Transplants - Conversations With Women Thriving Abroad #18 Languages as a Passport & Building an Inclusive Spanish School | Sandra Romero | Spain → Mexico
Jan 13, 2026
Sandra Romero, a Spanish teacher and founder of the Queer Spanish School, shares her journey from Spain to Mexico. Inspired by her mother's stories, she turned teaching into a passport for adventure while living in diverse countries. She pivoted to online classes during the pandemic, creating a safe space for queer women, non-binary, and trans students. Sandra discusses the complexities of identity, cultural belonging, and the importance of teaching Mexican Spanish while advocating for greater awareness among Europeans in Latin America.
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Teaching Became Her Passport
- Sandra discovered teaching Spanish while working in Belgium and used it as a passport to live abroad.
- She then taught in Russia and Costa Rica before moving to Mexico and staying long-term.
Send CVs Everywhere
- Sandra sent CVs to Spanish schools worldwide without overthinking country choice and landed roles in bold places like Russia.
- She intentionally accepted one-year stints which gave variety but made deep friendships harder.
Find Students Online Fast
- When the pandemic closed her in-person school, Sandra proactively found students via Facebook groups within days.
- Do reach out to online communities quickly to keep teaching income flowing during disruptions.