Category Voluntary Speaker

My experience has been so good, I didn’t have any expectations but the general experience has been fun. I’ve made many many friends. I absolutely love Spain, it’s safe and it’s beautiful! There’s not enough time to explore!

In the school: One of the best moments for me is seeing a personality change within the group of teenagers that I teach. Some of them went from having no interest and not participating to making jokes and laughing and enjoying the class. It is nice to see that change happen, the students become more open, and they give me ideas on what they like to do.

My expectations have definitely been met while on this program - maybe they have even been exceeded. Teaching is always something I was interested in doing and this experience has solidified that for me! You don't get opportunities like this in Ireland so I am very grateful that this program has given me the space to find out for myself if teaching is a career path I would like to explore further.

So far, I have become more confident when it comes to preparing materials for the classes and now I know the level of English for each class. I have also become more confident and independent as a person as this is my first time in a different country on my own.

One of my favourite moments so far outside of English teaching was playing football on the teachers’ team against 2nd Batxillerat on the indoor pitch. It was so loud with students of all ages in the crowd and felt like what I imagine a professional footballer would feel like in an important game. I won’t ever forget it.

I would certainly recommend this experience to others, time flies!! I just wish that the experience lasted longer than 3 months. Now that I’m here I wish I could stay for the entire 9-month school year duration.

In October 2023, our new Voluntary Speakers gathered in Barcelona for a day of connection and sharing experiences. They're already making a difference, building bonds with their host families, and enhancing students' English skills in their assigned school while learning to become future English teachers. Wishing them luck until their December return home! Interested in joining us for the January 2024 intake? Reach out for more info! 🌍🗣️

Our September Voluntary Speakers arrive this week. We had a fantastic weekend welcoming them and introducing them to their host families at Barcelona Airport. We wish them the best of luck on their first day at the Vedruna schools today…

This experience has helped me to plan lessons and tailor them more specifically to certain age groups. Additionally, successfully integrating myself into an already functioning workplace was a very useful experience, let alone in a different country.

I will also never forget the first day at the school. Every grade made a big card with drawings as a welcome for me at the school. It was the most incredible thing!