That moment when your placement finally comes in? Equal parts excitement and “wait… what do I do now?”
Don’t worry, you don’t need to have it all figured out overnight. But there are a few smart moves that will make your life so much easier before you even step into the classroom.
1. Reach out to your coordinator (don’t wait)
First things first, introduce yourself. When you receive your carta de nombramiento, there’s usually an email at the top. Most of the time, it’s the general school email, but that’s still your way in. Send a message, and they’ll either respond or forward you to the right person, usually your coordinator. Keep it simple:
- Say who you are
- Express your excitement
- Let them know you’re looking forward to working with them
You can also ask if there’s anything they’d like you to bring from home. Some schools love it when auxiliares bring photos of their life, small cultural items, or newspapers, magazines, or even snacks. It’s an easy way to make your classes more interactive from day one.
2. Ask all your questions upfront
This is your chance to avoid confusion later. Some good questions to ask:
- Can I get in contact with the previous auxiliar?
- What are your expectations for me?
- What have past auxiliares done in the classroom?
- Will I be leading activities or assisting the teacher?
For example:
- Are you expected to do weekly presentations?
- Will you be pulling small groups to practice speaking?
- Are classes more structured or flexible?
Every school is different, and getting clarity early will save you a lot of guesswork.
3. Ask for the little things (they make a big difference)
These are the things no one tells you, but you’ll be glad you asked:
- A key to the school or the entrance gate: If it’s possible, ask. Not every school will say yes, but if they do, it saves you from that daily awkward moment of trying to find someone to let you in or out.
- A school agenda (planner): Some auxiliares like using the same agenda that the students have. It’s helpful for organizing your schedule, and honestly, it makes a cute keepsake. Even if you go digital later, it’s nice to have.
In my first year, I wasn’t allowed to have a key to the front gate. But by my second year, I figured it wouldn’t hurt to ask… and it worked. I was given a key to the entrance gate, just not to the actual school building. Still, that made a big difference because it meant I could get onto the school grounds easily, and most of the time, the school doors were already open anyway.
As for the agenda, I also asked for one at the beginning because I thought I’d use it to organize my lesson plans. In theory, very put together of me. In reality, everything ended up living on Google Drive. Way easier, way less to carry around. That being said, I’m still glad I got one. It can be a cute keepsake from your time at the school, and who knows, you might actually end up using it more than I did.
4. Don’t forget about field trips
This one is so underrated. Ask if you can join field trips or special school activities. Remember, this is a cultural exchange. Yes, you’re there to share your culture, but you’re also there to experience Spain. Field trips are where you really get to:
- connect with students outside the classroom
- see more of the local culture
- feel more involved in the school
5. Figure out transportation early
This is especially important if you’re placed in a smaller town (pueblo). Ask:
- How do teachers usually get to the school?
- Is there public transportation?
- Are there carpooling options?
Getting a clear idea of your commute ahead of time will save you stress later, especially during your first week.
Something to keep in mind is that you will most likely not receive your school schedule until September, and that’s completely normal. During the summer months, especially July and August, schools are essentially shut down. August in particular is a big holiday month in Spain, so don’t be surprised if emails go unanswered or things feel very quiet.
Everything starts picking back up in September when teachers return and the school year begins. So if you haven’t heard from your school by then, don’t panic. It’s not a bad sign; it’s just how things work here. Once September hits, communication becomes much more consistent, and you’ll start getting the information you need.
Until then, the best thing you can do is be patient, check your email occasionally, and trust that things will fall into place right on Spanish time.
Getting your placement is exciting, but it’s also your first opportunity to set yourself up for a smooth year. A simple email, a few thoughtful questions, and a little initiative can make a huge difference. And honestly, don’t overthink it. Schools are usually just happy to have you there. Show up curious, open, and ready to be part of the experience, and everything else will fall into place.
Love always,
American Girl Meets World
