Learning Life Lessons While Teaching

During my semester abroad in Seville, Spain I was tasked with the assignment to go to English language schools around Sevilla and have conversations with Spanish speakers to help them practice their English. At first, I was intimidated by the assignment since I do not speak Spanish and I was worried I would not be able to communicate with the individuals I was trying to help. But the prospect of making new Spanish friends and learning more about the Spanish culture excited me. Fortunately, my fears were quickly dismissed when I visited United English in March.
When I arrived at United English, I was delighted to discover that I was going to have a conversation with a cute older woman. She told me that she was learning English so that she could visit her son who lives in America. It turned out he lives in Long Beach with is 15 minutes from my college in California. We bonded over our love of shopping and talked about the differences between America and Spain. (Apparently, luxury handbags are cheaper in America)! Then we talked about things to do in Seville. She told me to visit the Triana market and to go to a flamenco show. I asked if she knew how to Flamenco dance and she told me she used to be a professional flamenco dancer. I was delighted when she stood up and gave me a quick dancing lesson and thought it was funny when she told me I wasn’t “sexy” enough. Overall, I had an amazing first experience at United English and greatly looked forward to my next session at the Giralda Center.
Almost a month later I had the pleasure of visiting the Giralda Center and having a meaningful conversation with a girl who was around my age. She told me she was learning English because she wanted to be a teacher when she graduates, and it is easier to get a job if you can speak English. We talked about how difficult it is to get a job after college in Spain, and she spoke of her fears for the future. It was fascinating to see that no matter which country you are from all college students worry about their life post-graduation.
Overall, I am grateful that I was pushed to visit United English and the Giralda center. I initially thought I was going in to help Spanish speakers learn English, but I was the one who learned a lot from this experience. Talking to these two women taught me about the cultural differences and similarities between Spain and the U.S., but it also gave me Spanish friends and lesson that I took with me throughout the rest of my time abroad in Spain.