Now normally my first or second post would be about my flight to my country of destination. But nothing exciting happened. Like...at all. Okay. That's a lie. I did lose my shoe during one of the flights and kept playing footsie with the person to the left, right, and behind me. So that was entertaining for all involved. I did find my shoe, because I know y'all are sitting on the edge of your seats wondering, "Did she ever find the shoe?!" I did. It was under my neighbors seat. Pretty thrilling stuff, right?
So back to the main point of this post. For those of you who don't know, I studied abroad in Granada, Spain in the fall of 2013 and loved every minute of it. I knew I wanted to come back to Spain again, to teach this time, but I wasn't quite sure how. After talking to a Spanish professor at my college, he suggested a few programs to go through; one was CIEE. So I applied, really not thinking much of it. I knew the Fulbright program was very difficult to get into, and I assumed as much for this program. I figured, why not give it a try and see what happens. Then, one day as I was leaving my student teaching school I got an email saying I was accepted into the program and I had 10 days to confirm my placement in the program. You read that right: 10 days. Needless to say I was panicking. I had 10 days to decide if I wanted to pick up my life and move to Spain. The thought was absolutely terrifying!! I'm terrible at making quick decisions, and especially when the decision will completely change my life. But after talking (and crying) to my friends and family, I decided, what the hell! Let's do it!
Now what is CIEE? CIEE is a program that helps people who want to teach abroad. (They also do study abroad, for those interested) There is an option to go through the government when teaching abroad. However, they do not give you the help that CIEE does. In my opinion, the cost is 100% worth it!! They help you with the major paperwork you need to complete and answer any question you have about anything relating to Madrid. When I came here I had no clue what to look for in an apartment, but after talking to the orientation leaders, I feel more prepared and confident in finding someplace to live. On October 1 I will start my position as an auxiliar, or language consultant, at an elementary school in Fuenlabrada, Madrid, Spain. Here I will be working with students to improve their English speaking and writing skills. I will hopefully be able to visit my school soon, before school starts, to meet some staff and students. I cannot wait to get started!!!
And that's my story. That's how I ended up in Madrid, Spain. All through a professor recommending a program. So shoutout to Professor Erwin for giving me the experience of a lifetime: to teach abroad.
Hasta luego!
Now what is CIEE? CIEE is a program that helps people who want to teach abroad. (They also do study abroad, for those interested) There is an option to go through the government when teaching abroad. However, they do not give you the help that CIEE does. In my opinion, the cost is 100% worth it!! They help you with the major paperwork you need to complete and answer any question you have about anything relating to Madrid. When I came here I had no clue what to look for in an apartment, but after talking to the orientation leaders, I feel more prepared and confident in finding someplace to live. On October 1 I will start my position as an auxiliar, or language consultant, at an elementary school in Fuenlabrada, Madrid, Spain. Here I will be working with students to improve their English speaking and writing skills. I will hopefully be able to visit my school soon, before school starts, to meet some staff and students. I cannot wait to get started!!!
And that's my story. That's how I ended up in Madrid, Spain. All through a professor recommending a program. So shoutout to Professor Erwin for giving me the experience of a lifetime: to teach abroad.
Hasta luego!
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