Hi everyone! My name is Susannah Green. I was the language assistant at IES Pablo Neruda this year. I am from Virginia in the USA. I studied English literature and Spanish language in university. I have always had an interest in the culture and history of Spain, and I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to live in Sevilla for a year. My favorite things about Sevilla are walking by the river, eating at local tapas bars, and going to Maria Luisa Park.
My coordinator Elena, and all of the teachers here at Pablo Neruda have been so kind and welcoming to me. They have helped Sevilla become home, helped me improve my Spanish, and have taught me so much about Sevillana culture and life. They have invited me into their homes, driven me to and from school, and conversed with me in Spanish and English during breakfast and throughout the school day. They helped me feel comfortable and have given me the best possible experience. I am grateful for the friendships I’ve made with many of the teachers this year.
My job at the school is primarily to converse with the students in English. Even though they have bilingual classes and teachIam the native English speaker in the classroom and also represent life and culture from the USA. I have gotten to know all the students in the school as I enter every bilingual class. Classes that I enter are Biology, Physical Education, Technology, Geography and History, Art, and occasionally an English class if needed. The teacher gives me the material for the week, and I teach the presentation, lead the necessary activities, and explain the instructions all in English. While the students work on projects I float around the room and take turns conversing with different students. My favorite part of the job is building relationships with the students so that they feel confident to speak with me in English, no matter their level. The students are so much fun and have helped me learn more about Sevillana and Spanish culture as well. One time, the students even taught me how to dance Sevillanas! They made my job easier, and I had fun with them every day. I am grateful to have met and laughed with all of them. I have seen so much improvement in their English this year. Many of them left me with parting gifts and notes (in English!) expressing their thanks to me for the year. I will miss each of them a lot. Attached below are links to the presentations that I created this term for various classes. Thank you for everything Pablo Neruda!
My advice for the next Auxiliar is to take every opportunity to talk with the students about anything and to get to know the teachers. Eat breakfast with the teachers – it is a great opportunity to get connected with the school. Everyone wants to get to know you and hear about your life and experience, so don’t be afraid to get involved.
Urbanism in Spain vs. the USA: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1WQb9v1vOXKI5NbDS0ehmAygRiN5ShEc3l9yqdoh_C6s/edit?usp=share_link
Urbanism Quiz: https://docs.google.com/document/d/19XKUivcUbuehQRdfKtFoHbRvj-y88VWBE3ik8X3YGvg/edit?usp=share_link
Ecosystems in Andalusia: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1OwrsXmp13kI7ojs3mt3Jc4X3IrjP5Tc3zZLPUPlYYTw/edit?usp=share_link
The Spanish Armada: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1ppUmuuhCHqGZdaXYbDFLyMdMsDR_XZy7zsAVNHo2w3A/edit?usp=share_link
USA Native Americans Quiz: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1sOmy4zRQJKNwnjJECRknzoKyRy9hEmDLNUvr_gjVjds/edit?usp=share_link
Tree Facts: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1pmWa5nhwOwEkWkEAtNvQonhW5vvTyL8VSiSFJpJ2IsQ/edit?usp=share_link
Organ Transplant Questions: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1hH4NDo-mfhkowOdc7VhZWGL6A4TahpNglWXQ7sNaamA/edit?usp=share_link
