Name: Anna Ondracek
Majors and minors while at UNL: GLST and Spanish majors, Latin American Studies and English minors
On and off campus involvement: I was a part of the Honors Program Student Advisory Board, and a Student Ambassador for the College of Arts and Sciences. I also tutored Spanish for the Athletic Department and was an intern with Lincoln Literacy.
Current Location:
I currently live in Palencia, Spain. However, the schools I teach at are located in a small town about 40 minutes away, called Carrión de los Condes. Normally, each assistant is only assigned to one school, either an elementary or high school. Since my schools are in a town of only 2,000 people, I go to both of them. Essentially, my role at the schools is to provide support to the English teachers and plan lessons about American culture, different topics in English, and anything else the teachers may want. I work with kids from age 4 all the way to age 18, and I work 12 hours per week at the schools.
Why this program?
I applied to a few different programs, all to teach English abroad. I was unsure what I wanted to do after graduation, but incorporating language learning into whatever I decided was crucial. I have more experience with Spanish than other foreign languages, but I was open to others. The application process was pretty standard for this kind of program, and they're revising it to make it even easier. You select three regions in Spain in which you'd want to work, but this doesn't guarantee you'll get one of those. A lot of people want to be in Madrid, and obviously, not everyone can be in the same city. I moved at the end of September and began working in October.
Tell us about your new home Spain!
Palencia was pretty unknown to me before I began this program. It is in the northern part of the region Castilla y León, one of the largest, and oldest, regions in Spain. It's smaller than any city I've lived in- about 70,000 inhabitants. There is not a lack of things to do though, and I often take walks along the river that runs through the city. The landscape here reminds me a lot of Nebraska, actually. I've been to Spain before- 3 years ago, I studied abroad in Granada, so the country was not totally foreign to me. However, it has been a much different experience than studying abroad. I still travel a decent amount, but I am here in Palencia more because this is where my job is. There is a good amount of adjustment and dealing with bureaucracy because you are a more "permanent" resident than someone just studying here. My job is very fulfilling though and makes those things worth dealing with. The kids I work with are very sweet, always have questions about what the United States is like, and, for the most part, genuinely want to learn English. I have also improved my Spanish and met some good friends.
What is your advice for current GLST majors interested in applying to teach abroad in the future?
I recommend it! Whether you know that teaching is what you want to do for a career, or are as unsure as I was about it, it is an excellent opportunity. You not only get experience abroad but will no doubt improve your skills in your host country's language and learn to communicate and cooperate with people who come from a totally different background as you. It's nice because if you really enjoy your city and/or country, you can renew to work another year. And if not, you are not tied to it. The program lasts for one school year, so it's a long enough time to get a feel for a place, and short enough that if you want to explore other careers or jobs afterward, it's only been a school year. But I have not met one person who regrets their time abroad teaching. If anyone has questions about Spain specifically, I would be happy to answer them!