Hola/Ola! My name is Jessie! I am a Fulbright English Teaching Assistant, living in Vigo, Spain.
I am a recent graduate from Syracuse University (SU). While at SU, I studied to be a Spanish teacher, working with students of all ages, including students at JD Middle School! My adventurous spirit has driven my explorations of vast natural landscapes and bustling ciudades (cities) throughout South America and Southern Europe. I'd found travel, open-mindedness and friendship to be amazing tools for building Spanish fluency.
On weekdays, I spend an hour on the bus to get to my trabajo (work) in Ponteareas, enjoying scenic views of the lush, green hillsides, small family farms, quaint Galician villages, and of course, the stunning Ria de Vigo. My job is a lot of fun! I teach English classes and also bilingual gym classes. I also run a acuarela (watercolor painting) & English conversation club on Tuesdays and Thursdays for teachers and students.
Outside of my teaching job, I enjoy exploring local spots around Vigo. I'm always on the hunt for a new cafetería (coffee shop), concert venue, or pastelería (pastry shop). Since moving to Spain, I've joined a ceramics studio, where I'm learning to use a pottery wheel and express my creativity through clay and sculpture. I'm also a member at a lovely CrossFit gym, which is located just steps away from my piso (apartment). Additionally, I teach a few private English classes to local families in Vigo.
I'm excited to share snapshots from my time in Spain with you! Together, we will develop our knowledge of the Spanish language and vibrant Spanish culture, and make insightful cultural comparisons between life in Spain and in the U.S.
Want to learn how you could be a Fulbright Scholar like me? The Fulbright Program is the United States government's flagship international exchange program. Fulbrighters foster mutual understanding between the United States and partner nations, share knowledge across communities, and improve lives around the world. Learn more by clicking here!
