Name of Volunteer Speaker
Kieran |
Nationality
British
Name of town/city where school is located.
Tàrrega |
Experience in school including tasks, classes, relationship with students/teachers.
My time at in the school has been nothing short of incredible. The teachers have welcomed me with open arms and were eager to talk to me and get to know me better. The students are enthusiastic and curious, and they see me not as only as someone who can help them, but a friend too. Doing the tasks in classes I feel as helped me with my confidence and my ability to improvise, and also my ability to self-reflect on how I can do a task better. I feel I am able to be involved in each lesson and help the students learn in the best way possible. |
Experience living with your Host Family. Have they made you feel welcome, relationship, activities, etc…
My host family have been impeccable and treated me like a member of their family from day one. They have made me feel more than welcome, and have given me plenty of freedom and choice. I feel that I can talk to them and be open with my thoughts, and they listen to me when I have a concern. We have done many activities together, such as going to Andorra, basketball matches, etc. The kids are also lovely, and being like a big brother to them has been incredible. |
Your general experience whilst on the program from prior expectations to your current experience
Because this is my first time teaching and living in a foreign country, I didn’t know what to expect. However, I have been pleasantly surprised in every aspect, and feel that this experience has been everything I could’ve wanted and more. |
Changes/Improvements in both personal and professional development
Being a Voluntary Speaker has grown my confidence in many ways. I feel that it has made me more confident in my ability to talk in-front of others, in class and out. Before I arrived on the program, I didn’t really interact with children, however being a teacher has made me better at interacting with a wide range of ages. I feel that I have become better at explaining and breaking things down for people to understand. |
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.…)
Spend plenty of time with the host family and say yes to whatever opportunities that arise. Do activities with them, spend time with the kids and play with them. My favorite restaurant has to be Nostalgics – their burgers are incredible! L’esbarjo is also a favourite of mine to visit – their coffee and pastries are fantastic, and the staff are lovely. It’s the perfect place to relax and calm down after a long day at the school! I also enjoy the Tàrrega city centre a lot – Nicolau has the best Ensaimada’s I’ve tried, and the churros with chocolate in the center are nothing to scoff at either. |
Advice for new/future Voluntary Speakers placed in your school?
You get what you give – go the extra mile for the kids/teachers and they will appreciate it in-turn! |
Advice for new/future Voluntary Speakers in relation to living with your host family or Spanish families in general.
Communication is important – talk to them and be involved in their lives. Be there for meals, help them, and talk to them. |
Share some of the best moments in your school, host family and in general whilst participating on the program.
My favorite moments with the family have been going to the Lleida matches – I didn’t know basketball was so exciting, and sharing that excitement with them has been a moment I will treasure. I am a Hiopos Lleida fan now. My favorite moment at the school has been the football match between students and teachers. It was fun playing with them and the atmosphere from the other students in the crowd was incredible! |
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 at all. I would recommend this program for all those who wish to try something new and experiment with teaching. I have learnt so much and feel it would be worthwhile for people who are curious about teaching or people who have taught before. If I could say something to someone thinking about joining the program – do it!! I haven’t looked back since I started, and I’ve had the time of my life so far. It will be an experience that I remember for a very long time, and I’m glad I’ve done it. |