Saying goodbye

May was my last month working as a language assistant at Can Raspalls. The weeks flew by and before I knew it, my time at the primary school was up.

It was heart breaking telling the children I was going, especially as school hadn’t finished yet so they didn’t understand why I was leaving early. Many looked at me sadly and asked ‘but you’re coming back next year, right?’

After a few hiccups at the beginning, I have loved my time at this school and wasn’t really ready to leave. It’s sad when you just begin to feel settled and comfortable somewhere and suddenly it’s time to move on.

Working in a primary school was very special and I was lucky to be part of such a happy and welcoming environment. (I know that a secondary school would have been a very different atmosphere.) I particularly loved the smaller children. Five and six year olds were always pleased to see me and I was often greeted by a big group hug at the beginning of the lesson. It was a great feeling to be appreciated every day. (Although it was incredibly tiring; I have far more respect for teachers now I’ve been behind the scenes. Do not underestimate a job in a classroom!)

Despite it being a big school, by the end of the year I had formed strong relationships with the students and teachers (and even managed to join in on jokes in the staff room.) What I have loved about this year is that I’ve come out of the student bubble and have made friends of all ages. From three years old to sixty three, I’ve met some wonderful people that I will keep in touch with for a long time.

My last day at Can Raspalls was very memorable. I received endless hugs and hand-made pictures from the younger years, who were so full of love it was impossible for me to be sad. After a congregation in the staffroom, I went round the classes handing out mini stroopwaffels (Dutch biscuits), which went down a treat with all the children. I’m not sure I’ll ever forget all those small, enthusiastic faces.

So luckily, there were hardly any tears when I left on my bike for the final time. I know British Council can be luck of the draw but my advice to anyone applying is to persevere.  Don’t expect it to be easy at the beginning but in the end you get out what you put in.  Even if it’s not what you’d hoped for, working abroad in a local school will always be an experience.

From running around in PE lessons to creating an Easter Egg hunt for 350 children, my time as a language assistant has been eventful, unpredictable, but completely unforgettable.