Having reached the halfway point of my time in Valencia, I can look back on how much I have experienced and learned. To date, my time here has been rewarding but challenging. My experience collaborating in a language school has provided me with firsthand experience in classroom dynamics, teaching, and the day-to-day running of a school.
One of the greatest challenges has been adjusting to various teaching styles and learning about student needs from such a diverse set of backgrounds. Sometimes it has been challenging to modify my style and involve classes in things that are of interest to all.
But I view this as a learning opportunity to grow and enhance my abilities. Working with students of varying ages has also taught me more effective communication skills and a more flexible style of teaching. There are different challenges every day that compel me to think creatively and be more flexible. Aside from teaching, I have discovered so much more about how the school is run and how much effort it takes to be a successful school. From activity planning to helping students outside of the classroom, I have a better idea now of the work that goes into education. I have also discovered the value of establishing relationships—not just with students, but with fellow staff members as well. Working with others has allowed me to gain insight from different perspectives and opinions, which have contributed to my career and personal growth.
In general, I am content that the objectives of the program are being fulfilled, as I have acquired teaching practice experience, enhanced intercultural communication, and extended knowledge of education within an international context. In order to make the remainder of my interaction as best as it can be, I believe receiving additional structured feedback and communicating more with other instructors would be useful. Sharing experiences and ideas with other educators could polish my teaching practices and make the learning process even more effective for the learners. In the time to come, I am looking forward to increasing my responsibilities, streamlining my teaching, and further learning from the experience. The experience has been so rewarding thus far, and I am anxious to discover what the second half has in store for me. I appreciate all I have learned, the individuals I have met, and the chance to develop personally and professionally.