When I first started working with secondary students, I thought the hardest part would be getting them to speak English. I quickly realised that the real challenge was getting them to feel comfortable speaking with me. ESO students are at an age where they can be a little harder to read. Some will happily chat to you from day one, while others will barely say hello. I found that the best way to connect with my students was to stop worrying about making every class perfect and

Starting at a new school can feel a little strange at first. You’re meeting loads of new people, trying to remember where everything is and figuring out what exactly you’re supposed to be doing. If you’re feeling a bit lost during your first few days, don’t worry. It takes time to find your rhythm. Here are a few things that helped me settle into my school.

When I first moved to Spain, I quickly realised that half of surviving in a new country is just having the right apps on your phone. Honestly, I don’t know how people moved abroad before smartphones because I rely on mine for everything here. Finding buses, translating random signs, looking for flats, sending money, checking routes, messaging people… it all happens through apps. One of the first apps I used constantly was Idealista. If you’re looking for somewhere to live in

No matter how much you prepare before arriving in Spain, there are some things you only learn once you're actually standing in front of a class of 25 students who are all looking at you.

When I moved to Spain, I definitely packed some things I didn’t need and forgot some things I absolutely should have brought. You can buy most things here, obviously, so don’t panic too much. But there are a few things that made my life so much easier when I first arrived. The first thing I’d recommend is a proper folder for all your paperwork. I know that sounds boring, but Spanish admin is no joke. You’ll need copies of your passport, visa documents, insurance, empadronamie

Al final, nuestro objetivo es muy sencillo. Queremos que cuando un auxiliar llegue a su centro educativo no sea un desconocido que necesita varias semanas para adaptarse. Queremos que llegue preparado para integrarse en el equipo docente, conectar con los alumnos y aportar valor desde el primer día.

One of the things I love most about living in Tenerife is that some of my favourite days out have cost absolutely nothing. Before moving here, I assumed I'd need to spend loads of money to explore the island properly, but that's really not the case. In fact, once you're officially a resident and have your TIE, you're entitled to free public transport throughout Tenerife. That means I no longer pay for the bus at all. Honestly, it's one of the best perks of living here. If I d

Depending on your school, you may be involved in preparing students for Cambridge exams. Usually, as a language assistant, you'll spend a lot of time helping students with the speaking part of the exams, since that's where having a native speaker is especially useful. However, some schools may also ask you to help with reading, listening and writing activities too. Every school is slightly different.

Moving abroad is exciting and fun and probably one of the best things you’ll ever do, but it can also feel really weird at the beginning. One minute you’re at home surrounded by friends, family and everything familiar, and the next you’re in Spain trying to work out where to buy shampoo, how to say what you need in a pharmacy, and whether you’re accidentally using the wrong milk in your coffee.

I think before moving, I had this idea that I'd need an enormous amount of savings to make it work. The reality was that Tenerife ended up being much cheaper than I expected. Of course, everyone spends differently, but day-to-day life here isn't nearly as expensive as many people imagine.

I’ve also realised that learning a language isn’t just about studying it, it’s about living it. Being surrounded by it every day, hearing it, using it, and being part of it makes such a difference.

I think a lot of people don’t realise the Canary Islands are actually quite different from mainland Spain in certain ways. The accent is softer, some vocabulary is different, and culturally it feels completely different too.

Unlike a traditional teaching job, the assistant position comes with a long summer break and, for many of us, no salary during those months. While this can seem daunting at first, I've discovered that there are several ways to make the most of this time, both financially and personally.

When people imagine moving to Spain as a language assistant, they usually picture the exciting parts first. Booking flights, finding an apartment, meeting new people, travelling on weekends, sitting in sunny plazas with a coffee, and starting a completely new life abroad. And honestly, those moments do happen. There are days where everything feels exciting and cinematic, and you suddenly realise you’re living the kind of experience people dream about for years. But something

One thing I quickly realised about Madrid is that there’s no shortage of things to do. There are so many hobbies, classes, and activities you can try.

Malasaña is a place that resembles a rich cultural history of Madrid and is now an epicenter of cafe culture, thrift shopping and nightlife in the city.

Before moving to Spain I honestly had no idea how different the school system was here compared to the UK. I remember hearing words like “ESO” and “Bachillerato” constantly and having absolutely no clue what anyone was talking about.

Finding a place to live in Spain sounds simple until you actually start looking. When I first moved to Tenerife I thought I’d just go online, pick somewhere nice and that would be it… not quite. Things move fast, people don’t always reply, and it can feel a bit chaotic at the beginning.

Once you accept your placement, we’ll guide you through what comes next and outline the exact steps you need to follow. We’ll also request a few initial documents from you to make sure everything is in place for you to begin your visa process smoothly.

One of my favourite parts of the job is something I never expected. Every time I walk into school or even just down the corridor, I have kids shouting “Teacher Millie!” and waving at me like I’m some kind of celebrity.