My Role
During my year abroad, I worked as a British Council English Language Assistant in a primary school in Vera, Almería— a small town in the south of Spain. I felt this was the obvious choice as I was eager for a break from studying and welcomed the chance to make money while abroad.
As part of my role, I was assigned to assist in English and science classes across four different year groups, working with children aged 8 to 12. My responsibilities varied depending on the teacher’s needs—sometimes I helped with pronunciation, while other times, I was tasked with creating hour-long lessons complete with activities.
School Life
At times, especially in the beginning of my placement, the responsibility of my role felt overwhelming. In English classes, I found myself second-guessing my own knowledge of my native language when trying to explain grammar rules and tenses. In science, I couldn’t help but imagine my old teachers laughing at the thought of me leading a lesson on topics like the respiratory system and reproductive system. But rather than discouraging me, these challenges pushed me to adapt and grow. Although the kids called me maestra (teacher), I often felt like I was learning alongside them.
Not only did I expand my knowledge of these subjects —thanks to the materials provided by the school—but I also learned how to communicate ideas clearly, both verbally and through presentations. I quickly discovered what worked (and what didn’t) when designing activities, with the students acting as my toughest critics. Their feedback motivated me to push myself further, constantly coming up with new and engaging games to keep them interested.
It didn’t take long for me to feel like part of the school community. The students would excitedly call out my name in the corridors, hand me homemade cards and gifts, and make every class feel lively. The teachers also made me feel welcome, inviting me out for lunch or coffee, including me in holiday celebrations, or simply chatting in the staff room. It was the perfect setup for a language exchange—me practicing my Spanish, them practicing their English. One teacher took his role particularly seriously, making it his personal mission to test my reflexes every morning by yelling Premier League team names at me as he walked in. Once I’d recovered from the scare of my life, I had to admit—it was a surprisingly effective way to wake up!
Life Outside of School
Beyond the classroom, I also became part of the wider community in Vera. Being such a small town, I quickly became a familiar face—whether it was locals greeting me as I walked to and from Mercadona (whose bakery section I still think about today) or running into students and their families in the streets. I also got to experience town celebrations firsthand, attending events like the El Carnaval parade and the Christmas light switch-on, which made me feel even more immersed in local life.
Working 14 hours a week and being paid to do so gave me the opportunity to travel and explore more of Spain. I spent La Semana Santa (Holy Week) in Seville and Granada, where I watched Flamenco shows, observed the processions, and visited historical landmarks. During weekends and school holidays, I also ventured to places like Murcia, Malaga, and Alicante.
While there were plenty of exciting moments when I embraced the culture by traveling, I also had just as many equally rewarding times spent at home watching El Cazador (the Spanish version of The Chase) or soaking up the sun. Being a Language Assistant gives you the freedom to choose how you spend your time. While the job itself is important, it’s equally crucial to take the time to relax and fully embrace the opportunities around you!
Finally…
When you study languages, people tend to ask the same question: so, you want to be a language teacher? For years, I would respond with a swift “no.” tired of the assumption. But after my year abroad and my time in the classroom, I’ve started to see teaching in a different light. This job offers a glimpse into what it means to be a teacher—without the pressure of making a definitive career choice just yet.
More than that, it also helps you develop valuable skills beyond the classroom. From organisation and lesson planning to communication and adaptability, you gain practical experience that translates into any future career. On a more personal level, it builds confidence—not just in your ability to present in front of a class, but also in navigating life in a foreign language and culture. Whether or not I become a teacher in the future, I know that the lessons I learned, both inside and outside the classroom, will stay with me.
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