What inspired you to work for INESLE?
What inspired me to work for this organization was the opportunity to share Spanish culture with American students and promote intercultural learning. INESLE offers unique summer programs where American students can learn about the culture, history, and traditions of Spain while having fun and making international friends. Additionally, the work environment is highly collaborative, and the team is committed to excellence in teaching and student training. All of this made me feel that INESLE was the perfect place to put my skills and experience as a monitor into practice and make a meaningful difference in the lives of the students.
La Granja de San Ildefonso, Segovia. American and Spanish students with me.
Describe a typical day at work.
A normal day at work would start with the English and Spanish classes for the students. While they learn about Spanish culture, I take the American students out of class for 5 minutes to do speaking exercises with them and have conversations. After classes, we always go on some excursion in or around Madrid, such as visiting the Prado and Reina Sofia museums, the amusement park, or taking a trip to Toledo.
This is me working on a speaking or enunciation exercise with an American student.
What advice would you tell your pre-travel self?
If I could talk to my pre-travel self, I would tell them not to be afraid to step out of their comfort zone and try new things. To be open to meeting new people, learning about other cultures, and try to learn something new every day. I would also advise them not to worry too much about the small things and to try to enjoy every moment without worrying too much about what will come next.
Why should someone choose INESLE over competitors?
I believe our organization is a unique choice for students seeking to learn about Spanish culture and have a fun and unforgettable experience abroad. Some of the reasons why someone should choose INESLE over any other organization could be our careful selection of Spanish host families who provide an authentic and enriching experience, our personalized cultural and educational programs, our fun and exciting activities, including excursions to tourist destinations and unique cultural experiences and our focus on the safety and well-being of our students at all times.
What is INESLE's mission and how do you continue to work toward it?
INESLE's mission is to provide international students with the opportunity to experience Spanish culture firsthand and improve their language skills in a fun environment. To achieve our mission, we focus on providing cultural and educational programs that allow students to learn about Spanish culture authentically and immersively. We also ensure that we work with Spanish host families who provide an authentic and enriching home experience for our students. To continue working towards our mission, we maintain open communication with students and their host families to ensure they are satisfied and comfortable during their stay.
This is a group photo of me and the students at the closing ceremony event.
What do you hope participants take away from your programs?
I hope that participants take away an enriching and unique experience where they not only learn about Spanish culture, but also strengthen their ability to communicate in a different language and form bonds with people from different cultures. We want our participants to feel inspired to continue exploring the world and learning from other cultures, and to be able to apply what they have learned in their daily lives.
Not a bad place for us and the students to end the Camino de Santiago Trip!
Why is it important for people to travel abroad and experience new cultures?
Traveling abroad and experiencing new cultures is important because it allows us to step out of our comfort zone and learn about the world around us. By interacting with people from different backgrounds and lifestyles, we can gain a broader and more comprehensive perspective of the world and ourselves. We can also learn new skills and develop the ability to adapt to changing situations and environments. The experience of traveling and learning about new cultures can also help us to be more tolerant and respectful of cultural differences.
Why do you think learning a new language is important?
I think learning a new language is important because it allows you to connect with people from different cultures and countries, which can broaden your horizons and make you more empathetic and understanding. It can also be useful in the future if you decide to travel or live in another country, as you'll be able to communicate with locals more effectively. Additionally, it can be a valuable skill in the job market and increase your job opportunities.
What does meaningful travel mean to you?
To me, meaningful travel is the kind that changes your life, takes you out of your comfort zone and teaches you new things about yourself and the world around you. Traveling means experiencing other cultures, meeting new people and seeing things you've never seen before. I also think it's important to be mindful of the impact you have on the places you visit and to be respectful of the people and the environment.
