Aidan from England. I can confidently say my expectations have been fully exceeded. I couldn’t have predicted that I would gain important insights whilst at the same time making so many friends living in Catalonia.

Aidan 

British

Tàrrega

First of all, I’d like to say that Volunteering within a school comes with its difficulties. For example, children are like walking viruses and catching some kind of sickness or bug during your time here is quite likely. You may also find that waking up at 6:30- 7:00 am is too early for you and that passing the morning away in a cozy, warm blanket is a much better idea. However, after nearly seven weeks of working within the school, I can confidently say no cold/bug or early morning start is stopping me from enjoying the beauties of helping students learn and grow, not just as students but as human beings. In terms of the tasks within the classes, I have found it to be clear and decisive. If at any time help is needed (for whatever reason), I know I can fully rely on the colleges around me.

To say, “I’ve been lucky to have my Host Family” would frankly be an understatement. I could tell you all about our adventures around Catalonia, tasting incredible unique foods and watching amazing sports matches, but really all that needs to be said is that from the moment I arrived to the moment of writing this sentence, they have shown me only love, kindness and respect. Therefore, trying to put into words how lucky I really have been is like trying to bite your own teeth.

I can confidently say my expectations have been fully exceeded. I couldn’t have predicted that I would gain important insights whilst at the same time making so many friends in only seven weeks of living in Catalonia. It’s such a unique opportunity to be able to do something like this, but of course, I am aware that not everyone is in a position to capture such an opportunity. And so, if you are lucky enough to be a part of this opportunity, I say take it while you can.

This may sound tripe, but I don’t believe there are any improvements that need to be made from my point of view. Now like, as I have mentioned, my time here has been profoundly insightful, with my Host Family and my chosen school playing a massive role in this. That being said, everyone’s experience in this program will be different, and I cannot speak for the other-Voluntary Speakers. What I can say is that Simon (Co-Founder of the program) is not only a good mentor but a good person as well, and he puts his heart into making Educados International the most fulfilling, rewarding program it can possibly be. If I did have criticism or improvements, I believe Simon and the Educados International Team would do everything in their power to change, adapt and improve the situation.

I’m located in a small village called Rocafort, about a fifteen-minute drive away from Tàrrega. Rocafort, despite being small, is surrounded by beautiful scenery, such as vineyards, medieval architecture and mountains in the distance. I recommend future Voluntary Speakers placed in Rocafort to visit Montserrat, Olot, Salou and, of course, Barcelona. It is also important to mention that each village has its own unique qualities, so ( if possible ) try and make an effort to visit these kinds of places as well.

I’m guessing most Voluntary Speakers writing this will say something like, “Bring summer and winter clothes”, or “ Do your research beforehand, etc..” this is all good, sensible guidance, but if I really wanted to share my best advice for any new/ future Voluntary Speakers placed in my school ( or any school in general ) is to be open-minded. I had never worked in a school before starting this program, so this was quite the contrary to what I’m used to. Thoughts of doubt and regret came up whilst flying into Barcelona Airport and especially going into my first day of being a Voluntary Speaker in the school, but I can confidently say these experiences have made me the person I so gratefully am today. These experiences require one to be open-minded in order to fully grasp the joy and happiness of helping others.