Experience of a Spanish teacher on a work placement

If I had to summarise my experience of teaching Spanish as a foreign language over the last 2 weeks at Instituto Hemingway, I would highlight several aspects. The personal, professional and academic challenge brought about by teaching Spanish to foreign students has demanded the application of a lot of the theory I learnt throughout my teacher training. The experience of preparing my classes, evaluating my own performance, overcoming ´stage fright´, finding out my own pace and style of working, and adapting it to my students and their needs have all been very valuable.

I would also highlight the great opportunity I have had to get to know the School inside out, through observing its approach to teaching and daily functioning, which combines a shining example of enthusiastic teaching with academic seriousness, which do not need to be mutually exclusive. A pleasant and flexible teaching style, in a creative and relaxed learning environment which actively promotes linguistic exchange in a social, cultural and personal way; that is what constitutes the aim of learning a second language.

My experience up to now has been more than enriching and exciting in every aspect and I cannot thank Chema and the great and lovely people at the School for having given me the opportunity and honour of sharing their vocation with them each day.