect with other women and people in general. In Spain, there are many communities and social groups that offer great support for immigrants in building friendships and adapting to the local society.”
Sara
I have been living in Spain, more precisely in Madrid, for 2 years. I come from Peru and I am currently expecting my first child.
Since I was 12 years old, I have always imagined living in Portugal or Spain.
I had already lived in Barcelona when I was doing my master’s degree.
At one point, I had a health problem, and my doctor recommended moving to Madrid. I have always really liked this city.
I work in international trade and alternative finance. In my free time,
I enjoy reading, going for walks, and I am also interested in theater, art, sculpture, and music festivals.
Life in Spain has taught me to pay more attention to health and culture
and to enjoy simple pleasures, like aimless walks.
What would I say to a woman who has just arrived in Spain and is starting
a new life here?
“Like in any big city, sometimes you can feel lonely, but once you get used to the local culture, you will love this place.”
Valentina
I am originally from Italy and have been living in Spain for 16 years.
I fell in love with Spain and its culture during my time in Seville as an Erasmus student. After completing my studies in Philology, I decided to move permanently to this country, and I chose Madrid somewhat by chance:
I didn’t know anyone here, but coming from a small town, I knew one thing for sure I wanted to live in a big city. And that’s exactly what I did.
Once I arrived, it was relatively easy to “find my place”: people are very welcoming, which made me feel “at home” from the very beginning.
Here I developed my professional life, built wonderful friendships,
and found my own path.
I founded the boutique publishing house Book-à-Porter, where I help people who wish to tell the stories of their loved ones (a family story,
he story of a special person, a partner, a friend…) and turn them into beautiful, personalized books.
Living in Spain helped me find my path both professionally and personally.
What would I say to a woman who has just arrived in Spain and is starting
a new life here?
“That it is a country full of energy and opportunities. My advice would simply be to immerse yourself in the local culture and experience it fully.”
Victoire
I come from the island of Réunion and I am French. I have been living in Spain for 3 years.
After many years of living abroad in different countries, Spain has become the place where I truly feel at home. Here, I find the European culture
I value, enriched by a strong sense of freedom and multiculturalism.
These successive journeys require patience and perseverance, but each time they offer me the opportunity to return to what truly matters and to refocus on my values as a mother, a woman.
My constant anchor remains my work as a nutritionist and yin yoga teacher, which nourishes both my life and my passions.
Today, Spain is a place of grounding for me: simple, welcoming, and kind, where I feel in harmony with who I am and who I am becoming.
Living in Spain has made me feel welcomed, inspired, and deeply balanced.
What would I say to a woman who has just arrived in Spain and is beginning
a new chapter of her life?
“Fully affirm your strength and your autonomy.”
Marie
I am Belgian and have been living in Spain for over a year. Our settling in was slow: getting to know a new culture, learning a new language, making a home to truly feel settled…
But this city is taking more and more space in our hearts!
For years, my husband’s work has taken us around the world: Italy, Morocco, South Africa, and now Spain. Each time, I reinvented myself according to my inspiration or the needs of the moment. I taught French, made children’s clothes, designed jewelry…
Today, I have returned to my original calling, teaching and I am
a graphotherapist.
In Spain, I have discovered a new side of myself.
What would I say to a woman who has just arrived in Spain and is starting
a new life here?
“Settle in, take your time, explore, and enjoy the sun!”
Dominique
I have been living in Madrid for 3 years, and I am Franco-Canadian with Lebanese roots.
Spain has been an adventure that has been both challenging and deeply enriching for me.
By moving here, I truly stepped out of my comfort zone: I learned a new language when I was convinced I would never manage it, and I discovered opportunities and people who helped me grow professionally.
I arrived after seven years in London and more than ten years in Canada, with the desire to live in a sunny country and offer a new living environment to my family. What was meant to be an experience of 12 to 18 months eventually turned into a true love at first sight.
We fell so much in love with Madrid that leaving was never again a question.
When I arrived, I was a full-time mother of twins who required close medical follow-up. Gradually, I was able to find time for myself again, start composing once more, and learn how to record and produce my songs independently. Music has always been my passion, but it was here in Madrid that it became
a true professional project.
Life in Spain finally allowed music to find its full place in my life.
What would I say to a woman who has just arrived in Spain and is starting
a new life here?
“If I had to give advice to a woman arriving in Spain to start a new life, I would first tell her: be patient with yourself. Arriving in a new country is not only about changing your address;
it is about rebuilding your bearings, your identity, and your confidence.
The beginnings can be disorienting: the language, the administration, and sometimes the loneliness. But every small victory matters. Every hesitant conversation in Spanish, every new encounter, every step taken with paperwork is a step toward independence.
I would also tell her that Spain rewards those who dare to open up.
Here, human connections are strong: the warmth is not only climatic, it is also social. One has to accept stepping out of their comfort zone to discover how much they can grow. And above all I would say: do not put your dreams on hold just because you are starting from zero. Sometimes it is precisely far from home that we come closest to who we truly are.”
Karine
I am French and I arrived in Spain more than 16 years ago to follow my partner, who himself had come for a three-year assignment.
My life in Spain, and more specifically in Madrid, brings together all the advantages of a capital city (culture, leisure, healthcare) without the drawbacks of a large metropolis like Paris, for example. Being a five-minute walk from my workplace and being able to reach hiking trails in the Sierra within an hour is
a luxury I appreciate every day.
In addition, a year and a half ago I opened my own graphopedagogy practice, Boli-Grapho, which allows me to pursue another of my passions: teaching handwriting.
Life in Spain is what has kept me here 16 years later!
What would I say to a woman who has just arrived in Spain and is starting
a new life here?
“They say that if you spend three years here, you can never really leave…
I think I’m living proof of that.”
Dominika
My connection with Spain goes back as far as I can remember, thanks to my father’s love for the country. I first came here on holiday when I was eight years old. At that time, Poland was still on the other side of the Iron Curtain.
Later, I returned many times, speaking Spanish better and better each time. Studying Iberian studies was an obvious choice for me. In my first job in Kraków, I met a boy from Salamanca and decided to move here permanently. 20 years have passed since that story, which ultimately was not meant for me. However, my husband is also from Salamanca, and it was there that my little son was born. Today we live in Burgos.
I am a licensed tour guide in the region of Castile and León, and I am lucky to combine my work with my passion by showing my region to tourists in five languages: Polish, Spanish, Portuguese, English, and French.
In my free time, I attend contemporary dance classes and Burgos folklore dance classes. For the past two years, I have been a soloist in the PKT Madrid ensemble, where, in addition to dancing, I can develop my second passion- theatre. My life is a mixture of Polish and Spanish culture, where traditions, gastronomy, and of course languages intertwine.
What would I say to a woman who has just arrived in Spain and is starting
a new life here?
“Spain is not for everyone. But if you manage to immerse yourself in it, understand its people, and build a connection with its culture, it is a port well worth docking in. As you often hear here: people do not live to work, they work to live. And life here is truly very good.”
Aga A
I arrived in Spain on January 4, 2008. It is a very important date for me.
I celebrate every year of my life in Madrid. This year I celebrated my “coming of age.
I am from Poland, from Poznań. I came to Spain because I was tired of Polish winters, I wanted to experience the love of my life and write books. The decision to leave was inspired by writing a short story in Spanish titled “Metamorfosis,” which won the Escribucuentos literary competition and became the impulse to make the decision of my life. I left my job, my family, my friends and moved to Madrid. This city had already fascinated me a few years earlier when I visited it on my way to Granada, where I was living. I simply fell in love with Madrid. With its space, its grandeur, its blue sky and its energy. Madrid was the first protagonist of my books and still is.
At the beginning, I taught French, but my great passion was and still is writing.
I am the author of two novels; the third will soon be published on the Polish publishing market. I mainly write in Polish, but I still hope to publish a book in Spain. Because this is where it all began… Living in Spain made me be born again. It was my metamorphosis. I became a writer and a mother. I feel fulfilled as a woman and I continue to find inspiration. In Spain, I also discovered my second passion.
I started dancing. And I no longer feel cold.
What would I say to a woman who has just arrived in Spain and is starting
a new life here?
“Without a doubt: be brave, enjoy every moment, embrace life to the fullest, and drink a glass of red wine in good company. Madrid is very welcoming, open and generous. If you love this city, it will love you back.”
Zineb
I arrived in Spain 3 years ago, drawn by its energy, its warmth, and the gentle way of life that makes it so unique. Very quickly, I felt at home: the vibes, the quality of life, and the warmth of the people convinced me that I had found my place.
Dance has always been part of my life.
After more than twenty years of practice, I decided to leave my career as an engineer to fully dedicate myself to this passion. I graduated from the Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance in London, and then founded my own dance school in Morocco, where I taught for four years.
I later moved to Madrid, where a new adventure began. Today, dance is at the center of my life: it is both my profession, my means of expression, and a deep way of creating connections with others. I teach contemporary dance to the expatriate community in Madrid.
Here, I have found much more than a place to live: balance, freedom, and
a way of life that deeply reflects who I am.
What would I say to a woman who has just arrived in Spain and is starting
a new life here?
Welcome, and congratulations… you chose the right destination 🙂
