I’ve been working as an auxiliar de conversación for nearly a month now, and during this time, I’ve experienced a few culture shocks and observed differences that would never fly in an American school. One of the most noticeable things is how loud and energetic the kids are. I’ve had a lingering headache for the past three weeks, probably because I’m not used to being around such noise on a daily basis.
But, despite the volume, I’ve come to appreciate their energy. It’s infectious, and I often find myself smiling because of it. Kids should be allowed to be kids, though I do think a bit of discipline is important, too. I’m sure there’s a balance between the two somewhere. Of course, these observations may vary by school, but here’s what I’ve gathered from my experience so far.
1. Music Instead of Bells
One of the first things I noticed was how the school uses music to transition between classes instead of the traditional bells. A minute before it’s time to switch classes, they play a song. At first, it threw me off, but now it’s growing on me. It’s actually kind of catchy and adds a more relaxed, fun element to the transitions. It’s definitely a change from the rigid, sometimes jarring, school bells I’m used to in the States.
2. The Fluidity of Time
Schedules here are far more flexible. While class might be scheduled to start at 9:00 AM, in reality, it could start at 9:07 or 9:10. The idea of time here seems more like a suggestion than a rule. In the U.S., we live by the clock, where students are often expected to be seated and ready before the bell even rings. Here, people don’t seem to stress about it as much, and I’m learning to adapt to this more relaxed pace.
3. Teachers Move, Not Students
In another twist, it’s the teachers who switch classrooms, not the students. Teachers here don’t necessarily have their own classrooms or desks. Instead, they rotate every 45 minutes to an hour. Back in the States, students shuffle between classrooms while teachers have their own dedicated space. It’s a complete role reversal, and while it seems chaotic at first, the system works smoothly.
4. Controlled Chaos
The students themselves are full of energy and far more rambunctious than I was expecting. They’re out of their seats, chatting with classmates, roaming around, and some even sitting behind the teacher’s desk. I was floored! In the U.S., this kind of behavior would probably result in a trip to the principal’s office, but here it’s just… normal. Despite the chaos, the students are eager to participate and learn. It’s refreshing, even if it can be overwhelming at times. In contrast, American classrooms can feel more rigid, where teachers often have to call on students to get them to participate, and the atmosphere is quieter, even bordering on boring at times.
5. Limited After-School Activities
Another surprise is the lack of after-school clubs, extracurriculars, or sports. In the U.S., schools often revolve around these activities, but here, they’re mostly done outside of school hours and through external programs. It’s quite different from the extracurricular-packed schedules that many American students are used to.
6.) Old-Fashioned Charmed Classrooms
The classrooms here have a bit of an old-fashioned charm. There seem to be no mechanical pencils in sight, and everyone uses traditional erasers, or as they call them, “rubbers.” It feels like stepping back in time—the atmosphere reminds me of a nostalgic classroom from the 90s. The desks are simple, the boards are well-used, and there’s a kind of simplicity that makes it feel almost timeless. It’s a refreshing change from the tech-filled classrooms I was used to, and it adds a unique, comforting vibe to the school day.
7) Community Within the Classrooms
In Spain, kids seem to have a unique sense of independence in their demeanor. They express themselves more freely, aren’t afraid to speak up, and move comfortably around the classroom, even if that means walking to the other side to grab something or interact with a peer. There’s a noticeable level of engagement, with students actively participating and supporting each other. The classroom atmosphere feels less like a traditional teacher-to-student setup and more like a family gathering where everyone has a valued ‘seat at the table.’ This dynamic fosters a sense of equality and community, making it a supportive space for learning and connection.
Overall, it’s been fascinating to step inside a real-life Spanish classroom and observe how these everyday experiences shape the students into who they are. While I’m here to teach them, I’m also learning so much from them in return. They’re teaching me to listen more closely, to pick up on their unique slang and expressions, to be more patient, and even to embrace a sense of freedom in how I approach the classroom.
In a way, I’m learning about Spanish culture through their eyes—how they interact, express themselves, and view the world. It’s rewarding to realize that the learning goes both ways. I’m here to offer language skills, but the students offer me a deeper understanding of their culture and community.
Love always,
American Girl Meets World
