Staff Interview with Daisy Horton

What inspired you to work for Escuela de Espanol, K2 Internacional?

I originally heard about K2 Cadiz through an advertisement on my University online portal. The Spanish and internship program was really attractive for me because I was keen to gain some new skills and experience in a creative, working environment.

I was also really impressed by K2's website because it is very user friendly and informative. Not only including information about what the program would include, but also some useful information about the city in general and why it is such an ideal destination.

When I expressed an interest in the internship, my current manager was extremely helpful and organized a Skype interview with me so that she could tell me more about the school and answer any questions I had. This meant that I already had a feel for what the school atmosphere was going to be like and I had a better idea of the sort of work I would be doing with them.

How do you use your education and international background in your current role?

Having English as my native language means that I can proof read any emails or posts my managers might want me to check before sending and publishing them. My educational background in England has also meant that I can help K2 find new contacts with schools and Universities in the UK.

However, I am also putting a lot of the Spanish I have learned at school and University into practice which is incredibly useful. Being able to speak both languages also means that I can help and communicate with international students, who may only speak English and/or Spanish as a foreign language.

What are some current projects you are working on?

At the moment, I am working on a campaign to promote K2's linguistic immersion programs to more schools and Universities in the UK. This includes, researching new potential contacts and drafting emails which explain more about the experience and the city in general. Alongside this project, I am always taking and editing photographs of students in their classes and during activities, as well as of the city for the school's Facebook and Instagram pages. I really enjoy this creative element in the marketing process.

What advice would you tell your pre-travel self?

I would say to go into everything with an open mind and try to practice the language as much as you can outside of classes and work. To anyone considering an internship with K2 Cadiz, I would really recommend signing up for the two-week Spanish language course prior to starting the internship.

For me, it was a fantastic way to gain more confidence in the language and to make friends before starting work. I felt that my Spanish had improved more in those two weeks than in a month at University. My classes were really engaging and it makes such a difference being able to just focus on learning the language everyday. It is also incredibly useful to have an understanding of the student experience at the school so that you can help when people come to you with questions at reception.

What makes K2 Internacional special?

All of the staff, from teachers to directors, go above and beyond to help their students. They really care about everyone's well-being and they want to make sure that everyone gets the most out of their experience here at K2. This creates such a wonderful energy in the school which you can feel as soon as you walk in.

K2 really is about the whole experience, not just the Spanish classes. From ensuring you arrive in Cadiz with no problems, to accommodation, to trips and cultural activities outside of class, K2 will organize everything so that you are stress-free throughout your stay.

The destination is also incredible. The proximity to the southern coast makes an ideal location for those interested in surfing, which you might not find elsewhere. Cadiz is such a beautiful city full of pure Spanish culture and history. It is also really safe which makes it ideal for students arriving with a school group or individually. The school is located in the historic old part of town which makes it really easy to walk everywhere. All of K2's accommodations are also within short walking distance to the school which is perfect for their students.

What makes K2 Internacional easy to market to potential participants?

K2 Internacional is really easy to market to potential participants because I do not have a bad word to say about it. The people you will meet here are all incredibly welcoming and friendly, the destination is amazing, the classes are engaging, and the accommodation is all within walking distance. What more could you want!

What should participants expect to take away from K2 programs?

I am certain that participants will improve their language level in Spanish, make some wonderful friendships, and learn some more about Andalusian culture.

How do you help support participants?

I am always based in the reception, so students are able to come and talk to me whenever they would like to. I am available to answer questions about the school, advise on things to do outside of class, and help them with any problems they might have.

Why is it important for people to travel abroad and experience new cultures?

I think that traveling abroad and experiencing new cultures is incredibly important. You can gain a new perspective on life and become more open to doing things differently. I find it incredibly inspiring to experience a culture completely different to mine because it makes me realize that there isn't any one way to live your life. You will also learn a lot about your own country and culture by experiencing another.

Why do you think learning a new language is important?

To me, learning a new language is incredibly important. Being able to communicate in foreign country opens up so many more opportunities to you. I also think that you can gain a much deeper understanding of other cultures when learning their language.

What does meaningful travel mean to you?

I think that meaningful travel means putting yourself out of your comfort zone and experiencing something completely different to what you are used to. It is incredibly easy to travel to a new destination and take all the comforts of home with you. For example, eating the same food as at home, or only speaking your native language. Meaningful travel means having new experiences and building relationships with people who are not from your home country.