- Can you tell us a little about yourself? (country, hobbies, studies, etc)
- JESSICA: Howdy, I’m Jessica! I’m from the United States (Texas) and I am very excited to be working with the students at La Salle this year. During my time in college, I studied International Politics and became certified to teach English as a second language. I love spending time outside, reading, travelling, learning new languages, and getting to work as a teacher!
- STEPHANIE: My name is Stephanie and I’m from Toronto, Canada. In my free time I really enjoy travelling, cooking, sewing, painting and writing. In university I studied Fine Arts so I love most things that are creative!
- Why did you decide to come to Spain with the BEDA programme?
- JESSICA: I want to pursue a career as a foreign language instructor. As I had already spent time in Spain, I decided to apply to BEDA to gain more experience teaching in the classroom and get to know a new city- Madrid.
- STEPHANIE: I spent three years as a Language Assistant with the Ministry of Education and it was time for a change, but I wanted to stay in Madrid and experience working with another school.
- How long have you been in Madrid?
- JESSICA: Just over one month.
- STEPHANIE: I first came to Madrid as an Au Pair in January 2015. So, nearly 5 years.
- Which places in Spain have you visited? Which one do you like best?
- JESSICA: I studied in Sevilla for a semester and have been able to visit Salamanca, León, Córdoba, Granada, and Cádiz. While I like Madrid so far, it is true that Sevilla has a “color especial.”
- STEPHANIE: I’ve visited all over Spain in the last few years and my favourites so far are: Merida and the Roman Ruins, Barcelona and all of its art, Madrid of course, and I really love Basque Country. It’s so green and there are lots of places to explore outside. Seeing and climbing the stairs at Gaztelugatxe was really special.
- Why do you enjoy teaching?
- JESSICA: I have always enjoyed being able to help others and it brings me so much joy to see my students grasp a concept or put a new vocabulary term to use. I am excited to see them grow this year and build a skill that will be useful to them for the rest of their lives.
- STEPHANIE: I enjoy teaching because I love seeing my students improve, and being able to help them achieve their goals is really rewarding.
- Was it a culture shock coming to live and work in a new country?
- JESSICA: I did experience a little culture shock moving to Madrid, but I’d say the hardest part was trying to adjust to life in a major city, which has been exciting!
- STEPHANIE: I think at first it was really different, especially leaving all of my family and friends far away, getting used to hearing Spanish all the time, and eating meals so late!!
- What do you miss most about home?
- JESSICA: I miss my family, our dog Roxy… and Dr. Pepper!
- STEPHANIE: The thing I miss the most is probably my family and friends, and my dog.
- What aspects of Spanish culture have you really taken on board?
- JESSICA: I love that life is taken a little slower here. I also appreciate the Spanish cuisine although I do sometimes still eat eggs for breakfast!
- STEPHANIE: The late eating times.. at first it was really awkward but now it’s normal. Also leaving Madrid in August to go to a beach or village because it’s too hot!!
- What would you say to your Spanish students who are thinking about going abroad to work or study?
- JESSICA: Do it! Wherever you go, it is sure to be an amazing experience that will allow you to practice another language, experience another way of life, challenge you, and create memories that will last a lifetime.
- STEPHANIE: Do it! It’s a great way to meet people and gain new experiences.
- Now, the last question… What do you hope to take away from your experience at La Salle at the end of the year?
- JESSICA: I cannot wait to get to know the students this year and learn together. I know that while I share my culture and English with them, they in turn will teach me about theirs and show me how to be a better language instructor.
- STEPHANIE: I hope to learn new skills and gain a new, different experience.
Let’s go to know our language assistants Jessica and Stephanie!
