Through NALCAP (North American Language and Culture Assistants Program), participants help enrich English or French language programs in Spanish elementary and secondary schools, working closely with local teachers. This role provides not only hands-on teaching experience but also a chance to deepen your understanding of Spain’s vibrant culture and traditions. As a language assistant (or auxiliar), you’ll receive a monthly stipend of €700-€1,000, ensuring financial support while you explore this unforgettable experience abroad. NALCAP opens doors to both personal and professional growth
For many participants, NALCAP is more than just a teaching opportunity – it’s a stepping stone to new horizons. Meet Danielle Galloway, originally from Calgary and a former language assistant. She turned her time in Spain into the foundation for an exciting career. Today, she is not just living in Spain. She’s thriving as a business owner, blending her passion for cultural exchange with entrepreneurial ambition.
Her story is a testament to the power of international experiences. Here’s how NALCAP helped shape her journey and inspired her to build a life abroad.
How did you learn about NALCAP?
I’ve been living in Madrid, Spain for the past 7 years. I’m currently on a self employment visa, and I have a brand and web design studio that my twin sister and I started together called The Madrid Collective.
I first heard about the NALCAP program when I was studying abroad in Seville, Spain in university. One of my Spanish teachers mentioned the program and it was always in the back of my mind after graduating.
Why did you apply?
I applied to the program after graduating university because I still felt lost in knowing what I wanted to do with my life, and figured it would help me get clear on that. I also felt a really strong pull to go back to Spain and knew deep down that the 9-5 lifestyle that I was working in Calgary just wasn’t a good fit for me.
I moved to Spain in September 2017 where I worked as an Auxiliar in a city called Móstoles (just outside of Madrid) from 2017-2020. I was placed at a primary school working with kids from grades 1-6. The types of tasks I did depended on the teacher, in some cases I’d assist teachers with running the class, giving presentations, and helping the kids with English related activities and games. Other times I’d be working with small groups of kids outside of the classroom practicing speaking related activities and helping with test prep. Sometimes I got to go on field trips with certain classes so it really just depended on the day.
What were the highlights or memorable moments?
Because I worked at the same school for three years I really got to know the kids and teachers on a more personal level. It was fun being able to show the kids the differences between Canada and Spain, not only teach them about a different culture, but learn more about theirs as well. The program was also only 16 hours/week spread across four days which allowed for extra free time to travel and explore.
How did you transition from the program to your next chapter?
I knew early on as an aux that I wanted to be able to stay in Spain on a more long term, permanent basis. As much as I loved my experience teaching, I knew I wanted something different and more flexible that I could do on my own terms. I started taking courses online for branding and web design, and had the idea in mind to start a business by modifying my student visa to a self-employment visa (cuenta propia). At the time you could only do the modification process after being on a student visa for three years, so this gave me time to research how exactly to go about it, and figure out the requirements. I ended up applying to modify my student visa in June 2021 and got approved in May of 2023. It usually doesn’t take that long, but in my case it ended up being quite a complicated process. In the end I’m happy I stuck it out because everything started flowing and coming together in the best possible way after that.
My day to day now involves working with clients all over the world, and since my job is completely remote I finally have the flexibility to work wherever I want and make my own schedule. I love having a job that allows me to be creative on a regular basis and work with my dream clients.
What advice would you give to future applicants?
If you’re thinking of applying to NALCAP I’d recommend applying as early as possible, and doing a ton of research before you go so you know what to expect. Applying early gives you a better chance of getting your first choice of region since there are limited numbers of positions available. Also, try to save as much as possible before the program. You’ll be a lot more relaxed having extra money to fall back on. If you’re unsure of what to do after graduation, I’d highly recommend giving it a try! You never know what doors could open for you by getting out of your comfort zone and immersing yourself in a totally different culture.
How can people connect with you?
You can connect with me through Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/themadridcollective_/ (@themadridcollective_) or through my website https://themadridcollective.com/