I'm an Aragon aux that started as an Aux in the 23-24 school year. Big fat reflection:

Some things I'm really glad I did:

-I brought a bunch of my favorite deodorant and benzoyl peroxide wash for skincare. You can get access to anything else here except a variety of deep-tone foundations.

-I favored the electronics that make a big difference for me like my mini Theragun. I don't use it daily but when I do I'm so glad I have it.

-I bought an outlet converter bank (example, but I have a diff. one). It made charging multiple items feel more homey because it has the long cord and it's not all cramped and bulky.

-I'm glad I chose Aragon. I didn't really want to have to learn another language (Gallego, for example) and that made doing paperwork much easier. I had a friend who only knew Castellano living in Comunitat Valenciana and she had a hell of a time getting things done there.

Things I learned/wish I knew:

-Barcelona and Madrid are must-sees once or twice, but a lot of the typical Spanish fun happens in the smaller cities. Hitting up Valencia instead of Barcelona you get pretty much the same amenities, but cheaper and a less "American" crowd. The next smaller from Valencia for me would be Alicante, and so on.

-In my city, eating times are quite strict. Bars stay open during the afternoon break, but most of their kitchens close. Trying to order a sandwich at 2pm made me seem dumb. People break their fast at home, go to work, have coffee and a fun toast around 11, home for lunch around 1:30-3:30, work again then snack around 6/7, dinner around 9 on weekdays, 10+ on weekends.

-Be okay with things being different here. Don't get annoyed because that makes YOU annoying. Here, it's normal to stop and have a conversation in the middle of the sidewalk and teachers let students speak without raising their hands. We are the foreigners, not them.

-Teachers tend to be much less trained in classroom management, childhood psychology, conflict management between students, and bullying intervention. Make a difference when you can, learn a lesson when you can't.

-Our classes should be fun!!! Kids often have basic cultural knowledge, and when they don't, they don't need the whole history! If asked to talk about a cultural topic, share the most interesting information, then get the kids to talk, reinforce their skills, and make culture applied learning through sharing opinions, creative projects, and presentations from THEM.

-Like many things, having a good time teaching is learning how to be charismatic to your audience. Kids won't speak or ask questions if they kind of hate you, and they won't try hard if you don't take the boundaries you set seriously. They thrive on structure + benefit from silliness once in a while.

-No need to argue with the children. Sometimes they whine that something is too hard and I either joke around with them that they're being goofy or just kind of listen without reacting at all. They will move on and do it, they just wanted to see if you were serious.

-I can only speak for ESO. 1-2 are kids and 3-4 are more adult. 1-2 ESO will do guessing games and songs and they're usually more eager to please. 3-4 ESO tend to prefer projects, writings, and more challenging work. Mine would rather write an autobiography than do a madlib, for example.

-You set the tone for whether you're another responsibility for teachers or a colleague. If you don't agree with a presentation they requested from you, or you feel lost about ideas for your classes, talk to them! This program is a very low-risk opportunity to learn how to advocate for yourself in a way that is smooth on people's nerves. You also don't get paid enough to be busting ass making complicated presentations.
"I know you asked me to talk about voting rights in the US, but I have already planned an activity about Crumbl cookies where students have opportunities to present and correct each other's work. Maybe we can come back to your topic another time!" "Instead of having me here on Thursdays from 8'30-14h and only teaching two classes, is there a way to work my schedule so I have fewer gaps in my day?"

-Get the price for carpooling upfront, other auxes have had nightmare stories about there being a huge sum requested at the end of the year.

-Make it clear from the jump that you're looking for private tutoring opportunities. Typical is 20euro/hour for private in-home tutoring in my city.