My name is Sofia, I have been an English language assistant at The Official Language School
in Estepona for the past 8 months, but I will bring this short experience with me for life.
As a language assistant I normally helped the teachers in B1 B2 and C1 classes, helping them
in different ways by going along with their own lesson plans, doing speaking exercises from the
textbook or creating my own lesson plans, involving games, storytelling and classroom
discussions and debates. I really loved getting to know the students and the teachers alike and
seeing the students grow and develop in their communication abilities, as well as seeing their
confidence grow and make connections, creating a community in each classroom. I would really
recommend the next Language Assistant to value these one-on-one connections that you can
make in this type of teaching environment. The teachers are always happy to answer any
questions and help you anytime you feel like you need assistance, but I love the way I have
grown in my ability to teach and explain things.
I especially enjoyed the Activa classes, where students were able to practise their
communication skills without the pressure of certification. Here we could experience the ultimate
joy of language learning which is connecting with people and getting to learn new things about
different cultures, mindsets and opinions.
Not everyday is easy when you move to a different country, but the community that exists in the
language school really helped me to keep going. They really care for you here and want you to
do well and feel appreciated and cared for. I can’t stress enough how lovely of a teaching team
the official language school has, I made a personal connection with every single one of the
teachers and I really recommend reaching out and being vulnerable like this with your
coworkers, saying hi and asking about their lives as well as sharing parts of yours. Although its
good to be professional, its crucial to remember that you see these people everyday and they
become a part of your family.
Say yes to every opportunity, every school trip and cultural activity, of which there are plenty in
Estepona and the Costa Del Sol. Esteponeros love to share and spread their cultural traditions
and are so proud of them.
Thank you especially to Ana, the loveliest, warmest, most welcoming woman I have ever met.
She couldn’t have been a nicer point of reference during this whole experience, always ready to
help with anything and answer any questions I had. Not only was she an angel to me but also to
my friends. She was my second Mami in Spain and I hope we can keep in contact.
Thank you so much for this year. It pains me to have to leave a place that I love so much. I have
grown to love Andalucia and Spain and no other place can compare with it.
To the next language assistant here, you are so lucky to get to fall in love with Estepona and its
people. I’m sure you are going to have the best time and learn so much. It’s hard to appreciate
something that you have in the present but try your best. Best of luck,
Sofia