Our 4th ESO Oral English students have prepared an interview for our English-speaking assistant, Evan. They have asked him a variety of things ranging from Evan’s opinions about Spain to his job or habits.
Student: Hello Evan! Thanks for doing this interview with us. How are you?
Evan: Hello! I’m glad to be here. Today I’m a little bit sad because it is raining.
S: Tell us, where are you from?
E: I’m from Wisconsin, in the north of the United States.
S: How many states have you visited?
E: A lot of them. One of my favourite states is California because there are mountains and beaches, as well as Yosemite, a really cool National Park.
S: Did you enjoy your teenage years in the States?
E: Honestly, not really. I was working as a lifeguard and swim instructor, so I was very busy with that, sports and other after school activities, and stressed about doing well in school and getting good qualifications.
S: How different are high schools in Spain and the States?
E: High schools are very different between Spain and the United States. Some differences are the classes, because in the United States the students have the same schedule every day with the same seven classes. Generally, high schools in the States start at 7:45 and finish at 15:05 with 30 minutes for lunch, so students are in school for a long time. I feel like in general, the level of education is higher in Spain because each class builds off the previous year. In the States, high schoolers will have one year of biology, but never study it again, or one year of geometry, but never learn about it in later years. So in the States the learning and education is very disconnected.
S: What did you study in the States?
E: I studied to be a language teacher.
S: Why did you decide to come to Spain?
E: My brother signed up for the Teaching Assistants program and I thought it would be fun and a good way to leave the United States and see the world.
S: When you first came to Spain, what was the thing you liked the most about this country?
E: I was very excited for the beach because I don’t have this where I’m from, but also to learn about the Spanish school system and meet the students!
S: How was your first day at work in this high school in Spain?
E: I was very stressed because I didn’t know what I was doing or where I was going. In the United States, the teachers have one classroom and stay in it all day long while the students move from classroom to classroom. Here, it’s the opposite.
S: What has been your greatest challenge so far in your career as an English-speaking assistant?
E: My greatest challenge has been creating engaging lessons for the students to get them practicing English at a level that is challenging but still accessible.
S: Have you visited your family since you arrived in Spain?
E: I have visited my brother who lives near Alicante at the moment but not the rest of my family.
S: Do you miss your family and friends?
E: Of course, it’s really difficult to leave your life as you know it and move somewhere new without knowing anyone.
S: Do you like Spaniards?
E: Yes, they are very open and welcoming.
S: What was the most difficult habit to adapt in Spain?
E: Obviously, the language, but also the mealtimes are very different. They’re much later! In the United States we eat lunch around 12 and dinner around 18 in the evening.
S: Is it difficult for you to learn Spanish?
E: Yes! Learning any language is difficult so I understand that English is difficult for the students to learn.
S: Have you visited other countries in Europe or other places in Spain?
E: Yes, over the Christmas break I visited Germany, Luxemburg and Belgium, as well as several places in Spain.
S: About food, what do you like the most and the least?
E: In Spain I really like ham croquettes and in general I don’t like celery.
S: What do you do in your free time?
E: Great question! I’m trying to learn Spanish, so I study and read a little bit. I also like to be outside, so on the weekends I try to go to the beach or go hiking when I have time. I love coffee and cooking, and enjoy listening to music in both Spanish and English.
S: What is your favourite sport?
E: I like soccer and swimming.
S: Where do you see yourself in 5 years’ time?
E: Hopefully I can go back to the United States to work as a teacher again. Although, next year I hope to stay in Spain and be an English-speaking assistant again!
S: That’s all. Thanks again for sharing a part of you with us!!
E: Anytime!! It’s been fun!
