Hola!
About a year ago, I was sitting on my couch in Calgary trying to decide whether or not I should apply for the U of C’s Teaching Across Borders Program. Not only was I trying to figure out which countries I wanted to go to, but I was also trying to justify why volunteering abroad for two months was what I needed to do at this point in my life. I remember being so excited thinking about living in a new country but I also remember feeling very overwhelmed with the thought of living without some of my favourite things like my bed and my dog. There were so many things I felt like I had to consider before even applying to the TAB program.
I write all that as I’m about to begin my final week in Madrid. My time here has been an absolute whirlwind, in the best way possible. It’s hard to believe how many unreal experiences I’ve had in the short 7 weeks that I’ve been here.
Some of my favourite experiences in Madrid include but are not limited to:
1 – Volunteering at an International School – I had the opportunity to work with two absolutely amazing teachers. One teacher taught International Baccalaureate (IB) level mathematics to high school students and the other taught kindergarten! Both teachers were extremely flexible with my schedule, I typically would spend the morning with one teacher and the afternoon with the other. I loved being with such a wide age range of students. I learned a lot being with students in their first year of school while also being with students in their last.
2 – Watching a Real Madrid Championship League Game – As an avid sports fan, attending a football game was a must. I always knew that football was a huge part of Spanish culture but I didn’t know how much until I got here. Real Madrid is arguably one of the best football clubs of all time (be careful who you say that to, especially FC Barcelona fans, because you will definitely end up arguing!). There is definitely a buzz in the city on game day. Pro tip – if you want to attend a match, I’d recommend going through Real Madrid’s official website. They typically release the “General Public” tickets about a week before the game. Try to buy them early, because they will definitely sell out!
3 – Family dinners with the roommates – Even with all of the amazing food Madrid had to offer, these were some of my favourite meals I had in Spain. Good food, even better company.
As I reflect back on where I was about a year ago, I can honestly say that making the decision to do the TAB program wasn’t easy, but it was definitely worth it. I could not be happier with my decision to come volunteer in Madrid. It has been an absolutely unforgettable experience.
-J