What Two Years Teaching English in Spain Taught Me About Design
Two years ago, I made a life-altering decision: I gave away most of my belongings in the U.S. and moved to Bilbao, Spain. My goal was to work as a language assistant through the North American Language and Culture Assistants Program (NALCAP). At the time, teaching English wasn’t part of my long-term career plan. My career goals were abstract—I had a vague interest in UX/UI design—but what I really wanted was to live abroad. This program seemed like the perfect gateway to achieve that dream. I hoped that by playing my cards right, I could figure out my next career move while in this program. Through aligning my priorities, I was able to do just that.
Design Skills Can Be Built Anywhere
Working part-time hours and earning enough to live comfortably gave me the opportunity to focus on developing the skills I knew I’d need as a designer. I spent this time building most of my portfolio, experimenting with new tools, completing a course, and networking—all aimed at securing a design role in Europe.
Even the classroom became a testing ground for design thinking. I approached lessons like projects, structuring them around goals, creating visual presentations, and experimenting with different ways to engage students. This process offered me practice in problem-solving, presenting ideas clearly to different demographics, and adapting quickly when things didn’t go as planned—all skills that translate directly into design.
Networking Isn’t Cringe
One of the most significant lessons I learned was the importance of networking. In Spain, I prioritized my social life in a way I hadn’t been able to in the U.S. I made friends who expanded my perspectives on the world, jobs, and work-life balance. Conversations with people who had different ways of seeing things enriched my understanding and some of these connections doubled as a network that helped me realize the next steps in my career.
I used to think networking was cringe-worthy, but I came to understand that networking is merely connecting with people, and it doesn’t have to be hard. It’s about building relationships and finding common ground, which is something I had ample opportunity to do in Spain.
Growth Comes From Discomfort
Even though NALCAP wasn’t my end goal, it was a crucial step in my journey. Through this program, I gained the confidence to pursue opportunities outside my comfort zone, develop essential skills, and trust the process. Thanks to these factors, I was able to land my first job in the field of UX/UI design based in Europe.
My experience defies the stereotype often associated with teaching English abroad. Instead, it’s a tale of setting intentions and understanding that while the work isn’t always consistent, it is always moving forward. I’m thankful for the opportunity to align my priorities because growth rarely comes from places of comfort.
The Journey Ahead
As I reflect on my journey, I’m reminded that life is a series of steps, each leading to new opportunities and experiences. Teaching English in Spain was not just about language or education; it was about personal and professional growth. It taught me that sometimes, the path to our goals is not a straight line but a winding road filled with unexpected turns.
Living in Bilbao, surrounded by its vibrant culture and the iconic Guggenheim Museum, gave me a fresh perspective on design and creativity. It taught me to see the world through different lenses and to appreciate the beauty in diversity. These lessons have been invaluable in my career as a UX/UI designer.
Conclusion
My time in Spain has been transformative, both personally and professionally. It has shown me that the skills we seek to develop can be cultivated anywhere, as long as we are open to new experiences and willing to step outside our comfort zones. Networking is not just about career advancement; it’s about building meaningful relationships that enrich our lives.
Most importantly, I’ve learned that growth often comes from discomfort. It’s in those moments of uncertainty and challenge that we discover our true potential. As I continue my journey in UX/UI design, I carry with me the lessons learned in Spain, knowing that the path to success is not always conventional but always rewarding.
In the end, it’s not just about reaching the destination; it’s about embracing the journey and all the experiences it brings. Teaching English in Spain was a chapter in my life that taught me about design, about people, and about myself. And for that, I am eternally grateful.
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