Building Bridges in Asturias: The Story Behind Global Vibes Oviedo

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Why Global Vibes Matters

For anyone moving to Oviedo, Asturias — or anywhere abroad — community is everything. Research shows that expats often face higher risks of isolation, anxiety, or even depression. But groups like Global Vibes provide more than social events; they offer belonging, support, and friendship.

As Catalina beautifully explained:

“Oviedo won’t just feel like a city of tourist spots anymore. With community, it becomes your real home — or your second home.”

How It All Began

We first crossed paths with Catalina and Chris in a way that’s so “digital nomad” it almost feels like fate. They discovered our YouTube channel, left a comment, and eventually invited us to one of their gatherings. From that first meetup, we knew their vision was something special.

Catalina, a British Filipina, and Chris, a Swiss-British professional, have lived truly global lives. Between them, they’ve called London, Dubai, Thailand, and England home before eventually settling in Oviedo, the charming capital of Asturias.

Their paths first crossed in Dubai — introduced by a Filipina colleague who thought they’d be a perfect match. Years later, after careers in international law and consulting, they traded the skyscrapers of the Middle East for the green mountains of northern Spain.

The Birth of Global Vibes

When they arrived in Oviedo, like many new expats, they turned to online forums to connect with others. But Catalina noticed something missing: while conversations were happening online, people longed for real-life connections.

One negative comment in an expat forum actually became the push Catalina needed. Instead of feeling discouraged, she decided to create a space where everyone — whether new or long-term residents — could feel welcome.

And so, during one sleepless night, Global Vibes Oviedo was born.

Their mission was simple yet powerful:
Connect. Thrive. Belong.

This became the group’s slogan and guiding philosophy.

“Being an expat can feel isolating. You’re away from family, navigating new systems, and sometimes loneliness creeps in. But with community, you don’t have to go through it alone.”

What Makes Global Vibes Different

Unlike traditional expat clubs, Global Vibes isn’t just about networking or small talk. It’s about creating a supportive, inclusive environment where internationals and locals alike can feel at home.

• Connect: Meet new people in a safe and welcoming space.

• Thrive: Grow personally and professionally by sharing experiences and support.

• Belong: Find your second home in Oviedo, no matter where you’re from.

Chris put it perfectly: “Being an expat can feel isolating. You’re away from family, navigating new systems, and sometimes loneliness creeps in. But with community, you don’t have to go through it alone.”

Even more inspiring is how locals in Oviedo have embraced Global Vibes. Many Spanish residents with international mindsets have joined, proving that integration works best when it flows both ways.

From Seven Friends to Seventy Attendees

When Catalina and Chris hosted the first Global Vibes meetup in March, they expected maybe seven people to show up. Instead, 35 people came.

The following month, attendance doubled — around 70 people from all over the world gathered in Oviedo. What started as a casual idea quickly became one of the most dynamic expat communities in Asturias.

Now, Global Vibes hosts:
Monthly meetups – where internationals and locals connect.
Mini meetups – smaller, casual gatherings in cafés, bars, or parks.
Cultural activities – supporting local fiestas like Martes de Campo, blending Spanish traditions with international vibes.

The energy is contagious. People don’t just attend events — they keep asking, “When’s the next one?”

“Oviedo won’t just feel like a city of tourist spots anymore. With community, it becomes your real home or your second home.”

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re a digital nomad, an expat family, or even a local curious about meeting internationals, Global Vibes Oviedo is proof that connection changes everything.

It’s not just about living in Spain — it’s about thriving in Spain.

So if you ever find yourself in Asturias, don’t be shy. Join a meetup, share your story, and feel the Global Vibes. Because no matter where you’re from, here — you belong.

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