A Cuban woman living in the city of Alcañiz, in the Spanish province of Teruel, shared on TikTok her experience of adapting in Spain and the challenges of balancing work, studies, and family. Her testimony, published on the account @rachelle_0015 (Lamuñecadeoshun), has sparked empathy and supportive comments among users of the social network.
"Hello everyone, I am a Cuban living in Teruel, specifically from the city of Alcañiz. Currently, I work in a hotel as a cleaner; it’s not the perfect job, it’s not my dream job, but I am grateful for the opportunity to work because in this country, it is very important to work in order to get ahead, save, and achieve your goals," the young woman expressed at the beginning of her video.
The Cuban woman explained that in addition to working, she is studying to obtain the Compulsory Secondary Education (ESO), which is a basic requirement in Spain for continuing technical or professional studies. “I did study, I have my degree; I graduated in economics and accounting, but I obtained it in Cuba, not here in Spain, and I cannot validate my degree because it is not recognized,” she shared.
He explained that after investigating the process, he found out that his Cuban degree was not recognized in the Spanish educational system, so he decided to start from scratch. "I am studying the ESO, which is the mandatory secondary education in this country. Here in Spain, it is free; only the registration fees cost twenty-five euros," he noted.
His goal, he explained, is to earn a vocational diploma in nursing: “The main reason I want to obtain my high school diploma is that I need it to pursue a vocational diploma in nursing, since I cannot do it professionally with just the high school diploma, and to do it professionally I would need to complete my secondary education.”
The young woman pointed out that pursuing her high school diploma is not among her immediate plans because "unfortunately, it is not offered here in Teruel; she would have to go to another city to complete it," which is why she decided to choose a more accessible alternative without having to move.
“Oh, I will be earning my intermediate nursing degree, which is a qualification, it’s a profession, and I believe it’s a great positive because it’s a beautiful profession. It’s a job that will be completely stable in the future. So, I hope to manage everything; it’s difficult, but not impossible. This country provides you with the resources and opportunities to achieve all your dreams,” she concluded.
The video, accompanied by the text "Mini Vlog #5 until reaching 1000k and a little bit about my present," was published three days ago and has garnered reactions and comments that reflect support and advice from other users.
Among the most notable responses, several users suggest options for continuing their education without completing the ESO. One person commented, "Isn't it easier for you to take the free access exam? It's much quicker; you just take the test similar to the entrance exams in Cuba, and that gives you direct access to Intermediate Level, Higher Level, or University depending on the exam you choose."
The Cuban replied, "I had thought about that too, but I decided to take it step by step, even if it takes me longer. I know it's a super good and quick option, but what can I say."
Other comments recommend that she validate her studies, while others simply send her encouragement: “Little by little, you can do it, girl”; “For sure, blessings”; “Wishing you lots of luck and may 2026 be a year of success.”
His testimony reflects a common reality among many Cubans who emigrate to Spain and must restart their studies or professional careers due to the lack of official recognition of their degrees obtained on the Island.
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