Amanda Hughes\u00a0<\/b>is the Head of Oak House School. A 54-year-old British national, she took a sabbatical year in 2001 to explore the Iberian Peninsula. She fell in love with Spain and decided to relocate permanently. She has lived in Barcelona for over a decade.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n In 2007, I was asked to consider a headship at another international school here. At the time, I wasn\u2019t keen on moving again, as I thought I\u2019d be spending more time living closer to my parents. However, I\u2019ve always said that we usually regret the things we don\u2019t try in life, so I decided to come and visit the school. As soon as I landed and caught a glimpse of the city\u2014its surrounding towns, beaches, and mountains\u2014I knew I had to bring my family to live in Barcelona. There\u2019s no place like Barcelona, and we all feel incredibly lucky to call it home.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n There\u2019s definitely a positive energy in the city and the region. We have a wide range of industries across all levels and sectors, which creates opportunities for most people to find their place. When it comes to education, the city offers many high-quality schools and universities; there\u2019s a culture of high expectations and strong performance, which motivates our students to give their best. Museums, historical and cultural spaces, and events all help create real-life learning opportunities for the students in our care. On top of that, regional services such as public transport and healthcare are excellent in Barcelona, which supports the area\u2019s continued development.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n It\u2019s becoming increasingly difficult for teachers relocating to Barcelona to find suitable housing at a reasonable price. This poses a real challenge when it comes to recruiting and retaining staff, even though we offer salaries well above the standard agreement. While tourism is essential to our region, we need to find a balance\u2014and access to housing is a key factor when deciding to settle here.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n I believe the city will continue to thrive. The America\u2019s Cup truly showcased the best of Barcelona. Events like this will help generate new business opportunities and creative solutions for the city.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n In the UK, I would say that South London is the city I consider home. I sometimes miss old family traditions like Bonfire Night, but to be honest, I never feel the urge to move back there. Barcelona is my home, and I feel very fortunate to live here and to work at an exceptional school, surrounded by a wonderful team.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div> <\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\tWhy did you choose Barcelona?<\/h2>\n
What are the city\u2019s strengths?<\/h2>\n
Which aspects of the city need to be improved? How?<\/h2>\n
What do you expect from Barcelona in the coming years?<\/h2>\n
Which city do you consider to be your home city? What do you miss most?<\/h2>\n
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\t\t\t\t\t\tEl Peri\u00f3dico<\/h6>\n\t\t\t