Author Topic: N. American Lang And Culture Asst 2006-07 (Read 90711 times)

maresjd · « **Reply #50 on:** May 31, 2006, 06:04:20 PM »

I actually just got the email this morning with 4 different word documents attached. It had every job placement for all of the people accepted into the madrid area (i had to look through 7 pages of placements to find my name), I would assume that the andalucia group might take a bit longer since it had the most positions, but I'm just surprised they got anything out by now. Also the email came from a guy in Madrid not the guy from the embassy here in the US.

ladybrett · « **Reply #51 on:** May 31, 2006, 07:22:24 PM »

Hi. I'm a little worried because I didn't get the specific placement email that everyone is talking about. Did everyone in the Madrid Region get it?
Thanks

chadulaa · « **Reply #52 on:** May 31, 2006, 08:47:04 PM »

I did also get the assignment email for the region of Madrid. I was placed in Madrid capital. It's odd they didn't mention we'd be giving classes to the other teachers also. They kinda slid that into the contract that we have to fax back. I won't mind the extra euros, though. That puts us at...about 890 Euros/month. That figure is a bit more comforting than 631.

Chad

sticky · « **Reply #53 on:** May 31, 2006, 09:41:37 PM »

Quote

It's odd they didn't mention we'd be giving classes to the other teachers also. They kinda slid that into the contract that we have to fax back.

Odd clauses, new conditions, surprises and unexpected changes? Hmmm....Watch out all you young English-teaching hopefuls out there; this could be something like that movie \"Hostel.\" Mua Mua Mua HAAHAHHAHAAHA.

See you all in Spain, hopefully in one piece.

Phil

Amanditaa · « **Reply #54 on:** June 01, 2006, 06:13:50 AM »

I also got placed in Madrid and received my Colegio placement, which is in Tres Cantos, not too far from the city center. Does anyone know if switching colegios between Auxiliares is allowed? If so, is anyone who was placed in Madrid, Capital, willing to switch with me? -- By the way-- Congrats to all!

Other Info: according to Olivares (the Education Advisor at the Washington Embassy) our health insurance begins on Sept. 15th. I suppose they'll send more information regarding the details, but after that date I guess we can arrive to our regions.

mikeschneider · « **Reply #55 on:** June 01, 2006, 07:34:32 AM »

Okay so Madrid ppl got their placements. If anyone hears anything about andalucia, post it here. I will post whatever I find out as soon as I do too. I assume it will be soon. Just up to the autonomous regions specifically I guess. Can't wait.

SRedw · « **Reply #56 on:** June 01, 2006, 03:30:43 PM »

Quote

I also got placed in Madrid and received my Colegio placement, which is in Tres Cantos, not too far from the city center.

Amanda,

I hate to break the news to you, but Tres Cantos is NOT near the city center (Zone B2). You will be taking a bus from Plaza de Castilla to get there. Zone A is considered the center.

I had a feeling that they wouldn't tell particiapnts everything, [_[ but if they pay you to teach extra classes to teachers, that's great,

but verify before you do it. It's best to have these things in writing.

I am glad that everyone is posting with there experiences, thus far.

Shawn

tonytorero · « **Reply #57 on:** June 01, 2006, 10:46:05 PM »

Shawn's right, Amanda. I was thinking just that when I read your post. Then I read his. The only silver lining you should solace yourself in though is that Tres Cantos is quite well conected with the rail system and you should be a 30-40 minute train ride from the city center (maybe less). Better than most American/British commutes and you can read and take in the culture to boot... So, all is not lost!

Tres Cantos is a big IT hub in the north of the city. I've consulted up there on a couple of occasions.

Personally, I loved my commutes during the early stages of my time in Spain as they helped me better and more effectively connect with the typical day to day of the culture.

Best of luck... Be sure to let us know how it goes!

Amanditaa · « **Reply #58 on:** June 02, 2006, 12:59:15 AM »

Hey Guys,

Thanks for the posts. I've done a little investigating myself. I guess compared to other areas of madrid that I could have been placed in, Tres Cantos isn't bad. I have a place to stay within Madrid capital so its going to be quite a commute each day. [_[ On the bright side the Cercanias station is on the same street as the school and at least I'll get to know a different part of Madrid.

Other than that i'm impatiently awaiting more details. Have the other participants in the autonomous regions find out their placements?

arco_iris06 · « **Reply #59 on:** June 03, 2006, 04:00:47 AM »

Hi everyone,
I was wondering if the people who applied for Andalucia and have been accepted, when did they apply and then receive their acceptances? I applied almost 3 weeks ago and I still haven't received anything and I'm really worried about it and the availability. [_[ And does it look like people are being placed in the pueblos or bigger cities? I was in Cordoba and I would love to go back there, but I dunno. I just want to know, they are not very good with getting back to you or giving you information.

-Jenn

txsara · « **Reply #60 on:** June 03, 2006, 07:24:49 AM »

Hey all:
I was posting about this program on another topic. Silly me. Had no idea everyone was takling about it for months, and got lots of my questions answered, namely, \"Am I completely insane to do this?\"
I am going to be in Madrid, well, more specifically, Alcobendas. Is anyone else going there? And does anyone know if we will have some sort of orientation? I think it said a week, but I might have misread that.
If anyone wants to hook up for some sort of housing, let me know!
Sara

sepi · « **Reply #61 on:** June 03, 2006, 06:16:19 PM »

Hi Jenn,

I applied on April 16 and got an email of acceptance on May 16...a lot sooner than I expected. For Andalucia (which is where I'm going) we still don't have any info as to the city or starting date. Hopefully soon!

Good luck and let us know when you get accepted!

Cepee

Joly · « **Reply #62 on:** June 03, 2006, 06:59:31 PM »

Hi Everyone ..

Congratulations to all those that have been accepted!!!

I have been reading the posts the last couple of days... I too have applied and been accepted and waiting for my placement in Andulucia. I am very anxious to hear of our placements. I am also glad to see that I am not alone when I feel as if I am guessing about what is going on ..

Well keep the updates coming. It is exciting to hear placements and to learn more of the area. I have been to neighboring countries, but never made it to spain. So I like the stories and explanations of where and how to get around.

Keep the updates coming!!
Jennifer

sticky · « **Reply #63 on:** June 04, 2006, 03:23:55 PM »

Welcome to the board Jennifer. It is quite exciting seeing so many people getting accepted into this program!

MeganMac · « **Reply #64 on:** June 05, 2006, 05:25:40 PM »

This is great! Finally, I realize that I'm not alone! (I just found this website this weekend.)

I, too, have applied and been accepted to the NALCA, and I, too, am waiting to hear specifics about where exactly I'll be and when I need to be there. Anyone else accepted to work in Aragon and then transferred (as of last week) to Castilla-La Mancha? I have to say, I've been very impressed by the level of organization I've seen so far!

I'm beginning to wonder if I'm going to eat my words; I've been telling friends and co-workers about my acceptance for weeks!

Please respond if you're in my same situation. Not that I know where I'm going to live, but I'd like to see if I can connect with some potential roommates. In any case, I'm so glad to have a connection to other people in the program!

sepi · « **Reply #65 on:** June 05, 2006, 09:37:55 PM »

For those of you that have received your placement information, what information was given about the visa?

Joly · « **Reply #66 on:** June 06, 2006, 04:59:10 AM »

Hey Megan -

Just curious about your transfer --

-- did you request a transfer?

-- did you get transfered after you faxed in your acceptance?

I am currently a teacher in DC and need to let my principal know whether or not I will be returning next year. I am very scared to tell him no and then this fall through.

Jennifer

Joly · « **Reply #67 on:** June 06, 2006, 04:59:54 AM »

any news on andulucia?

MeganMac · « **Reply #68 on:** June 06, 2006, 07:04:23 PM »

Jennifer-

I understand your trepidation; I teach in Richmond, and when I faxed my acceptance to the embassy, I also submitted a letter of resignation to my school. That was before three weeks of \"more info. coming soon!\" and a last-minute transfer to Castilla-La Mancha.

That said, the application deadline was May 31st, and notifications on the part of the autonomous regions were to be completed by June 15th, so I think we've still got a week or so before we can get really nervous!

arco_iris06 · « **Reply #69 on:** June 06, 2006, 11:32:45 PM »

Hey everyone,
Is it just me or is no one in the office good at getting back to you either through email or on the phone? I just want to know if my application has been received, and I've sent a few emails and absolutely no response from anyone, and when I call they tell me to email. Anyone have any ideas on how I can get informed, before I go bonkers waiting for an acceptance letter or a rejection letter. Also, anyone know someone who hasn't been accepted? I'm highly curious. Thanks.

A bit anxious,
Jenn

SRedw · « **Reply #70 on:** June 07, 2006, 09:38:48 AM »

Megan,

You teach in Richmond? So did I before leavng teaching all together, Spanish that is. In fact, I'm from Richmond.

It's a small world.

Shawn

stacylimones · « **Reply #71 on:** June 07, 2006, 02:37:09 PM »

Hey everyone,
I was wondering if there were any other LA's from the Boston area; it would be good to know someone from \"home\"...
Also wondering if any of you Andalucía folks requested to be in Sevilla - my husband's family is from there, and I am hoping to be placed in that area. Hopefully when we get our placements we can all figure out who is close to whom and arrange some meetings (or excursions to places where other LA's are placed?)... I am reallly excited to be moving to Spain, but I also know that I will be grateful to know some other Americans if (when) things get \"agobiante\". Well, chicos, hang in there and try not to get too nervous/frustrated waiting for the information that's \"coming soon\". (Remember that in Spain, \"ahora\" doesn't really mean \"now\", so \"pronto\" may not really mean \"soon\" by our standards...)
Que paséis buen día,
Stacy

Joly · « **Reply #72 on:** June 07, 2006, 07:17:20 PM »

So I just got off the phone with a super nice and willing to assist female from the embassy contact number...

I was questioning her about the acceptance notice we faxed to them --

she stated that all the applicants that have accepted have been sent to spain already and that we should be receiving all of our information regarding placement within the next two weeks.. (I was specifically asking about andulucia but she phrased it as all --)

stacylimones · « **Reply #73 on:** June 07, 2006, 11:16:15 PM »

That's good to know and also good to hear that you were able to speak with someone helpful. Very encouraging!

chadulaa · « **Reply #74 on:** June 08, 2006, 02:48:59 PM »

Hey all!

I have a question regarding the visa application and thought this a good place to ask. We're instructed to provide letters from the police stations of the cities in which we've lived in the past 5 years for a duration of 6 months or more. I have those letters, except for one, because it didn't cross my mind. I've lived in Madrid twice before. One of which was on a student visa for a little over a year. I didn't request a letter from the Madrid police; I only requested letters from here in Chicago and also the city where I studied. Has anyone else had to request a letter from Madrid or any other city in Spain from the police dept. there? I'm guessing that I should do this. Any suggestions?

Thanks,

Chad

txsara · « **Reply #75 on:** June 08, 2006, 03:57:02 PM »

Chad:
I talked with someone at the embassy about this as well, but my understanding was that you had to provide A letter from a city you have lived in for six months or more. I don't think you have to get all of them. I could be wrong, but that was my understanding.
I had to get a background check in Spain to extend my visa, and it was kind of a pain. I had to go get fingerprinted at the station, sit around, etc. I have no idea how to do it if you aren't over there, I'm sure someone does, but I think the letter from a U.S. city should be fine.

mikeschneider · « **Reply #76 on:** June 08, 2006, 07:56:05 PM »

I've been through the student visa process for Spain once before. As I understand it you only need one certificate of good standing (letter from police) from somewhere you've lived for 6 months in the last 5 years. I was living in Albany, NY for 3 years going to school there but my letter was from where I'm originally from (NYC). One should be enough.

I also got an email today from the embasy saying the following:

Dear applicant,

We have already sent your documents to Spain. The Education Authorities in the Autonomous Region where you have been assigned will soon be mailing, to the physical address that you provided in your application, the official certificate needed to apply for your visa through the Consulate of Spain in your area.

Please find attached information about the Consulates of Spain in the USA and Canada, together with the requirements needed to process your student visa.

For more information, please contact the Consulate of Spain in your area.

We strongly advise all applicants to not purchase plane tickets until visas are processed.

So I guess it's good to receive some sort of news. I'm hoping it shouldn't be much longer to hear about placements. I'm hoping for Sevilla too. Can't wait to see where everyone who applied for Andalucia will be going!

.,mike

sportschica · « **Reply #77 on:** June 09, 2006, 09:36:44 PM »

Hi everyone,

This isn't specifically about the VISA situation but....All I'd like to say is I'm sooo glad I'm not the only one wondering why I signed my future away to shady mcshady Senor Olivares and his colleagues. I still can't believe the total lack of information I would have had about the program if I hadn't Googled the program and found Expat Cafe.

I was accepted to Andalucia and yesterday received the same email posted above. I emailed Sr. Olivares again about when I should expect to leave for Spain, but I doubt he'll get back to me. Some of the earlier posts suggested late September/early October.....does anyone from Madrid have their dates yet?

Anyway, I'll be paying attention to everyone's updates and posting any new info I get about Andalucia.

Hasta la proxima
Catie

FYI for others going to Andalucia: Sr. Olivares did get back to me, and said that the school year opens Oct 2 there.

Joly · « **Reply #78 on:** June 10, 2006, 04:37:29 AM »

The dates for andulucia that olivares had given me earlier were october 1st through may 31st. hope that helps.

sticky · « **Reply #79 on:** June 11, 2006, 10:06:42 AM »

Don't worry. The Spanish can be a little disorganized but in the end \"no pasa nada.\" Mr. Olivares is probably receiving a zillion emails right now and understaffed... Anyway, Spain is different. Just relax and go with the flow.

Phil

sepi · « **Reply #80 on:** June 11, 2006, 07:04:28 PM »

Good advice Phil...go with the flow....Spain works on a different sense of urgency.

Delmar · « **Reply #81 on:** June 12, 2006, 01:24:06 AM »

Hello,

I heard there were some Language and Culture Assistants for '06-'07 on this board. I would like to invite those who are teaching in and around the Madrid area, or those outside the region, to continue to share their experiences here on this thread at the Expatriate Café so as many as possible can benefit from it.

kpnsevilla · « **Reply #82 on:** June 12, 2006, 06:17:24 AM »

Hi Everyone,

My name is Kevin and I'm new to the board. I've been accepted to the NALCA as well in the region of Castilla-La Mancha and I too am anxious to find out where exactly I will be living and working in said region. I am also a bit more nervous because I have a grant to study Catalan in Barcelona this summer and I want to be sure that I can get my visa all worked out and in hand, go to Barca, then to Madrid for NALCA orientation, and then to wherever Mr Olivares and friends put me in C-LM. Whew! So, hopefully we start to hear some info trickling in from various sources. Best of luck to all and I look forward to hearing from all of you!

Saludos,

Kevin

anausc2002 · « **Reply #83 on:** June 12, 2006, 06:47:06 PM »

Hi everyone!! My name is Ana, ill be in the Madrid region... just wondering if anyone got any definitive answers on the starting date, Ive read Oct. 1st, but does that mean the school year or the orientation?
Also I was glad to hear that it is pretty easy to get work in restaurants, bars etc. without papers because I too am concerned that the salary wont cut it! Ive been looking on loquo.com and the rooms in shared flats are anything but cheap! (at least, in Madrid)... I am however looking forward to a lot of relaxation time if we really do only work 20 hours a week (my letter also said that ill be teaching adults for 8 hours) ... looking forward to meeting all of you!
p.s. is anyone in San Diego?? B)

bigempty_8 · « **Reply #84 on:** June 13, 2006, 09:00:27 PM »

Hello my name is Pablo, and I have been assigned to the region of Castilla La-Mancha. To answer previous questions, I have spoken to Pepe and from what I understand we all have a meeting in Madrid September 28th; after that we will go to our city to start teaching October 1st. At this point I'm in the same boat as others, I don't know what city I will be in; hopefully Toledo. In addition to receiving our Visa application in the mail, we will also receive confirmation to city assigned in our region. Good luck to all, chao.
-Pablo

stacylimones · « **Reply #85 on:** June 13, 2006, 09:13:48 PM »

Thanks for the info, Pablo. I was wondering if anyone was assigned to a region other than Madrid, Castilla-La Mancha, or Andalucia. There were supposed to be positions throughout the country, but it seems like everyone posting is placed in one of those three areas. Just curious.
Saludos,
Stacy

bigempty_8 · « **Reply #86 on:** June 14, 2006, 02:48:54 AM »

By the way does anyone have a suggestions for plane tickets, what is the cheapest way? So far I found a one way ticket from Phoenix to Madrid for $477 tax included.

marquettegirl · « **Reply #87 on:** June 14, 2006, 04:21:40 AM »

Humm... seems as though we are all in the same boat, which is comforting and unnerving all at the same time...

A few questions:

1. I contacted my school in Madrid directly, and they said that school starts roughly in the beginning of Sept. However, after reading so many of your responses saying that we need to be there at the end of Sept, I'm confused (supprise!)

2. Has anyone bought plane tix? I would love to buy an open ended one, but am not sure how to, or if it would be so expensive that it's not worth it.

3. Anyone from Chicago?

kpnsevilla · « **Reply #88 on:** June 14, 2006, 04:32:16 AM »

Hey all,

Marquettegirl I'm from Chicago. Well actually River Forest but I went to the university of Chicago in Hyde Park. Where are you from? I have tons of friends who went to Marquette so drop me a line if you want to chat or meet up. Also, I just sent an email to Pepe Olivares asking him to clarify exactly when the orientation will be. Does anyone else know for sure that we(ie those who haven't already) are going to be getting our official notifications and assignments relatively soon? That's all for now.

sleeplesshead · « **Reply #89 on:** June 14, 2006, 07:39:28 AM »

i too am from the chicago area and placed in the madrid area -mostoles.

marquettegirl, i just recently graduated from marquette. with regards to booking a flight, i am too hoping that an open-ended way can be done. so far, i have gone to a couple of travel sites, such as travelocity and expedia, and it is impossible to book a flight from say mid-september to late may. it would help out though, if we had the exact dates. as it stands now, it looks like you will have to book two seperate flights.....which are going for about 700 dollars each.

to all the chicago-folk in the crowd...i'm up for a get-together.

chadulaa · « **Reply #90 on:** June 14, 2006, 04:18:14 PM »

Hey all,

I'm in Chicago too! Quite a few of us here, it appears. I live in Uptown, to be exact.

As far as tix go I'm guessing we don't have to show that we have a roundtrip ticket to apply for the visa? If that were the case we'd have to buy the tix before applying for the visa, which we're advised not to do. Mmm...answered my own question.

Did anyone study abroad in Madrid '02-'03 with the WIP program? Shot in the dark.

Chad

chadulaa · « **Reply #91 on:** June 14, 2006, 04:20:37 PM »

Hey all,

I'm in Chicago too! Quite a few of us here, it appears. I live in Uptown, to be exact.

As far as tix go I'm guessing we don't have to show that we have a roundtrip ticket to apply for the visa? If that were the case we'd have to buy the tix before applying for the visa, which we're advised not to do. Mmm...answered my own question.

Did anyone study abroad in Madrid '02-'03 with the WIP program? Shot in the dark.

Chad

agentQshock · « **Reply #92 on:** June 14, 2006, 04:40:27 PM »

Hey guys... another tip on flights... just buy a one-way to get there and then that way you can plan your return trip later. Who knows what everyone will want to do once the program is over. A lot of people might want to travel around Europe for a while. In that case you'll probably be flying back to the states next year from a different city anyway. I saw someone blog that www.air-hitch.org is a good site for dirt cheap tickets. check it out.

ladybrett · « **Reply #93 on:** June 14, 2006, 07:28:51 PM »

Has everyone who has been accepted received their specific school placements? I haven't received mine yet and Olivares assured me it would arrive soon and all was in order, but I am a little anxious, naturally...Anyone else who still doesn't know? Thanks.

marquettegirl · « **Reply #94 on:** June 14, 2006, 09:53:32 PM »

I called the office a few weeks ago, was told that I had been accepted to the program. They said they faxed my info to Spain. 2 weks ago I received a voice mail from Spain saying that they had tried to contact me via email (which I never received). Long story short... they did then send me the email and my school placement. I've spoken to a few other people that know their placements, so you might want to check to make sure your info was sent.

PS- Chicago people... we should get together sometime this summer. Do any days work better for people then others?

arco_iris06 · « **Reply #95 on:** June 14, 2006, 11:37:22 PM »

Hey everyone!
Thanks for the information. A friend and I are still waiting to hear about whether or not we got in, they said that they sent our information to Spain. What does that mean? They said that all decisions are made in Spain or does that mean we got in? I applied about 4 weeks ago and I'm still waiting, anybody know about how competitive this thing is and if I should be worried or not? I've emailed Pepe, but he's not getting back to me. Any information about the application and acceptance process would be greatly appreciated. Anyone else waiting to hear from them or have all of you been accepted?

Thanks,
Jenn

PS Any Los Angeles people? I'm from Pasadena, but I don't know if I'm in, but if I do get it. We should get together.

jp337302 · « **Reply #96 on:** June 15, 2006, 02:10:03 AM »

Hola a todos!!

I'm new to this forum.

I got placedin Ajalvir...about 30 minutes northeast of the city of madrid. I'm very worried about this visa process. I haven't received from Spain yet my official letter. I'm from cleveland and my consulate jurisdiction lies in Chicago (not conveniently). And Chicago's consulate is saying that it takes up to 3 months now (2 years ago only a month because I got one) and you have to turn it in person and pick it up in person.

I'm freaking out because I have to leave the country in July and I'll need my passport. I called the lady and she said when i drop my application off, i just have to show my passport, and then they'd copy it, and then i'd be able to have it so i can take my summer trip....but i'm worried because it's spain here..

what i remember from my visa 2 years ago is that it was a special stamp in my passport...

does anybody know anything about Chicago's Spanish Consulate?

Gracias de antemano al que me puede ayudar!!!!
besos!

bigempty_8 · « **Reply #97 on:** June 15, 2006, 02:26:22 AM »

To answer the questions above as far as visas go, Pepe informed me that student visas can be applied throughout mail; which are the papers that he will be sending out to all of us that have been accepted; in addition confirming the city you will be placed in for your region. If you want a \"work visa\" then yes you would have to go to the nearest consulate to apply for one (they require for you to personally apply for one); other than that you should be fine for just a \"student visa\". Buena suerte.
-Pablo

chadulaa · « **Reply #98 on:** June 15, 2006, 02:42:13 PM »

Acutally, on the Spanish Consulate of Chicago's website it is stated that due to new procedures put into place after the Madrid bombings that NO visa may be applied for nor picked up through mail. This is stated in bold, red letters. You may have a representative apply for the visa on your behalf; however, it must always be picked up in person by the applicant.

As far at the actual visa goes, I thought they always affixed it to your actual passport. I was planning on heading out of the country for a bit, but put those plans on hold because of that.

C

agentQshock · « **Reply #99 on:** June 15, 2006, 03:39:54 PM »

i had to get my student visa at the chicago consulate last year to go to granada for 6 months. if i remember right, they kept my passport in order to be able to put the official visa in one of the pages of my passport. but, if the woman at the consulate said you can have it back to travel this summer, i'd take her word for it, or just call and ask again to be sure.

and i'm almost 100% positive that we will have to apply in person, unless pepe and the people in DC can pull some major strings.

News:

Author Topic: N. American Lang And Culture Asst 2006-07 (Read 90711 times)