Life as an Auxiliar de Conversación in Estepa: A Unique Cultural and Educational Experience/La vida como Auxiliar de Conversación en Estepa: una experiencia cultural y educativa única

 

Trabajar como Auxiliar de Conversación en Estepa es mucho más que ayudar en las clases de inglés: es una oportunidad para sumergirse en la cultura española, conocer gente increíble y vivir una experiencia inolvidable.

En este artículo, Neil, uno de nuestros auxiliares, nos cuenta de primera mano cómo ha sido su paso por nuestro centro y nuestra localidad. Desde el primer día, se sintió acogido tanto por la comunidad educativa como por el pueblo, integrándose no solo en el instituto, sino también en actividades como el coro, el equipo de voleibol y la vida social de Estepa.

Ser auxiliar aquí significa formar parte de un entorno donde el aprendizaje es bidireccional: los estudiantes mejoran su inglés mientras los auxiliares descubren la cultura, las tradiciones y el día a día de una pequeña joya andaluza. Viajar, hacer amigos, compartir experiencias y crecer personal y profesionalmente son solo algunas de las muchas ventajas que ofrece el realizar este programa en nuestra localidad.

Si alguna vez has pensado en ser Auxiliar de Conversación en España, aquí tienes el testimonio de alguien que lo está viviendo al máximo. ¡Sigue leyendo y descubre por qué Estepa es un destino tan especial para los auxiliares!

    I´m not sure what my expectations were going in to the Auxiliar de Conversacion program. I knew I was going to a small town called Estepa in Andalucia and that I would be helping teach English in a high school. I knew that the town was small and famous for Christmas sweets. But that was it.

From the first moment I arrived in Estepa, I was welcomed by the community. I cannot express enough gratitude for my coordinator, who ensured that I got set up in town with my phone plan and bank. From showing me the grocery stores to getting me connected with the community, such as the town choir and volleyball team, she worked hard to ensure a smooth transition in the community

Working with the students in the high school has been very rewarding. I work with the 1st-4th years and 1st year Bachillerato (ages 11-16)  and each age group is unique. For example, my 1st year students have a lot of energy and are very curious about the world around them. And my Bachillerato students have more complex ideas about the world around them and I can get to know them on a deeper level.

Many have been eager to get to know me and share their own interests. We talk about football (soccer), music, and holidays. I have learned a lot from my students, including the rivalry between the two local football teams: Betis and Sevilla FC, their favorite TV shows, a popular sport that is not common in the US (handball), and the latest TikTok trends.

I get to help teach a wide variety of subjects including history, biology, and PE. Working with non-language subjects has been interesting because I learn a lot of information I wouldn’t normally be exposed to: such as the 1812 Constitution of Cadiz in history, or how to dye an onion cell to examine under a microscope in biology.

Like I said earlier, outside of my job, I participate in the local community. I am part of a young adults volleyball team that is very beginner friendly (I am a beginner). Our practices are some of my favorite parts of my week. We laugh a lot and the atmosphere is very lighthearted. Our coach is great at explaining everything from serving techniques to player formations – all the technical sports stuff in a digestible way. 

I’m also in the local choir in the school of music in town. Through this opportunity, I have connected with many members of the community here in Estepa. Right before Christmas, we had a concert which incorporated some light theater. We basically retold A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens, complete with Scrooge and the three ghosts, and a song from Mary Poppins and the 12 Days of Christmas.

There are 3 other auxes in Estepa who have quickly become great friends. We have a weekly dinner together and usually  explore Estepa or travel to other cities, such as Seville, Malaga, and Cordoba. Throughout this experience, I have been able to travel to many places in Spain: mostly in Andalucia and Madrid, as well as outside the country such as Paris.

Overall, my experience as an Auxiliar de Conversacion in small-town Spain has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. I’ve truly gotten to immerse myself in Spanish culture and have made countless memories. I am grateful for all the wonderful people I have met along the way and the places I have seen. I would highly recommend this program to anyone who wants to immerse themselves in Spanish culture while teaching abroad.