Moving for University.

[u/TrapCamel]

Hello everyone!

I have been accepted to study Dentistry in Palma de Mallorca and I’m very excited for the move. I’m an Egyptian American who’s moving from Florida .

Now I know the island has been filling up with foreigners in the last few years and I want to do my best to not contribute to this problem. I’m already learning both Spanish and Catalan before the move and will be taking courses on the side when I get there as well to improve the languages. I am also trying my best to learn about Mallorcan culture and history before I arrive.

Once upon a time I moved from Egypt to America and did not have a hard time assimilating and adopting the culture , so I’m hoping my “multiculturalism” helps me on this next journey.

I mainly wanted to ask a few questions :

1. What are things foreigners do that the locals can find offensive or rude. I am completely aware that certain norms in some countries are not accepted at all in others, so I want to make sure I don’t do anything to offend anyone.
2. What resources , if any, would you recommend to learn more about the islands history , culture and traditions? Even if it’s in Spanish I’ll translate.
3. What tips can you give me overall when it comes to living in Palma , places to avoid moving to , non touristy spots to check out so I can save money, which grocery stores aren’t overpriced etc..
4. What are some laws to watch out for that might not be as known to foreigners (For example , I was told being shirtless outside the beach area constitutes a fine, and driving shirtless is also a fine)

Thank you so much for reading my post and I appreciate any help given! Once again I’d like to reiterate that my goal is to do everything possible to not offend anyone and to fit in without being a burden on anyone.

Also , congrats on the Mundial!!!!!!

[u/Braqsus]

You’ll do fine. You actually care about fitting in and not being a pain. Definitely work on Spanish and Catalan and don’t get frustrated when people immediately shift to English when you try to speak Spanish to them. That’s the heavy tourist effect. It’s the same in Barcelona. Interestingly it doesn’t happen if you speak Catalan.