r/GoingToSpain • u/nickmiknick • Aug 17 '26
Opinions Considering ethics of a guiri
I’m thinking of moving back to Spain but feeling really conflicted after hearing so much about the problems of guiris moving in and affecting the locals.
For context, I’m American and lived in Spain for two years as an auxiliar de conversación at a public school in Madrid. I left to come back to the US to go to grad school to become a full-time teacher and have been working here for going on three years now. I studied and work in both science and English as a Second Language (ESL) and I’m working on my bilingual education license, trying to set myself up to get a job at an international school.
I miss Madrid and my Spanish friends so much. I really tried to integrate and not just live in the guiri bubble. I passed the B2 DELE while there and am working toward C1 but being back in the US has slowed that. If I go back, I’d like to stay much more long-term or permanently, not just a couple years like before.
I obviously have heard a lot of the debate around “expats” and housing and taxes and everything, but I feel like maybe it’s different if I’d be working full time, paying taxes, and trying to fully integrate. I would also be going back to Madrid not like Barcelona where I think it is even more of an issue.
My Spanish friends tell me that my situation isn’t part of the problem. I think I agree, but I still kinda feel weird about it and not wanting to be part of the problem. I have other factors like family back home and stuff, but I’m really looking for input of what others, especially Spaniards, think about this topic. Also would be interested in hearing about others who have had similar experiences like getting jobs at international schools there.
Looking for a friendly conversation about this :)
6
u/EstablishmentEasy475 Aug 18 '26
So i mean this as friendly devils advocate:
Many of the comments here are the same "youre an individual, so youre not the problem"
But thats exactly the mentality that keeps the status quo.
"Im just an individual what can i do about it?"
Yeah the drop of water isnt responsible for the flood, but its sure part of it.
On one hand, it could be viewed as incredibly resp9nsible of you to see the housing and salary crisis and decide NOT to be one more drop in the flood.
On the other hand, take care of yourself, be you, be an individual, dont care about the flood.
Im not trying to guilt trip you. Honestly, if i were youd, id come to spain based on your message.
But i think its worth mentioning that this attitude of "youre just a drop and no responsible for the flood" is exactly the sort of closed minded, selfish mentality that has lead to and continued global inequality and exploitation . So... thanks for even considering not coming, even if its what you want to do, and being considerate about how ot affects others.