Moving to Madrid to Study and Work!

Shania McQueen Start Date: Aug 14, 2022 - End Date: Dec 13, 2022
  • Leadership/Training Program
  • Professional Development
  • TEFL/Teach Abroad
  • Madrid, Spain

My Travel Story

by: Shania McQueen Start Date: Aug 14, 2022 - End Date: Dec 13, 2022
  • Leadership/Training Program
  • Professional Development
  • TEFL/Teach Abroad
I've been passionate and curious about education, communication, and languages since I was a young child. Therefore, it makes perfect sense that I'd want to pursue a career in the field of teaching English as a Second Language (ESL)! However, my goal of becoming an ESL teacher was postponed for a few years due to a host of mental health problems I suffered throughout my undergraduate studies. Instead of four years, it took me six years to complete my Bachelor of Arts degree at McMaster University. Nevertheless, I persevered and eventually graduated from my program in Spring 2021. Living with mental illness, which unfortunately went undiagnosed for several years, has taught me many difficult life lessons. It has challenged me in ways I never would have anticipated. However, these lessons and challenges have helped shape me into the person I am today, and have made me all the more thankful for what I do have, including the people who have stood by and helped get me to where I am now.
About three months ago, I was accepted into a fantastic program called TEFL Heaven, which enables young, beginner teachers to teach English abroad in a country of their choosing. I have chosen to move to, train, and work in Spain for a year because it's in the Mediterranean, has a beautiful, vibrant culture, and seemed like such a great fit for a young teacher just starting her ESL career. I'm beyond thrilled and grateful that I'm finally in a place where I can take advantage of such an incredible opportunity. Not only would I make a very noticeable and noteworthy difference in Spain; but I also intend to make as much of a difference as possible upon my return home by pouring my newly-developed and honed skills, talents, and knowledge back into my local Canadian communities. Also, as a biracial, Indigenous woman, I'd love to work with Indigenous peoples and communities both on and off reservations, as well as with other minority groups. Knowing that I could make such a positive impact by helping people to reach their English language goals only fuels my passion and eagerness about going to Spain.
Some of the costs associated with this endeavor are very high, making it quite difficult to pay for such necessities as health insurance, accommodation, visa fees, etc. If you can donate to my cause, I would be so grateful. Any help that could ease my financial burden would be highly appreciated and would make my dream of moving to Spain all the more attainable. Thank you for reading!
  • Madrid, Spain

Updates

3

  • More Donations

    Another update! Several people decided to donate money in cash form instead of donating money on this platform. So far, I've received over $1200 in cash donations! Not everyone is comfortable with donating online so I want to thank those people who have found other ways to donate. Thank you!

  • New Donors

    Thank you so much to Madison and Jen who both recently donated!

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