Florencia Santillán‘s journey from Jujuy, Argentina, to Bahrain is a testament to how passion and adaptability can lead to unexpected opportunities.
Originally visiting her sister in Bahrain in March 2020, Florencia’s stay was extended due to the pandemic, leading her to discover a new calling: teaching Spanish in a land where the language and Latin culture are embraced with enthusiasm.
In this interview, Florencia shares her experiences, the challenges of teaching in a different cultural context, and her efforts to promote mutual understanding between Argentina and Bahrain.
How did you come to teach Spanish in Bahrain?
I arrived in Bahrain in March 2020 to visit my sister Febe, who was living here at the time. Initially, I came for a vacation, but I was open to staying if a job opportunity arose. I started teaching Spanish because many people who knew that my native language was Spanish wanted to practice or learn it. Here, people are in love with Latin culture, the language, and the music.
What motivated you to work abroad?
I am an art teacher and worked in several institutions in Jujuy, Argentina, until I secured a permanent position at a school. When I decided to visit my sister, I never imagined that the pandemic would catch me outside my country and far from home. I had no choice but to stay because the situation was global, and there was nothing to do but wait.
During that time, I began helping people who wanted to improve their Spanish, and that’s how the Spanish Club was formed, which is now called the Bahrain Spanish Club. Another motivation was to learn more about Arab culture, to understand and experience it, which fascinated me, along with improving my English, which was very limited at the time.
How have you adapted to life in Bahrain? Have you experienced any cultural shocks?
Yes, it was challenging initially due to the pandemic, but over time, I began to understand the culture. I experienced cultural differences, such as the way people greet each other and the food, which is spicier and more seasoned than I’m used to. The separation between men and women, like gender-specific gyms, was also new to me, although in Bahrain, this separation is less common, and things are more mixed.
What aspects of Jujuy or Argentine culture do you share with your students in Bahrain?
I share almost everything from Argentina. I love sharing things like mate, empanadas, and music. I always try to include Argentine history in my classes, explaining the meaning of our traditions and showing photographs. I love talking about Argentina.
How do Bahrainis perceive the Spanish language and Latin American culture?
Honestly, they love the Spanish language. Arabs have a remarkable ease in learning it; some even achieve such perfect accents and pronunciation that they sound like natives. They always tell me it’s a language of the gods, a romantic language. Football is also very popular here, and Argentina is well known for its football and Messi, which increases interest in our culture. They also love Latin music, like cumbia, reggaeton, and bachata. I was surprised to discover that many Arabs dance salsa and bachata with great skill.
Have you had opportunities to promote cultural exchanges between Argentina and Bahrain?
So far, I haven’t had many opportunities, but it’s one of my main goals. We have organized cultural exchanges here in Bahrain, like the “Language and Culture Exchange,” which was a wonderful experience. I would love to continue with these meetings.
How do you see the future of Spanish teaching in Bahrain?
Spanish has become a very popular language, and here in Bahrain, it is being incorporated into schools and institutions. It is growing rapidly and will continue to grow.
What advice would you give to other professionals who want to work abroad?
First, know that it’s not easy. There are many challenges we must face as foreigners, but with patience, perseverance, consistency, and clear goals, anything is possible. It’s also important to incorporate English into your daily life since communication is essential if you plan to leave your country.
Are there any specific projects or initiatives you’re involved in to foster mutual understanding between both cultures?
Yes, every month, we have two cultural meetings where we invite all Spanish speakers and Bahrainis who want to socialize and exchange languages and cultures. These activities vary monthly and include tours in Bahrain, photo walks, coffee shop meetups, and more. Many people from different nationalities join these activities, providing the opportunity to learn about cultures and practice languages.
