Participant

Kamryn K.

Teach In Spain Volunteer Program

Hometown: New York

Kamryn's Program

Teach In Spain Volunteer Program

Hi, I'm Kamryn Kinlow from New York! Growing up in both the bustling streets of New York City and the tranquil suburbs of Orange County has given me a unique perspective on life. I work as a data specialist for a charter school, but my true passions lie in traveling, reading, exploring new foods and restaurants, and immersing myself in music.

My love for traveling was ignited during my first solo trip to San Diego, California. Since then, I've explored various destinations both domestically and internationally. Within the U.S., I’ve visited California, Florida, Atlanta, Washington D.C., Texas, Maryland, and Virginia. Internationally, my adventures have taken me to London, Paris, Spain, Portugal, Italy, Belgium, The Netherlands, Morocco, and the Bahamas.

Recently, I had the incredible opportunity to participate in CIEE's Spring 2024 Volunteer, Castilla y Leon program. This experience was transformative, especially during a group trip to Marrakesh and Essaouira, Morocco. Despite knowing nothing about each other at first, my fellow travelers and I navigated the vibrant streets of Morocco together, deepening our understanding of the unspoken aspects of travel.

Living with a host family in Spain exposed me to rich cultural norms, delicious new foods, and different ways of living. This experience has been invaluable, especially coming from a big city like New York. I’m excited to share my journey and the lessons I've learned along the way with you!

Posts

Black in Spain: A Guide for Hair Care and Cultural Adaptation

By Kamryn K.

Moving to Spain? Make sure to bring all your hair essentials, as finding afro-textured hair products and services outside major cities can be challenging. Kamryn found Valladolid salons lacking, so she managed her own hair. Learn basic styling skills and head to Madrid’s La Latina area for top-notch hair services.

Black in Spain: A Guide for Hair Care and Cultural Adaptation

By Kamryn K.

Students completed I am more than assignment

The Realities of Teaching in Spain: My Experience

By Kamryn K.

Teaching in Spain has been both rewarding and challenging. From creating engaging lessons without a formal teaching background to adapting to a fluctuating schedule, it’s been a journey of growth. One memorable activity was the "I Am More Than" project, where students of all ages drew their future aspirations and discussed their dreams. For future teachers, I recommend planning for different age groups and incorporating versatile activities to keep students engaged. Embrace the challenges, stay adaptable, and enjoy the adventure.

A Home Away from Home: My Experience with a Host Family

By Kamryn K.

Living with a host family in Cuéllar, Segovia, taught me the value of community and togetherness. Despite the language barrier, we connected through walks, TV time, and shared meals. Celebrating my host sister's birthday with a paella party and ziplining made it unforgettable. This experience immersed me in Spanish culture and emphasized the importance of embracing new experiences.