Academic year 2021-2022

I came to IES Estuaria in my second year as a language assistant and had a great time. The school has a lot of students and is quite busy, but the program is well organised, the staff are very dedicated and they will make you feel at home right away.

Huelva is an interesting city which is conveniently close to Seville and Portugal and is surrounded by lots of beaches, villages and other places that are worth visiting. There was no shortage of things to do and my weekends were very full.

If I had participated in the Auxiliares program for a third year, I would have been more than happy to stay there!

Academic year 2022-2023

Why did you choose Andalusia/Huelva to be an assistant?

I chose Andalusia because it is sunnier and warmer here than in the rest of Spain. Plus, because the region is large and well populated, there are more opportunities as an assistant in Andalusia than in some other regions. 

How do you feel about living in Huelva? 

Huelva is a very comfortable city. It’s much easier to walk from place to place here in Huelva because of its size. I like that it is warmer here overall. The people are often very friendly, and it’s a good environment to practice Spanish. 

Despite a long, rich history it is certainly not the most architecturally arousing city, and some of the most beautiful and historical places in the province go without any public transportation to get to them.

What advantages are there about living in Huelva? 

Because it is small, it is easy to get around the city. It’s a cheap city to live in as well, which I appreciate. Despite it being a smaller city, you can generally find everything you need to live without issue. There are plenty of stores and supermarkets, and two shopping malls (though Holea is better). 

Moreover, it is small, but there are many events that are organized locally. Information may sometimes be sparse or hard to find, but Huelva is not without fairs and concerts and other activities. 

What do you do in your free time here?

I like to go to Parque Moret and walk the trails there. I’ve also walked the entire Paseo de la Ria to the Columbus monument, though it is very long. Otherwise, I usually cook, read, or watch movies. On some weekends, I have traveled, such as to Portugal or Sevilla, and occasionally further when time allows. There are several breaks and extra long weekends during the year that allow for that. 

Do you have enough time to travel and get to know the area? 

Yes, I think so. Despite having to rely on buses and public transport, you can travel quite easily to Sevilla and Faro, where you can fly to many other destinations. It is easy to get to the beach from Huelva, and you can even go just for the afternoon after school has ended. 

Was it easy to find housing in Huelva?

I did not personally find it easy. It took more than two weeks of searching to find an apartment, and many people did not answer when we responded to their rental listing. The earlier you arrive, the easier it can be, and it may be necessary to contact a real estate agency to find something. Even if you are not yet in Spain, it might be prudent to start messaging potential accommodations the week ahead of your arrival to try to get a response and perhaps more information. 

How do you get to work?

I live only about six minutes walking from Estuaria (maybe four if I’m running late) so I always just walk to the school. 

What do you do working as an assistant?

Because I am not in English classes, it always depends on the subject. I have prepared presentations on different units such as the geography, climate, history, and government of the United States (my home country) and North America. Sometimes I help the teachers lead the lessons in English. I have also prepared subject specific vocabulary for classes such as math and geography, and worksheets or activities to help them utilize the new terminology. 

Sometimes, I have collaborated with the teachers to organize or assist with a project that uses English, and I often help the students with writing in English in their subjects other than English. 

What do you like most about your job at Estuaria? 

The school has been pretty welcoming and I’ve enjoyed working with both the students and the teachers. It is fun to introduce elements of my culture and my country to the students, and hear about their own in Spain. 

Have you had any problems or difficulties at work? 

I haven’t had many specific problems. But as with any school, sometimes, the students get rowdy and hard to control in class. Sometimes, there are lapses in communication between me and some teachers, and I may find myself without something to help with in class that day for one subject or another because their lesson is not conducive to having an assistant in class.