If you’re an auxiliar in Spain right now, or planning to be one, there’s something no one really explains: how you talk about this experience matters just as much as the experience itself.
Because let’s be honest, when you go back home and start applying for jobs, people aren’t automatically going to understand what an “auxiliar de conversación” is. And depending on how you frame it, it can either look like a random detour or a really intentional, global experience that adds value. And the difference is all in the wording.
First, Let Me Be Real with You
My degree? Recording Industry Management with a concentration in music business and a minor in public relations. This role? Teaching English in Spain. Yeah, they don’t exactly scream “perfect match.” And that’s okay!
I’ve moved on from what I studied. My interests have shifted. If I ever went back to the U.S., I’d likely step into being a flight attendant. That’s always been my backup plan, while I’ve been busy chasing something bigger. So no, this role isn’t career-aligned for me, but that doesn’t mean it’s not valuable. It just means I have to be intentional about how I present it.
Why Wording Matters
When recruiters scan your resume or LinkedIn, they’re asking one question: “Does this person’s experience make sense for what they’re applying for?” If your role screams teaching but you’re applying for something completely different, it can feel disconnected. So instead of letting your experience work against you, you shape it to work for you.
If You Actually Want to Become a Teacher
Lean into it, own it, and highlight it. Here are strong ways to title your role:
- English Language Assistant
- English Language Teaching Assistant
- English Language and Culture Assistant
- ESL Teacher (English as a Second Language)
In this case, you want to emphasize: classroom support, lesson planning, student engagement, and language development. Make it clear that this was an intentional, relevant experience.
If Teaching Is NOT Your End Goal
This is where you shift the angle. You’re not lying, you’re just focusing on the parts that actually align with your future. Try wording like:
- Auxiliar de Conversación (sounds more formal)
- North American Language and Culture Assistant (sounds diplomatic)
- Cultural Ambassador
- Language and Culture Assistant
See the difference? It moves from: “I was teaching English.” to “I was working in a cross-cultural, international environment.” Same role, different story.
What You’re Really Gaining (And Should Highlight)
No matter how you title it, this experience gives you:
- Cross-cultural communication skills
- Adaptability in a foreign environment
- Problem-solving within a bureaucratic system
- Independence and resilience
- Professional collaboration in an international setting
And let’s not gloss over it: You moved to another country and built a life there. That alone says a lot.
How I Personally Frame It
I focus on:
- Cultural exchange
- Communication
- Working within a structured institution abroad
- Balancing responsibilities (especially through the BEDA Program and my coursework at Universidad Pontificia Comillas)
Because for me, this wasn’t about becoming a teacher; it was about growth, experience, and expanding my life.
NALCAP
BEDA
Now, technically, positions like NALCAP and BEDA fall under the same umbrella. You’re working as an auxiliar, supporting English language learning in Spain. On paper, they can look very similar, and some people choose to group everything under one role on their resume, especially if they’ve been doing it for multiple years. But I do think it’s worth taking a step back and actually distinguishing between the programs you’ve been part of.
For one, it shows that you’ve been selected for multiple opportunities abroad, which says a lot. These programs aren’t random placements. Each one has its own structure, expectations, and network, so being involved in more than one highlights adaptability and continued trust in your ability to work in an international setting.
In my case, BEDA has been a different experience altogether. Not only do I have more responsibility, but I’m also balancing being a student at the same time. On top of that, I’m not technically working under the Spanish Ministry of Education. I’m working under FERE-CECA, which already sets the role apart in terms of structure and expectations. Those differences matter; they give more context to your experience and show growth, not just repetition.
That being said, there’s also nothing wrong with keeping it simple and listing everything under one position. Doing that can reflect consistency, longevity, and commitment, which are just as valuable. It really comes down to what aligns best with your long-term goals and how you want your experience to be perceived.
Personally, I think there’s a strong case for highlighting both. It shows range, it expands your story, and it reflects a broader network of people, schools, and systems you’ve been part of. At the end of the day, it’s less about which option is “right” and more about being intentional with how you present your experience.
The Balance You Want to Strike
You don’t want to lie about your role or downplay your responsibilities, but you also don’t want to box yourself into a career path you’re not pursuing. So the goal is simple: Tell the truth, but tell it in a way that aligns with where you’re going. This experience is only a “detour” if you present it like one. Otherwise? It’s proof that you:
- Took a risk
- Stepped outside your comfort zone
- Navigated life in another country
- And made it work
And honestly, that’s a lot more impressive than a perfectly linear path.
Love always,
American Girl Meets World
