mytimeasanaux

[mytimeasanaux]

An Auxiliar of Conversation in Chipiona, Spain.

My time in Spain has been amazing. I only wish I could stay longer for more years but unfortunately, do to familial issues, I have to return to the United States.

I work as Auxiliar de Conversacion for the NALCAP program. I work at Colegio Publico Principe Felipe and have had an experience far greater than I had hoped. My teachers and administrative staff were extremely helpful in my transition to the school and have had a lot of patience for my spanish, as I am learning proper grammar and new vocabulary.

The first week, I was super overwhlemed from just moving across the world. However, my teachers were receptive and kind to me during my mini breakdown at school and I am very greatful for their kindness and warmth. They always answered any questions I had about doctors in the area, to bank information, to payment, to best places to visit during the breaks, and often invited me out for lunch or other celebrations with them, and sometimes paid for my meals. They have a special place in my heart and I hope to stay in contact with them after I depart.

The students have also been great. I have to admit. Before I started the position, teaching children sounded scary, as I was questioning how do i make this experience interesting and fun for them. Especially since I remembered how bored I could be during class in my youth and wished for more interesting things. At first, I did struggle trying to get the attention of the children, however, the children of Spain are much nicer, more polite, and more helpful to each other and myself in comparison to my experience with American children. Which was a culture shock to me. They are bright, eager to learn, and I often find them teaching me things about spanish, spain, and pop culture things, like Shakira´s song about her ex.

As far as the town, the people are also very kind and have been helpful in my transition to the spanish lifestyle, as well. The town is on the smaller beach town vibes but is quite busy with acitivities and people during the spring and summer because many people have beach homes here from Sevilla. I´ve enjoyed the peacefulness during the winter and am excited for the spring and summer here, as the beach and water is some of the best in spain! There are activities to do during the year such as Carnival, Semana de Santa, and other festivals specific to the town. The city is walkable, however, if I knew how to ride a bike, I would like one or a scooter on days I don´t feel like walking but the area is enjoyable to walk through nonetheless. There are things like the lighthouse, Rocio Jurado museum, wine tastings, among other things to do in the area, outside of beach days.

Also, there are other bigger towns and cities nearby for tourism that´s really cool to visit and very cheap as for public transportation compared to the USA. Things like buses, blabla car, and other things.

lastlily, the food has been the biggest culture shock. everything is so fresh and good. I have not tasted real food until I came here. oddly, all of my allergies that I had in the USA doesnt exist in spain. I can eat lactose, gluten, alcohol, and beef without any digestion issues, reactions, nor bloating, and my skin cleared up significantly. So, I am a bit sad to return to the states regarding this specificially.

In the end, I highly recommend this town and this school, as I have thoroughly enjoyed my coworkers and students.

I love you, Spain. Thank you for opening my eyes to the lifestyle I hope other countries adapt for the comfortablility and quality of life that every human being deserves to experience.