Making the Most of Summer as a Language Assistant in Spain

One of the most common questions I hear from prospective and current Language

Assistants is: "What do you do during the summer months when you're not being

paid?"

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.

Over the years, I've tried different approaches, and each summer has been a unique

experience.

Working at Summer Camps

My most common summer job has been working at English summer camps. I've worked as

both a counsellor and an activity coordinator, and I've had the opportunity to do this not only

in Spain but also in Italy and Germany.

Summer camps can be a fantastic option for language assistants looking to earn money during

the break. The work is definitely demanding. The days are long, you're constantly on the go,

and by the end of the camp you often feel exhausted. However, it's also incredibly rewarding

and a lot of fun.

One of the things I enjoy most is meeting people from different backgrounds. Camps bring

together staff and participants from all over the world, creating friendships and professional

connections that often last long after the summer ends. They also provide the chance to

explore new places and immerse yourself in different cultures while still earning an income.

For anyone who enjoys working with young people, being active, and spending time

outdoors, summer camps are definitely worth considering.

Saving During the School Year

Another option I've tried is setting aside part of my earnings throughout the academic year so

that I have savings available for the summer.

One year, I decided to do exactly that. Instead of looking for summer work, I continued

renting my shared apartment and stayed in Valencia for the entire summer. Having savings

allowed me to focus on experiences that I felt would enrich my time in Spain.

I enrolled in a Spanish language course to improve my language skills and spent my days

enjoying everything the city had to offer. I went to the beach regularly, attended salsa and

bachata socials, exercised, and generally experienced Valencia at a slower pace than is

possible during the busy school year.

It turned out to be one of my favourite summers in Spain. Staying in the city allowed me to

develop a deeper connection with the place I was living in and to enjoy aspects of daily life

that I often overlooked during the academic year.

Another benefit of saving money during the school year is the opportunity to travel. While

working at a summer camp in Germany, I took some time away to visit Austria and

Switzerland. If you're able to put money aside during the months you're being paid, travelling

around Europe can be a fantastic way to make the most of your summer break and experience

even more of what the continent has to offer.

Going Home to Recharge

Not everyone wants to spend the entire summer abroad, and that's perfectly understandable.

One of my friends chose to return to our home country for three months. Living far away

from family and friends can be challenging, and she viewed the summer as an opportunity to

reconnect with loved ones and recharge before another school year abroad.

For many assistants, this can be just as valuable as earning extra money or staying in Spain.

My Advice for Deciding What to Do

If you're trying to decide how to spend your summer as a Language Assistant, my

biggest piece of advice is to think about what you need most at that particular moment in

your life.

If earning money is your priority, summer camps can be a great solution. They allow you to

continue working, gain experience, and travel at the same time.

If you've been careful with your finances throughout the year, staying in Spain can be a

wonderful opportunity to invest in yourself. Whether that's learning Spanish, exploring your

region, developing new hobbies, or simply enjoying a slower pace of life, the summer can

become a valuable period of personal growth.

And if you've been feeling homesick or disconnected from family and friends, don't

underestimate the importance of going home. Sometimes the best thing you can do is take

time to recharge and return to Spain feeling refreshed and ready for the next adventure.

Ultimately, there is no single "right" way to spend the summer. Every assistant's situation is

different, and what works one year may not be what you choose the next. The key is to plan

ahead, consider your financial situation, and think about what will bring you the greatest

benefit, whether that's earning money, investing in personal development, or reconnecting

with the people who matter most.

For me, each of these experiences has added something valuable to my journey as a

Language Assistant, and they've all helped make my time abroad even more meaningful.