When you apply to be an auxiliar in Spain, it’s easy to imagine yourself living in a big, vibrant city. Maybe you picture Valencia, Madrid, or Barcelona. Coffee shops on every corner, endless things to do, and a huge international community. But sometimes, Spain has other plans. Many auxiliares end up placed in small pueblos, and at first, that can feel a little intimidating. You might worry there won’t be enough to do, or that you’ll feel isolated.
But here’s the truth: a small-town placement can be one of the most transformative experiences you have while living abroad.
I know this firsthand. My first placement was in what many people would consider a small pueblo, Gandia, and now that I’ve spent time in a larger city like Alicante, I actually find myself missing that small-town charm. There’s something special about the slower pace, the familiar faces, and the sense of community that you don’t always get in a bigger city.
So if you find yourself placed in a small pueblo, don’t panic. Instead, think of it as an opportunity. Here are a few ways to make the most of it.
1. Find the “Middle Ground”
If living in a tiny town feels overwhelming, remember that you don’t necessarily have to live there. One option is to live in a nearby medium-sized town and commute.
For example:
- Your school might be in a small pueblo.
- A slightly bigger town might be 30 minutes away.
- The nearest major city could be an hour away.
Instead of jumping straight to the big city commute, consider meeting in the middle. Living in a mid-sized town can give you the best of both worlds: more things to do, while still having a manageable commute to your school.
2. Use the Time to Improve Your Spanish
If your Spanish isn’t very strong yet, a small pueblo might actually be the best possible environment to learn. In bigger cities, it’s easy to get by speaking English. But in smaller towns, you’ll naturally be pushed to practice Spanish more often. Start by becoming a regular at local places:
- Cafés
- Bakeries
- Small shops
- Restaurants
Introduce yourself. Tell them you’re an auxiliar and that you’re learning Spanish. Many locals are happy to help and will appreciate the effort you’re making. Before you know it, you’ll start recognizing faces, having small conversations, and slowly building confidence in the language.
3. Use the Experience to Get to Know Yourself
One thing people don’t always realize about being an auxiliar is how much free time you’ll have. And if you’re in a small pueblo, that free time can sometimes feel even more noticeable. But instead of seeing that as a negative, try to view it as an opportunity. Maybe this year in Spain is meant to teach you something about yourself.
Use the time to:
- Journal
- Reflect
- Start a creative hobby
- Read more
- Explore the surrounding areas
Living abroad will challenge you in ways you don’t expect. And those challenges often lead to the most personal growth.
4. Ask the Previous Auxiliar for Advice
Before you panic about what life will look like in your town, try reaching out to the previous auxiliar. Ask them:
- What was daily life like?
- Where did they live?
- What did they do in their free time?
- Did they commute or live locally?
Chances are, someone has already gone through the exact situation you’re in now. They might even introduce you to local spots, activities, or connections that helped them enjoy their time there. And occasionally, you might be the first auxiliar the school has ever had. If that happens, try to see it as an opportunity to create your own experience from scratch.
5. Build Friendships in Nearby Cities
Even if you live in a small town, you don’t have to feel isolated. Make an effort to connect with other auxiliares in nearby cities through:
- WhatsApp group chats
- Facebook groups
- Auxiliar communities
Once you start meeting people, it becomes much easier to plan weekend trips, visits, or day outings. If you’re ever feeling lonely, you can always take a short trip to see friends, spend the weekend together, and explore somewhere new.
A Community Idea: “Host an Auxiliar”
This is actually something I felt strongly about, so I created both a WhatsApp group chat and a Facebook group called Host an Auxiliar. The idea is simple. Auxiliares can travel and host each other when visiting different regions of Spain. There’s no money involved, and no formal arrangement. Instead, the goal is simply to support one another.
When you stay with someone, you might:
- Cook them dinner
- Treat them to coffee
- Help clean
- Offer to host them when they visit your town
It’s a way for auxiliares across Spain to connect, explore new places, and help each other feel less alone. Even though we’re spread across different regions, there are no borders when it comes to building community.
Not everyone gets placed in a big city. But that doesn’t mean your experience will be any less meaningful. In fact, small pueblos often have the biggest hearts. You’ll notice the little things more. The familiar faces. The quiet routines. The connections that form when you slow down just enough to be present.
And one day, you might find yourself looking back and realizing that the place you were most nervous about… became the place you miss the most.
For Host an Auxiliar, please join the following: Host an Auxiliar (Facebook), Host an Auxiliar (WhatsApp)
Love always,
American Girl Meets World
