Name of Volunteer Speaker
Hayley |
Nationality
Irish |
Name of town/city where school is located.
Torelló
Experience in school including tasks, classes, relationship with students/teachers.
My Experience in the school has been amazing. All the students and staff have been so warm and welcoming I could not ask for more. If I need anything they are more than happy to help. It has been great to gain experience with all age groups from 3 / 4 year olds in the primary school and up to 15/ 16 year olds in the secondary school. I have time with each class of the school so I have gotten to meet all the students which are so kind to greet me every time I see them and even in the town they wave and say hello making me feel immediately apart of the community. The teachers have also been very welcoming and I have shared many interesting conversations with staff members who speak English, It has been great. In class I have been let take control when I am comfortable and was not pressured to do anything I didn’t feel comfortable with. I would be teaching assisting with primary students and taking older students aside in small groups to help with pronunciation and conversation to help improve their English on subjects they are currently learning. It has been a very positive and rewarding experience. |
Experience living with your Host Family. Have they made you feel welcome, relationship, activities, etc…
My host family could not be more kind and welcoming. They are so happy to help me with anything I need and make sure I explore all options of travel for any excursions I have taken separate to them. They have included me in all family activities including on trips away as If I am part of the family and I truly feel as though I am. I could not be more grateful for their hospitality and understanding. They helped to link up with the local basketball club and spoke with people they knew involved in the club, who have been as kind. I have attended a local teams basketball league final match with just the children as they asked could they come along with me which made me so happy. They have come to watch and support in any event I have played in. I have felt truly cared for. Including my birthday on the 19th of May was one of the most special birthdays I have had, they surprised me with gifts, balloons and cake, it was so thoughtful. They always make sure I am comfortable and have taught me so much about the culture here. |
Your general experience whilst on the program from prior expectations to your current experience
I feel very blessed to have the experience I have so far. I have gained experience in teaching of all ages. I have experienced and learned what another culture is like which has been wonderful. I have now who I would consider my Catalan family and couldn’t imagine not having met them now. I have been involved with the local basketball club training with two teams who have made me feel so welcome and a part of the team, it has been a dream. I have felt such a strong sense of community, It has exceeded my expectations and I am so happy I made the decision to do it. |
Changes/Improvements in both personal and professional development
Time management awareness as it has been a new ‘work’ environment, a new country and a new home it has been a lot to manage on top of making arrangements at home and calling people at home and adjusting to the family’s routine, while organizing myself for school, training with the local club and having some down time. Organizing Catalan lessons to feel even more integrated in the community. |
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.…)
You get out of something what you put in. I would recommend either to join a local sports club or gym and speaking to people there where you can, if you can find those who speak English to make an effort to expand your social circle from the school and host family. There is a tennis club where they play padel also, football club, basketball club and 3 gyms I am aware of that you could join. There is the River Ges you can walk along which is stunning. |
Advice for new/future Voluntary Speakers placed in your school?
To make sure you have food with you for the morning as if you usually eat mid-morning you will need something as lunch is at 1 O’clock and you will have a break before then. Lunch is provided in the school if your host family doesn’t always eat at home. Always ask the teacher what will be done for the next class so you can prepare. Get involved. My host family is in the parents committee and I got to take part in school outings and events along with them making me feel a great sense of community. |
Advice for new/future Voluntary Speakers in relation to living with your host family or Spanish families in general.
Respect that this is their home. Clean up after yourself and be open with them about your plans and intentions. Support them where you can and they should support you also. Make sure from day one that they should be comfortable to speak to you about anything that may arise or what is part of their daily routine so things can be adjusted earlie for the following time to run smoother. Stay in contact. One text can go a long way. |
Share some of the best moments in your school, host family and in general whilst participating on the program.
Students singing to me Happy Birthday on my Birthday and waving to me in the town and calling my name on the side line while playing in the 3v3 tournament in basketball here in the town, it has made me feel so at home. My host Family coming to support me at sporting events and the children wanting to join me to watch games. Laughing and joking with the family and going for runs with Mei. |
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?
You don’t know unless you try. If you are in a position to be able to take the time to try why not, the longest term is three month, that time will fly. Educados have been great support throughout it all making me feel very at ease and not alone. There is also a group of others in the same experience at the same time that you will meet, you are not alone. it is a once in a lifetime and will be your own unique experience. |