The washing line is where now? by Kay on 1 March 2025 Posted in Life abroad A new concept! The idea of how the Spanish wash their clothes, particularly in the cities, was quite a new concept to me. Yes, most apartments had washing machines as part of the furnishings when looking for a rental, some even had driers. This was a handy feature so that I didn’t have the faff Read More
Hour of need, or just another gormless ‘me’ moment? by Kay on 25 February 2025 Posted in Life abroad Homesick… Sadly, my time at home for the Christmas break had come to an end. My flight was at 7:15 pm. After the long 3-month term, I had no idea just how homesick I had been and how much I’d missed home. I guess the whole moving overseas and starting a new job had kept Read More
When Spanish head went a#se over t#t! by Kay on 23 February 2025 Posted in Teaching It’s nice just to be left to get on with it! More often than not I usually get left alone to get on with teaching my classes without being disturbed or ‘spied’ on as we were in my last school. Back in England, there was a time before I left when we were told to Read More
Spanish parents’ meetings… by Kay on 20 February 2025 Posted in Teaching A different arrangement… One thing that wasn’t really discussed in much detail during my interview was how the parents’ meetings were arranged given that there are two teachers and two classes. I remember asking the question, and the English head dismissing it saying that it was something that the two teachers arranged together and delivered Read More
Journey home entertainment, educacion infantil style! by Kay on 18 February 2025 Posted in Teaching Homeward bound! There are several children from across the school that also get the same bus back as me, including some infantil (or early years) children. There is an adult specifically employed to supervise them. Like a chaperone I guess. And, the poor woman certainly earns her salary, as they are all lively and loud! Read More
Spanish bank experience, and why I can never return! by Kay on 7 February 2025 Posted in Life abroad Needing to transfer money home… On starting my new job, I needed to set up a Spanish bank account in order to receive my salary. Well, the school HR team set it up on my behalf! During the first week, a member of HR made the appointment at the local branch and then accompanied me Read More
Mobile credit aggravation! by Kay on 7 February 2025 Posted in Life abroad Duo SIM… Before moving to Spain I opted to buy a duo SIM phone in order to still be able to use my English number, but also to have a Spanish SIM card to avoid extra costs and ensure I got the network coverage that I needed. So, I bought the Duo phone, popped my Read More
It’s all still very much a work in progress… by Kay on 26 January 2025 Posted in Life abroad Coffee and lingo… Saturday morning and I have arranged to meet up with one of my language exchange friends for coffee. She has very good English as a result of many years of language exchange with English visitors and teachers who have come and gone again. She has been attempting to help me with my Spanish Read More
Questionable managerial tactics! by Kay on 16 January 2025 Posted in Teaching Oh, but a Spanish birthday is just the best for a teacher! Another week completed. The Autumn term certainly is in full swing! I am looking forward to learning about some of the different festivals (or fiestas I should say) in this region throughout the year and celebrating them in school with various activities with the Read More
Bashful beginnings! by Kay on 7 January 2025 Posted in Teaching Dodgy cubicle doors… As well as the whole ‘settling in and getting used to routines’ of a new job there’s also the little teething problems. Having to push yourself out of your comfort zone when you’re figuring it all out! For instance, other colleagues will help you out (and all have been welcoming and great!) and Read More