What an incredible 5 weeks!

I had been planning to post this for the last few days but I've got slightly distracted. I've dedicated today to sorting everything out, including unpacking which up till now only consisted of me emptying my suitcase onto the floor😶. I wanted to do this final blog as a way to round off this experience. I'm aware nobody is likely to read this now, but I've actually discovered blogging is a useful way to work through your thoughts. I don't want to make this too emotional or cringy but more just a reflection of the last five weeks. 

Before embarking on this journey, I was terrified to be quite honest, I didn't know what to expect and I didn't think I'd be good enough. 5 weeks later and I can honestly say its the best thing I've ever done, in more ways than one. I have gained confidence and learnt some much in terms of teaching but I also just had a great time in Valencia with everybody too. I have made some great friends, one in particular who without her I think I would have had a completely different experience. Hannah and I were put together sharing a room. We both admitted on the last night that we were scared we'd hate each other and be stuck alone with each other in a flat. Luckily, we got on really well and we were there for each other when school or anything else was a little challenging. 

Returning to the UK I have to admit has been a little challenging. Despite, the surprisingly sunny weather for London, I was feeling pretty low when I was on the train home through London and when I got home too. Valencia already felt like a lifetime ago and it felt odd not having Hannah to talk to. I also felt naked without the protection of a mask on the metro😂That first evening back in Surrey consisted of me sitting feeling sorry for myself.  What made it worse was that my dog wasn't even remotely excited to see me - I think she'd forgotten who I was or she was annoyed at me for leaving her for so long😂

In terms of teaching, I have discovered that teenagers aren't nearly as bad to teach as I was expecting. Even though I was only 4 years older than some of my students and three years older than the oldest students in the school they respected me as their teacher. I was worried they'd see me as their equal so to speak and wouldn't listen or do what I asked them to. But, I shouldn't have worried. Although there were of course naughty students, that comes with the job, and wasn't a reflection on me but rather just the kids - that's what they're like. 

Anyway, it was a wonderful experience to share with everyone and I hope everybody else enjoyed it and learnt as much as I did. Hannah and I are going to return to Valencia next year and hopefully by then we'll be doing EFL full time! 

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