What would you put in a hypothetical starter pack for someone beginning the experience?
Your bags are packed (and repacked, and packed again), just about under the weight limit for your flight, and you’ve had to sacrifice at least one pair of boots. Packing your life into a suitcase can seem like an impossible task, so I’ve prepared a couple of top tips I would include in my Language Assistant Starter Pack. The best part? Some don’t weigh a thing!
Essentials from Home
Your favourite snacks, photos of friends and family, or a well-loved book; bringing a few items that can make home feel slightly less far away is an absolute essential in your starter pack. For me, I couldn’t leave without the good teabags for my morning cup of tea – how else can I start my day? Anything that can help lift your spirits on days when you’re feeling low, or remind you of your loved ones, is a great place to start. Before you know it, you’ll be bringing back your new Spanish essentials for your friends and family to try!
Hobbies
When I packed my crochet hooks, I did not expect to find myself joining Crochet Club at my school in my first week. Since then, my morning break times have been filled with helping students learn how to crochet, while I attempt to make crochet calabazas (pumpkins) to sell at an upcoming charity event at the school. Bringing my hobbies with me to Spain has allowed me to join the school community in a way I never could have expected.
Having interests to hand is also a great way to meet and connect with your fellow Language Assistants in the same area. I have recently been taught how to play Backgammon (badly), and an UNO tournament is on the cards soon.
Big Appetite
It should hardly come as a surprise if you are moving to Spain that food is going to be a huge part of your experience. Spanish cooking is incredibly regional and varied, so no matter where you are, expect to find a wealth of flavour and culinary innovation. Whether you’re sharing a table full of tapas, salivating over a sizzling paella, or hopping your way through pintxo bars, bringing your appetite is always going to serve you well. And who knows, maybe you’ll discover a new favourite.
Culture, Culture, Culture
Ahead of coming to Spain, I had a long think about what aspects of British culture I could bring to the classroom. Sharing cultural events with the children is a great way to animate the language and make English jump off the pages of their textbooks.
In November, I will be teaching a lesson on Bonfire Night and Guy Fawkes, while helping the students make their own ‘Guy’ (important to note that these will not be put on the bonfire…).
Expect the Unexpected
Embarking on this new adventure can feel incredibly daunting at times, and naturally we want to plan for every situation. Unfortunately, this is impossible – they don’t make suitcases big enough! For me, one of the most important things in my starter pack is to expect the unexpected.
I did not expect to find myself watching a bull run in the middle of a small town outside of Pamplona on a Monday afternoon. But when one of my friends invited me to her town after I finished classes that day, I found myself spectating one of Spain’s most famous traditions. After this taster of a bull run, I am very excited to witness the San Fermín runs that take place in Pamplona in July. Who knows what I might encounter along the way?
Author: Eleanor S.