Language and Culture Assistants Programme in Spain for Australians

Our school has always shown an  interest in learning languages and other cultures. Before the pandemic momentarily closed our physical borders, we had welcomed a number of American volunteers who shared their customs and lifestyle with our students. 

Last school year, although this fruitful exchange was hindered by mobility restrictions, we jumped at the chance of having an online correspondence with a high school in California. 

This school year, the improvement on sanitary conditions has enabled us to reopen our doors to the outside world. We are delighted to be part of the Programme promoted by the Spanish Minintry of Education and Vocational Training that encourages Australian assistants to come to Spain and support the teaching of English in Spanish schools. By April Thomas had applied for the position of language assistant, he was wholeheartedly accepted by IES Bergidum Flavium and he has been working with us since October. He will contiue to be teaching here until May 31st. We all hope that he gets to know our country and he feels quite at home in our community, but above all, we hope the students will have improved their communication skills by the time he leaves.

Some enthusiastic students of  2ºESO have interviewed him and you can read what they found out in their report below.

His full name is Thomas Fox and he is 27 years old. He was born in Western Australia on the 26th of February 1994. He went to the Gold Coast University. He studied Security Studies, similar to Polical studies in Spain, to work for the Australian government in an embassy. Now he lives in Ponferrada and he will stay here for the whole school year. 

His hobbies are playing the Scottish bagpipes (he is very good!), playing rugby, riding horses and travelling all over the world. He has been to China with his university roommate. There he tried insects and lots of different soups as well as very stinky tofu- five or ten years old- which is a snack in China, but he did not like it at all. Also, he has been to Thailand, France, Scotland, Germany and New Zealand, which is the prettiest place in the world and now he is in Spain. He would like to visit Switzerland next Easter.  

He has got one younger sister and her name is Emma. She´s 25 years old and, right now, she is studying a Master in Basel, Switzerland. 

Thomas´ favourite animal is a Kookaburra, a laughing bird and also his favourite colour is yellow. His favourite food is Botillo, but he likes the tripes with chickpeas, and stew we cook here.  

His favourite music genre is reggae and his favourite sport is rugby. 

He speaks English and he is also learning Spanish this year. 

Welcome to our IES BERGIDUM FLAVIUM in Cacabelos, Thomas. We are very happy to have you here.

2º A and 2º PMAR 

Thank you guys.