Eden Bauer ‘18, who graduated with a B.S. in biology and minor in Spanish, stands before a class of students in a small town in Spain. But she isn’t teaching biology; she’s teaching English, to a group of about 100 students, aged three to 13. Bauer’s life-changing experience living and working abroad for 18 months post graduation was possible thanks to her decision to pursue a minor, her willingness to embrace adventure, and a serendipitous tip from a professor.
While most undergraduate students seek a career in their major field immediately post-graduation, Bauer took a different route. Because she was not quite ready to jump into science or continue to graduate school, Bauer opted to further explore her interest in foreign language and culture. At the recommendation of her mentor Barbara Gasquet-Carerra, lecturer in the Department of Languages and Intercultural Studies, Bauer applied for and earned a position as an auxiliares de conversacion, or conversational assistant, with the Spanish government.
Bauer moved to the province of Málaga, Spain, living and working in a “tiny pueblo” with a population of about 1,800. At the CIEP Doctor Fleming school, Bauer served as a source of exposure to the English language and could be asked to translate lessons on history, biology, and mathematics in real time on any given day.
“I never had a specific classroom to teach in; I was a teaching assistant,” said Bauer. “As the teacher spoke, I repeated what they said in English.”
The position, offered through the North American Language and Culture Assistants Program (NALCAP), is a part of a national initiative to ensure Spanish students do not fall behind in their education.
“Just as there’s been a push for American students to learn another language, there has also been a push for students in other countries to learn English,” said Bauer.
Bauer initially did not classify herself as the “teacher type.” However, she says, it can be an acquired skill, and she highly recommends this position to graduates interested in getting versatile teaching experience.
“Even if you don’t think you’re the teacher type, you can figure out how to be,” said Bauer. [Teaching in Spain] has been such a beautiful and life-changing experience.”
Bauer appreciates all the opportunities that were offered to her while at CCU and said her Spanish classes, mentors, and networks she fostered prepared her for the challenges of living abroad.
Bauer credits Gary Schmidt, chair of the Department of Languages and Intercultural Studies and director of the Intercultural Language Resource Center (ILRC), with demonstrating patience and providing her with the encouragement to study language as a minor discipline. Bauer also recalls the encouragement and assistance of Yun Sil Jeon, Associate Professor of Spanish, when Bauer began thinking about teaching abroad.
Bauer shared her experience in Spain with a CCU audience in “Cafecito Time,” an online presentation recorded Friday, March 5.
Currently, Bauer is back in the States, utilizing her biology degree to become a midwife.
“I’m really interested in holistic living and female empowerment,” Bauer says.
To CCU students, Bauer recommends pursuing interests to their fullest extent, including asking questions of professors and classmates; joining clubs; and taking advantage of resources such as the Intercultural Resource Center. Although her international experience didn’t immediately relate to her major field of study, she’s certain the lessons learned will translate to future endeavors.
“If it’s something you want to do, do not allow fears or barriers to stop you,” advises Bauer. “It’s going to be scary, but you’ll grow. That type of growth is something you can’t get without certain experiences.”
Bauer’s “Cafecito Time” presentation (password: $89d?cUq)
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