Barcelona, one of the favourite destinations for French expatriates, welcomes thousands of young people every year to enjoy its Mediterranean climate, vibrant culture and dynamic economy. Among them is Axel Legrand, 20, a student of political science and international relations at the Institut Catholique de Paris, who has chosen to settle in the Catalan capital, attracted by its cosmopolitan outlook and academic opportunities.
Immersion in Catalan culture : Barcelona
For Axel, Barcelona is much more than just a temporary home. From the moment he arrived, he set about discovering Catalan culture, learning the language and immersing himself in the city’s daily life. ‘Everything is different here: the mentality of the people, the way they live, and even the energy of the city,’ he explains. He recounts how his first few months were punctuated by unexpected discoveries, such as the traditional Catalan festivals and the local markets, where locals and tourists mingle.
The city also has a thriving cultural life, which has enabled him to meet Barcelonans and expatriates with similar interests. As a football fan, Axel is a keen follower of FC Barcelona matches.
An ambitious universal career : Barcelona
Axel Legrand did not choose Catalonia by chance. He has set his sights on a demanding career in international politics. Passionate about international relations and public affairs, he plans to pursue higher education at prestigious institutions. ‘I’ve always wanted to understand the world and work towards a fairer society,’ he says. His long-term goal is clear: to make an active contribution to French politics or to work in the diplomatic sector.
For him, Barcelona represents a field of experimentation. Immersing himself in another culture enriches his understanding of global issues, while honing his ability to work in a multicultural environment. He has not lost sight of his ambition, in the hope of joining the French diplomatic service.
The richness of a city open to the world
As well as his studies and career aspirations, Barcelona offers Axel a stimulating living environment. The city is a crossroads where young people from all over the world come together, making it an ideal place for intercultural exchange. In his opinion, Barcelona has a unique ability to blend tradition and modernity: You can go from a historic district to ultra-modern skyscrapers, all along the seafront. It’s a city that never sleeps, where every street corner reveals a new facet.
To finance his studies, Axel has already gained work experience at prestigious events such as those organised by Louis Vuitton and the Stade de France. These experiences have given him an awareness of communication and customer service skills, invaluable assets in the diplomatic world. With perfect interpersonal skills, he was also able to develop a strong sense of dialogue and team spirit, which are essential in the field he wishes to enter.
The challenges of expatriation
However, life abroad is not without its challenges. Despite his desire to integrate, Axel admits that the language barrier remains an obstacle. Although he has a good level of English, he is just starting out in Spanish, and the Catalan language adds another dimension of learning. ‘It’s a real challenge living in a bilingual region, but that’s part of the adventure. Every day I make a little more progress,’ he confides. Thanks to his perseverance and the help of his Barcelona friends, he has been able to familiarise himself with local expressions and feel more and more at home.
An ambitious future between France and Spain
Axel Legrand has ambitions to match his commitment. ‘Barcelona has given me a new perspective on the world, and prepared me for international careers,’ he says. Alongside his studies, he plans to do an internship in a European institution or a non-governmental organisation to strengthen his CV and skills. ‘This is a city where anything is possible for those with the determination to get ahead,’ he concludes with a confident smile.
Axel sees his experience in Barcelona as a key stage in his career. This immersion in a foreign city has transformed not only his vision of the world, but also his life plans. Today, he feels ready to return to France to put into practice the knowledge and maturity he has acquired, while remaining open to an international career. The Frenchman in Barcelona is no longer simply an expatriate, but a citizen of the world in the making, ready to take his place in the complex world of diplomacy and public affairs.
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