"My experience at IES Juan de Mairena was incredible. I was there for two years and the only reason I didn't stay a third is because of the 2-year limit in Andalusia. I worked with students between 1º-4º of ESO in a wide variety of classes: technology, physical education, history, biology, physics and chemistry. 

The staff at the school (especially the bilingual coordinator) made me feel very welcome and comfortable.

 Every teacher has a different way of working with language assistants but I was able to develop great working relationships with several of them who I still keep in touch with. The school's location is great, directly across from the last metro stop which runs very frequently and reliably. The teachers always made me feel included in all social events that were organized to ensure I was a part of the school community.

Overall, I would highly recommend working at IES Juan de Mairena because of the professional atmosphere and sense of community, as well as the convenient access/location of the school".

      Quinton Vass

" I was lucky enough to spend two years working as a Language Assistant at IES Juan de Mairena. If I could, I would have loved to return for another year! The teachers were really great to coordinate with, usually preparing materials for me to use with the class, or letting me know in advance what I can prepare for the lesson. The students, especially 1 ESO, were very welcoming and most groups would light up when I walked into the room. You really make a difference without even realizing it and it's a rewarding feeling. The school itself puts on different events throughout the year that as a Language Assistant you can participate in, such as a Book Fair, the Womens Day March, Gymkhana, and I even got invited on a few day field trips including Tree Top Trekking. If you get the opportunity to work at this school, I say confidently that you won the auxiliaries lottery! " 

            Leah Ayliffe

Being able to work at Juan de Mairena has been an absolute pleasure. I have been here for about a year and if it were allowed, I would have stayed as long as I could! Since day one, I was welcomed with open arms and have been supported through every step of the way. The level of English that all the teachers possess is nothing short of impressive. They have always provided me with learning materials beforehand or have told me in advance to prepare a lesson. When I have been asked to prepare a lesson, they have let me explore my creativity and have given me a lot of open choices. The students are also very welcoming. I can guarantee, everyday, at least one student stops me in the hallway to say hello. 

When I walk into a classroom, at least 3 students always approach me to ask how I am doing. It is very refreshing to see and experience such kindness. Many of the students are eager to practice their English and are constantly asking questions on how they can improve. When you work at Juan De Mairena, you are able to go beyond the classroom in teaching. 

I have been able to participate in field trips and school-wide activities such as the Gymkhana Roman Olympics. Conveniently located right off the metro, the city of Mairena itself has a lot to offer. My experience at Juan de Mairena will be one I will never forget and anyone who works here will be lucky!!

Maxx Rangel Clemente

IES Juan de Mairena is a friendly environment, with popular music playing in the school corridors at breaktimes and many students keen to say hello to you between lessons. The coordinator has been very supportive, enthusiastic about involving me and the other language assistant in many school activities, and it’s been a great chance to understand Spanish culture from a different perspective.

I would say the most challenging aspect has been understanding the Andalusian accent, but the experience overall has been great exposure to Spanish on a daily basis, as well as a chance to get involved in the many festivos in the school year.

Ask the students about their lives outside of school and you will hear that they are quite excited to tell you about their accomplishments; there are some professional swimmers, some skilled in karate, and even a student training to be a torero.

If you’re a new language assistant heading to IES Juan de Mairena, then make sure you try the cañas in the canteen, go to the Feria de Abril, and make the most of hearing curious stories from all the students.

Hazel Duffell

Looking back on my time as an English Language Assistant at Juan de Mairena, I can say it has been an incredibly rewarding and enriching experience. 

Since October, I have had the opportunity to support English language development across a wide range of subjects, including Biology, Geography and History, Technology, Physics, and Physical Education.

In the classroom, my main role involved reading from materials, explaining activities in English, and helping students develop their understanding of the language. I also enjoyed speaking one to one with the students about lesson topics, encouraging them to use English in a natural, conversational way. 

In PE, it was particularly fun to explain the rules of different sports and chat to students about what they were playing as well as joining in. 

One of the highlights of the year was taking part in cultural activities. I gave presentations for Welcome Week, Halloween, and Cultural Week, which was a great way to share aspects of British culture. The students were always curious and enthusiastic, which made these moments especially memorable.

The structure of working first with 3rd and 4th ESO students, and later focusing on 1st and 2nd ESO, worked really well. It gave me time to build relationships with different age groups and better understand their levels of English. The teachers were also very supportive and made a real effort to involve me in lessons, often giving me specific tasks or roles within the class.

Beyond the classroom, I especially enjoyed going on school trips, particularly to the Sierra Nevada in Granada for a skiing trip and to Waingunga in Huelva, another Physical Education trip. In addition, we had many teacher get togethers - allowing me to get to know my colleagues. 

The school is also located in a really good location, with a metro stop just outside, allowing me to reach the centre of Sevilla in less than 15 minutes, making the journey to work very straightforward. 

Overall, this has been a very positive experience. I’ve learned so much about Spanish culture, traditions, and language, and I truly hope the students have also gained valuable insights into British culture and improved their confidence in speaking English. 

It’s a year I will remember very fondly, and I’m grateful to have been part of such a welcoming school community - both students and teachers. 

Charlie Landenberger