What Gives the Guiri Ganas?

There are many reasons that compel people to move abroad; family, relationships, work, property…deportation. The decision to leave the UK and teach English in a foreign country is rarely a financial one however. Why then, do so many people choose Spain and in this case Valencia as the perfect location to spread the English language.

What is the appeal? It can’t be the unruly students with their incessant “joliiiin” and “jopeeer’s”, nor the ever irritating “yo qué sé, tio”. Unless my brother has news, I’m pretty sure I don’t have any Spanish nieces or nephews.

No, it’s none of the above. In fact the most common answer is life-style. But, taking into account the economic disadvantages, in what style do teachers actually live? And what do we actually mean by this vague, catch all expression? No two stories are the same and everyone has his or her personal motives but the most common tend to be the most simple; better climate, healthier eating and greater freedom of spirit.

We are extremely spoilt in Valencia with regards to sunny days, clear blue skies and tremendous clarity of light. With an average of just five cloudy days per month, Valencia boasts one of the best climates in Spain and therefore Europe. A fine summer’s day in the UK takes a lot of beating but for consistency and reliability of weather it’s Spain1, UK 0.

Weather? Check. So what about the food; a favourite Spanish pastime and, lets face it, the number one back-up lesson plan for all TEFL teachers. “Fish ‘n’ chips is much better than Paella…discuss”. Just watch the reaction from the students. Of the three ‘F’s, food is perhaps the one we miss the most, closely followed by friends, with family running in an occasional third. No guest from home is permitted entry to the flat without first handing over the smoked bacon and Porkinson’s sausages but, like the weather, for all round quality it’s difficult to beat what’s on the menu in Spain. Quality ingredients, intriguing regional varieties and an emphasis on “comida casera” combine to give food its distinguished place within Spanish society. Anywhere that has five meals a day rather than three is alright by me.

To be continued...

Check out this blog next Sunday (28th of February) for the conclusion of this article.