Last year was my first year as an English Language Assistant with Meddeas. Like many first-time teachers, everything was new – the school, the culture, the language – and I would be lying if I said it wasn’t overwhelming. Don’t get me wrong I was so excited, but I wasn’t sure how I would find my place. Now, in my second year at the same school, I can confidently say that moving here turned out to be one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. Leaving behind the comfort and stability of my life in Glasgow wasn’t easy, but nothing that is worth doing ever is. The experience has been so rewarding, and it just goes to show that you never know when a choice you make is going to change your life.
With all of this in mind, I thought I would share the advice I would give to the version of me stepping off the plane last year – and to anyone else who is about to start their own journey as a Meddeas Language Assistant.
You’re New – Cut Yourself Some Slack
Starting out can feel overwhelming, but remember this is all brand new! Meanwhile, give yourself time to settle in. Your skills in the classroom will develop, your relationship with both students and teachers will grow stronger, and you’ll start to feel more confident navigating daily life. You’ll meet incredible people who might just become your new best friends and you will eventually master public transport. It will all come together in time – but be patient with yourself.
Set Your Ego Aside
Teaching children and teenagers can be tough – they can be brutally honest and not every class will go to plan. There will be times when you put a lot of time, effort, and enthusiasm into games or activities, only to watch the kids show absolutely no interest. It’s frustrating and disheartening, and it can sometimes feel like all your effort was for nothing. Some days will be tough, but they will be balanced out by those brilliant moments where everything just seems to click – the students are excited, invested, and show real enthusiasm and progress. Focus on those wins.
Living with Host Families
Not everyone reading this will be staying with host families, but for those who are, here is what I have to say. However, it can definitely feel difficult to lose a bit of your independence, but it’s also one of the most intimate and authentic ways to learn about people and their culture. I’ve made some amazing connections and had some incredible experiences that I never would have had otherwise. The relationships I’ve built are ones that I hope will last long after this year is over. It’s not always easy, but it’s an experience like no other.
Take Every Opportunity
Do it! Do it! Do it! Throw yourself into every opportunity available to you. It may seem daunting at first, but I assure you every new experience is worth it. You’ve already made the biggest leap by coming here, so why stop now? Every new memory, new friend, new story to tell will make this experience even more unforgettable. Embrace it all!
Looking back, I’m proud of the journey I’ve been on. Ultimately, if I could give one final piece of advice to anyone starting out as a language assistant, it’s this: let yourself fall in love with the experience – take every opportunity, embrace the people and culture around you, and trust yourself to adapt and grow. It might just turn into one of the best decisions you have ever made – just like it did for me.