Life Before Meddeas
Before Meddeas, before settling in as a new Language Assistant, my life had followed the trajectory of many young people from the UK- I studied an undergraduate and postgraduate degree at university, and had just entered the world of work with the hopes of pursuing a career in teaching or academia. Everything was going just as planned, but ever since a long trip I’d taken through Spain in 2023, I had the nagging feeling that I could be living life differently. From the conversations I’ve had with other young people living in Northern Europe, the expectation we have placed on us to follow a predetermined path —that is, get a normal job and make a lot of money —just doesn’t seem to sit right with us anymore. So, with the goal in mind that I wanted to move to Spain and experience a more purposeful way of living, I took the leap of faith and applied to Meddeas.
The Push to Apply
There are a handful of companies that offer similar services to Meddeas. However, there was something about Meddeas that piqued my interest in a way that others didn’t. In fact, I boldly only applied to Meddeas – despite not knowing whether I would be successful in the selection process – as it felt like the only company that aligned with my values. From the emphasis on cultural immersion to the support offered by Meddeas throughout the program, as well as the chance to obtain an ESL certificate, I felt that Meddeas would be the perfect fit.
I actually completed both my interviews while traveling in South America (one in Peru, one in Bolivia) and found out that I had been successful once I’d returned home to the UK, feeling a great sense of achievement for making it onto the program despite my unusual circumstances.
Preparing for the Big Move
The weeks leading up to the move to Spain were filled with excitement, anticipation, and anxiety. I packed, unpacked, and packed again to make sure I was bringing everything I needed. Having contact with other Meddeas Language Assistants became essential to calming the nerves, as it helped us feel less alone in the preparation for such a big next step in our lives.
Settling In
Arriving in the small coastal town of Roses and settling in as a new Language Assistant was an indescribable feeling. The idea that Roses was to be my home for the next 9 months took at least a week to sink in – I spent the first few days walking around the town to get my bearings and relaxing on the beach, so that I had to keep reminding myself that I was not on holiday, but living and working here. I was lucky enough to be sharing an apartment with another Language Assistant placed at my school, and I spent time with a previous Language Assistant who had already completed two years with Meddeas. This, alongside the kindness with which I was welcomed by the staff at my school, ensured a smooth transition into my assigned town. The most vital thing I have learnt in my first few weeks living in Spain is the importance of reciprocating the generosity and friendliness of the locals, who are just as keen to invite newcomers into their culture as they are to learn about your culture.
Author: Eryn D.