Name of Volunteer Speaker
Alice |
Nationality
Irish |
Name of town/city where school is located.
Manlleu |
Experience in school including tasks, classes, relationship with students/teachers.
Very good experience. Everyone is very friendly and helpful if they don’t have much English. I have a great timetable and the school is easy to navigate. I am always busy with something and I try my best to learn some new phrases to communicate with the teachers at lunch time. |
Experience living with your Host Family. Have they made you feel welcome, relationship, activities, etc…
My host family are very nice and sweet. I feel part of their family. The have good English and the have taught me some Catalan and Spanish. I will miss them once this program is over. We have done many activities together and we converse easily at dinner time. They are very approachable and chilled out. |
Your general experience whilst on the program from prior expectations to your current experience
I have had a very positive experience on this program. Everyone is nice and friendly and I feel I got lucky with my school and host family placement. I have also made some new friends from different areas than myself so we must plan visits with each other once the program finishes. |
Changes/Improvements in both personal and professional development
I am more confident around leading a group of kids any age in an activity as I know now what to do and not do. I have gained experience in both arts and crafts and English teaching and assisting. I have gotten a feel for what it is like to be in a professional setting not only as a student but also as a staff member. |
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.…)
Go for a walk by the river every day to escape the chaos of school and get a coffee on the square or go to the market on a Monday. They are fun to do and also close by so you can take your time and still make it to class on time. Get a train pass for 10 euros at the train station and it will last for 3 months of train journeys to anywhere the train can take you. The R3 is now my best friend as it goes to Barcelona. |
Advice for new/future Voluntary Speakers placed in your school?
Make a secret handshake with the kids and they will want to be around you more even when it’s not class time. It builds a good vibe between students and teacher for when you do have class, they will be more eager to participate. |
Advice for new/future Voluntary Speakers in relation to living with your host family or Spanish families in general.
Have a translate app ready if you are unsure of something. Or some photos of if you are explaining a food or a place as they might have different names in different languages. |
Share some of the best moments in your school, host family and in general whilst participating on the program.
Omg this is a tough question how do I choose just one moment? I thought the way they celebrate La Casteinera is very cool in comparison to Irish Halloween celebrations. I got all dressed up along with everyone in school (kids and teachers too) and we roasted chestnuts and sat around and ate them. They’re so tasty and it was my first time eating them. |
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 just good memories 😊 Time is passing so quickly I wish it went in for longer. If you are thinking of doing it: DO IT I would absolutely recommend the program to everyone!!!! 100% |