Name of Volunteer Speaker
Brooke |
Nationality
American |
Name of town/city where school is located
Tarragona |
Experience in school including tasks, classes, relationship with students/teachers
| Every hour, I am placed in a different class. In each class, I have an attendance sheet along with planned lesson plans/activities to do with the students of the appropriate class. My relationship with the students and the teachers has been more than amazing. I truly have been in love with life, as I love making a difference in teaching English to the students and have developed unforgettable relationships with my coworkers. |
Experience living with your Host Family. Have they made you feel welcome, relationship, activities, etc…
My host family has become a part of my actual family. I am in love with my three host sisters. My host mom and dad treat me like I am their daughter. I have 0 complaints. I wish I could stay with them longer, as they have been nothing but kind to me throughout my stay. |
Your general experience whilst on the program from prior expectations to your current experience
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Changes/Improvements in both personal and professional development
Before coming to Spain, I was lost. I was in a dark place. However, coming here has made me blossom into a more independent individual, who is now filled with braveness, which makes me so happy on the inside. I now feel brave enough to face any obstacle that is thrown my way! |
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, etc.…)
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Advice for new/future Voluntary Speakers placed in your school?
In my opinion, I would purchase a binder filled with all of your information for each and every class, as this makes things less messy and more organized. Do not be afraid to ask questions and speak up if something is bothering you or if you simply have a question regarding where you have to be, what is going on, etc. |
Advice for new/future Voluntary Speakers in relation to living with your host family or Spanish families in general
I would make sure you communicate with them always, as you are living in their home. Make sure you establish rules and boundaries, as this will make your stay feel more at ease and comfortable. Luckily, my host dad speaks fluent English, so that helped me a lot, if not, take a deep breathe, it will all be okay. They are so happy that you are with them, all will be okay, no worries! |
Share some of the best moments in your school, host family and in general whilst participating on the program
Honestly, every single day was the “best moment” for me. I could barely sleep at night just waiting for the next day to arrive because my experience here has been so enriching for me. From the students screaming my name as I passed them in the hallways, to my coworkers taking me out for lunch, just to make sure I am okay, and to my host family always taking care of me throughout my stay, I wouldn’t have had it any other way. I was so content with everything, other than having lesser class, to spend more time one on one with the students. |
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?
Absolutely no regrets. Joining this program has been life changing, as I feel like I am now soaring through the sky, awaiting the many possibilities that await me. I have met so many great people and have made those connections that will help me in the future. I will truly never forget this experience, as it was one of a lifetime! |