For example, when I arrived in Spain, I needed to get my haircut. In the United States, that is no problem and something I would not even think about. However, here, I realized that I didn't know where I should go, how much it would cost or how to describe how I wanted my haircut. To solve this, I asked a friend where I should go and looked up the salon online. I used Google Translate to learn how to say what I wanted and went to the salon to make an appointment. The hairdresser was so nice and understanding. She taught me new words, and the haircut was great. So many little everyday things, like getting a haircut, become new, exciting, but also scary, adventures in a new place. I have also had to figure out how to buy fruits and vegetables from the grocery store (you have to pick what you want and weigh it on the scale before going to pay), how to cook on a gas stove (you have to light a match first to make the stove hot) and where to go to the gym (there is a big fitness center near my school that I can pay to use). At first, each of these things seemed very intimidating to me, but I am here for the whole year and I need to learn. So I decided to be brave and try something new.
I was nervous when I arrived in Tenerife that I would not have any friends, but man was I wrong! If you are willing to make the effort to put yourself out there just a little bit, you will find that everyone here is friendly and welcoming. I have met university students from Germany and Italy, other American teachers working abroad, and of course, the other Spanish teachers at my school. Everyone is welcoming and so excited to share their culture with me.
