Skip to main content
Science › Biomedical Physiology + Kinesiology
SFU Co-op Student

two heritage buildings in barcelona
Credit
unsplash.com
At the end of the day, my role is not directly related to BPK, but what I am gaining is an experience I would not be able to get if I had stayed in Canada. I am living in a world with different norms and in a place where I cannot communicate perfectly, so I really do learn something new everyday

“I’m moving to Barcelona!”  This was the first thing I said to my mom when I heard I got the job as an English Language Assistant through a company called Comodin Barcelona.  It was an expression filled with excitement, anxiousness, and accomplishment.  Most people I told were overjoyed as well, however they would always say, “Oh, but you’re in BPK-- that’s not related.”  Believe me, I also thought my first co-op position would be in a physiotherapy clinic or rehabilitation centre, but I could not say “no” to the opportunity to live in a different country and to be immersed in a different culture for nine months, while at the same time gaining credits for school and acquiring the experience of a lifetime.  Yes, I am in BPK, and the job I took was to teach the English language in Spain.  It might not be directly related, but is it educational? Yes. 

Culture Shock: From Canada to Spain 

What is the difference between Canada and Spain? To begin with, there is that whole language thing. I was not required to know Spanish or Catalan fluently prior to my arrival, so I was lucky to have plenty of help with the languages from the people around me.  For instance, the host-family I am staying with is more than accommodating, especially when they helped me obtain the required papers and documents for my stay.  At the school where I teach, there are tutors who help me with everything I need there. That being said, fortunately enough for me, I also have a great Spanish language instructor who is helping me reach a functional level of the Spanish language.  

Secondly, the culture in general, is a social one.  For example, when you first walk into a room, you enter with a “Hola” or “Buenas” and there is always someone who replies paired with a smile.  Or, if you are in a line at the grocery store waiting to be served and the customer in front of you is having a conversation with the cashier, that discussion takes priority over you.  This is quite the opposite in Canada. However, when you are the one who is new to the country and culture, it really helps to have the warmness and friendliness, which makes it easier for you to feel less alone.  Even amongst the children I work with, sure there are times they do not get along, but it never seems to last and the students always end their exchange with laughter.  

Lastly, a change in culture inevitably means a change in diet.  The Catalan menu is mainly Mediterranean, which means that there is plenty of olive oil, salt, cold cuts and fish.  There is also an abundance of coffee and “pa i xocolata” (bread and chocolate).  I am not only talking about the dinner and lunch menu though, but also snacks.  For example, unsalted nuts are a difficult item to find in a Catalan grocery store and if you want some water, you will probably have to buy it.  The major meals of the day undeniably differ, but the changes in small servings do not go unnoticed either. 

Nick smiling

Adapting to a New Role

Apart from the cultural differences, I have also had to adapt to my new role as an English Language Assistant.  The school I am at definitely utilizes native English speakers to their full extent.  Currently, I am teaching students ages 12-18, some of the teachers at the school, and an extracurricular class for a few adults who have signed up.  The majority of my classes contain approximately 15-18 students.  My role consists of teaching speaking and writing to the 12-18 year olds, planning class activities for those lessons, marking assignments and instituting exams.  At first I felt overwhelmed.  The planning, the public speaking, the language barrier, all did a great job of raising my stress levels.  I am also an untrained teacher with experience only in coaching soccer for two years; I thought I was going to be in over my head. Nevertheless, with the support from my colleagues, host-family and fellow English Language Assistants at my school, I was able to find a comfortable level at which to work.  I feel like I have been able to adapt to the culture well and learn some of the do’s and don’ts when trying to teach a class.  For example, never go in unprepared and, if you are prepared, be ready to change the activity if it is not going as planned.  Teaching is a very active role and it takes plenty of effort to do it well.

Park Guell; colourful mosaic buildings

Advice to Those Going Abroad

If I were to give some advice for someone wanting to do a co-op term (or terms) abroad, I would say the most important thing is to EXPECT THE DIFFERENCES. There is a great article called “Culture Shock” (SFU International Co-op, n.d.) provided through the SFU BIL program that really helped me prepare for my trip.  It outlines what feelings you may come across throughout your journey and how to manage them appropriately. I found it very useful and it has unquestionably augmented my stay. It is also important to research your new home before you arrive at your destination.  What norms are different, common food items, or the different ways of being polite.  For example, in Spain, men great women by doing a cheek-to-cheek kiss two times, first on one cheek, then on the other.  My question is though, which side do you do first, left or right?  I’ll let you find the answer.  If you are in a home-stay program, it is important to recognize you are moving into someone else’s home.  They may have different rules than you are accustomed to and it is important to respect those rules while at the same time setting your own boundaries.  For example, if your bedroom door is closed, it means do not disturb. Or in my case, I am here for the family to better their English so it is important for me to spend time with the children and parents while speaking in English so their investment is not wasteful.

At the end of the day, my role is not directly related to BPK, but what I am gaining is an experience I would not be able to get if I had stayed in Canada. I am living in a world with different norms and in a place where I cannot communicate perfectly, so I really do learn something new everyday.  Each day presents itself with a new challenge, and each day I observe something new about how the world works a quarter of the way around the planet.

SFU Co-op Student
visibility  104
Dec 15, 2014

You Might Like These... Co-op Reflections, Professional Development, Career Exploration, Seeking, Work Term Extension

author, courtney, smiling
A Second Term in Government: More of the Same?

Having completed my first work term for Health Canada as a Communications Officer Intern, I was eager to try something new, and the government was not where I believed that was going to happen. That is until I was offered a position at Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada...

picture of glichelle pondering a though
Surviving Workplace Politics

Ever been peeved with workplace politics? Have you ever been a victim of office politics? One student shares her experiences from the workplace with tips on how to survive.

 

person with their head in a book
Responsibility and Success

One of the most memorable parts of my time in co-op was the collection of accidents, errors, mistakes, and mix-ups that happened in the course of working in the laboratory.

 

You Might Like These... Co-op Reflections

David at a Japanese tourist location
Going International With CJCP
Considering going International for your next Co-op experience? Read about how David went to Japan to utilize his engineering experience with the Canada Japan Co-op Program.
Jenny Vo Headshot
How to Maximize Your Return on University Investment | Part One | Get Involved and Utilize On-Campus Resources

Have you ever wondered why you should go to university and what you have done to make your university life meaningful? Have you ever been in a situation where you have no clue of what to do with your life and how to start making every penny of your tuition fees worth it? Have you ever felt frightened when thinking about your future career? I was in the same position so I want to share some tips on how to not regret going to school and how to get ready to face your future!

R to L: Corinna Bjornson Board President, Dixon Society Nicole Skuce Resource Development Coordinator, Adele Wilson Executive Director, VanCity Representative, accept a $10,000 community action grant from VanCity.
English Alumnus Finds Work in Social Development Through SFU Co-op

Nicole Skuce, Arts and Social Sciences Co-op alumnus, was able to use her networking skills to turn one of her Co-op work terms into a career. Read on to discover how she effectively used her time at SFU as a stepping stone to her current position.