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.
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| 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
