Hello Future World Travelers! There are so many different ways to teach English abroad. This is another creative way to make it happen!
My name is Mikayla and I’m currently living in the Las Matas area of Madrid, Spain. I recently graduated from Arizona State University and decided to work abroad after college. I chose GeoVisions’ Walk And Talk program in Spain primarily because this is my very first time abroad. (Walk and Talk is an au pair hybrid- some childcare, some tutoring, and lots of free time!) I wanted the extra time and opportunity to explore Madrid and other parts of Europe. I decided on Spain in the hopes of learning Spanish.
I love my host family. I was very lucky to be placed with them. Right off the bat, I felt welcomed. They picked me up from the airport and upon first meeting the girls, they were so excited and hugged me!
In a typical work week, I have the majority of the weekdays to myself. I can take a 15 minute bus ride to Madrid, spend a couple hours in the village of Las Matas, or sleep in and just relax at the house. Since I'm training for the Rock 'n' Roll Madrid Marathon in April, I run around the neighborhood. After school, I stay with the girls until their parents get home from work. I help them with their English homework and/or take them to their sports practices at the Los Rozas rec center, a 15 min bike ride from the house. When their parents get home, we all eat dinner together.
Saturdays and Sundays I have off, although sometimes the children ask me to help them study, so I may spend about an hour or two each weekend doing that. However, I spend the majority of my time off exploring Madrid and other cities and countries. So far, I have spent a weekend in Barcelona and just got back from celebrating St. Patrick’s Day in Dublin. I have many other weekend trips planned, including Rome for Easter, Vienna, Prague, Palma de Mallorca, and Greece.
There’s also so much to do here in Madrid. I plan to see a bullfight, flamenco show, and horse race this month, hopefully a Real Madrid futbol game in April, and the Madrid Open in May.
With the Walk and Talk program, there’s A LOT of time off during the week, and freedom to see and do many exciting things on the weekends!
So what are you waiting for? Choose a GeoVisions program that’s right for you, buy your plane ticket, and have the time of your life! This is truly a once in a lifetime opportunity for me and am so thankful for GeoVisions helping me every step of the way. I feel so completely safe here with my host family and traveling by myself around Madrid, and to other parts of Europe. You will love every second of your experience.
Adios,
Mikayla
About Mikayla: She enjoys anything outdoors, hanging out with her boyfriend and friends, traveling, tennis and is an avid Arizona Cardinals fan.
