In 2006 I chose to leave snowy Canada and retire to a warmer, dry climate in the south of France. I was very happy with my choice, but sometimes the effort of speaking French all day long became a little overwhelming.

A little voice in the back of my mind spoke about a school for English in Spain: Pueblo Inglès. I decided to apply as a volunteer: after all, a lifetime of teaching English should count for something!

My first experience with Pueblo Inglés (as the school is now called) proved to be so good that I have volunteered almost every year since.

What a wonderful opportunity to meet such charming Spanish people within the confines of an excellent programme, and to assist them on their life journey.