Author Topic: N. American Lang & Cultural Asst 2007-08 (Read 71915 times)

RebeccaG · « **on:** April 17, 2007, 09:48:03 AM »

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I think you guys should consider closing this thread to additional comments and open a brand new thread for the upcoming 2007-2008 program. People would still be able to read old posts but they won't have to worry that they are missing the most up to date info.

Beckett,

Thank you very much for your suggestion. A very good one indeed as it can be quite tedious to work through many many pages of an old thread.

So, here it is folks...ready to use! Share your thoughts and experiences as you go through the process for 2007-08.

For those who are new here, you can find all the application information here:

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THE ONLINE APPLICATION IS UP AND RUNNING

Just to let everyone know that the online application for 2007-2008 is now up and running. Good luck to all who wish to apply this year.

North American Language and Culture Assistant

Saludos,
Shawn

I also would like to encourage you to make this board as functional as possible and share your lesson plan ideas and classroom experiences specifically on the thread Language and Cultural Assistants Lesson Plans.

Suerte a todos!

-R

MadrileñaJoelie · « **Reply #1 on:** April 18, 2007, 01:02:35 AM »

Hi All,

Just an FYI to all the 2007-2008 new applicants (and maybe you all knew this but just in case you didn't...

I spoke with the woman who's in charge of the NALA program at the Spanish embassy in DC this morning who informed me (to the best of her knowledge) that if you're application was sent in and/or postmarked by the original deadline of april 16th then you will be informed by the original response date of may 1st as to weather you got in. Again, this was just according to one woman from the embassy...as I've read the news changes according to with whom you speak:) I think an earlier post on the 2006-2007 thread said all applicants would not know until 2 weeks from may 11th. Well anyways, just posting what I know, wishing luck to all those who are applying, and perhaps passing on a note to check your email earlier than May 25th.

Suerte,
Madrilenajoelie

stacylimones · « **Reply #2 on:** April 18, 2007, 08:23:27 AM »

Thanks for the info, Madrilenajoelie. One of the best ways to curb the \"Auxiliary Anxiety\" is by staying informed and sharing information. Any little bits of information that may seem trivial to you can be of great help (and relief) to others, so thanks again for sharing!
Suerte to everyone applying!

SRedw · « **Reply #3 on:** April 18, 2007, 03:05:46 PM »

That's good to know. I am also glad that they extended the deadline to give more people a chance to apply. I am not concerned with why they extended the deadline.

This is a good program for people who want to be in Spain legally.

Suerte a todos,

Shawn

SRedw · « **Reply #4 on:** April 19, 2007, 03:39:49 AM »

MadrileñaJolie,

The information that you received is right on the money.

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Las solicitudes recibidas en el plazo del 16 de abril, recibirán notificación a finales de abril. Las recibidas en el plazo del 11 de mayo, recibirán notificación durante los quince días posteriores a esa fecha.

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Applications received by April 16th will receive notification by the end of April. Applications received by May 11th will receive notification within two weeks following the deadline.

This can be seen on the NALCA page.

Thanks again for this information,

Shawn

Raquelita estrellita · « **Reply #5 on:** April 23, 2007, 04:16:45 AM »

I can't wait to find out!!!

MadrileñaJoelie · « **Reply #6 on:** April 23, 2007, 08:15:44 PM »

Hi All,

I just realized I forgot to include the high school, middle and elementary schools I attended on my resume. I only put my college. Ugh, does anyone know how important that information was? Shawn, you seem to have a wealth of experience and knowledge on this topic

, any thoughts?

Thanks!

SRedw · « **Reply #7 on:** April 24, 2007, 12:11:21 AM »

MadrileñaJolie,

Let me see how I would say this. I don't think that it will knock you out of the running if you are qualified, but they can be picky and reject your application because you didn't follow the directions to the letter, but I don't forsee that happening at all.

Please let us know something as soon as you know.

Suerte,

Shawn

Beckett · « **Reply #8 on:** April 24, 2007, 01:24:14 AM »

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Hi All,

I just realized I forgot to include the high school, middle and elementary schools I attended on my resume. I only put my college. Ugh, does anyone know how important that information was? Shawn, you seem to have a wealth of experience and knowledge on this topic , any thoughts?

Thanks!

It's probably not a dealbreaker but to put your mind at ease, why not email a short note explaining the oversight, plus the correct version of your resume, to the email address listed on the application?

SRedw · « **Reply #9 on:** April 24, 2007, 01:51:02 AM »

Beckett,

Great response. I don't know why I didn't think of that. :blink: That's why I love this board. So many helpful people and great responses to questions.

Shawn

MadrileñaJoelie · « **Reply #10 on:** April 24, 2007, 05:51:06 PM »

Thanks Beckett and Sredw! You two are great; I did just what you recommended- sent an email explaining, apologizing and attached a new copy of my CV.

Rats, I can't believe I missed that little detail! Does anyone know WHY they need that information? It must be my own American ignorance/bias but it seems a little funny to me :rolleyes: I sincerely hope I am still a competitive candidate for the program and they don't throw out my application

Oh well, I'll keep you all posted with what happens.

Thanks again,suerte a todos- MadrilenaJoelie

SRedw · « **Reply #11 on:** April 24, 2007, 07:14:31 PM »

MadrileñaJolie,

I don't have a clue why they need that information, but I can say that after working at the Fulbright Commission in Spain, that a lot of information seemed trivial, but was needed in the long run. I think that your chances are fine. Stay strong, mi hermanita.

Shawn

RebeccaG · « **Reply #12 on:** April 25, 2007, 10:06:37 AM »

MadrileñaJolie,

This may have absolutely nothing to do with anything, but I recall when I had to register my son's birth at the US Embassy and apply for his US citizenship. In order to do so, I had to prove my US citizenship and a mere copy of my passport was not sufficient. I had to also demonstrate that I had physically lived in the USA for (I think) at least 8 consecutive years, three of which must have been when I was at least 14 years old. The way I could prove that was by submitting official copies of my highschool and college transcripts. I also had to submit copies of W-2's to demonstrate my adult years residing in the country.

So perhaps for the purposes of the NALCA program they want to see *how long* you have lived in the USA given that the USA is a country of immigrants. They want to make sure that the candidates they are approving for the program have strong language/cultural knowlege. I don't know...just a supposition. But it certainly wouldn't surprise me if that is what they are looking for.

Good luck everyone!

-R

MadrileñaJoelie · « **Reply #13 on:** April 25, 2007, 06:25:07 PM »

RebeccaG,

Thanks, that was great insight! Seeing as how \"the US is a country of immigrants\" that makes a LOT of sense. I called the embassy this morning to double check on this matter and the woman I spoke with said it wasn't a big deal. I emailed it anyways though

Hasta luego,
Madrilenajoelie

SRedw · « **Reply #14 on:** April 30, 2007, 07:33:33 PM »

Some people should be knowing very soon if they have been accepted.

I wish everyone who applied much luck. I am sending out positive vibes to all of you. :wub:

Suerte,

Shawn

NebraskaChica · « **Reply #15 on:** April 30, 2007, 10:07:57 PM »

Voy a Madrid!!!!

Yo recibi el mensaje esta tarde.

charisma · « **Reply #16 on:** April 30, 2007, 10:08:05 PM »

Hey everyone,

I just checked my email, to discover that I've been placed (somewhere) in Andalucía. While it was my third choice, I'm nonetheless thrilled (and somewhat relieved) to be accepted!

Suerte a todos!

sepi · « **Reply #17 on:** April 30, 2007, 10:18:55 PM »

Congrats to you guys!! I got my acceptance email too. Little confused because my 1st choice was Madrid 2nd choice Andalucia (just spent the last year as assistant here in Cordoba)...anyways the email states Ive been accepted to Andalucia but the attached form says that I am accepting a position in Madrid?? Well we'll see.

Good luck to all!!!

charisma · « **Reply #18 on:** April 30, 2007, 10:28:36 PM »

Hi sepi,

That confused me as well. I just sent an email asking to ensure that I am indeed in Andalucia, though the document attached is probably just the default they send to all candidates.

VERY IMPORTANT EDIT: Oye, that Gisela Conde is FAST! Two minutes later, I get a reply stating that I am indeed in (the autonomous community of) MADRID! WOO! Guess I'll be sending off that request for convalidacion at Autonoma...

I guess we're really hawking our emails, huh, sepi?

sepi · « **Reply #19 on:** April 30, 2007, 10:32:04 PM »

Cool just sent email asking to clarify and the contact Gisela Conde verified that I am in my first choice Madrid!! Sweet!!

Raquelita estrellita · « **Reply #20 on:** April 30, 2007, 10:52:24 PM »

I got Madrid and my friend got Andalucia! yaya

SRedw · « **Reply #21 on:** May 01, 2007, 02:07:56 AM »

Congratulations to all of you. I guess I'll be seeing the Madrid people this fall.

We do need to have a night when we go out for cañas y tapas and just get to know each other to form a network and help to support each other.

FRIENDLY ADVICE - If you haven't done so by now, please keep a folder of every email and piece of paper that you receive concerning this program. You never know when you will need this information again.

A great day to all,

Shawn

MadrileñaJoelie · « **Reply #22 on:** May 02, 2007, 08:15:11 PM »

Me voy a Madrid tambien!!!!!!!!! I could not be more elated

charisma · « **Reply #23 on:** May 03, 2007, 05:05:05 AM »

Hello incoming Madrid auxiliares,

Hopefully we'll get to know each other (and the folks already there) as the year goes by.

Just wanted to let you know that I found a list of participating centros from 2006/07. I'm not sure how the regional authorities dole out the grants, so perhaps the list varies from year to year.

In any case, this might help us get an idea of the places at which we'd be potentially working. And, surely, there are similar lists for other regions.

Happy waiting...

SRedw · « **Reply #24 on:** May 03, 2007, 03:25:13 PM »

Charisma,

Thanks for the list. I think that with more openings this year, that their should be a wider variety of schools on the list. Well, we all do have to wait and have patience.

Shawn

NebraskaChica · « **Reply #25 on:** May 03, 2007, 10:58:11 PM »

What is the academic year for primary and secondary schools in Madrid? Is it October to July for both primary and secondary schools or do primary schools get out earlier?

The reason I ask is because I might have to be back in the U.S. by June 1, 2008 to start a new job. Would I be finished with my duties as a Language and Culture Assistant in Spain by then? If not, do you think they would be okay with me leaving by May 31st next year?

A lot of questions, I know, but I have acceptance letters and contracts to worry about right now.

Any advice or info would be much appreciated.

Thank you.

Beckett · « **Reply #26 on:** May 03, 2007, 11:54:40 PM »

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What is the academic year for primary and secondary schools in Madrid? Is it October to July for both primary and secondary schools or do primary schools get out earlier?

The reason I ask is because I might have to be back in the U.S. by June 1, 2008 to start a new job. Would I be finished with my duties as a Language and Culture Assistant in Spain by then? If not, do you think they would be okay with me leaving by May 31st next year?

A lot of questions, I know, but I have acceptance letters and contracts to worry about right now.

Any advice or info would be much appreciated.

Thank you.

Nebraska Chick,
The school year in Spain starts in Sept and ends in June. Auxiliares are expected to work from October to the end of June. I'm currently in the program and the last day of school for us, at least in Madrid, is June 21. I'm doing the program again next year and the contract I signed says I'm expected to work from October to end of June 2008.

If I were you, I would try to push back the starting date for the other job to July 2008. That seems like a more reasonable thing to do than to ask if you can leave the culture assistant program a month early.

SRedw · « **Reply #27 on:** May 05, 2007, 05:51:11 PM »

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If I were you, I would try to push back the starting date for the other job to July 2008. That seems like a more reasonable thing to do than to ask if you can leave the culture assistant program a month early.

Great advice, Beckett. We have to remember that we are signing a contract and that it's not to be taken lightly. Knowing this, NebrakaChica, let the people for whom you will be working know that your contract in Spain ends in June, more or less, and that you can start in July. I am sure that they will understand. Besides, it looks great when companies employ people who are bilingual and bicultural.

Suerte,

Shawn

rafferty · « **Reply #28 on:** May 07, 2007, 02:30:14 AM »

Accepted to Madrid

What part of madrid is the best place to be? They said on our special request form we could say something about where we'd specifically like to be placed...I want to live near el centro with all the hubbub of the big city all around me!

SRedw · « **Reply #29 on:** May 07, 2007, 04:47:06 AM »

Rafferty,

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What part of madrid is the best place to be? They said on our special request form we could say something about where we'd specifically like to be placed...I want to live near el centro with all the hubbub of the big city all around me!

It really doesn't make a difference where you live because you may end up teaching in zone A, B1 or B2. You can live in the center, but realize that you will have to commute to work. Where you live and the school where you teach can be totally independent of each other.

Hope this helps to answer your question.

Shawn

charisma · « **Reply #30 on:** May 07, 2007, 05:13:09 AM »

Hi Rafferty,

I definitely agree with Shawn. While it would be nice to work at a school/schools in Madrid CAPITAL (which I requested), I wouldn't mind going out to Alcala de Henares or Tres Cantos, for example.

If I get posted to suburban schools, that might affect where I want to live--near Atocha or Chamartin stations, i.e. wherever the easiest connection is for me. Like anyone, I've liked some neighborhoods (La Latina, Lavapies, Moncloa) over others, but as long as the rent is affordable and the apt. accessible by public transport, then I'm good to go.

Charisma

SRedw · « **Reply #31 on:** May 07, 2007, 03:49:17 PM »

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Like anyone, I've liked some neighborhoods (La Latina, Lavapies, Moncloa) over others, but as long as the rent is affordable and the apt. accessible by public transport, then I'm good to go.

Charisma,

Very good advice. When I lived in Madrid, I was in a great area for transportation, Plaza de San Juan de la Cruz. I had three metro stops near me: Ríos Rosas, Nuevos Ministerios, and Gregorio Marañón. I could've taken the following buses home: 3, 5, 7, 12, 14, 27, 37, 45, 147, 149, and 150. It was expensive living there, but just the public transportation alone made it worth it. B)

I am looking at the following neighborhoods: Ríos Rosas, Quevedo, Canal, Iglesia, Bilbao, Tribunal, and Alonso Martínez. I prefer neghborhoods north of Sol. Just my personal preference.

Also, we have to see where we are placed first, locate it on a map, and then decide a neighborhood to live in because like Charisma says, we want to be in a local that's accessible by good public transportation. This is just a suggestion.

Suerte a todos,

Shawn

rafferty · « **Reply #32 on:** May 07, 2007, 11:40:20 PM »

Hello...I'd like to live and work in the city, i'm looking at google maps of madrid and um...plaza de san juan de la cruz is smack dab right in the middle of the city isn't it? Looks like a great location! Well, I'll just ask to be placed in a school inside the city and hope for the best, I'm not sure what parts of the city are better than others, but I guess I'll figure it out?

I intend on enrolling in a Spanish intensive language program, maybe Don Quixote?, for the month preceeding the teaching assistantship, to get used to 'Spanish Spanish' pronunciation and living in the city and to find a place to live...hopefully this will work out for the best.

I'm open to any and all suggestions for preparations, plus I guess I'll be needing a roommate since I probably won't be able to afford a place to myself? Guess I'll be checking segundamano and loquo alot

bmxican47 · « **Reply #33 on:** May 08, 2007, 12:41:56 AM »

Quote

Quote
What is the academic year for primary and secondary schools in Madrid? Is it October to July for both primary and secondary schools or do primary schools get out earlier?

The reason I ask is because I might have to be back in the U.S. by June 1, 2008 to start a new job. Would I be finished with my duties as a Language and Culture Assistant in Spain by then? If not, do you think they would be okay with me leaving by May 31st next year?

A lot of questions, I know, but I have acceptance letters and contracts to worry about right now.

Any advice or info would be much appreciated.

Thank you.
Nebraska Chick,
The school year in Spain starts in Sept and ends in June. Auxiliares are expected to work from October to the end of June. I'm currently in the program and the last day of school for us, at least in Madrid, is June 21. I'm doing the program again next year and the contract I signed says I'm expected to work from October to end of June 2008.

If I were you, I would try to push back the starting date for the other job to July 2008. That seems like a more reasonable thing to do than to ask if you can leave the culture assistant program a month early.

Just wanted to point out that how long your contract lasts may vary depending on autonomous community to which you have been assigned. For example, in andalucia my contract ends on May 31st. This still wouldnt really give you much time to get back to work on the 1st of June if you went strictly by your contract. However, most schools at this time are administering exams (atleast in la escuela oficial de idiomas, to which, I assume, some of you will be assigned.) My director has told me that I will no longer be needed after may 21st.

If I were you I would talk to the director as soon as you have been assigned. Dont expect to be released early...it just never hurts to be informed just in case.

hasta luego
JOe

SRedw · « **Reply #34 on:** May 08, 2007, 03:09:43 AM »

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Hello...I'd like to live and work in the city, i'm looking at google maps of madrid and um...plaza de san juan de la cruz is smack dab right in the middle of the city isn't it?

Rafferty,

Plaza de San Juan de la Cruz is considered the center to many people living in the suburbs. I lived at Plaza de San Juan de la Cruz, 7, 8-3 and loved every minute of it. I would go back to the apartment and the neighborhood, if I had the chance. It was a great place to live.

Many people thought that I lived far away from everything, but i didn't. I was a 20 minute walk to Alonso Martínez, 28 minute walk to Chueca, 33 minute walk to Gran Vía and a 40 minute walk to Sol.

Try and find a neighborhood that you like and call it home, for a year.

Suerte,

Shawn

Riri6 · « **Reply #35 on:** May 09, 2007, 03:20:38 AM »

Hi, I found this program recently, and lucky for me the deadline has been extended. Much to my delight! I'm finishing up my application and just wanted to get some feed back on what regions people might recommend. I'm struggling with that choice a bit. I was going to put Andalucia as my top choice. My other choices I'm not so sure, maybe Madrid, Aragon? In the program do they tend to place you in big cities? Any feedback/advise would be much appreciated. Thanks in advance!

charisma · « **Reply #36 on:** May 09, 2007, 06:18:46 AM »

Hi Riri,

While the regions of Andalucia and Madrid have the most positions and therefore might offer a better chance of placement, I would also suggest looking into the other available regions. My second choice was actually the Basque Country, because I really love it up there--euskara, the food, the vibes in general. Asturias is also quite beautiful, especially the Picos de Europa.

I ended up picking Madrid (comunidad) as my first choice, because, well, I know it the best. As I've mentioned in a previous post, I don't think the commute will be too horrible if I get posted to an institution outside of the capital.

However, I must admit that I've only been in Spain as a traveler, so perhaps those who live/have lived there--especially as assistants--can guide you better in your decision.

De todos modos, good luck!

maestrodecorazon · « **Reply #37 on:** May 09, 2007, 07:03:25 AM »

Hello! Can anyone help? I applied to the program and still have not heard anything. I turned in my application like over a month ago, have taught ESL for 5 years to elementary students, have studied in Spain and Mexico, have a BA in Spanish and a Masters in Teaching, and an Endorsment in ESL. I was wondering if anyone knows if they have filled all of the positions in Madrid? Have they only told current auxiliares in the program this year or have they started to tell other people? I e mailed and have not heard a response. I was thinking of e mailing again soon. It is very frustrating and I understand that it is spain, but I already have been accepted for my leave of absense and still have not heard anything.
My only concern is that on the application I put Madrid on my first place and no preference on the 2nd and 3rd choice.
Any information or thoughts?

NebraskaChica · « **Reply #38 on:** May 09, 2007, 09:30:11 AM »

maestrodecorazon,

Did you get your application in by April 16th? If so, I would call the Education Office at the Embassy and ask if they received it. Tell them about your situation with the leave of abscence and ask if they can give you any more information. I had to call the office with an important question, and they were very helpful. If you leave a voice message it may take them a couple of days to get back to you.

Hope this helps.

Beckett · « **Reply #39 on:** May 09, 2007, 01:59:45 PM »

Maestro,
The program has doubled in size for the upcoming school year so they've got way more applications to sort through this year. If you applied before the April 16 deadline, you should hear something soon. If you applied after April 16 and you got confirmation that your application was received, you may want to give it at least a month for the final response as to where you are going to be assigned. Good luck and hang tight!

SRedw · « **Reply #40 on:** May 09, 2007, 03:54:54 PM »

Maestro,

You have been given good advice by NebraskaChica and Beckett. Remember note #3 at the bottom of the web page.

Quote

Applications received by April 16th will receive notification by the end of April. Applications received by May 11th will receive notification within two weeks following the deadline.

Also, have patience. I know that you are excited, but there are many people applying. All works out for the best in the end.

Suerte,

Shawn

sepi · « **Reply #41 on:** May 09, 2007, 06:20:09 PM »

For those going to Madrid here is some info from Gisela at the Embassy of Spain in D.C.

You may want to know the following:

Madrid has a higher stipend than the rest of the regions: about 890€; they also provide free lunch during the week days to those placed in Elementary Schools (most of the positions are in these schools, in bilingual programs). Madrid has also an office to help assistants find accommodation.

Raquelita estrellita · « **Reply #42 on:** May 09, 2007, 11:08:20 PM »

Where did that information from Gisela come from, I have no recieved any information like that from her

sepi · « **Reply #43 on:** May 10, 2007, 12:58:33 AM »

the info was her response to an email I sent her.

SRedw · « **Reply #44 on:** May 10, 2007, 02:23:57 AM »

Sepi,

Thanks for sharing this information. It's very kind of you to do this. Interesting to know that their is an office in Madrid to help Auxiliares find accomodation.

Shawn

maestrodecorazon · « **Reply #45 on:** May 10, 2007, 04:59:17 AM »

Thank you for the quick responses. I applied before the April 16th deadline and for that reason I am stressing out because it has been longer than two weeks past the deadline. I really want this bad, but everything does happen for a reason. Are there other ways to teach in spain if this program falls through? Can you teach if you get a student visa to study in Spain?

Does anyone know if they have hired people YET who are NEW to the program?

SRedw · « **Reply #46 on:** May 10, 2007, 03:05:10 PM »

maestrodecorazón,

I can understand why you would be a little stressed at this point in the game. Which regions did you apply to, because it seems that the Madrid people were the first to be told, and then another person on this message board said that her friend got into Seville. It is possible that you have been placed on the waiting list. If you don't hear anything by the end of this week, I suggest that you send a kind email just asking about the status of your appplication and explaining that you sent it in before the April 16 deadline.

As far as alternatives, you could apply to a language school in Spain, get the student visa and work at English language academies, but it won't be the same as this program because you would be going from company to company because many English language academies rarely offer classes on site. The majority of your classes will be in the suburbs of Madrid, since many companies are moving out there because it's much cheaper to rent or buy property there.

All in all, before getting frustrated, just write a short email explaining your situation and wait for the response, and as soon as you know something, please let us know. Rememeber that we are here to help and offer any advice or suggestions that we can.

Suerte,

Shawn

Beckett · « **Reply #47 on:** May 10, 2007, 04:54:40 PM »

Maestro,
Regarding the student visa, to get one you have to be a registered as a full-time student. If you try to get it by enrolling as a student in a Spanish language academy, you have to commit to taking a minimum of 20 hours a week of instruction. I'm pretty sure that means that you will have to pay them upfront for several months of instruction or put down a hefty deposit in advance for them to give you the required letter that you would need to present to the Spanish consulate in order to get the visa because Americans and Canadians don't need a visa to come to Spain if they plan to stay for 90 days or less.

Many people come to Spain and find jobs teaching English in companies or giving private lessons and just leave the country every 90 days. It's not legal but that's what some people do.

Be aware that teaching English in the language academies or companies is a time-consuming business. A full-time schedule for an English teacher in the corporate setting is considered 20 to 25 hours of class time because you normally will spend at least an additional 20 hours a week in commuting, waiting around and class preparation time.

rafferty · « **Reply #48 on:** May 10, 2007, 05:18:19 PM »

maestro,

I don't know much about the selection process but it sounds like from your credentials, which are better than mine, you should be selected for the program.

Especially since they are needing more applicants (?) Good luck.

All Madrid amigos,

Just thinking out loud here in hopes of promoting some good info exchange. I am searching around craigslist, segundamano and loquo, and most apartments are advertised at around 250-450 euros per month per person in the city. 250 a month would be sweet, quite a bit cheaper than my current apartment here in Kentucky. Of course there are plenty in the 1000+ range...

Just at first glance, it looks like start up costs for moving to Madrid are gonna be at MOST:

$150 for visa
$750-1000 for plane ticket
$1000 for 1st month rent apartment + deposit
$500 for food and miscellaneous expenses

So I guess I need about $2500 to do this deal? Just to be on the safe side.

Sound about right? Better start savin'!

Beckett · « **Reply #49 on:** May 10, 2007, 06:47:37 PM »

Yeah, I would say that $2500 would be the bare minimum that you should have to come over here. If you can start off with $3,000, that would be better.

Language assistants assigned to regions outside of Madrid can expect to pay less for housing but under no circumstances should anyone arrive in Spain with just a few dollars in their pocket. You won't receive your first paycheck until the end of Oct./beginning of November, so you should have enough money to cover your living expenses for at least two months if you plan to arrive in late August/early September. Also, Spain is not as much of a credit card/debit card culture like the U.S. so don't expect that you can pay your rent or buy your food and drinks at restaurants and shops by charging it to plastic. Cash *€€€€uros* only.

The exchange rate right now is 1 €uro = $1.35 and there's no guarantee that the dollar is going to get stronger by September. In fact, expect it to stay around that level or expect the dollar to get even weaker against the Euro.

Regarding housing, it's more common to rent a room and have roommates than to rent an entire apartment by yourself here in Madrid.

In Madrid, if you decide to rent a room in an apartment, expect to pay somewhere between $475 to $675 a month, which would be approximately 350 to 500 Euros at the current exchange rate. Make sure you know what \"gastos\" (utlilties/expenses) are included or not included in your monthly rent. If you have to pay extra for gas, electricity, phone, Internet, etc. know that beforehand.

For Madrid, plan on spending $55 (40€) a month on bus/metro pass, possibly more if plan to live in the center of town and you have to take a commuter train to the suburbs to reach your school.

You will also want to buy a Spanish cell phone. There are plenty of deals and rebates but expect to dish out at least $100 to initially acquire a phone, buy minutes/establish a calling plan, etc.

Once again, for Madrid, budget at least $300 for food and going out. You're also probably going to want to travel on the weekends, so factor that in as well to your budget.

Here's a rough budget:

Visa: $150
Transportation and overnight lodging, if necessary, to visit Spanish consulate in U.S. to get visa: Varies

Roundtrip plane ticket to Spain from U.S. $700 to $1100

Rent in Madrid: $475 to $675 (multiplied by two months)
Transportation in Madrid: $55 (multiplied by two)
Cell phone: $100
Food and fun: $300 (multiplied by two)
Misc incidental expenses: $200 (multipled by two)
TOTAL : $3010 (minimum)

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Author Topic: N. American Lang & Cultural Asst 2007-08 (Read 71915 times)