School Location | Province of Barcelona in Catatonia | Voluntary Speaker | Liam from Canada |
Why did you decide to host a native English speaking Voluntary Speaker?
We decided to host a Voluntary Speaker because it was a way to collaborate with the school and at the same time provide the whole family with a valuable new experience. |
How did you learn about the opportunity to host a Voluntary Speaker?
Through the information that the school sent us |
What benefits do you think hosting a Voluntary Speaker brings to your family?
Apart from the immersion in the English language in the moments of family togetherness, it has made us leave the usual comfort zone, which with 2 teenagers at home was a challenge, and share spaces with someone unknown who, after a few days , Liam became another member of the family in a very easy and natural way. It has been a very good experience, exceeding expectations. |
How has the Voluntary Speaker improved your family’s English skills?
We have all improved our English skills, especially our 15-year-old son and 12-year-old daughter who have made considerable improvements in speaking and listening comprehension thanks to the always interesting conversations with Liam. |
Have you noticed any positive changes in your children’s academic performance since hosting an English language assistant?
In English, they have improved in speaking and listening. |
What has been the most enjoyable or rewarding aspect of having an English language assistant in your home?
The cultural exchange and personal knowledge has been enriching for the whole family. Also the conversations at the end of the day, explaining the day to us, were very pleasant. Our family dinners have been so much fun! |
What activities have you and your family engaged in to make the most of your time with the English language assistant?
We have gone out and met with family and friends. We tried to go to the typical places around us so that he had a knowledge of the territory. At home, Liam took care to reserve times for each member of the family to chat for a while and this was a very nice detail on his part. |
Have you encountered any challenges while hosting an English language assistant, and how did you overcome them?
No. Liam made it very easy for us |
What advice would you give to other families thinking about hosting?
That if they feel like it, don’t think twice. It is absolutely recommended and rewarding for the whole family. From day one, we have treated him as one more, but respecting his way of doing things and giving him his time and his space. With these basic premises, everything will flow very well. |
Would you recommend hosting an English language assistant based on your experience, and why?
Absolutely recommended. If the family logistics allow it and there is a desire to do it, it will surely be a very beautiful and unforgettable experience. |