Name of Volunteer Speaker
Holly |
Nationality
American |
Name of town/city where school is located.
Vic |
Experience in school including tasks, classes, relationship with students/teachers.
I am involved with the primary students, grades 4th, 5th, and 6th spending between 10-20 minutes with them, doing different activities, playing games, reading pieces of text from their course book, having conversation, singing, and making fun competitions all while speaking English. The students are great, most have fun, I hope. I’ve definitely noticed improvement so that’s good. I also help with the professional school Tuesday and Thursday evenings, ages 18-20ish. We do different activities like roleplays, debates, interviews and more. It’s different and has its difficulties, but overall has been a good experience to grow and learn how to teach and work with people of all ages and levels. The teachers have all been kind, including and helpful.
Experience living with your Host Family. Have they made you feel welcome, relationship, activities, etc…
The family has been wonderful and welcoming, especially for their first time doing it. They have made me feel like part of the family. We do lots of fun activities and connect well. It’s been a great match. I really got lucky.
Your general experience whilst on the program from prior expectations to your current experience
My general experience has been great. I have no complaints and highly recommend others to do it. I didn’t really have prior expectations, i was ready for whatever. |
Changes/Improvements in both personal and professional development
Definitely gained some improvement in my abilities to understand different levels of English and different personalities and how to work with them best to make sure they are getting the help and support they need when learning a new language. |
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.…)
Be open to try new things, explore, stay active. If you’re with this family, you won’t have any problems. They are amazing people and will make sure you are alright and have everything you need. Girona is definitely a place you’ll want to visit. Go mushroom picking and watch all the sunsets in the mountains Get the bus pass for 46 euros if you’re under 25 and want to take the bus and travel around. You will save money. |
Advice for new/future Voluntary Speakers placed in your school?
Keep an open mind, be ready for change. Be patient with the students. don’t have too many expectations. Enjoy the little things. Have fun w the work you create and the lessons you plan. |
Advice for new/future Voluntary Speakers in relation to living with your host family or Spanish families in general.
This host family is amazing and you will be well taken care of, really the girls are so sweet and considerate and wild, and the parents are great parents and amazing people. easy to talk to and get along with. In general, just know it will be an adjustment, but ask for something if you need it. communicate with the family if there is a problem or if you just need to talk. |
Share some of the best moments in your school, host family and in general whilst participating on the program.
Hmmm. I love going on adventures with my family, whether it’s picking mushrooms in the mountains, or staying in their house at the beach. Pizza making competitions or playing games with the girls. Really got to explore Barcelona and know a lot of the history behind it, so I’ve loved that. I’ve eaten a lot of really good food and drank very good coffee as well. |
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. I would recommend it for sure!! If you’re thinking about it, go for it. It’s an adventure and a really good opportunity to grow in your experience as a teacher, or realize maybe it’s not for you but still have a good time. Either way I recommend it!! Life’s too short to say no to everything
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