While moving to Spain to teach with Meddeas has been one of the most exciting experiences of my life, like any move abroad, it can sometimes feel overwhelming. The busyness of school days as a Language Assistant and the highs and lows of adjusting to a new environment, language, and culture can make it easy to forget the importance of gratitude in everyday moments.
One method that’s helped me beat the overwhelm and focus on gratitude during my placement has been to set realistic weekly and monthly goals for myself. For example, one of my bigger goals has been to go above and beyond my duties in the classroom to improve as a teacher. On a smaller scale, tasks like successfully ordering a coffee in Spanish have helped me gradually gain confidence. Every tick off my ‘Spain Adventure Bucket List’ is a tangible sign of personal growth, reminding me that I’m really here, thousands of kilometres from home, and making slow and steady progress.
Setting goals has also helped me shape a good, balanced routine where I have time to work hard, connect with new people, explore my environment, and rest. It’s tempting to be on the go 24/7 when you’re abroad, constantly doing and seeing new things, so as not to miss out. While this will undoubtedly leave you with endless memories, the reality is that school life as a Language Assistant, when coupled with constant travel and new experiences, can get tiring. Finding a balanced routine is essential in making space for gratitude
Every day, I consciously use my work hours to build on my teaching-related goals and my after-school hours to equally relax and work on personal goals. In my free time, I might watch a film with my housemates, head to a local bakery with friends, or hit a class at the gym. When your daily routine includes a good amount of productivity and rest, it’s easier to enjoy every little moment as it comes.
I also like to spend time each week updating my trusty journal with all my Spanish memories. I savour the moments I get to sit at a local cafe in my placement city and reflect on even the smallest daily experiences of my life abroad. Whether I had a breakthrough with a specific student at school, travelled across the border to France, learnt some new Spanish words, or got to see snow for the first time, journaling about it all reminds me that being a Language Assistant with Meddeas is rewarding on so many levels, and every week I have a plethora of moments to be grateful for.
Author: Gabriela S.