Cultural differences between Spain and the UK

There’s something beautiful about embracing a new culture. The experience of moving to another country is incredibly enriching and opens us up to a world of discovery.

This is why so many Brits are choosing to move to Spain from the UK. Making this life-changing leap takes courage… but you also need to be prepared.

As one of Barcelona’s leading English teacher training academies, at TEFL Iberia, we’ve helped so many Brits settle into a new life in Spain. And many of our team have also made the move from the UK to Spain. So, we have first-hand experience of the cultural differences between the two countries.

Are you keen on making the move and want to know what to expect? Here’s our take on the key differences between Spanish and English culture. 

Communication style

To put it bluntly, Spanish people are, well… blunt. They have no trouble saying what they mean and meaning what they say. You’ll find opinions freely expressed in Spain, within the family, workplace and on the street in everyday life. 

For a reserved and diplomatic Brit, this can be tricky to adjust to. In the UK, politeness is a priority, even if it means hiding our true feelings! And while the Spanish might come across as overly direct or plain rude at times, after a while, you learn to appreciate a more transparent way of communicating. 

Work-life balance 

It may seem like a cliché, but the Spanish really do value the “work to live, instead of living to work” principle. Life in Spain, particularly life in Barcelona, is to be savoured. This can mean anything from soaking up the sun on a terrace or beach with friends to enjoying a hike in the mountains on the weekend. 

In the UK, there’s definitely more of a focus on work defining who you are as a person. The fact that Spaniards give value to leisure time comes down to many factors. But living in Spain as a Brit, one of the things that stands out is how much of life is lived outdoors and how afternoons and evenings tend to stretch out, allowing more time to socialise. This is a big cultural difference compared to the UK, where after-work leisure time seems too squeezed, leading to a culture of ‘living for the weekend’.  
And the data backs this up. The OECD Better Life Index gives Spain a score of 8.5 and the UK a score of 5 for work-life balance. 

Social interactions

There are some key differences between the way Spanish and British people meet and greet. First of all, the standard greeting in Spain might take some getting used to for Brits. The “dos besitos” – two kisses, one on either cheek – can be a little unusual. They aren’t really kisses – more a case of touching cheeks while making a little ‘kissing sound’. 

After a while, this greeting is something you adapt to. And, in fact, you learn to appreciate this warmer, more defined way of greeting someone new that helps to break the ice. It takes out the annoying ambiguity of “do I go for a handshake, a nod, a kiss on the cheek?”... that you often get in the UK.

Punctuality is another big difference, and one that many British people in Spain never get used to! Spanish people are, let’s say, a little more relaxed when it comes to timing. If you’re meeting a Spanish friend, expect them to turn up about 10 minutes late. And if you’re invited to a party don’t even think about turning up on time! Arriving 20–30 minutes after the starting time is pretty standard in Spain.

Weather

Okay, so this one’s hardly a culture shock! For the vast majority of Brits lookin to live in Spain, the weather is right at the top of the list for reasons to make the move. And, once you’re here, you really get a sense of the impact the sun has on everyday life.

Take Barcelona, for instance. Over 300 days of sunshine a year shapes the culture. How could it not? People live more of their lives outdoors, there’s a higher level of general happiness and you can make big plans without the clouds raining on your parade! 

We’ll add a small caveat. One thing British people visiting Spain don’t fully grasp is how brutal the summers can be. When you actually live in the country for a period of time you realise that Spanish summers come in three acts – the first and final parts, when the weather is glorious – and the middle bit, when you often feel like you’re being cooked alive! August in Spain’s big cities can be challenging… there’s a reason all the locals flee to the countryside!  

Family life

In Spain, family life is a priority. It’s baked deep into the country. This might be down to the country’s Catholic traditions or because of a deep sense of community that has passed on through the generations. Whatever the reason, it’s something you can see and feel when you live in Spain as a Brit.

There are also differences in the attitudes towards children between the two cultures. In the UK, while children are certainly valued highly in society, there’s more of a rules-based culture, where children are expected to have their own time and space, less integrated into the lives of adults. 

In Spain, on the other hand, children are included into everyday life in a way that feels natural. Especially in Barcelona, one of the most child-friendly cities in Europe. 

Public transport

Let’s be honest, the UK public transport system leaves a lot to be desired. There’s much more of a focus on travelling by car and there’s a sense that, without one, you just can’t get by.

This is far from the case in Spain’s big cities. In Barcelona and Madrid, for example, public transport is excellent. Buses, metros and trams are well connected, reliable and easy to use, making it a breeze to travel around. Both cities are increasingly cycle-friendly, with well-connected cycle paths and bike-sharing systems (Bicing in Barcelona, BiciMAD in Madrid).

Probably the biggest difference is the cost. Public transport in Spain is so affordable. It’s one of the unexpected delights about living in Spain as a Brit. Here’s a comparison table for you:

Source: numbeo

Cuisine

Meal times are one of the key cultural differences between Spain and the UK. People in Spain eat lunch and dinner far later than in the UK. Lunch time is normally between 2pm and 3pm, while evening dinners are typically from 9pm. Some Spanish people even eat as late as 10:30pm. 

If you’re cooking at home, it’s not an issue. Eat lunch and dinner as you normally would. But when it comes to eating out, it can be an issue – restaurants usually only open for lunch from 1pm and dinner from 8pm. Things are changing a little and nowadays you can find more international eateries that will serve a little earlier.

The amazing quality of food in Spain makes it a little easier to adapt to later meal times. Fruit and vegetables are cheap and fresh. The local cuisine is delicious. And the general attitude towards food in Spain is that meals are to be savoured.  

The ‘siesta’

Spanish siesta culture can seem strange to British people. But when you move to Spain from the UK, after a while, you get it. Especially if you live in the south of Spain.

The midday heat, especially in the depths of summer, can be extreme. Taking a little time to escape the worst of it, relax and recharge, just makes sense. It gives Spaniards the chance to enjoy their day the best way they can, by taking advantage of the cooler weather that comes in the late evening and into the night.

Plus, it’s good for you. Science shows that a 30-minute siesta improves brain function and brings plenty of other health benefits.
Are you thinking of moving to Spain from the UK? Get in touch with us at TEFL Iberia and find out why becoming a TEFL teacher is the best way to make the life-changing move.