The school La Immaculada, in Sant Vicenç dels Horts, is hosting a Conversation Assistant for the second time this year. Her name is Meghan and she comes from The United States. She helps pupils from 3 to 12 years old and all of them really enjoy their time with her. Thank you for sharing your experience with us!
Here are some thoughts from Meghan about her experience in Sant Vicenç dels Horts so far:
Hello,
My name is Meghan. I am 27 years old, and I made the decision to move from Atlanta to Sant Vicenç dels Horts in late January 2015. I recently developed an interest in education, and I have always had a thirst for traveling. It is not easy to move halfway across the world to a country where you do not know anyone and you do not speak the language(s), but I have been welcomed with open arms. I am so happy that I took the leap and decided to come, because it has been a positive and life changing experience.
I am living with a host family about five minutes away from the school. They have been nothing but kind to me and have really introduced me to the Spanish/Catalonian culture. They have taken me on day trips, cooked delicious paella and calçots, informed me about interesting holidays such as Sant Jordi and Carnaval, and much more! I am helping them practice their English and they are helping me with my Spanish (the program has also provided me with a free online Spanish course, which has been very helpful).
At school, I teach English to children ages three to twelve. I have time to work with small groups of students, and I plan various activities and lessons (PowerPoints, games, worksheets, creative projects, etc.) to reinforce the English they are learning in the classroom. I technically work 25 hours per week, but I tend to spend a few extra hours per week planning lessons because I am very passionate about improving children´s education. The children are always enthusiastic, and that makes it easy for me to be excited about going to class every day.
I have also had the opportunity to teach them about my culture. I have informed my students about everything from the Coca Cola Museum to the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial in Atlanta. I also participate in Bulgarian traditions and customs because my boyfriend is Bulgarian, so I have been able to share that culture with the students and teachers as well. For instance, there is a holiday in Bulgaria called Baba Marta, which celebrates the coming of Spring in March. I prepared a PowerPoint and then the students and I created the traditional ¨martenitsa¨ (a type of bracelet) that they would later wear for good luck.
Time here has passed quickly. I have received endless support from my host family, my tutor, the teachers, and my news friends here. I have gained valuable experience as a teacher. I have been immersed in a different culture. I can safely say that although I miss my family and friends back in Atlanta, I will not be ready to leave in June, and I might try to find a way to come back because I have fallen in love with Spain.
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