Loving pueblo life & Andalusia school rec

I’ve seen some posts discussing placements in Andalucía recently and I wanted to shout out the tiny town in the Sierra Nevada mountains of Granada I’ve been placed in: Ugíjar at IES Ulyssea. I applied to this program wanting to be placed in a more rural area, since I was looking for something different from my study abroad experience, and I’ve absolutely loved it here. I am the first aux my school has had since they are new to the program and have struggled getting people since it's so rural. I want to really encourage interested people to select IES Ulyssea -- it’s really been the type of unique experience I will remember & cherish for the rest of my life and I really hope my school can have more auxes! I was worried about making the jump to such a rural placement but am honestly so glad I did it as I wouldn’t have had it any other way now. While there’s often more negative posts on this sub, I want to share the positive experience I’ve had, even with such a rural placement. 

Ugíjar is in the region of the Alpujarras, which is a distinct and wonderful place to live for the right person. I rent a one bedroom apartment for 260 euros a month plus utilities and the entire town is so much more walkable than most cities in the USA where I’m from. Yes, the bus to Granada or Almería is a haul, but if you like hiking (imo the best in Granada is out here!) or have hobbies you won’t be bored in the town. I’ve found it's been a great place to work on some art projects and really just reset after leaving college completely burnt out. I’ve also felt very welcomed in the town, through renting my apartment I found a sort of pseudo-host family & people here have been lovely. I came here almost fluent in Spanish, which for sure helped me settle in, but it’s still been a great place to practice --  I think I will leave here finally fluent, which has always been my dream! And, since I am the only aux I have never felt caught in an English bubble here. Also, while there are less expats here than other nearby parts of Andalusia, there is still a small community of English speakers and free Spanish classes at the adult school which is an awesome resource to have.  

I’m interested in working in education when I get back to the USA, and while there are obviously challenges that rural schools face, I’ve learned & reflected a lot about education during the last few months and adore my students & colleagues. There’s a lot of turn-over at rural schools in Spain, but regardless I have felt super welcomed into the community of teachers at this school (teachers often go out to lunch / for tapas together, there’s a nice vibe) and feel like the administration understands and cares about the auxiliar program which is awesome. 

The school has my contact info and I’d be happy to talk with anyone who has questions about the aux experience in Ugíjar. I honestly think one of the highlights of NALCAP/auxiliar program is the chance to be placed somewhere totally different from where you are from & learn about a different way of life. I will enjoy the next few months here & am already hoping I can come back to visit later on in my life. :)