Expat in Spain shares the 'big challenge' of moving there - and you 'need' to do it if you want to 'integrate'
Britons moving to Spain should heed an important warning
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Moving to a new country comes with its challenges. Leaving your life behind can be a scary prospect and there is so much to think about, from visas to accommodation to driving to making friends to maintaining relationships back at home.
Learning a new language in a non-English-speaking country can also prove difficult. James and Yoly from YouTube's Spain Revealed said that learning Spanish is one of the "biggest challenges" of moving to the sunny European country - but it's extremely important that you do it.
James, who is originally from New Zealand, said: "I think some people think that one of the biggest challenges is going to be the visa and figuring out the tax, and they kind of leave the language, thinking, 'When I'm in Spain I'll learn Spanish'."
"But the better you can have your Spanish by the time you get here, you're just going to have a richer experience. You've got to get in there."
Spain tip: 'The better you can have your Spanish by the time you get here, you're just going to have a richer experience'
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His Spanish partner Yoly said: "Now of course there are areas with a large English-speaking community.
"But if you really want to integrate - and that's what most people want - you need to learn the language."
While it's possible to learn Spanish before you arrive in Spain by truly immersing yourself, getting a head start at home is probably a good idea.
Yoly warned: "Don't leave it until the last minute. I would start as soon as you make the decision to live in Spain. Start learning it because it will really pay off."
She recommended "building your base" before you move - this way you will pick it up faster in Spain.
The Spaniard noted that different variations of Spanish are spoken in different parts of Spain, referencing Valencian, Catalan, Basque and Gallego.
There are plenty of options out there for Britons who want to learn Spanish. Between language-learning apps, enrolling in Spanish classes, watching TV in Spanish and reading Spanish children's books, it's definitely possible to get a head start before relocating.
In another video, expat James shared the "mistakes to avoid" when moving to Spain.
He warned that expats must be careful about who they hire to help them make their move.
Some people make the mistake of hiring a relocation agent, thinking that they can guide them through the whole process.
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'If you really want to integrate - and that's what most people want - you need to learn the language''
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Relocation experts will help you sort out your paperwork when you're in the country, from finding accommodation to opening your bank account to finding a school for your children.
In addition to a relocation expert, expats in Spain need to enlist the help of an immigration consultant or lawyer. In fact, this should be the first person they speak to. An immigration expert will tell you what your legal route is to move to Spain.
James recommended that expats in Spain source a buyer's agent if they are hoping to purchase a property, who will advocate for the buyer's rights.
After over a decade of living in Spain, the expat is a huge fan of the country he now calls home. However, no place is perfect.
James shared what he "hates" about living in Spain, claiming that 'it would drive you crazy too".
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