“If Barcelona wants to attract talent, it is necessary to improve the salaries offered in many sectors,” says the director of the Oak House School, who has been in the city for 31 years
Julie Harris, 62 years old, married with two children. Born in Britain, she lived in London before moving to Barcelona 31 years ago. She is the director of the Oak House School, a private and mixed school located in Sarrià. The non-profit foundation has approximately 1,100 students and a faculty of 106 professionals who provide high-quality teaching and personalized care and attention to each student.
Why did you choose Barcelona? In 1990 my husband and I decided to take a break from our careers after working in London for 12 years. We chose Barcelona as our first destination because we wanted to learn Spanish, we could easily find jobs as English teachers, and it was a city with an interesting history and culture. The plan was to stay in Barcelona for a year and then travel further afield, but instead I decided to continue my teaching career in Barcelona, and my husband set up a business. We became Barcelonans by choice and raised two children here, both trilingual, who speak English, Spanish and Catalan fluently.
What aspects of the city would you highlight as positive?
The geographical situation of Barcelona is a positive point. It is very well connected with a wide range of destinations. Good communications and an efficient and affordable public transport system make it easy to stay connected with family and friends from all over the world and to travel within Spain and Catalonia. The quality of food available in Barcelona is excellent, whether you are shopping in markets and shops or eating in restaurants. The variety of cultural events enriches life in the city.
What aspects of the city need to be improved? How? Improving air quality and reducing the level of air pollution should be a priority. To do this, the city council should continue with its plans to reduce traffic within the city limits and encourage the use of public transport. And if Barcelona wants to attract talent, it is necessary to improve the salaries offered in many sectors. Barcelona is no longer a cheap place to live and salaries in many sectors are not in line with the cost of living, particularly the cost of accommodation.
What do you think are the strengths of the city to overcome the crisis generated by the pandemic? The level of resistance is demonstrated by the local population. Lockdown regulations were adhered to, testing and vaccination routines were well organized and efficient, and the lifting of restrictions has been gradual and well managed. These aspects are combined with a great desire for life to return to normal. Barcelonans like to socialize outside their homes, and we see this outdoor culture making a comeback, which is helping the city regain its sense of vitality.
What other challenges do you think the city faces once the health crisis is over? Many businesses have not survived the pandemic and the challenge will be to provide support for new businesses to open. The return of tourists to the city represents an opportunity for Barcelona to define the style of tourism it wants in the future and provide the necessary services to promote it.
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What do you expect from Barcelona in the coming years? Greater and continuous attention to improving the environment by reducing air pollution, promoting the use of public transport, creating more green spaces in the city and promoting and facilitating recycling and reuse. A greater integration of people from different cultures in the local society, while preserving the local cultural identity. Greater attention to reducing crime, particularly robberies of tourists. Barcelona currently has a bad reputation in this area and tourists are targeted by thieves from the moment they arrive at the airport.
What do you feel is your city? What do you miss the most? The only other city I have lived in has been London and there are many things I miss about London. What I miss the most is having access to a huge cultural offer in theaters, galleries, museums… Also the city’s parks and green spaces.