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Anti-Americanism is at an all-time high in Spain, but if you tread carefully in political discussions and share in your host country's love of food and conversation, you're likely to feel welcome. So if you come to Spain to live and work, bring an open mind, a smile, a dictionary and a healthy appetite.
Many people here loathe President Bush, so gauge your audience carefully. Open-minded people usually have more intelligent and exact criticism. Also, remember Spain once had an empire. When the topic comelis up, you could remind people that the US is a very young country, with the best and worst of mankind.
Otherwise, if you have a general sense of manners, there isn't too much risk of committing a heinous faux pas in Spain. If you do something that offends someone, just say you're sorry and explain yourself.
In tourist areas and nicer restaurants, people generally speak English well, but it's not as common as in northern European countries. As it is everywhere, people appreciate you making an attempt at the local language at the start of a conversation or interaction.
Workplace Conduct
Spain was under a fascist dictatorship from 1935 to 1975. During 40 years of General Franco's regime, male and female roles were traditional and right-wing oriented. Women have come a long way since then, but the general feeling is that things are still about 10 to 15 years behind the US.
The big cities, Barcelona and Madrid, are as ethnically diverse as anywhere, especially in numbers of Spanish-speaking immigrants. Tendencies and practices regarding discrimination in private and public companies are essentially the same here. As in the US, foreigners often take the jobs that locals don't want.
Speaking English is a great advantage in any sector. Most people in banking, pharmaceuticals and information technology speak at least three languages well, including English. The pay is equivalent to the US, though the government takes a 30 percent to 60 percent bite depending on your tax bracket.
The working environment here is different in that the Spanish tend to gossip substantially more than workers in most other countries. At the same time, and possibly as a result of this, there is a more communal sense in the workplace, and coworkers tend to help each other out a lot more with professional and personal issues.
Two other substantial workplace differences are the two-hour lunch (siesta) and the number of vacation days you get, anywhere from 30 on up. The heat throughout most of the country in the summer necessitates the seemingly excessive lunch break, as temperatures from June to September are regularly 100-plus degrees. Air conditioning is becoming more common but is not nearly as prevalent as in the US. And the 30 vacation days? That's without the usual week at Christmas. If you've been with a company more than five years, you're likely to get 45 days, while senior executives get up to three months. It is these substantial differences that lead professional counterparts in other many nations to complain about lack of efficiency when working with the Spanish. Deadlines are deadlines, but if it can wait, it will, especially if it's hot.
Eating and Drinking
The Spanish are serious about enjoying good food and want you to enjoy it, too. Lactose intolerance, vegetarianism and kosher diets are not nearly as common here as in the US, so clearly communicate your needs when in someone's home. There are a few vegetarian restaurants in big cities, but those in small towns and villages may not understand the concept of vegetarianism.
If you're invited out to a meal by a boss, parents of a significant other or someone you have just met, the host will notice if you leave more than two forkfuls of food behind and will ask if you're all right, or if there's something wrong with the food. In someone's home, you needn't ask for seconds if you are not hungry. If you are and you're certain there's enough for everyone, asking for seconds is the best compliment your host can receive. Be prepared for the sobremesa, which literally means "above-table" or "over-table," the after-meal period in which people drink coffee, eat dessert and talk about politics, current events or whatever is appropriate. Many Spaniards are passionate about conversation and like to get past small talk.
If an elder, work superior or significant other's parents invite you out, try to drink at that person's pace. With friends, drink as you like. Drunkenness is generally tolerated, so long as you're not boisterous, which is only considered appropriate in lower-scale bars. Bars blasting loud music, dive bars and neighborhood corner bars are a lot more likely to tolerate "spirited" conversation, drunken lullabies or silly proclamations than candlelit, jazz-seeping establishments.
Avoid getting sloshed and obnoxious in small, quieter bars. Spain is a common vacation destination, and there is a stereotype that young Americans, English and Germans can't handle their alcohol. At house parties, hosts are abiding and will almost always ask if you would like another upon seeing your glass empty. Never toast with water.
Waitstaff and bartenders make more than minimum wage, and tipping is not common. However, at upscale restaurants, tipping 15 percent to 20 percent is the norm.
Social Matters
Gift-giving practices are pretty much the same here as in the US, except that on your birthday, you pay for the meal. Invite only your closest friends to dinner and the rest to after-dinner drinks.
Perhaps the last bastion of acceptable machismo is the two-cheek kiss. In all social and professional situations, males generally shake hands, males and females kiss, and females and females kiss, though if you're a male, don't be surprised if you are also kissed upon meeting a friend's very good male friend. Remember, no lips!
The purpose of this article is to both provide information and facilitate general dialogue about various employment-related topics. No legal advice is being given and no attorney-client relationship created. Please see the disclaimer for further limitations and conditions.
