Now that we’re over a month into TAB, I feel like I’ve really established myself here. The weeks have flown by, especially as I’ve settled into my role with the fourth graders at SEK Castillo. I’ve been able to build a rapport with students, building connections with even the most quiet and reserved of the bunch. The students will alternate from having one full day in Spanish and a full day in English, moving to one class for Spanish and to another for English. Both classes that I’ve had the chance to be with have about 20 students. The students…
Hi everyone! I hope you are all enjoying your first few weeks on TAB – I know I am:) The last couple of weeks volunteering at the school in Madrid have been absolutely incredible! Even though we are only there on Mondays and Tuesdays, every one of those days has been filled with rewarding experiences as I engage with both the students and staff, learning more about the Spanish culture and education system. The students are enthusiastic, curious, and eager to learn, which makes this experience even more fulfilling. I’ve had the chance to assist in classroom activities, help students…
The first three weeks in Spain has been absolutely wonderful! There are so many interesting things to see and so many new foods to try. Everyone I have gotten the chance to get to know have been so lovely and kind. Madrid has been beautiful, from the beautiful Retiro park to the street markets on Sundays. We’ve also been able to travel to some different spots in Spain over the weekends, which only has further shown us the beauty of this country. We started off our week by visiting the school and learning about what classrooms we would be in…
Chandan GillOctober 27, 2023 As I sit in my now empty Madrid apartment surrounded by packed suitcases, I’m realizing that it is time to head home. These past two months in Madrid have been the experience of a lifetime. Today I took some time to walk around the city one last time, I can’t help but feel a little emotional. However, I know it is important to cherish the memories I’ve created and focus on the positive. Today, I choose to celebrate the adventures I’ve had, the friendships I’ve made, and the incredible journey that Madrid has been. Some highlights…
Kate SchievinkOctober 17, 2023 For the second half of September, I enjoyed exploring my new neighbourhood of Usera, just south of the Manzanares River. It is often referred to as Madrid’s Chinatown, due to the large Chinese diaspora who reside there. I found it a comforting place when I first arrived, as, at the time, I was more familiar with Mandarin than Spanish. Also, it’s much more residential than my previous room in the city centre. Walk three or four blocks in any direction and you’ll find a public park teeming with children, their parents socializing and watching from a…