Black and Abroad; Spelman Graduate in Spain!

     Last summer I had the oppourtunity to mentee the beautiful Nye Scott before she headed to the other side of the world to teach English as a Second Language. A graduate of Spelman College in Atlanta, GA, Nye has been teaching for several months now and was recently cool enough to share her experiences of living and teaching English in Malaga, Spain.

    

Nye Scott is from Atlanta, GA and currently teaches ESL in Southern Spain.

 

     As I closed one chapter in my life, another immediately began to unfold. Receiving my undergraduate degree from Spelman College signified the closing of one chapter, but boarding the plane to Andalusia was the start to a new beginning.  I packed my life up into a suitcase and decided to dedicate the next ten months of my life immersing in the flamenco dancing, tapa eating Andalusian culture of Spain

     Typically, most recent graduates decide to further their education in higher learning upon graduation, but I knew immersing in a different culture could teach and challenge me in a way a book wouldn’t be able to fulfill.  Although I was a little terrified, I knew my life was going to be enriched.

     As a participant of the CIEE Teach Abroad in Spain Program, I was assigned to dedicate ten months as a primary English teacher in Malaga, Spain (Andalusia). As a result, I had to spend about one month in Seville for orientation and preparation to immerse in a Spanish-speaking culture. All participants were required to live with a Spanish family during their time spent in Seville. I was very nervous about this transition because not only were they complete strangers, but we spoke different languages. I was also concerned about how my new family would receive me as a young woman of color. Now that I think about my initial fear, I feel both ashamed and guilty. My family and I bonded very well, regardless of our differences. I attended all the special occasions and we ate every meal together. We try to communicate to one another to the best of our ability, regardless of the challenge due to the language barrier. However when it was time to depart from Seville and move to Malaga, I was very emotional and did not realize how attached I had become. 

 

      Independent from both my Spanish family and the CIEE assistants, I was challenged to find a place to live and settle in to my daily routine. I fell in love with Malaga as soon as I arrived. Although Seville had beautiful, historical buildings, the beach sold me in Malaga. After finding a place of living and introducing myself to both my pupils and colleagues, I was able to sit back and analyze what I just did. Everything happening so fast, I did not realize that I actually found the courage enough to graduate from college, where I always had the comfort of my parents living down 75 South (Atlanta, Georgia), and move to another country where I could only rely on myself.

 

     There were a few adjustments, I had to make while living in the Spanish culture. In case you were unaware, much of the world believes all Americans are overweight and have poor eating habits. I found myself almost unsatisfied when breakfast consisted of toast and coffee and dinner being served in tapa portions. My eating habits adjusted and I eat much healthier which is known as the Mediterranean diet. I was also in quite surprise when I was informed that siesta (nap) time is from 2 pm till 5 pm in the afternoon. The whole city is shut down to take a break, eat with family, and most importantly to siesta before returning back to work. Lastly, the obvious adjustment was speaking to the locals in their native language, Spanish.

     In reference to my job, I absolutely love my school. I have the best children and co-workers who really strive to learn and teach English effectively. My students are always curious about my background and culture which encourages them to speak English in order to build a close relationship with me. However, my students aren’t the only ones who are fascinated with the American culture and the idea of the American dream.

     It seems like everyone in Spain loves the American culture. Everyone sports their American flag attire and sings what they believe to be the latest hits in the States. However, when I share with locals that I am an American they almost look in disbelief. But they always seemed more intrigued and welcoming. Malaga has recently experienced a lot of migration particularly from Nigeria and Morocco. Because Andalusia is not highly diversified, the Andalusian people may still be trying to adjust and react positively to the new changes. However, most of the locals have received me well (especially when they are knowledgeable about where I am from) and also because I hold the magic. The magic is English. With the economy being horrible, everyone wants to learn English to seek better opportunities for employment.

     Overall, I am very satisfied with my choice of living in the southern part of Spain. I have been able to travel to Paris (France), Amsterdam/Rotterdam (The Netherlands) and Dublin/Killarney/Cork (Ireland). I plan to travel to Morocco, Rome, and London before my departure. 

     Of course, I miss my family and wish I could be home for special occasions. But the love for my students and the welcoming culture has always been my encouragement to finish out strong. My experience has been wonderful and it was the best decision I could have made after college. My time is now running down (2 more months), but one thing I have learned is to always have and keep an open mind.  I have also found a greater appreciation for the culture and lifestyle of the American people. We are truly a blessed country which provides an ample amount of opportunities. However, sometimes it takes traveling and immersing in a different culture to realize one's privileges. I am returning with a new frame of mind and a love for the Spanish people.

-Nye Scott