Central Wisconsin News

Two students from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point are preparing for an opportunity to teach English in Spain next fall. Kylie Newton, a senior majoring in Spanish, and Morgan Hansen, a junior, have been accepted into the RVF International program aimed at teaching English to native Spanish speakers.

This upcoming experience will not be their first time in Spain. Both students previously traveled there during their sophomore year through the UW-Stevens Point Study Abroad program in Valladolid. The trip allowed them to immerse themselves in Spanish culture and improve their language skills.

“I just love to talk and to be able to do that with anyone regardless of language would be awesome,” Hansen said.

Upon returning to Stevens Point, both students were eager to maintain their conversational Spanish skills. As members of the Spanish Club, they initiated Café y Conversaciones at the Basement Brewhaus in the Dreyfus University Center, providing club members with weekly opportunities to converse entirely in Spanish.

“We need to encourage progress over perfection,” Newton said.

Newton currently serves as the president of the Spanish Club and is also involved as a tutor at the Tutoring Learning Center for Spanish and at the Writing Center. She majors in English: Writing, Editing, & Publishing. Her participation in the English language assistant program in Spain aligns with her interests.

Newton plans to complete her student teaching practicum in Spanish at Ben Franklin Middle School this spring. Inspired by her father’s career as a middle school teacher, she expressed her motivation for teaching: “I really like to help people,” Newton said. “I’ve always felt called to serve others and that is really what teaching is.”

Hansen found her semester abroad impactful and desires further immersion in Spain's culture. An international studies major, she envisions a future career potentially involving international affairs or translation work.

“It takes a certain amount of bravery to be forced to figure things out for yourself while abroad,” Hansen stated.

“There’s just something about being there. You get to see and be part of this incredible humankind. There’s a deep connectiveness between all of us.”