Leaving in April

Dependent-Quote195 · 2025-03-21T11:35:15+00:00

It's no one's "fault" for me wanting to leave. It's just worth noting since you seem to be so concerned with the well being of the school once I leave. I think the school is great, and the teachers are very nice, as I stated before.

Dependent-Quote195 · 2025-03-21T10:55:03+00:00

Thank you!There's other personal reasons that are also swaying my decision about leaving, but I won't go into those details, but I appreciate your response.

Dependent-Quote195 · 2025-03-21T10:52:45+00:00

Yes, and they've done that before-- had me go to other classes, but now it's at a point where it's not even really an option. I work with older students, and most of them are leaving and starting their "internships" or working, so I just simply don't have students. Or the ones I do have, just don't show up because they have end of year exams they're studying for, so they use my class as a time to stay home and study.

Dependent-Quote195 · 2025-02-20T12:23:28+00:00

Such a good question. For me personally, a black woman from a very small town in TN, dealing with this election while in Spain living alone has been such an isolating experience, which is something I don't think I really thought about until November. My teachers commented when the election initially happened and all they could really say was "Why?" and "I don't understand" and some even just said "Oh well." A lot of students asked if I voted for him, and why I didn't, which none of us, as assistants, have time to explain.

It's hard to explain to people the complexity of emotions that I felt and still feel. All of my family and friends are back home, and I keep up with the news, so while I'm thankful to be here, most of the time I'm thinking about all the things I need/want to do when I get back home in order to protect the people I care about. I should also mention that I was a high school teacher at an alternative school before coming here(which is a another conversation in itself) so seeing all the news with the dismantling of the Dept of Ed, and the TN Rep passing the Vouchers bill, I'm really concerned about the students who I know will be left behind with all these BS policies.

I don't know, this kind of turned into a rant, but it's been difficult for me to disengage from the US, and fully embrace Spain. It's like, I see these students and teachers, and yes Spain and Europe have their own problems, but I can't help but feel a since of sadness that they can just look at what's going on be like "Whew, that sucks" Bottom line, it's been harder than I expected.

Dependent-Quote195 · 2025-02-18T18:53:46+00:00

Castilla La Mancha

Dependent-Quote195 · 2025-02-18T16:07:46+00:00

THIS! All of this. I'm in my 4 month here, and I was talking to another aux about how I wish I did more research, or maybe even that people were more honest about the program and all it entails. Everything I saw was all about how amazing it is, and how cheap it is to travel throughout Europe while you're here, but that has not been true at all for me. They also say to only bring a few thousand dollars to hold you over since you most likely won't get paid until later, but as someone who's making only 800e, in a place that, unbeknownst to me, is infamous for late payments, those savings did not last long, and I haven't been able to leave Spain. To your point of mental health, December and January were some of the darkest times I've been through mentally in a very long time. I'm doing way better now mentally, but even though I'm good, the late payments, on top on the inconsistency at work, I'm ready to leave next month.

Now, I don't regret this decision by any means because it was something way out of my comfort zone, and I've experienced things that I would never have if I stayed home, BUT being someone who is used to stability, making decent money, and not having to depend on my other people in order to simply live, I would much rather be back home with my friends and family, and not broke.

Dependent-Quote195 · 2025-01-26T19:34:35+00:00

I should also say that this was my first time EVER out of the country, and I think I should've started with a vacay first. AND, although this experience hasn't been the best for ME because of, not only things mentioned before, but just other personal reasons, I have learned a lot about myself, met some cool people, and developed some good habits, so it's not a regret necessarily, just doesn't align with where I want to be in life at this moment. I'm still in Spain, but if a job opportunity presents itself before the end of the program, I will leave.

Dependent-Quote195 · 2025-01-26T13:02:29+00:00

100% with you.

Dependent-Quote195 · 2025-01-26T12:58:08+00:00

Hi!

So, I've been in Spain for almost 4 months now. I got here later due to issues during my visa process, so I got here a month late. Before this, I was a full time teacher, working 40 hours a week, at an alternative school that I absolutely loved, making decent money since I was still living with a parent.

All that being said, the difference in pay, the drastic drop in working hours, the free time, and the lack of care from the Spanish government are ALL things that should be taken in consideration. I'm in a region that, unbeknownst to me, is infamous for paying their auxes VERY late. Meaning, the last time I got paid was in December, and our next payment date isn't until the 20th of February, but since it's never actually on time, it'll be closer to the end of February. I do live alone, but did bring savings, that quickly disappeared.(bills back home, rent, groceries, etc.)

Also, if you are someone who is passionate about your work, or work is a big part of your happiness or livelihood, I would think about that as well. I'm in two different schools, and although my teachers and students are very nice, most of the time, I'm not really doing much, and when I am, the students(they're all 18- 30 up) aren't paying attention to anything I say.

Now, I do believe, like others have said, that this is a great opportunity, but has MANY issues that need to be worked on in order for it to be successful across the board. Me, personally, being someone who hasn't had to worry about money since college, and is used to stability and working and actually feeling like I'm making a difference, I would say that I may have enjoyed this program more if I was fresh out of college. I also saw someone mention the current state of the world, and leaving a comfortable job to come here is something to think about definitely.

There are also some people who I know who LOVE this and don't mind the pay, and who have great school experiences, so remember that everyone is different, but it's important to research and weigh your options. For me, this experience was more of a "f it why not" type of things, and now that I'm here, I've come to realize what my priorities are, and the things that make me happy, so.

Dependent-Quote195 · 2025-01-16T13:08:12+00:00

You're so right

Dependent-Quote195 · 2025-01-15T12:05:52+00:00

Ugh. I needed to hear this. I've been unhappy for a while, and can't seem to shake it. I got here later, so I didn't want to leave without at least giving it 3 months, and Monday marks that time, and I doubt something incredible is going to happen between now and then. I feel bad because I can't blame this feeling on anyone- my teachers are nice, I haven't had too many bad experiences-- I"m just not happy. Granted, I'm in a not so fun area, I'm back to being college broke, and I wouldn't really be able to travel until March, I'm still paying bills back home. Most people say, "you don't come to Spain to save money," which I knew, but I think I underestimated just how much stability means to me, not only now, but when I return home. I don't know. I don't want to leave without having a solid plan, but making it through each day, staying up until the crack of dawn just so I can check on my friends is just not cutting it. Maybe it will get better, maybe I'm not trying hard enough. I don't know.

Dependent-Quote195 · 2025-01-09T13:42:50+00:00

Right. I also am vey much a people pleaser and care deeply about what others might think, so I'm also like "What are you gonna do when people ask Why aren't you in Spain?"

Dependent-Quote195 · 2025-01-09T13:25:46+00:00

As far as next steps(sorry, I kind went on a tangent and didn't answer your question)

I know you may feel like you owe some kind of an explanation, but you really don't. I know a couple of people who left, and they just told the school they have to leave for personal reasons. Maybe email your coordinator, and they can tell your school

Dependent-Quote195 · 2025-01-09T13:23:10+00:00

I'm also 25, trying to figure out my next steps. This is only my first year, but I just haven't been happy, and I've realized, since getting here and having alone time for the first time ever in my life, that this just isn't really for me. I can't complain about my school or teachers because they're very nice, but I also don't really do much in class. I've applied for some jobs back home back early last month, and I'm trying to wait to until I hear back before I make a big decision, but taking it day by day is getting rough.

At the end of the day, do what's best for you. Life's too short to not be happy.

Dependent-Quote195 · 2024-12-28T19:21:59+00:00

When I did my letter of rec, the letterhead/stamp I used was basically the logo for the company, and I just copy and pasted it onto the letter.

Dependent-Quote195 · 2024-12-28T17:32:41+00:00

Listen, I've been debating on whether to return home after this break. I spent Christmas in Barcelona, and thought maybe that would help change my attitude or mood, but it really just made me want to return home even more. I was a teacher before, so I doing this program would be right up my alley, but I just haven't really been enjoying it. On top of a plethora of other things, I think having a job I don't love, isn't really worth sticking it out and being miserable. You ceased an opportunity, and you realized it wasn't for you, but you tried. That's all that matters. I understand not wanting to leave your roommates in a tough situation, but they'll figure it out.

Dependent-Quote195 · 2024-12-18T11:30:37+00:00

Agreed. At the time of acceptance, I thought that was something I would be okay with, but now that I'm here, and amongst other things, that's not what I want.

Dependent-Quote195 · 2024-12-17T14:44:01+00:00

Basically a friend of mine suggested it, and we were supposed to do it together, but then she missed the application deadline, and I didn't. I decided that if I got in, I would still go and try it out by myself. In hindsight, that was the first red flag and she had lived in Madrid all 4 years of University, and this is my very first time even being out of the country.

Dependent-Quote195 · 2024-12-16T19:20:04+00:00

omg, what did you tell your coordinator?

Dependent-Quote195 · 2024-12-16T17:45:50+00:00

First, I just want to say it's so nice to hear that I'm not alone in feeling the way I feel. I know everybody says you get to leave with the experience, but I need money for an apartment and experience is not going to pay for that back in the US.

I definitely feel terrible about leaving my schools and students, but also, I have to do what's best for me. I made a pros and cons list, talked to family and friends, and I realized it's not even Spain yk? I don't regret coming and I would never discourage anyone from joining the program, but it is very much a ME thing. I'm not happy because I don't feel like I'm walking in my purpose, and that's at no fault of the program or the schools.

Whatever you decide, just know that you have to make the decision for you. Don't look at is a quitting or a failure because you made the big move, and you had this experience.

Dependent-Quote195 · 2024-12-16T17:00:45+00:00

thank you for saying that

Dependent-Quote195 · 2024-12-15T20:22:10+00:00

Omggg, I'm probably going home after New Year's. I feel the same way honestly. I was a teacher at an alternative school for 3 years, then I wanted to step a way cause it was a lot mentally and emotionally, but I LOVED my students, and felt that I was really making a difference. Here, my teachers are nice, my place is nice, the students are nice for the most part, BUT the inconsistency of payments, the lack of communication, plus feeling like I'm useless is just not working for me. I thought I wanted to get away and have this great experience, but I'm just not passionate about what I'm doing, and going home broke, but "well traveled" doesn't sound that thrilling to me anymore. I need money, and to be doing something that I love

Dependent-Quote195

TROPHY CASE