What inspired you to work for ConversaSpain?
The fact that it works with educational institutions (as my background is in education) and that I have contact with very interesting people everyday thanks to the selection process and support role.
What is your favorite part of your job?
There are many aspects I like, such as talking to people from all over the world, being able to solve questions and doubts regarding the administrative procedures and receiving a great and thankful feedback at the end of the year. But I have to say that my favourite part of the job is when we meet all our participants at the induction days. People you know mainly through email correspondence can finally put a face on their ConversaSpain contact and I love to see them all excited about starting a great experience in Spain.
ConversaSpain team
How do you use your education and international background in your current role?
There are many aspects that you learn daily, but I was once a student abroad and I can relate to their experience, their doubts, their ambitions, their daily issues, language barrier problems, and more. It is quite good to be able to anticipate all that and give them advice and guide them through the adaptation process. Also I have been a teacher, so I can give them tips about teaching methods, ideas for activities to plan and explain how the Spanish system may differ from their own country's.
Why should someone choose ConversaSpain over competitors?
We not only offer a placement in a Spanish school, but also health insurance, a welcome pack with information regarding administrative procedures (such as visa application, acquiring background checks, and opening a bank account in Spain), and a support person assigned to each participant that will assist them from their acceptance and during the whole duration of the program. We also offer different packages with TEFL courses and Immersion weeks where participants can make the most of the experience.
Induction day in Madrid
Are there any developments with your organization that you would like to share with us?
We are looking to work with other communities in Spain in the near future so we can offer participants more locations to choose from. With regards to the present, we have launched a platform to easily exchange information and documents with all the participants, making it easier and quicker for them to deal with the paperwork and administrative side of the program.
What do you hope participants take away from your programs?
We hope they enjoy their experience, whether they decide to continue teaching back home or in other countries, or they have other career plans. They will learn about the education system in Spain and will get an insight on how languages are taught. That is a big part of the program but what is going to be in their memories and hearts forever is how Spanish people welcomed them, how much of our language they learned, how amazing our culture is (and sometimes, how different to theirs), how they managed to live away from their friends and family and out of their comfort zone, and how many great and interesting people they met during their time in Spain.
Auxiliar de Conversación with her class on a day trip
Why do you think learning a new language is important?
Learning a new language opens up opportunities. Not only career-wise, but also opportunities to travel to many countries, to really get immersed and learn their culture and traditions, to be able to talk and know more about people who only speak their mother tongue, and to be able to access information in that other language. Also, it helps developing your brain and your thinking methods as it modifies the brain structure and develops certain areas of the human brain.
What does meaningful travel mean to you?
It means that the reason behind it and the outcome is not only touristy but that you learn about the place you go to, the culture, the language, the people, and the traditions, both before and during your stay so you understand it better.
What hopes do you have for the future of international education?
By living in a global world, having access to education in other countries in the world will broaden the views and horizons of students. It will give them an opportunity to develop their knowledge of a subject but also to exchange methods and compare methodologies, to access disciplines not accessible near them, and to learn from great teachers and professors around the world. It also gives the opportunity to individuals to get immersed in other countries and cultures which will be a great experience not only for the resumes but for their personal lives. For all these reasons we created ConversaSpain.
