Become part of our multilingual family in Tarragona, Spain

Details

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  Description

  We are looking for someone to assist us for two weeks in November, from Monday the 18th to Friday the 29th. We would be delighted if you would like to stay with us a few extra days, either by arriving earlier or leaving later.
  
  My boys are particularly keen on hosting a English-speaking Workawayer.
  
  This season is a great time to be in Tarragona, as you can relish the nearby beaches and embark on hiking adventures with comfortable weather for walking.
  We provide a private room along with shared bathroom facilities with the children. We provide three meals a day (continental breakfast, lunch, and dinner). Our family resides in Tarragona, a coastal city located an hour south of Barcelona. We have two children, Guifré, who is 14 years old, and Martí, who is 10 years old. My husband works as a police officer with varying shifts each week. He is also an avid mountain runner, often participating in various races. I work in an office from 8 am to 5 pm and enjoy swimming and spending time in nature.
  
  It's important to note that we are a multilingual family. Susana communicates in Spanish with Josep and the children, while Josep communicates in Catalan with the children and in Spanish with Susana. We kindly request that the volunteer always communicates with the children in English or French, and the children will switch between languages when speaking to their mom, dad, or the volunteer.
  
  We are a friendly, well-traveled family with experiences in most European countries and some in Asia and America. When we travel with the children, we often engage in home swapping.
  
  We are seeking an enthusiastic, open-minded, and friendly individual who enjoys exploring different cultures and spending time with children. Activities range from reading books to engaging in fun games and crafts to help the children learn English/French while having a great time. Being affectionate and caring with the children is absolutely essential. If you have prior experience teaching English, that would be a valuable asset.
  
  Guifre has a strong passion for mathematics and coding, while both Guifré and Martí love playing chess. If you share an interest in these activities, you can enjoy them together. Martí recently received a ukulele for his birthday, so if you have musical skills and can help him learn to play some songs, it would be greatly appreciated. We will organize separate English classes for both Guifre and Marti
  
  In addition to spending time with the children, this role includes household assistance. We expect you to assist with laundry, dishwashing, and apartment cleaning. The responsibility of cooking is divided among the three adults in the family (Josep, Susana, and the workawayer), so you will be tasked with preparing approximately three meals or dinners per week for the entire family.
  
  We are excited to welcome you into our home and family. We want you to feel comfortable and like a true member of our family. You will have plenty of free time to explore the area, enjoy the nearby beaches, and go sightseeing.

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  Types of help and learning opportunities

  Language practice

  Teaching

  Babysitting and creative play

  Creating/ Cooking family meals

  Help around the house
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  Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

  In the common garden (in summer time) you will have the opportunity to meet our friendly neighbours, all of them are Spanish speakers. The University is close to us, if you are interested you can meet young people of similar age.
  You will taste our ´´cuisine´´, however I am not sure if it´s very good...
  You can join our daily sport activities : running, walking in the nature, swimming and yoga.
  Just let us know your interest and we will try to help you as much as possible.
  Temperatures in Tarragona are very mild in winter so it´s perfect to walk around.

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  Projects involving children

  This project could involve children. For more information see our guidelines and tips here.

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  Help

  Some tips on how we can make this a successful and enriching experience :
  1. Be open and communicate. If you are tired and want to rest or are not feeling well please inform us, otherwise we don’t know what is going on. When make an offer for you to participate in activities with us you can either accept or say no, up to you, don’t feel forced to be with us in your spare time. We understand you are autonomous and you are able to take care of yourself. Be aware that it might take some time to get used to each other, not just for you but also for us and our children. Ask the children what activities they like to do, what they want to eat as snack when coming home from school…
  If you do not get along with us or there’s an issue that bothers you please talk to us.
  
  2. Attend the family meals. Food brings people together – it’s a great social lubricant across cultures. Try to be at home for the meals and help set the table or do the dishes. It’s better to discuss culinary preferences or dietary restrictions rather than not eating what we cook. Again, if you know how to cook, feel free to prepare something from your home country.
  
  3. Respect the schedule. Try to respect our schedules. If you are not at home for meals or activities please let us know ahead of time. Even though we are not your parents, we still worry about you
  
  4. Accept the differences. You will probably have to get used to different food, to new ways of folding laundry, and to house rules that are not the same as back home. Remember: different, new, and not the same don’t have to mean bad. Things are done in other ways around the world and as long as everything works, this is a good thing and part of the learning experience.
  
  5. Mind your manners. You do not live in a hotel and I am not your maid. Keep your room and bathroom clean please. Do not invite friends to a sleepover without asking.
  
  6.Internet piracy is a crime, please do not use our internet access to download any illegal content.

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  Languages spoken

  Catalan: Fluent
  English: Fluent
  Spanish: Fluent

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  Accommodation

  We live in a four bedroom apartment.
  The complex consists of 24 apartments has a common garden and swimming pool.
  You will have your own bedroom and shared bathroom.
  We provide 3 meals per day (continental breakfast, lunch and dinner).

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  What else ...

  If you like you can travel on the weekends and also full weeks when Josep is off (once every three weeks). Barcelona is one hour by bus/train. In Tarragona there are lot of beautiful beaches (Savinosa, Playa Larga...) that you can reach by public transport. Cultural activities and festivals, the biggest festival in Tarragona is held in the second half of September.

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  A little more information

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    Internet access

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    Limited internet access

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    We have pets

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    We are smokers

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    Can host families

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  How many Workawayers can stay?

  One

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  Hours expected

  5 hours/day, 5 days/week

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