1. LET US KNOW ABOUT YOU
Host schools need to know some basic facts about future language assistants as soon as possible. Having
access to that information before your actual arrival means a lot as schools can plan ahead activities,
methodologies, grouping, etc., bearing in mind the information you provided them with, for example personality
traits, training, experiences, studies and the like.
This form is an invitation for you to fill out and send it back via e-mail to the school you are assigned to. You
should address it to the Bilingual Program Coordinator.
THANKS IN ADVANCE
FULL NAME: Clare Burns
AGE: 19 CITY, COUNTRY: Glasgow, Scotland
UNIVERSITY DEGREE: Psychology
UNIVERSITY: University of Glasgow
WHICH THREE ADJECTIVES WOULD DESCRIBE YOUR PERSONALITY BEST?
Sociable, enthusiastic and organised.
WHAT DO YOU THINK YOU ARE BEST AT?
I believe I’m good at organising and have strong communication skills as well as having good time
management.
IS THIS YOUR FIRST TIME ABROAD? IF NOT, WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN BEFORE?
I’ve been to Mallorca several times and visited Madrid. As a young girl I visited Italy, France, Belgium
and other parts of Spain including Navarra and Santillana.
IS THIS YOUR FIRST TIME IN SPAIN? IF NOT, STATE PLACES AND ACTIVITIES:
I’ve been to Mallorca, Navarra and Santillana for family holidays and went to Madrid on a school trip.
LIST SOME OF YOUR HOBBIES OR FREE TIME ACTIVITIES:
Running, field hockey, sewing, music.
BRIEFLY, STATE WHY YOU BECAME A LANGUAGE ASSISTANT:
I thought it was the best way to immerse myself in the Spanish culture and language to enable me to
learn it.
LIST THREE ASPECTS THAT WORRY YOU MOST ABOUT BECOMING A LANGUAGE ASSISTANT:
1. If my Spanish will be good enough to communicate with other teachers and pupils
2. Whether or not I will make a difference to the pupil’s learning
3. If I am able to integrate myself into society
AS A LANGUAGE ASSISTANT, WHAT DO YOU THINK IS THE BEST YOU CAN OFFER YOUR HOST SCHOOL?
As I am Scottish and not English I can offer a different perspective of Britain and the English language.
Furthermore I have learnt a lot through my past experiences working with children and I believe this
will be beneficial when teaching.

2. DO YOU HAVE ANY PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE WORKING WITH CHILDREN OR ADOLESCENTS?:
IF SO, WHICH?
I have worked as a babysitter for many different families. During summer I worked as a ‘Play Leader’
for a summer play scheme in schools for disadvantaged and disabled children.
WHICH SCHOOL SUBJECTS DO YOU LIKE MOST? WHY?
At school I always found Biology very interesting but I can be very squeamish at times so was unable to
continue studying it after school! I also enjoyed learning Spanish and French because other languages
and cultures have always interested me.
ARE YOU FAMILIAR WITH NEW TECHNOLOGIES? IF SO, STATE SOME EXAMPLES (powerpoint
presentations, podcast, blogging, etc.) :
I am familiar with them but not great at using them!
DO YOU PREFER TEAM WORK OR INDIVIDUAL WORK? WHY?
Team work is more fun and gratifying although I enjoy individual work as well because you sometimes
get more done.
HOW FLUENT ARE YOU IN SPANISH? Highlight the code (A1, A2, etc.) in the chart below following the
classification given by the Common European Framework of Reference:
A Basic User ⇒ A1 Breakthrough A2 Waystage
B Independent User ⇒ B1 Threshold B2 Vantage
C Proficient User ⇒ C1 Effective Operational Proficiency C2 Mastery
You can be more specific as to distinguish different levels in Speaking, Listening, Writing and Reading
APART FROM YOUR MOTHER TONGUE AND SPANISH, DO YOU SPEAK ANY OTHER LANGUAGE? If so, state
which and your level according to the codes above:
French A2
WOULD YOU LIKE TO ADD ANY OTHER INFORMATION YOU THINK IS RELEVANT ABOUT YOU?
I am really looking forward to living in Spain and teaching English.
© José A. Alcalde López