I could have never predicted all the little things that stack up to make an amazing experience.

This experience has helped me to plan lessons and tailor them more specifically to certain age groups. Additionally, successfully integrating myself into an already functioning workplace was a very useful experience, let alone in a different country.

Name of Volunteer Speaker

Liam 

Nationality

Canadian

Name of town/city where school is located

Vic

Experience in school including tasks, classes, relationship with students/teachers

The overall experience was delightful. As with any experience, there were a few ups and downs, but with such a new thing, that’s to be expected. The students were delightful, respectful, and relatively easy-going. They proved capable of being able to speak about a variety of topics, from simple things like new movies out in theaters, the weather, etc., to philosophical concepts – critical thinking concepts.

The teachers were welcoming, it was wonderful getting to know them .

Experience living with your Host Have they made you feel welcome, relationship, activities, etc…

My host family was absolutely wonderful, they were very welcoming, respectful, and easygoing. I truly believe that Educados made a really good match with the family I was placed with.

Your general experience whilst on the program from prior expectations to your current experience

I tried to avoid any expectations (for obvious reasons), and I can confidently say that even if I did have any expectations, they were surpassed. From English levels/competency, to the friendliness of those around me, the experience has been genuinely exquisite.

Changes/Improvements in both personal and professional development

I’ve gained numerous new perspectives on things, both personally and professionally. The perspectives from

different types of learners, and how they view tasks/ideas being only one. I’ve come to value the detail in the

Advice for the any new/future Voluntary Speakers placed in your town/city (best places to visit, things to do, activities with host family, favorite restaurant, bar, …)

Espinelves is beautiful if you fancy really small towns, with stone houses that border a forest.

The cafe with the bookshop in front of the school is owned by the most lovely couple, they were so kind.

Advice for new/future Voluntary Speakers placed in your school?

Don’t give yourself any expectations, allow things to work themselves out. Teaching a foreign language requires patience. I noticed that if someone is quiet, it doesn’t necessarily mean that they don’t know what to say/do, it could be that they’re nervous or lacking self-assuredness–make the space you’re in as open and inviting as possible, if only to make the vibe more easygoing.

Allow the students to teach you as well. A good teacher is someone that can teach, as well as remain teachable. I genuinely believe that the students like to teach us about things that they like and are interested in, rather than always being taught. Give them that opportunity.

Advice for new/future Voluntary Speakers in relation to living with your host family or Spanish families in general

Show them that you’re open to things, be it places, food, games, etc. To have a willingness to both teach and learn is what I believe to be key, especially in personal life.

Share some of the best moments in your school, host family and in general whilst participating on the program

Taking pleasure in the small things; coffee at your favorite cafe, the birds in the sky in the late afternoon, etc. Allowing myself to pause and notice these things

Any regrets joining? Would you recommend the program to others? and what would you say to someone thinking about teaching English abroad for the first time and thinking about joining this program?

No regrets at all.

If you’re looking to do something to learn new perspectives, give yourself a change, or help people out, this is a wonderful opportunity. I say just go for it.

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