Andi's Dreams of Spain

Andrea McCraine Start Date: Mar 4, 2023 - End Date: Jul 3, 2023

My Travel Story

by: Andrea McCraine Start Date: Mar 4, 2023 - End Date: Jul 3, 2023
Hi everyone! My name is Andi, and I am a former Special Education teacher now living, working, and studying in Spain. In the 13 years I spent teaching, I heard several of my colleagues talk about opportunities to teach overseas. I had always thought it was something I would also like to do "someday". During the pandemic, I decided that "someday" never comes if I don't do something about it - so I did! I did my research and found a program that would allow me to earn TEFL certification and work as an English teacher while studying Spanish language and culture under a student visa. I applied for the visa, saved money to support myself while living in Spain, and downsized my home - selling things I wouldn't need and putting the rest in storage. I am now 7 months into my year-long experience, and it has been great! However, after all of my research, I have found that while the price of housing has increased from what I had been told, the wages a TEFL teacher can earn have not kept up. I am working on establishing a side business as a freelancer, but it takes time to attract clients and turn a profit. I am growing concerned that my savings will not stretch to cover my expenses for the remainder of my time in Spain. I have set aside my Spanish language and cultural studies for now to devote more time to my freelance business. Any contributions will help me meet my basic expenses so that I can continue my studies and fulfill my dream of learning about and experiencing a new culture while teaching overseas.