What is your favorite travel memory?
As a person who loves to travel, it is difficult for me to choose just one memory. I would probably choose one from my childhood with my family. We always spent our summers in the south of Spain, well known for its warmth, spectacular beaches, and wonderful people. And what to say about the Mediterranean food! I enjoyed a lot during those years, and I should go back soon.
How have you changed/grown since working for your current company?
Absolutely. I started as practically a kid. I mean, I had just finished college. Starting to work at Meddeas was an incredible opportunity that has allowed me to mature and grow personally and professionally. I learn new things every day, and it's really rewarding to help young people live an experience abroad and get their professional future on track. I empathize a lot with them in that sense, and I see myself reflected in some way.
What is the best story you've heard from a return student?
Expanding your horizons in all facets is part of the experience of teaching abroad. Participants not only learn as professionals, but they create lifelong bonds, get to know a new culture, improve their level of Spanish, and travel all over the country and Europe. It is truly the experience of a lifetime.
If you could go on any program that your company offers, which one would you choose and why?
I would choose the Recent Graduate Placement since I have no Education studies. It is very well-rounded, and even if you are not a teacher, it allows you to gain professional experience abroad and improve soft skills such as communication, listening, time management, problem-solving, leadership, and empathy, among others.
If I had studied Education, I would definitely choose either the Education Graduate or the Early Childhood Educator Work Experience. If I were still a student, the Co-Op Student Placement. If I were looking for a shorter experience without the need for a visa, I would choose the One-Term Volunteer Placement.
What makes your company unique? When were you especially proud of your team?
I consider it unique for many reasons and it is something we are very proud of. Participants in the program gain professional teaching experience in private and charter schools in Spain. In addition, not only does the internship have that practical part, but it also includes a TEFL course that allows participants to acquire knowledge and apply it in the classroom at the same time. Another thing that makes our programs unique is the possibility of staying with a host family so that the cultural immersion is total. Oh, and there are no fees!
What do you believe to be the biggest factor in being a successful company?
While knowledge and skills are essential, I think what really changes the rules of the game is attitude. That is, people who work as a team for a cause. That's why I'm proud to be part of Meddeas, as the team is made up of motivated people committed to helping create a better world through teaching and professional development.
Response from Meddeas
We are very sorry that you feel this way about your experience with us. We work steadily to provide good support to all the Language Assistants, it is one of our main values.
To complete that internship you have between 20 and 24 teaching hours. As you mention, you are not going to be in the school only up to these hours, due to the school's organization and schedule. You will have gaps between your teaching hours that can be used to prepare lessons or do your online course, it is totally up to you actually what you do during those gaps! All this is explained in the FAQs on our website, so every participant has this information available before applying to the programs.
We appreciate the feedback because we do take into account all the opinions that we receive from our participants. We are always ready to learn new things and change aspects of the programs if they need to be changed.