I had always lived, worked and studied in the UK and I had always wanted to experience living abroad. I had been to Spain on holiday many times and I had studied a little bit of Spanish. I love working with kids, so teaching English in a school sounded right up my street.
Alumni Spotlight: Rebecca Edgar
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Rebecca studied bioengineering and decided to take a year out to work abroad. She is currently teaching English to a school of lovely, lively Spanish students!
Why did you choose this program?
What did your program provider assist you with, and what did you have to organize on your own?
Meddeas helped me by advising on all the formalities and paperwork needed to move to and live in Spain. They set up contact between myself and my school. They also always responded very quickly whenever I had a question, but I never had any real issues. I chose to organize my own accommodation, but Meddeas can help you with that, it's your choice.
What is one piece of advice you'd give to someone going on your program?
Although speaking Spanish isn't necessary to take part in the program, I've found that it really helps you feel more integrated and settled in your new Spanish city or town. As my Spanish has improved I've gradually felt more relaxed and at home. So, I'd advise studying a basic Spanish course before coming over. I love the Spanish culture and the people are so friendly!
What does an average day/week look like as a participant of this program?
Every day I start around 9am and give 4-5 classes to small groups of 10 secondary students. I'm in a secondary school so the kids are aged 12-18. The teachers let me know the topic the students are studying (e.g. the environment, holidays, sports etc.) and I am able to make up my own activities and games to help the students practice their English speaking around these topics. Every day is creative, fun and different!
Going into your experience abroad what was your biggest fear?
I was anxious that the students might not be interested in my lessons and might misbehave. However, as part of the program, I study an online course that has really helped me with lesson ideas for teenagers and how to control the classroom. I also get support from the other teachers at my school. So, these things haven't actually been a problem.
Write and answer your own question.
How will this experience help your career prospects for the future?
Teaching English as a foreign language is very different to anything I'd ever done before. This experience has helped me develop transferable skills such as communication, time management and creativity. These will be relevant for almost any future job! Also, I think that by moving abroad I've shown that I am adaptable, flexible and always looking to push myself.