Volunteering in Spain was an experience of a lifetime. Every aspect, from the family, the school, the community, and the location was perfect for me. I volunteered in a school just north of Valencia, in a small town called Alboraya, and from the very first moment they welcomed my friends and I like family.

I made countless new friendships, and every day was a new adventure in this school, surrounded by the most amazing people. Having joined the program as a 17-year-old, I found my time in Spain especially transformative to who I am. It is incredibly difficult to put into words, however on the other side of it now, it gives you a new definition of the word home, having found a second family, and a second community on the other side of the world.

I will never forget my time there, and I am incredibly grateful to all the people who helped make it into what it was. My biggest advice to people joining the program is that you get out what you put in, and when you give all your energy and love, it will forever change who you are.

Thank you.

Volunteering as a language assistant in Spain is an incredibly rewarding experience. I had the opportunity to work with students of all ages, from elementary school to high school, helping them improve their English language skills.

The teachers and staff at the school were welcoming and supportive, and I felt like a valued member of the team from day one. I was given the freedom to design my own activities, allowing me to tailor my teaching to the specific needs and interests of the students.

One of the highlights of my experience was being able to immerse myself in Spanish culture and language outside of the classroom. I had the chance to explore the vibrant city of Valencia and Vitoria, try delicious local cuisine, and make lifelong friends with fellow volunteers and locals.

Overall, volunteering as a language assistant in Spain is a truly enriching experience that allowed me to make a positive impact on the lives of students while also gaining valuable teaching experience and cultural insights. I would highly recommend it to anyone looking to broaden their horizons and make a difference in the world.

I was placed in a small town in the Castilla y Léon, called Faramontanos de Tábara, and it is a community dynamic that I don’t believe exists anywhere in the world. Not many people in my town and surroundings speak English so it was a full immersion into the Spanish language as well as lifestyle.

I wouldn’t trade my time in Spain for anything. The schools are wonderful to work with and there’s nothing quite like getting to experience the family and tight knit community atmosphere in Spain. Overall the most rewarding experience of my life thus far and I am beyond grateful for the opportunity provided to me by NVW. I will forever think of the town as “my town” and have made lifelong connections.