What inspired you to work for Spanish Institute for Global Education?
I was inspired to work for my organization because it brings together everything I value as an educator: meaningful cultural exchange, academic rigor, and personal connection with students. I love teaching, and working with international programs allows me to guide students not only academically but also in their experience of discovering Spain.
The mission of helping students understand our culture, history, and everyday life feels truly meaningful to me. I’m especially motivated by the human side of the work—accompanying students, supporting them when they need it, and seeing how much they grow during their time here.
Even though the administrative side isn’t my favorite, the organization's overall purpose—creating transformative learning experiences—makes the work deeply rewarding.
Describe a typical day at work.
Getting ready for a semester of learning and cultural immersion at the University of Seville—one of the unforgettable experiences we offer.
A typical day at work is a balance between teaching, supporting students, and coordinating the many details that keep our academic programs running smoothly.
I usually start the day by preparing my classes and reviewing any messages or concerns from students. When I’m in the classroom, that’s the part I enjoy the most—helping students engage with the Spanish language and culture, and seeing their progress day by day.
Outside of class, I coordinate with colleagues, universities, and local organizations to ensure our students’ academic and internship experiences go as planned. There’s often some administrative follow-up to do, which isn’t the part I enjoy the most, but it’s necessary to keep everything organized.
Throughout the day, I’m also in contact with students, helping them navigate both academic matters and their experience living in Spain. Every day brings something new, and although it can be busy, it’s very rewarding to see how much the students grow during their time with us.
Why do you do what you do?
I do what I do because I genuinely believe in the power of education and cultural exchange to transform people. Teaching allows me to connect with students in a meaningful way, to guide them as they discover not only a new language but also a new way of understanding the world.
I love seeing how students grow—academically, personally, and culturally—during their time with us. Being part of that journey gives real purpose to my work. Even when the administrative side is demanding, the human impact makes it worthwhile.
At the end of the day, I continue in this field because it aligns with my values: helping others learn, supporting them as they adapt to a new environment, and contributing to experiences that they will remember for the rest of their lives.
What is your favorite part of your job?
My favorite part of my job is being in the classroom with my students. Teaching is where I feel most connected, creative, and genuinely myself. I love helping students discover the Spanish language and culture, watching their confidence grow, and sharing those moments when everything “clicks” for them.
I also enjoy the personal relationships that develop throughout the semester—the conversations, the cultural insights they share, and the small everyday moments that make their experience meaningful. Seeing their transformation from the day they arrive to the day they leave is incredibly rewarding.
Those human and educational connections are what make all the administrative work worthwhile.
How do you use your education and international background in your current role?
I use my education and international experience every day in my role. My academic background equips me to design courses, guide students through their studies, and provide context on Spanish history, culture, and society.
At the same time, my experience working with students from different countries helps me understand their perspectives, adapt my teaching to their needs, and support them as they navigate living and studying abroad. I anticipate challenges they may face and offer guidance that makes their experience more enriching and smooth.
Essentially, my education provides the knowledge, and my international background gives me empathy and practical insight, enabling me to create a meaningful and supportive learning environment.
Our School
What challenges do you often face, and how do you overcome them?
One of the main challenges I face is balancing the administrative and coordination aspects of my role with the teaching and student support that I enjoy the most. There are always deadlines, paperwork, and logistics that need attention, and it can be overwhelming at times.
I overcome these challenges by staying organized, prioritizing tasks, and maintaining clear communication with my colleagues and students. I also remind myself of the bigger picture: the purpose of my work is to support students and help them have a meaningful experience. Keeping that in mind helps me stay motivated and manage even the more tedious tasks.
Another challenge is addressing the individual needs of international students, as each one has a unique background and set of expectations. I overcome this by listening carefully, being flexible, and providing guidance tailored to each student.
What are some current projects you are working on?
I am currently working on several projects aimed at enhancing the student experience and strengthening our academic programs. One major focus is coordinating students’ internships and volunteer placements, ensuring each aligns with their academic goals and personal development.
I’m also involved in collaborating with local universities to streamline course selection and academic requirements for our students, ensuring a smooth integration into their host programs.
Additionally, I’m updating and improving our Spanish courses to make them more engaging and culturally immersive. This includes creating new materials, activities, and projects that help students connect more deeply with the language and Spanish culture.
Each of these projects allows me to combine my teaching, organizational, and cross-cultural skills to make the students’ experience as meaningful and enriching as possible.
What advice would you tell your pre-travel self?
I would tell my pre-travel self to embrace every experience with an open mind and be patient with the process of adapting to a new culture. There will be challenges—language barriers, cultural differences, and unexpected situations—but each one is an opportunity to learn and grow.
I would also remind myself to connect with people as much as possible, both locals and fellow travelers or students, because those connections make the experience richer and more memorable. And finally, I’d encourage myself to stay flexible and enjoy the small, everyday moments—they often turn out to be the most meaningful.
What makes Spanish Institute for Global Education special?
What makes our organization special is its focus on creating meaningful, transformative experiences for students. It’s not just about academics—it’s about helping students discover Spain, its culture, and themselves in a supportive environment.
We combine rigorous academic programs with real-life cultural immersion, internships, and personalized guidance, which allows students to grow both personally and academically. Our close-knit, caring approach sets us apart; we really take the time to know each student, understand their needs, and help them make the most of their experience.
In short, it’s the combination of high-quality education, cultural immersion, and genuine human connection that makes our organization truly unique.
Why should someone choose Spanish Institute for Global Education over competitors?
Someone should choose our organization because we offer a unique combination of high-quality academics, cultural immersion, and personalized support. We don’t just teach students about Spain; we help them live it, experience it, and connect with it in a meaningful way.
Unlike larger programs, we focus on knowing each student individually, understanding their goals, and providing guidance tailored to their needs. This ensures that their academic, personal, and cultural experience are enriching and well-rounded.
Ultimately, students choose us because we provide more than education—we create experiences that are memorable, transformative, and truly supportive.
What hopes do you have for the future of Spanish Institute for Global Education?
I hope that our organization continues to grow while maintaining the personalized, supportive approach that makes it unique. I would love to see more students from diverse backgrounds have the opportunity to experience Spain, its culture, and our programs in a meaningful way.
I also hope we can continue to innovate in our courses and cultural offerings, creating even more engaging and immersive experiences for students. Ultimately, I hope that we keep helping students not only academically, but personally—so that their time with us becomes a transformative and unforgettable part of their lives.
Are there any developments with Spanish Institute for Global Education that you would like to share with us?
Yes, we are currently working on several exciting developments. We are expanding our partnerships with local universities and organizations to offer students a wider range of academic courses and internship opportunities. This will allow them to gain broader experiences and apply their learning in real-world contexts.
We’re also enhancing our Spanish courses with new materials and activities designed to make cultural immersion even more engaging. Additionally, we are implementing systems to support students better individually, ensuring that each one receives guidance tailored to their academic and personal needs.
These developments reflect our ongoing commitment to providing meaningful, transformative experiences for all students.
What makes Spanish Institute for Global Education easy to market to potential participants?
Our organization is easy to market because it offers a unique combination of high-quality academics, cultural immersion, and personalized support.
Prospective students and their families can clearly see the value: not only do students learn Spanish and take meaningful courses, but they also live a true Spanish experience that helps them grow personally and culturally.
Additionally, the close-knit and caring approach we take with each student makes it easy to share real success stories and testimonials. These authentic experiences highlight the transformative impact of our programs, which resonates strongly with potential participants.
In short, the combination of strong academics, cultural richness, and personal attention makes our organization appealing and easy to promote.
One of the excursions we organize: students enjoying the vibrant atmosphere of the Feria de Sevilla.
What is Spanish Institute for Global Education’s mission, and how do you continue to work toward it?
Our organization’s mission is to provide students with a transformative experience that combines high-quality academic learning with deep cultural immersion in Spain. We aim to help students grow academically, personally, and culturally, giving them the skills and confidence to thrive in an international environment.
We continue to work toward this mission by offering well-structured courses, coordinating meaningful internships and volunteer opportunities, and providing personalized support to each student. We also constantly improve our programs and materials to make the learning experience more engaging and culturally enriching.
By focusing on both education and personal development, we ensure that every student’s experience aligns with our mission.
What do you hope participants take away from your programs?
I hope participants take away more than just academic knowledge; I want them to gain confidence, independence, and a deeper understanding of Spanish language and culture. I hope they leave with meaningful experiences, personal growth, and memories that stay with them for a lifetime.
I also hope they develop cross-cultural skills and an appreciation for diversity, which will help them navigate the world with curiosity and openness. Ultimately, I want every student to feel that their time with us was transformative both personally and academically.
How do you help support participants?
I support participants in multiple ways. Academically, I guide them through their courses, helping them understand content, improve their skills, and achieve their goals. Culturally, I help them navigate life in Spain, introducing them to local customs, traditions, and practical aspects of daily life.
I also provide personal support, listening to their concerns, offering advice, and helping them adapt to new situations. By combining academic guidance, cultural insight, and personal attention, I ensure that each student feels supported, confident, and able to make the most of their experience.
If you could participate on one of Spanish Institute for Global Education’s programs, where would you go and what would you do?
If I could participate in one of our programs, I would love to join a cultural immersion program in a smaller Spanish city or town, where students can experience daily life, traditions, and local customs up close. I would immerse myself in the local community, practice the language in real-life situations, and learn as much as possible about the history, festivals, and gastronomy of the area.
I think it would be a wonderful way to experience firsthand what our students experience, gain new perspectives, and bring fresh insights back to improve our programs even more.
What questions do participants often ask you, and how do you typically respond?
Participants often ask questions about daily life in Spain, academic requirements, housing, and how to adjust to living in a new culture. They might also ask for advice on internships, travel, or social activities.
I respond by listening carefully to their concerns and providing clear, practical guidance based on experience. I offer tips for adapting to the culture, explain academic expectations, and help them find solutions to challenges they might face.
My goal is always to make them feel supported, confident, and prepared so they can enjoy and make the most of their experience.
Why is it important for people to travel abroad and experience new cultures?
I believe it’s important because traveling abroad opens your mind and helps you understand the world from different perspectives. Experiencing a new culture allows people to learn not only about the language, traditions, and daily life of another country, but also about themselves—their adaptability, values, and curiosity.
It also fosters empathy, cross-cultural communication skills, and a deeper appreciation for diversity. Ultimately, these experiences enrich both personal and professional growth, leaving lasting memories and shaping a more open and informed worldview.
Why do you think learning a new language is important?
I think learning a new language is important because it opens doors to new cultures, perspectives, and opportunities. It allows people to communicate with others, build meaningful relationships, and understand different ways of thinking.
Beyond communication, learning a language also develops critical thinking, adaptability, and empathy. It helps students connect more deeply with the world around them, enriches their personal and professional lives, and gives them the confidence to explore new experiences.
What advice do you have for individuals thinking about going abroad?
My advice is to approach the experience with an open mind and a willingness to adapt. Traveling abroad can be challenging at times, but those challenges are also opportunities for growth. Be curious, ask questions, and immerse yourself in the culture as much as possible.
Also, take the time to connect with people—locals, fellow students, and colleagues—because those relationships make the experience richer and more memorable. Finally, stay flexible and enjoy the journey, including the small, everyday moments that often become the most meaningful memories.
What does meaningful travel mean to you?
To me, meaningful travel is about more than visiting new places—it’s about truly experiencing and connecting with the culture, people, and way of life of the destination. It means learning, growing, and seeing the world from a different perspective.
Meaningful travel involves immersion, curiosity, and openness. It’s about creating memories that enrich your understanding of the world and yourself, and taking lessons from those experiences that last long after the journey ends.
What issues do you see in the world of international education that don’t line up with your values and expectations for mutually beneficial & educational relationships between providers/programs and the communities in which they are located within?
One issue I see is when programs prioritize enrollment numbers or profit over meaningful educational experiences, cultural exchange, and community engagement. In these cases, students may not have authentic experiences, and host communities may feel undervalued, overlooked, or used as a backdrop rather than active participants in the learning process.
Another concern is the lack of preparation for students regarding cultural differences and local expectations. Without proper guidance, interactions can be superficial, lead to misunderstandings, or unintentionally harm the community, which diminishes the potential for genuine learning and engagement.
For me, international education should prioritize ethical engagement and mutually beneficial relationships. Programs should create opportunities for students to learn and grow while respecting and valuing communities and actively involving them. They should foster collaboration, cultural understanding, and meaningful contributions, ensuring that every experience is enriching for both students and host communities.
Accommodation Host Family
What does ethical global engagement mean to you?
To me, ethical global engagement means participating in international experiences with respect, responsibility, and awareness of the impact on local communities. It involves approaching other cultures with openness, humility, and a willingness to learn, while ensuring that our actions contribute positively rather than exploit or harm.
It also means fostering mutually beneficial relationships—where both students and the communities they interact with gain value from the experience. Ethical engagement is about creating meaningful, responsible, and sustainable connections that promote understanding, empathy, and long-term benefits for everyone involved.
What hopes do you have for the future of international education?
I hope that international education continues to grow in ways that are ethical, inclusive, and truly transformative for students and host communities alike. I would like to see more programs prioritize meaningful cultural exchange, personal growth, and mutual benefit, rather than focusing solely on enrollment numbers or profit.
I also hope that students are better prepared for the cultural, social, and academic aspects of studying abroad, so they can engage deeply and respectfully with the communities they visit. Ultimately, I hope that international education continues to create experiences that broaden perspectives, foster empathy, and leave lasting, positive impacts on both students and the communities they engage with.
What qualities in program & host community relations are important to you? (And Spanish Institute for Global Education?)
The qualities that are most important to me—and to our organization—are respect, mutual benefit, and open communication. It’s essential that host communities feel valued and actively involved, rather than used as a backdrop for student experiences.
Transparency, collaboration, and cultural sensitivity are also key. Programs should listen to the community's needs and perspectives and ensure that students are prepared to engage thoughtfully and respectfully.
Ultimately, strong program–community relations are built on trust, reciprocity, and shared goals, so that both students and communities benefit, learn, and grow from the experience.
