I’m Valerie, I’m a black female Londoner and in 2001-2002 I took a one year sabbatical in Central and South America.  On the advice of my chiropractor re no backpacking I lived in four countries: Mexico, Colombia, Ecuador and Argentina.
 
My principal motivation was to improve my knowledge and fluency of Spanish.
 
In all countries except Argentina, I lived with a family and taught English, first as a volunteer in a secondary school in Mexico, then privately to adults in Colombia and Ecuador.
 
Spending months in each country gave me the chance to immerse myself in the cultures, getting to know the people and their lands.  I also came to realise my self-reliance, my resilience and my passion for enjoying life outside of work.
 
I improved my fluency of Spanish, started my salsa dancing journey that continues up to now and made very good friends whom I value and am still in touch with.
 
My favourite countries were Colombia and Argentina because of the warmness of the people and the wonderful countryside. Wow moments included the Galapagos Islands and Iguazu Falls.
 
This was truly one of the best years of my life and something that I would recommend to others.