Greenheart Travel

Author: Emily Bouroudjian

The Dos and Don’ts of Being a High School Exchange Student in Ireland

By Madeleine Casteel, High School Abroad Ireland Fall Semester 2024

Being a high school exchange student in Ireland is an adventure filled with constant drizzle and warm conversations. It is a chance to step out of your comfort zone and create memories you’ll carry forever—but only if you play it right. Based on my experience, here are some dos and don’ts to make the most of it.

Do Say “Yes”
When someone invites you to join a Gaelic football match, take a weekend trip, or try black pudding for breakfast, say yes! These experiences, the spontaneous ones, are the ones that will stick with you long after you leave. I was hesitant at first because I like planning things all the way out, but pushing myself to participate opened doors to friendships and so many moments I would have never had otherwise.

Don’t Overcommit
That said, don’t feel pressured to do everything. Taking time for yourself isn’t “wasting” your experience—it’s keeping your battery charged. Some of my favorite days, and actually most of my days, were spent in my host home, drinking tea, journaling, and letting myself just be. Balance is key.

Do Step Outside Your Comfort Zone
Ireland is the perfect place to try new things in a low-pressure environment. Whether it’s striking up a conversation with someone in the shop uptown or volunteering to read aloud in class, lean into the unfamiliar. My shaky attempt at a speech in my American accent wasn’t perfect, but my debate team loved the effort, and I loved the support. Take advantage of the fact that your time is limited and you won’t see a lot of these people again! Use your free-will as much as you can.

Don’t Hold Grudges
Living in close quarters with new people can sometimes create tension. Let go of small annoyances and don’t waste your time holding onto petty drama. I learned that forgiving quickly keeps things positive and helps you make the most of your relationships.

Do Dress for the Weather
Irish weather is a character all on its own. You’ll need a solid raincoat and waterproof shoes. Forget umbrellas—they won’t survive the wind. People might tell you that the locals don’t wear raincoats but it’s completely untrue. If it’s raining, everyone has clothes for the weather. Being prepared meant I could enjoy Ireland rain or shine (but mostly rain).

Don’t Forget to Document the Journey
The days can blur together, so find a way to remember them. Journaling is a MUST and it’s a great habit to have when you get back home. A random, mundane memory about walking home in the rain or a joke about your host sibling will feel like finding gold when you look back later.

Do Connect with Other Exchange Students
Of course, getting to know locals is important, but don’t forget about the other exchange students around you. They’re going through the same ups and downs, and there’s something comforting about being able to laugh (or vent) with someone who really gets it. Those friendships can become some of the strongest bonds you’ll make.

The Bottom Line
Being an exchange student in Ireland is about more than the postcard-perfect views. It’s about all of the in-betweens and everyday choices you make. You decide what your study abroad will be. It’s not always easy, but trust me, it’s worth it!

February 24, 2025
12 Honest Pieces of Advice for New EPIK Applicants and Teachers
By: Samantha DiVito, Teach Abroad South Korea EPIK Alumni

Whether you’re already excitedly packing your suitcases or just beginning your application journey for a new life as a public school teacher in EPIK, it never hurts to get the insight of someone who has been there, done that. I taught for two consecutive years in EPIK in gorgeous Chungbuk, a province located conveniently in the center of South Korea, from August 2018 to August 2020. Clearly the experience changed my life and made me fall in love with this dynamic country because I married a Korean and never left! With some time to reflect on what worked for me and helped me settle in to make the best of my EPIK years, and also with reflection on what I wish I had skipped or handled differently, here is my list of the best dozen pieces of honest advice I have to offer. Good luck with wherever your EPIK journey takes you!
1. Be open-minded about your placement. With EPIK, unlike selecting a job at a hagwon, you do not get to choose where in the country you will be placed. EPIK might ask you for preferences and make some offers, but you can’t outright tell them where to put you. I requested Gwangju, a major city in the south, and got placed in a lesser-known province. And by “lesser known” I mean I had never heard of it and bawled my eyes out on the sofa dramatically when I found out my placement. But, as it turns out, Chungbuk is a fantastic, beautiful place to live with wonderful people, culture, easy transportation to anywhere else in Korea, and opportunities to really make a difference in the lives of children. It wasn’t as rural or isolated as I had feared – not even close! And I made wonderful friends and memories for two years there. I still think of it as my Korean hometown. So don’t rush your judgment if you don’t get the placement you had hoped for.
1. Make other EPIK teacher friends! These will be foreigners who are having a shared life experience and are therefore easy to talk to about your time in Korea. Hopefully you can meet many of them at orientation and then later meet some EPIK veterans who are already in your city or province.
2. Accept that culture shock will absolutely happen in some form or another during your first year and do your best to work through it. Here’s where you and your EPIK friends can lean on each other for support. For me personally, I was in a fog of having so much fun and trying new things for the first six to nine months that I didn’t start experiencing real, deep culture shock until that point. After some time, I got through it, and you will too!
1. Make Korean friends. Of course! They could be your co-teachers or other coworkers at school. Maybe you could meet some people through local language exchange meet-up programs (which are usually held at cafes or bars) or language exchange apps like HelloTalk, which is where I met most of my longterm Korean gal pals. Why bother going abroad if you’re not going to make friends there? It’s a rich friendship opportunity that can’t be missed. I found a core handful of friends who I have really bonded with over shared interests or perspectives. We have made great memories together from attending concerts, going on vacations together, and showing up for each other’s big events like weddings.
1. Learn your students’ names when possible! Especially if you’re teaching at any really small schools or have small class sizes. One semester, I had about 500 students so I really couldn’t memorize all their names. But at one of my schools, I only had a total of 15 students so I learned their names right away.
1. Put your best foot forward teaching. Sure you might be taking the EPIK job for the culture or travel experience, but this is a job and you will be a full-time teacher in public schools so you shouldn’t take it lightly. Utilize the skills that you learned and practiced before you arrived such as from your TEFL course, prior teaching experience, volunteer teaching experiences, and EPIK orientation. Take it seriously.
1. Lean on your EPIK friends for resources. You’ll be at different schools but keep the Kakaotalk group chats going by sharing game PPTs, activities, English camp ideas, and other resources, and asking each other for any kind of troubleshooting help when needed. You’re not alone!
1. Develop positive relationships with your Korean coworkers. This is especially important for your actual co-teachers but is also true in general for the homeroom teachers, vice principals, and main office staff as well. From day one, go in with a smile and be polite, even if you can’t speak Korean yet. With your co-teacher(s), try to avoid conflicts if you can with proper communication and flexibility. For some co-teachers, this may be their first time working with a foreign teacher. Even if it isn’t, they maybe didn’t choose the position and feel nervous or overwhelmed about handling things like translating for you in front of students, or arranging your housing, etc. Be patient with them. You don’t have to be best friends, but you definitely want to keep it positive to keep the work environment a happy place.
1. Try to learn Korean if you haven’t already. Hangeul (the easy Korean alphabet) is a must along with polite Korean and the basics to get by. How far you choose to pursue your studies beyond that is up to you, but always saying greetings and thank you’s in Korean to your co-teacher and vice principal when you see him or her, as well as trying to ask little questions or say something funny in Korean, can go a long way at school! Learning the language will also make your life outside of school way easier, especially if you are placed in a province rather than a major city. Consider self study or signing up for a class in your neighborhood with other new EPIK teachers. I’m happy with how I immediately learned hangeul, survival Korean, and grammar, but I spent years being afraid or nervous to try to have conversations and it delayed my language abilities by quite a bit. Don’t make the same mistake I did!
1. Use your vacation time wisely. While I understand some people may choose to stay home during vacation time for a variety of reasons such as saving money to pay off student loans, I really do encourage EPIK teachers to travel around Korea or beyond. EPIK has a lot more vacation time than hagwon jobs, which is one of the wonderful benefits of the program. When I was in EPIK, I traveled abroad each winter break and each summer break, and then I traveled within Korea via bus or train for long weekends and other holidays. Korea is a very short plane ride from anywhere in Japan as well as northeast mainland China, and isn’t far from Taiwan, Hong Kong, Guam, and southeast Asia.
1. Keep track of your completed lesson plans for each grade level and each school. (If you’re placed in a province, you will likely have more than one school to visit each week, and everyone I knew taught multiple grade levels.) You’ll want to do this so you can remember where and when you’ve already used a certain game, theme, or activity. One easy method to keep track is a Google spreadsheet like I made for each of my schools. I used the spreadsheet both years I taught in EPIK. Staying professional and organized is easy with any sort of online tool like a spreadsheet, and you’ll be glad you did this.
1. Renew your EPIK contract at least once! I’ve always firmly believed that one year in the program just is not enough to fully grow as a teacher, experience what Korea has to offer, adjust beyond the inevitable culture shock, and check off all the amazing things off a bucket or to-do list. I knew a few teachers who very firmly showed up on day one knowing that they could only spend one year here no matter how much they loved it, but I knew a lot more people who came thinking they’d only do one year but actually stayed for two or three. And plenty of my friends stayed beyond three years as well. Who knows, maybe you’ll never leave like me…!
February 7, 2025
The Biggest Culture Shock of Argentina: The Schedule
By: Naomi, High School Abroad Argentina Alumni, 2024 FTT Winner

Hi! I’m Naomi and I spent six months in Argentina for my student exchange. Before leaving for my trip, I was most definitely expecting to experience culture shock. However, I was surprised by the parts of the culture that ended up being the hardest for me to adapt to. Today I want to share the most challenging cultural aspects for me and how I worked through those differences.

Longer Days

In Argentina, the daily schedule is vastly different from what I was used to in the United States. The time you are awake is much longer and much of the “day” is spent at night. Most people wake up at around seven or eight in the morning and are awake until midnight or one in the morning. For reference, I had a schedule similar to this on weekdays:
- 7am to 9am wake up & eat breakfast
- 9am to 11am clean, exercise, prepare food, & homework
- 11am to 12pm lunch
- 1pm to 6pm school
- 7pm to 8pm merendar (snack)
- 8pm to 10pm sports
- 10pm to 11pm dinner
- 11pm to 12am family time & hygiene time
- 12am to 1am go to bed
On the weekends, the day becomes even longer, and it is common to not sleep much at all. People often will stay awake until 6 am and sleep for 3-4 hours before starting another day. Another distinction is that on the weekends people do not do much during the day. It’s only really towards the late afternoon and night that people will start hanging out with friends, going shopping, etc.

For me, this routine was a very hard change mostly because I was not expecting such a dramatic difference. When I finally actively realized that my schedule was going to be widely different here and that trying to keep the same routine I had in the U.S. was not the right option, I was able to adjust much more easily. It sounds like such a simple thing, but the mental switch allowed me to seek the help I needed to adjust to a new situation. While going through this process of adjustment, communicating about how I felt was crucial. It is nerve-racking to talk about how you might feel tired or uncomfortable with people who are unfamiliar to you. Despite this, it is very important to break down that barrier and share how you are feeling, especially with your host family. Once I addressed the problem with my host mom, we were able to create a plan to confront the problem I was having and resolve it, instead of me having to suffer through it on my own.

I was able to adjust to the new schedule fairly quickly after talking with my host mom and was able to enjoy my days a lot more. So, if you end up struggling with this new routine, don’t be afraid to talk about it with your host family. I guarantee it will help you!

Four Meals a Day

Another difference in daily life is that there are typically four meals a day in Argentina:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Merendar
- Dinner
This fourth meal is added because the days are so long that you need some extra fuel to keep you going. As in the U.S., it is common to have a snack after coming home from school, merendar is the same idea.

Another difference in Argentina is the size of meals. Lunch is the most important meal of the day, meaning it is also the largest. It is also very common to have lunch with your whole family (similar to traditional American dinners). All the other meals trail behind lunch and tend to be relatively small and variable. For example, it was not uncommon to not eat breakfast or dinner some days.

These differences were not as hard to adjust to. The biggest hurdle I encountered was communicating how I felt about not eating breakfast or dinner. Communicating about food or lack of food can be hard, but communicating how you are feeling about what you are eating is always the better idea. Once I asked about what meals would typically look like, I was able to feel more comfortable about the eating schedule and also plan food I wanted to eat or make on my own time, without feeling bad about it. Again, communication here is key.

Conclusion

Overall, I found that most of the problems and cultural differences I ran into could be solved through communicating with my host family about how I was feeling. They are your support system in-country and they want you to be happy and comfortable too. So, don’t hold back when problems arise, and good luck on this new adventure!
January 27, 2025
Money Saving Tips to use while Abroad in Spain

Zev Feldman is a First Time Traveler Winner and participant on Greenheart Travel’s Teen Summer Language Camp Spain Program

Salamanca, a historic city in western Spain, is renowned for its beautiful architecture, rich cultural heritage, and vibrant student life. While traveling to such an enchanting destination can often seem costly, there are numerous ways to explore Salamanca on a budget without missing out on its many charms. Here are some money-saving tips that will help you enjoy your trip to Salamanca without breaking the bank.

Cost-Effective Transportation

Salamanca is a compact city, making it easy to explore on foot. Walking not only saves money but also allows you to fully appreciate the city’s historic streets and architecture. For longer distances, the local bus system is efficient and inexpensive. A single bus ticket costs only a couple of euros, making it a very budget-friendly option. Additionally, renting a bike can be a fun and cost-effective way to see more of the city. Several rental shops offer reasonable daily rates, and the flat terrain of Salamanca makes biking an enjoyable experience. With many attractions close to each other, walking or biking around Salamanca will keep your transportation costs minimal.

Free and Discounted Attractions

Many of Salamanca’s iconic sights can be enjoyed for free. The Plaza Mayor, a grand square surrounded by impressive buildings, is a perfect example. It’s a great place to relax, people watch, and soak in the atmosphere. The Plaza also has lots of free concerts and spectacles The old and new cathedrals, though there is a small fee to enter, can be appreciated from the outside at no cost. The Casa de las Conchas, known for its unique façade adorned with shells, is another stunning sight that doesn’t require an entry fee. It is also the public library for the other book people out there.

Salamanca also boasts several beautiful parks and public spaces, such as the Huerto de Calixto y Melibea, a romantic garden offering panoramic views of the city. Additionally, if you’re a student, carrying your student ID can provide discounts at various museums and attractions. Many institutions offer reduced prices or even free entry to students, making it easier to explore the cultural richness of Salamanca on a budget.

Another great way to explore Salamanca is by joining free walking tours. These tours, usually operated by knowledgeable locals, work on a tips-only basis. They provide insightful introductions to the city’s history, architecture, and culture, and are a fantastic way to get acquainted with Salamanca without spending much money. One of the tours that I went on is the walking Graffiti tour, here are a few of the graffiti that I saw:

General Money-Saving Strategies

Using discount cards such as the Salamanca Tourist Card can provide savings on attractions, tours, and dining. These cards often include entrance to multiple sites and discounts at various restaurants and shops, offering excellent value for money.
To avoid extra charges, consider using a travel credit card with no foreign transaction fees. These cards can save you a considerable amount on currency exchange fees and are widely accepted throughout Spain. It’s also wise to withdraw cash from ATMs sparingly, as frequent small withdrawals can lead to high fees.
Planning and budgeting your trip carefully can also help you save money. Research and list the must-see attractions and look for any free events or festivals happening during your stay. This way, you can allocate your budget effectively and ensure that you don’t miss out on any key experiences.
By implementing these money-saving tips, you can fully enjoy the wonders of Salamanca without straining your budget. Whether it’s cost-effective transportation, exploring free attractions, or utilizing general savings strategies, there are plenty of ways to experience Salamanca’s rich culture and history while keeping expenses in check. So pack your bags, plan smartly, and get ready to discover this beautiful Spanish city without breaking the bank. Happy travels!

January 13, 2025
Exploring Fukuoka as a First-Time Traveler in Japan

Alana is a First Time Traveler Scholarship winner who attended Teen Summer Language Camp Japan in the summer of 2024. She told us about exploring her temporary home in Fukuoka.

By Alana, Teen Summer Language Camp Japan-Fukuoka Summer 2024

One of the expectations I had for Japan before I arrived was that I would be able to see many sights and do a lot of things, but I thought I would only be able to do those things with the school. I imagined everything would be too hard to get to by myself, but I quickly learned that that was not the case. I realized that there was always something new to try out and that places were relatively easy to get to even if they were far away. In Fukuoka, I was never bored and I always found something to do whether it was with friends or by myself.

I saw so many beautiful places including the white Torii gate at Sakurai Futamigaura, the five story pagoda at Tochoji Temple, and the Shinto Shrine in Dazaifu along with all the Torii gates located in it. With friends however, we visited more of the shops in the city and many restaurants where we tried many different dishes. We went to many Jump Shops, and different pop-up stores in the mall at Hakata Station. Canal City Mall was also a good place to go as there were many restaurants, clothing stores, and arcades. Hanging out with friends from school was also a lot of fun, as we all came from different parts of the world and therefore thought about things differently. We all were able to go together to places we each wanted to explore and show each other the things we liked and enjoyed.

For this reason my biggest take away from this experience was to come out of my shell and truly experience everything to its fullest. To talk to new people and make new friends, to learn about a different culture than mine, to go to places with people or alone to which I usually would not go to. I tried to not let my shyness stop me from trying new things and overall, I was able to experience so much and I am so grateful for this trip as I think it allowed me to grow as a person and let me see the world in a new light than I did before.

Learn more or apply for Greenheart’s Teen Summer Language Camp Japan.

December 18, 2024
From Sailing to Crepe Making: A Month of Fun in France

By Jade, Teen Summer Language Camp France: Saint-Malo, Summer 24

One of the most unique and rewarding experiences of my life was my time spent in Saint-Malo, France this past summer. I was not only immersed in French culture but was also surrounded by a melting pot of international students who all shared my sense of adventure and curiosity about the French language. The program I attended brought together people from all over the world, and what I thought would be a purely French cultural exchange turned out to be much more. I wasn’t just learning French and living with a host family – this experience introduced me to various cultures and languages that I had never anticipated.

When I first arrived, I expected to learn about French customs, language, and lifestyle. But soon I realized that my days were filled with meaningful connections with students from different parts of the globe. It was fascinating and heartwarming to witness people from such diverse backgrounds coming together, bonding over shared experiences, and learning about France together. From the very start, my classmates and I exchanged stories about our respective cultures, and I walked away with not only a deeper understanding of France and French culture but also newfound knowledge about countries and traditions far beyond its borders.

My host family was a key aspect to my learning. They were kind, caring, and treated me like one of their own. Every day, I was immersed in French—whether it was during meals, conversations, or when they recommended places for me to explore. They even showed me how certain foods were meant to be eaten the traditional French way! Because they only spoke French at home, my language skills improved tremendously, and I began to feel more confident using the language. I cannot imagine a better way to experience France and to really learn the language from locals.

At school, I had two teachers, each with their unique teaching style, yet both equally efficient in making learning fun and interactive. I remember one memorable activity where we went to a French supermarket to find various items, helping us practice vocabulary in a real-world setting. Every day was filled with opportunities to learn, not just from textbooks, but from experiences.

We also had an instructor who took us on exciting trips and activities after school. From mini-golf to crepe-making, there was always something new to look forward to. Saturdays were reserved for bigger adventures, like visiting the stunning Saint Mont-Michel or exploring the walled city of Saint Malo. One of the highlights was sailing, something I had never done before, but with the support and guidance of the staff, I felt safe and ended up loving it!

Reflecting on this month-long journey, I can truly say that it shaped me in more ways than one. I became more independent, learned not only about French culture but also about the cultures of my fellow students, and gained a newfound appreciation for different ways of life. This trip will forever remain a cherished memory, and I am incredibly grateful for the friendships, experiences, and lessons I gained along the way.

Learn more about Greenheart’s Teen Summer Language Camp France in Saint-Malo or Arcachon

November 25, 2024
My Host Family in Japan Opened My Eyes to the Culture!

Alana is one of Greenheart Travel’s First Time Traveler Scholarship winners. Hear about her experience while on the teen summer language camp Japan program

In the beginning of my program I was a bit worried about what my relationship would be like with a family that I have never met before. Would they lead a lifestyle very different to mine? I thought it would be hard for us to connect because they would have different values or expectations. I though that our differences both in culture and lifestyle would be too big and that we would not see eye to eye.

However, these differences were exactly what brought us together. Living with my host family was honestly one of the best experiences I had in Japan. We both got to teach each other about our cultures and language, something that I had never experienced before.

Because of my host family, I was able to experience many different local dishes that they would make for breakfast or for dinner. The daily morning meal would always consist of a bowl of rice and miso soup. This was something that I was not accustomed to at all back home, as I usually settle with bread and milk for breakfast. However, in Japan, I was set on wanting to try as many traditional or home cooked meals as I could, even though my regular diet does not include much fish or meat. With my host family, I ate eel for the first time, had delicious curry that they made, omelets, yakisoba, okonomiyaki, and tried many new flavors I had never tasted before. Although it was hard to adjust to these new foods, I really enjoyed being able to eat the food my host family prepared.

I believe that my stay with my host family allowed me to experience firsthand what life is like in Japan, go to local festivals, as well as to enjoy many traditional home cooked meals. Because my host family also had young children, they were able to teach me a lot of everyday speech and I was constantly surrounded by the Japanese language. My host family really encouraged me with my studies and I truly think that without them I would not be as motivated to learn as I am now.

Learn more about Greenheart Travel’s Teen Summer Language Camp Japan Program

October 18, 2024
A True Adventure – My Experience on Teach Adventure Thailand!

Lauren Peters participated in Greenheart Travel’s Work Abroad Program: Teach Adventure Thailand.

She gladly shared her thoughts on her time in Thailand and the differences she experienced with us:

Words cannot describe the wonderful perspective and lessons I’ve learned from my time participating on Teach Adventure Thailand. Between learning how to cook traditional Thai meals, to teaching children American games and English vocabulary – I was able to create bonds and memories that will last a lifetime. What is special about going to Thailand through Greenheart, is that you are able to experience Thailand in a less conventional route – you aren’t getting a tourist style cabana and complementary elephant ride. You get the chance to learn how to adapt your more luxurious way of living to how the grateful people of Thailand live day to day. With the Buddhist religion practiced by 95% percent of the country, minimalistic behaviors are adapted in the majority of living spaces, restaurants and communities. I now know to never take my way of living at home for granted. My adaption to a different way of life in Thailand was made easier when I partnered it with the tremendous hospitality of locals and other teachers I met along my travels from the North to the South.

One special experience that I will cherish forever is when I tried the Thai style bbq called “mu kratha”. We were able to boil an assortment of meats, vegetables and noodles over a pot. This meal was of course shared with everyone at the table over many mini plates which is a typical Thai styled etiquette. I found this type of eating to be very comfortable and really fun! Transportation was also a big shock to me and very fast-paced. It is not a lie when they say that Thailand has the most dangerous roads in the world. I found it wowing seeing families of 4 ride on one motorcycle next to me! I personally always loved getting rides home on a Tuk-Tuk after a night of exploring the towns.

During my first few days in Thailand, I stayed in Bangkok and met the whole group of participants. With some free time on our hands, we met up with some newer members in the program and went on a Gondola tour and saw the floating market. We also checked out the first of many night markets where I tried my first Duran, an exotic fruit, and boy did it stink. Our next adventure was in Hua Hin, which was more of a beach city in comparison to Bangkok. The orientation, which took place in a classroom, was very insightful. We learned get-to-know-you activities, took Thai speaking lessons, learned about Thai culture and were properly prepared to start working with the children (along with the great online course I took prior to traveling). Our accommodation in Hua Hin was a hotel located a few miles from the water and downtown area. It was a big adjustment for me to figure out things like when the AC should be turned on or finding places to eat. However, I felt that we always had a group of people from our program to explore with!

Walking around the streets of Thailand I felt very safe along with meeting new people. A fact that I learned in orientation was that the people of Thailand have a “good incentive” engraved into their culture. This meant that when the locals have the opportunity to do good (such as returning a lost phone to someone), they almost always do it because it will help rack up the worth of their life in heaven. This Buddhist action was displayed several times in prior participant groups as I was told many lost items would show up to my program’s office, including wallets and phones. As stated before, the roads in Thailand are fast but also a little bumpy!

I thoroughly enjoyed learning how different the expectations of the teachers are at each school for their students of varying age levels. For this reason, I felt really lucky to have been able to travel to other camp locations rather than staying in one area. I wouldn’t change my experience for the world. I highly recommend Greenheart to anyone who wants to do future travel as I felt they were very clear of expectations and very accommodatable.

Learn more about the Teach Adventure Thailand Program!

October 17, 2024
My Homestay Spain Experience!

My name is Casia, and I had the opportunity to travel to Madrid in the summer of 2024 on the Greenheart Travel Homestay Spain program.

My experience was amazing and I am beyond grateful that I had the chance to travel to Spain and meet so many amazing and beautiful people. My host family was by far the highlight of my trip, and I really felt like an important member of not only their nuclear family, but also their extended family. They were kind and caring, and helped me to adapt to the city and find my way around countless museums, train stations, and everywhere throughout Madrid!

Everyday Life in Madrid

Not only is the city and its people beautiful, the food is also delicious and the culture is rich! I made it a point of going to as many museums, galleries, and parks as possible because they are so accessible, with certain days being free to the public for a set amount of time. I was able to travel around with my host family and they educated me on the cultural and historical importance of certain places, which was amazing to hear from the local perspective. Not only did I grow closer to my host family by spending the time with them, but I also became closer to the culture by seeing its meaning and how locals lived it.

Initially, I found the social customs to be quite different from those in the United States. Formal pleasantries, such as greetings and saying excuse me, are valued in the US and I found that was not the case in Spain. Initially I mistook it for rudeness, however the more I learned about the culture, the more I understood that the people simply have their own ways of communicating that differ from those in the United States. Once you get to know someone they can be incredibly loving however, initial interactions might be different from what you’re used to.

Cultural Differences

Another aspect of my trip that I had been worried about was that I had heard that Spain could be unwelcoming to foreigners, more specifically, that there could be a lot of discrimination against people of color. As a woman of color, I was not sure what to expect, however I did not face malicious discrimination or racism the entire 5 weeks I was there. I did realize that perhaps the discrimination and racism that exists in Spain/European countries is not as active and intentional as if it is/can be in the US. The US has discrimination as a prominent and visible part of its history, but many European countries do not, so the idea of discrimination and racism isn’t so prominent and inherently fought against. Due to that, I found there to be more cultural ignorance/insensitivity but not blatant and malicious racism in the way that it is thought about in the US.

As someone who has dealt with ignorance, I found myself better equipped to speak with people and educate them on why what they were saying was either offensive or problematic. The people who I spoke with in this way were all respectful and kind, and we were able to converse and understand one another in a compassionate way. This isn’t to suggest that racism and uncompassionate people don’t exist in Spain, they certainly do, however, I found that the idea that the Spanish people are racist isn’t quite true in the same way it is interpreted to those living in the United States.

Improvement in Communication Skills

On a different note, I felt that my non-verbal communication skills improved immensely during my 5 weeks in Spain. While I was able to understand Spanish before traveling there, there were some conversations I would enter without the necessary context, or certain terms specific to Spain that I didn’t know beforehand, and I had to learn how to still communicate, travel, and sometimes assist others without understanding every word of a conversation and by letting non-verbal cues lead me. I believe that this skill is incredibly important, especially in a world in which more and more people speak different languages and need to interact with one another. I became more and more able to understand those around me without really comprehending every word they spoke.

Overall, the Homestay Spain program was a lovely experience that I will be forever grateful for. I could not have been luckier to be placed with such a beautiful and loving host family, with such a lovely home and space for me! I think if people have the opportunity to push themselves and travel to another country, they undoubtedly should. You learn so much about yourself and the culture around you, which is an invaluable experience that I have grown immensely from!

Learn more about Greenheart’s Teach English in a Homestay Spain Program!

September 24, 2024
Greenheart Travel and An EPIK Partnership
Greenheart Travel offers Teach Abroad Programs in many different countries, including TWO in South Korea. One is a more traditional Teach Abroad program (one where a participant arrives in a country, has an orientation week, teaches in a private school and gets continuous support from Greenheart) and the other is in partnership with EPIK.

EPIK, standing for English Program in Korea, was created by the South Korean government to bring English teachers to their country to join a community of passionate educators, immerse themselves in a vibrant culture, and gain valuable international experience. Since its inception, EPIK has been instrumental in recruiting and placing English teachers in public schools throughout the country, contributing significantly to the nation’s English language proficiency.

What exactly does that mean?

The South Korean government is opening jobs for English-speaking travelers with a lot of benefits!

Right off the bat, here are just some of the perks a Greenheart EPIK participant receives:
- Flight Reimbursement – Flights are expensive and often not included in Teach Abroad programs. Participating in the EPIK program means your flight is paid for!
- Accommodation – This program comes with a fully-furnished apartment, meaning you can skip the stress of house hunting!
- Salary – EPIK English Teachers in South Korea are paid a comfortable sum along with comprehensive health insurance and paid vacation days.
All of that is in addition to spending a year abroad, teaching English, and participating in an incredible and unique cultural exchange.

Besides the tangible and financial benefits, what else does Greenheart’s partnership with EPIK mean?
- Enhanced Support for Teachers: Greenheart Travel’s involvement in the EPIK program brings added support and resources to teachers. From pre-departure orientation to ongoing assistance while in South Korea, Greenheart Travel ensures that educators are well-prepared for their new roles and comfortable in their new environments. This comprehensive support system helps teachers navigate cultural differences and adapt to their new surroundings with confidence.
- Cultural Exchange and Immersion: One of the standout features of the partnership is the emphasis on cultural exchange. Teachers are not only placed in classrooms but are also encouraged to engage with the local communities, participate in cultural events, and build lasting connections. This immersive experience enriches teachers’ understanding of Korean culture and enhances their professional growth.
- Professional Development Opportunities: The collaboration also opens doors to professional development opportunities. Teachers can enhance their teaching skills and expand their knowledge of educational practices. This ongoing professional development is a key component benefiting both educators and their students.
Where exactly does Greenheart fit into all this?

While government sponsored programs are amazing, let’s be honest, the application process is not.

Governments require a lot of documentation. And with all the forms and fees, potential participants can get a bit overwhelmed and confused with the entire process.

That’s where Greenheart Travel comes in. Greenheart’s team streamlines this process, making it easier, and less costly, for participants to get started on their year abroad. Greenheart even waives the application fee if participants decide to also sign up for a TEFL course!

Greenheart Travel has been sending teachers to South Korea for over 15+ years. We know and understand the complexities.   We have supported thousands of people through the complicated application process as well as prepared them for life in South Korea prior to departure. By combining strengths, Greenheart and EPIK are set to provide a rewarding and impactful experience for educators seeking to teach English in South Korea.

If you’re interested in paid teaching positions in public schools throughout South Korea, the EPIK program is for you.

Now, partnered with EPIK, Greenheart can’t wait to continue creating and promoting cultural exchanges that change lives.
September 18, 2024