«Barcelona has all the resources », by Salem Martínez
Licensed in Psychology and specialist in Systemic Clinical Practice from Universidad de Buenos Aires, Salem Martínez Tamara, aged 29, arrived in Barcelona in November 2023. She is currently the Academic Coordinator of the Master's School at Instituto Europeo de Diseño. In Argentina, she was a university lecturer, clinical psychologist, and headed the education and volunteer division of an NGO. Instituto Europeo de Diseño is a university with campuses in Spain, Italy, and Brazil. In Barcelona, it employs around 100 staff members.
Why did you choose Barcelona?
I came to Barcelona in 2017 for four days and fell in love with the city. What captivated me most was its architecture, although the cultural diversity also left a strong impression. I was welcomed by a gentle weather, even in winter, and felt a deep curiosity to learn about Catalonia’s history. The good memories of that visit, along with knowing that several of my friends had also chosen to move here, made the decision much easier.
What are the city’s strengths?
I see a strong sense of social commitment, even in a city where many diverse cultures coexist. I’ve also noticed the significant effort to preserve and continue passing on Catalan culture and language, as well as how accessible information and learning opportunities are for foreigners. I believe this is a place that has all the resources to be one of the best cities in the world in terms of quality of life.
Which aspects of the city need to be improved? How?
It’s a city that has all the necessary resources, but I believe that both citizens and the government need to work on how they are regulated. I would implement more policies to lower rental prices and encourage home ownership. I would also support regulating tourism and immigration in a way that sustains them without compromising quality of life. I would continue to promote foreign investment, but without neglecting local production. Lastly, I would keep working to make it easier for young people to become independent; by supporting their entry into the job market, fostering economic autonomy, and creating opportunities for them to propose projects and ideas that contribute to society.
What do you expect from Barcelona in the coming years?
I hope that, as a society, we can face the challenges these issues present and that the city can continue to grow and position itself as one of the world’s leading cities. I also hope that the various cultures that have chosen to make this city our home can continue integrating into Catalan culture, so that it does not lose its roots. And above all, I hope it remains a safe city to live in.
Which city do you consider to be your home city? What do you miss most?
Buenos Aires will always be my city, but the truth is that today, my life, my projects, and my future outlook are here. I miss my family and friends, and also the professional career I had built. But over the course of this year, even while navigating the emotional challenges of migration, I’ve come to understand that I came to Barcelona to live an experience that, at almost 30, allows me to start over, reconnect with who I am, and also discover a new side of myself. Today, I feel excited about what Barcelona has to offer for both my professional growth and personal projects.
