N. American Lang & Cultural Asst 2007-08

[sepi]

Just also keep in mind that some of us didn't get paid until the beginning of December...like me

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[SRedw]

Beckett,

Thanks for such a wonderful and informative post.  Please allow me to comment on one thing that you said.  I quote:

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.

I did not find this to be true in the places where I shopped in Madrid.  For example, I did grocery shopping in AhorraMás, Carrefour, Alcampo, El Corte Inglés and all of those major stores took a credit card.  As far as restaurants are concerned, the same.  My VISA card was taken at many restaurants.  Could you let me know where you did shopping and where credit cards were not taken? This is not to contradict what you have said at all.  I find this interesting.  

You hit the money right on the head with the expenses in Madrid.  Madrid gets more expensive everyday, but the salaries remain stable, or if they do go up, it's by very little.  I lived there for 3 and a half years and saw it with my own eyes.

The idea of having enough to start off with has always been the way to do any move in life.  We must remember that moving can be draining to the bank account, and as far as being paid on time, let's prepare for surprises.  (Thanks again for telling us your expeirenes, Sepi)

Supposedly, and what was written on the old thread was that we didn't have to pay for our visa.  I will still be prepared in case we hear otherwise.

As far as apartments go, maybe some of the other Auxilares would be up for sharing.  Who knows? At least in Madrid, they will help us find housing, so that's a good thing.  

A great day to all,

Shawn

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[MadrileñaJoelie]

WOW! Hey thanks Sepi, thats really valuable information! Did Gisela say anything about where that extra stipend comes from? I've read from here that some schools offer the possibility of teaching private lessons to the Teachers of English at the schools where the assistant works. Do you think that is what Gisela was refering to?

Thanks

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[SRedw]

MadrileñaJolie,

That's exactly where the extra money comes from.  We, according to the contract that we sign, for Madrid al least, are required to give lessons to the English teachers in the school where we are placed.

Shawn  

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[laddface]

maestrodecorazon,

Don't worry yet.  Last year, things were never on schedule.  I've noticed that only people in Madrid and Andalucia have said that they have been accepted, wait around for the other regions to catch up.  I know you only put Madrid, but quite honestly, your preferences seem to have no bearing on where you will be placed.



As for me, I re-applied to the program back in March and haven't heard anything yet.  I requested to change schools in my region, which we were told was pretty much a 100% yes.  Time will tell.  

To whomever gets assigned to Instituto Sotomayor in Manzanares, Ciudad Real, you are a lucky soul indeed.  The town is small, but the people here ROCK!  I really wanted to change regions and get to know another place in Spain, but I requested to stay in CLM because I want to be near my friends.  

Best luck to all!  See you next year!  
Laddface

And, flight prices have REALLY GONE UP!  Joder!

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[stacylimones]

Hey everyone, just wanted to drop in and say hi. I've been a little out of the loop as I was back home in the States for a wedding. Anyway, congrats to people who've been accepted, and to those of you who have yet to hear, hang in there! The information being shared on this thread is awesome, keep it up, everyone!
Besos,
Stacy

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[Beckett]

I did not find this to be true in the places where I shopped in Madrid.  For example, I did grocery shopping in AhorraMás, Carrefour, Alcampo, El Corte Inglés and all of those major stores took a credit card.  As far as restaurants are concerned, the same.  My VISA card was taken at many restaurants.  Could you let me know where you did shopping and where credit cards were not taken?

Shawn,
I wasn't saying that credit cards aren't accepted in Spain. What I was saying was that Spain does not have the same credit card culture as the U.S. When was the last time you had to show a picture ID to use a credit/debit card in the U.S.? That's standard practice in Spain. Of course a big department store chain like El Corte Inglés or Carrefour, the French Walmart, accept credit cards. But Dia, a low-price grocery store chain in Madrid, doesn't accept credit cards, and neither does the neighborhood greengrocer and many of the locally-owned mom 'n pop bars, cafes and restaurants.

Also, bear in mind that each time you use a credit/debit card associated with a U.S. bank in Europe, you will be subject to some sort of currency exchange fee. Combine that with the current weakness in the U.S. dollar and you can find yourself hemorrhaghing a lot of dough in quick fashion.  

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[SRedw]

Beckett,

Thanks for clarifying this point.  After having lived in Spain for 4 and a half years in total, it truly isn't a credit card culture, YET.   This information should help a lot of people prepare for their stay in Spain.

Also, bear in mind that each time you use a credit/debit card associated with a U.S. bank in Europe, you will be subject to some sort of currency exchange fee.

This can be avoided by using the ATM card that the Spanish bank you choose gives you.  I did it all the time.  

Thanks again and have a great day.

Shawn

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[maestrodecorazon]

Thank you for all the information.  I did manage to write a letter to the embassy again and still have not heard back from them.  I wrote them 2 weeks ago and again on Friday so hope I will hear from them soon.  I am going to start to explore other options but it looks like I might just apply to a university and take courses and get a student visa.  With this, hopefully I can find work too!  The good news is that I am going regardless so if this program is meant to be then I will be in it.

Does anyone know how long it took everyone to find out last year?  Was it way after the deadline?

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[maritraveler]

Hello,
Maestro de corazon,
Last year I applied for the March 16th deadline (mas o menos) and I got an acceptance the end of May.  Then I didn't get my placement (schools and everything) until the middle of July.  Don't worry.  They say they will send everything by a certain date, but they won't.  Also if you want to work in Spain other than this program or in addition, have private classes in your house.  This is how my fiance and I make enough to travel a lot.  It is stressful and many people cancel often, but to be able to travel it is worth it.  Also, don't go to Plasencia, Extremadura if you are placed there.  We wanted any region but Extremadura and we got placed here with good qualifications.  You want Madrid or a large city to be able to travel on the weekends.  The people in Plasencia are the most unfriendly in Spain.  A girl from Ireland placed here thinks the same.  

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[SRedw]

maestrodecorazón,

Just wait it out and see what happens.  You sent your email, and I am quite certain that they will answer you as soon as they can.  

The good news is that I am going regardless so if this program is meant to be then I will be in it.

This is a great attitude to have.  Just go with the flow and stay positive.

Suerte,

Shawn

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[maestrodecorazon]

Thank you maritraveler!  I hope to find out soon.  So, I think in a week or two I will apply to a university in Spain in order to get a student visa.  I'm one of the lucky ones that applied for a sabbatical from my job and have been accepted so I am going regardless.  Right now Im not worried about money but rather getting a student visa so I can live for some time over in Europe.

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[maestrodecorazon]

I finally got a response back from Gisela.  She said that they received my application on April 16 and the hard copies of everything on April 23 which is weird since I sent everything is March.  I wonder if I should e mail and say that I sent everything in in March and it is weird that it arrived after April 16th.  Or I could just wait....

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[sepi]

maestrodecorazon:

Gisela should be able to see the postmark date on the parcel. If you sent it in March you should be ok since on the MES website it states:

Once the application is submitted electronically, the candidate will sign the printed copies and mail three of the signed applications, along with all the required documents listed below, postmarked on or before April 16th , 2007

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[stacylimones]

Maestrodecorazon,
I agree with Cepee, I don't think that you have to worry about the date that your documents were received since you did send them on time. I'm sure that the content is far more important than the date of reception. Try to not worry too much, especially since you already have your plan to come to Spain anyway. Also, the visa for the program is a student visa, so it really wouldn't matter if you went ahead and got it through a university instead of this program; they're just two different means to achieve the same end.
Good luck!

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[Beckett]

MaestroDeCorazon,
We know that you're sitting on pins and needles to get word but you need to stop worrying and just wait. You gain nothing by emailing the embassy again. View this experience as a lesson in patience.    

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[SRedw]

maetsrodecorazón,

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.

Since this is the case for you, you should receive an answer by May 25th or 26th.  

Suerte,

Shawn

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[charisma]

Hello friends,

While we are waiting for our \"official\" placement info, I had a question about visas. I know that I'll have to apply for it in person (in L.A.) but might I also have to pick it up in person? I scoured for answers in the thread for previous applicants, but I guess it varies by consulate? If anyone can enlighten me on this subject, then by all means...

Thanks in advance and keep up the tips!

Charisma

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[SRedw]

Charisma,

I can speak about what I read on the Embassy in DC website.  There, you can turn in a prepaid envelope and your visa will be mailed to you 4 - 6 weeks later.  

Self-addressed US Postal Service Express Mail Overnight envelope with appropriate postage and completed label form if your specific Consulate allows for the visa to be mailed to the student. PLEASE NOTE THAT SOME CONSULATES REQUIRE THAT YOU APPEAR IN PERSON TO PICK UP YOUR APPROVED STUDENT VISA

Source: www.vmi.edu/media/ip/studentvisainformation050623.pdf

This comes from the VMI Study Abroad Website, but I highly suggest that  you read the website for the LA Spanish Consulate because it seems that things are done differently in each one.

Suerte,

Shawn

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[sepi]

Charisma,

Regarding the visa last year since I was out of the country I had my mother drop off the necessary papers at the Houston Consulate to apply for me but once it was ready I had to pick up the visa myself.

 

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[rafferty]

Don't forget to check the old thread for visa info as well. I remember that seemed to be the bulk of the posts.

My consulate will either be Chicago or DC, whichever one will mail the finished visa to me, or allow me to apply completely by mail.

Excited about Madrid...and a little nervous... :puke:  

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[SRedw]

Excited about Madrid...and a little nervous...

I can understand about this Rafferty.  I know I was the first time I was there in 2000, but once you land and get started talking to the locals and going out and exploring, all of that nervousness will turn into excitement.

or allow me to apply completely by mail.

You will have to apply in person.  That's a requirement.  Whichever one is in your jurisdiction will be the one that you have to go to to apply for your visa.  Thank God I live in VA.  You won't hear me say that very often.  

Shawn

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[charisma]

Cell phone question: Could I get one while waiting for my NIE? See, I'm thinking of first getting a prepaid deal with either Orange or Movistar, and then switching to contract when I'm all settled.

Thanks,
Charisma

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[stacylimones]

Charisma,
You can definitely get a cell phone without your NIE, but you probably need your NIE (and bank account) to get a contract. If you're able to get a contract, I think it's a lot better. Me, for example, I got my phone for free and my one-year contract is 9 euros a month (minimum). Those 9 euros go towards your first 9 euros worth of calls and then I pay a flat rate for any additional calls (the same rate as for the first 9 euros worth, too). Not sure how much it is a minute, but it's definitely cheaper than the pre-paid. I rarely spend more than 20 euros a month on my cell phone. My contract is with Orange (formerly Amena), but I'm sure all the major companies (Orange, MoviStar, Vodaphone) have similar deals. I would suggest to anyone when contracting their mobile phone to go to a store where they offer service from all of the companies, not just one, so that you can compare the deals. One such store is the PhoneHouse. I am sure there are others. I am far from a mobil expert, but I hope this information helps you. If anyone else has additional (or different) information, please post, as I am sure this is a topic that will be of interest to many. Thanks!

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[charisma]

Thanks, Stacy! That was very helpful!

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[SRedw]

Stacy,

You have given excellent advice and let me add that during the summer months, all three of the big cell phone providers do have major specials to try and get people to switch.  Shopping around is a good thing when it comes to looking for cell phone deals and please remember to read the fine print.

For example, I got my cell phone through Airtel in 2000, which is now Vodafone.  I enjoy my service and I switched to Contrato 1 in the summer of 2005.  This contract allows me to call Vodafone numbers and landlines after 6pm for 1 cent a minute.  But during the day, if I have to make a call, all Vodafone numbers are 12 cents a minutes and all other numbers are 32 cents a minute.  That's why I text during the day and call at night.

I have that deal for the rest of my life and it cut my phone bil in half.  I even call the States for 1 cent a minute using a calling card's landline number.  Alas, that deal is no more, but Vodafone does have some great deals, as does MoviStar and Orange.

There are deals out there that you need to look for in order to save as much money as possible.  Comparison shopping RULES!!!  

Shawn

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[SRedw]

There has been an update on the NALCA page.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION
 
Applications received by May 11th will receive notification by May 30th.
 
Applications with documentation received after May 23rd will be included on a waiting list.

Shawn

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[MadrileñaJoelie]

Thank God I live in VA.  You won't hear me say that very often.   

Hi All,

Hope life is treating you all well  I was hoping someone here might have more information on the health insurance provided by the program while in Spain. Whereas I am elated to be accepted and headed to Madrid in the fall my parents are still a bit reserved about the idea. It would really help if I had some more information regarding the health insurance to provide them with.

Here goes:

1. Does it cover worldwide or just Spain?
2. Is there a limit?
3. What is the deductible?
4. What is the name of the insurance company?
5  Is this cover acceptable to US health insurers to satisfy the
requirement for continuous cover?

If anyone, perhaps past participants, could shed light on this aspect of the program I would very much appreciate it. I have also emailed Gisela to see if she could answer those questions.  

I am really looking forward to meeting all of you come October!!!!    Cant wait to share some cervesas Suerte to those still waiting to hear.

Regarding the quote above, Shawn, you're a VA resident? I went to school there and LOVED it You can still here me say thank God for that  

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[stacylimones]

Hi MadrilenaJoelie,
Those are all excellent questions regarding the health insurance, and while I do not know the answers to all of them, I'm happy to tell you what I do know. Hopefully some other current participants can add to my answer, as this is a very important topic.

First, I believe that each autonomous community handles this on their own, so you may have a different company in Madrid than I have in Andalucia. In Andalucia, the company is called ASISA. The policy covers the typical kind of stuff you might expect to run into while traveling like emergency room visits, medicine, etc. What it does not cover are more complicated issues such as chemotherapy, war wounds, organ transplants, pre-natal care, etc.

As far as I know, there is no deductible or co-pay for services, but I may be wrong. I have no idea if there is a limit of services. I am also unsure if you are covered outside of Spain, though it's an excellent question and definitely an important thing to know.

Question 5, about continuous coverage: I would say that your best bet would  be to contact your current insurer (and/or any major provider) in the States and ask them what their requirements are in such a case.

Finally, I would suggest that you look for some of the information on this site or other expat sites about the public health care system in Spain. Since I am married to a Spaniard, I have rights to services like any other citizen, but I think it is possible for even non-residents to access the public health care system here. (In fact, a friend of mine did just that when the doctor at ASISA refused to prescribe her a needed drug as part of an on-going cancer treatment. She went to a public hospital and had no problem. The drug ended up costing her under 5 euros.)

Anyway, I am sorry that my answer cannot be more complete, but I will also include the ASISA website and an e-mail address that appears in the Guide to Services. I urge you to continue your investigation into this topic, because it is very important. Please post any findings!

www.asisa.es
asisa.informacion@asisa.es
admon.madrid@asisa.es (It says \"admon\" in the book, but if it doesn't work, I'd try \"admin\" as it appears to be a typo.)

One more thing: If you're not satisfied with the offerings of the company you're assigned in Madrid or with that of the public system, you could always consider opening your own policy with another company. As far as I know there are many companies that offer policies that are both economical and cover a wide range of services. There should be enough information on that topic on this site and other expat sites to get you started.

Suerte!

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[charisma]

For anyone wondering, here is the Yahoo! Groups site for the Madrid auxiliares list: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/MadridAuxiliares/

Now, I don't actually know whether it's strictly for those in and around Madrid, but it can't hurt to ask.

-Charisma

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[SRedw]

Stacy,

Great response.  I know that in Madrid, the main two are SANITAS and ADESLAS.  You can read the website and see what's covered and not covered with each plan.  I don't know which one we as participants will receive.

The one thing that participants must also know is that if they want dental insurance, that has to be purchased separately.  All major banks will offer some type of dental insurance at a cheap rate every month.  I just paid roughly 8 Euros a month for my coverage.  My bank is LaCaixa.  I never used the dental insurance, but it was good to have.

Shawn

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[Beckett]

Responses for language assistants assigned to MADRID. Information is based on the 2006-2007 school year.

1. Does it cover worldwide or just Spain?

Insurance is from a company called MAPFRE. It will give you health and dental coverage in Spain. Will give you coverage for emergency care outside of Spain.

2. Is there a limit?
Don't know.

3. What is the deductible?
As far as I know, there isn't any.

4. What is the name of the insurance company?
MAPFRE.

5  Is this cover acceptable to US health insurers to satisfy the
requirement for continuous cover?

Coverage will start in October and be valid for 12 months. You will have coverage during the times that you are in the U.S. for emergency care. You will have to pay for emergency care out of your pocket and then request reimbursement from MAPFRE by submitting your bills and receipts. No reimbursement for preventative care, routine doctor visits made outside of Spain.

Remember, Spain has a socialized medical system, which means that basic health care is free to everyone, including foreigners. I know an auxiliar who had minor foot surgery and as far as I know, she didn't have to pay anything.

However, if you are a person who is still covered under your parents' health insurance plan or your university insurance plan and if seeing a doctor in the U.S. for routine visits is essential to you or you have a chronic health condition that requires frequent visits to a U.S. doctor, then you should renew/maintain your current health insurance to have that coverage in the U.S.

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[MadrileñaJoelie]

Thanks all! This is a great place to at least start answering all of my parents questions. I appreciate it.

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[SRedw]

Beckett,

I totally forgot about MAPFRE.  I had ADSELAS and it offered good coverage.  Thanks for another great detailed response.

Shawn

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[stacylimones]

Another good resource for insurance information (as well as other expat issues) is a site called ExploreSeville.com. The information is not limited in relevance only to Seville/Andalucia; it can definitely be of use to expats throughout Spain. The part on \"Living in Seville\" has a section on health insurance.

http://exploreseville.com/living.htm#4

Thanks to everyone who responded to these important questions!

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[SRedw]

Here is the link to SEGUROS MAPFRE.

The entire webpage is in Spanish and I don't see anywhere you can click for an English version.  There are some links in English, but I am not sure if they explain the policies in detail.

Insurance is from a company called MAPFRE. It will give you health and dental coverage in Spain.

This is good to know, for I will be using that part of my insurance this time.

Shawn

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[aldybaldy]

Hi All!

My name is Aldwin, new to the board, and am anxiously awaiting to hear about my placement for next year.  I'm currently in Paris doing the French Assistant program and although sad to be leaving soon am ready for a new adventure.

Any Canadians out there?  Just an administrative question regarding the police clearance check I need to get precision on!

Cheers!

Aldy

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[SRedw]

Aldy,

Welcome to the site.  If you read through the previous, closed thread, there's a lot of information there.  Not sure if we had any Candians on this board.  

Hope you find what you are looking for or if we can lead you in the right direction.

Shawn

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[Raquelita estrellita]

not off topic

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[SRedw]

Rachel,

Can you please private message that question to Aldy.  We want to keep this thread on topic.

Thanks,

Shawn

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[aldybaldy]

Hey y'all,

As I said, I've submitted my application and am awaiting a response but after reviewing the program website one more time I came across a detail that I overlooked.

For Canadian citizens, it requests that the police clearance be issued by the RCMP, our feds here in the north.  I requested police clearance from my local/municipal police department.  

Having completed my application while in Paris, there were alot of phone calls made to good ol' mom back home to make sure that I had all my paper work in check.  To say the least, it was alot of organization and alot of headache having to hurdle over administrative barriers, particularly here in France, which like Spain, can be a nightmare.

I've been addicted to this site since I came across it.  I read all 42 pages worth of posts for last years assistants!  I see that for some, details like this have been ultimately overlooked, but I'm not sure whether this detail can be.  In any case, I'm chill about it.  One thing I've learned having done the assistanship in France is that bureaucratic nightmares are just part of programs like this and that sometimes even the most organized person can overlook a silly detail.

Cheers!

P.S. Anyone who submitted their app by the mid-May deadline get any word back as of yet?  

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[laddface]

Hello fellow expatriates and soon-to-be-expatriates!

I've written on the site before and want to provide an update for anyone who's in my same situation, or even for the year to come for those of you who want to re-apply then.

Anyway, I decide to re-apply here in my region for the incredible lazy reason of, I didn't want to do the paperwork.  AND, I do want to stay in this region close to the friends I've made here.  It took a lot of calling and calling and e-mailing e-mails that never got read to the conserjeria of Castilla-La Mancha, but, they finally called me at the beginning of this week and offered me an institute in Toledo capital.  I had asked for a capital city becaue the pueblos are nice, but I'm more of a city girl, and I want to go to classes at a University next year.  I was really nervous that they had forgotten about me for a while, but I'm pretty happy now.  Later, I'll let y'all know about reapplying for my residence card and such.

Another note, to whomever is assigned to I.E.S. Alvarez Sotomayor in Manzanares, Ciudad Real.... congratulations!  I have loved my year here.  The people at this school are incredibly kind.  They'll help you with anything if you ask.  But, the norteamericano in the other institute here, Azuer, is staying there next year, and you could probably ask him for help with things too.

Two notes of advice:
1. Looking for a flat.  Because professors here are assigned their post every year until they get a permenant one, looking for a room with a workmate is a good idea.  Also, the same applies for nurses, so go to the hospitals and look for shared-flat announcements there.

2. The participants in the program here have had varying experiences.  Mine was great.  I think if you have a situation you don't like, try to put some more effort into it.  In the end, it really sucks, don't put up with it. I think a lot of the schools don't know what to do with their language assistants, so in that case, you're going to have to be creative.  I had to be creative here, and it was worthwhile.  But, I think that if I had continued just going to classes and standing around, I would have had a bad year.  I guess I'm saying, do thes best with the things you can control.

Anyway, best of luck to all.  Be careful.  Don't arrive to Spain with no money.  Try not to get robbed once your here.  And be a positive ambassador for your country!

Besos,
laddface

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[SRedw]

Laddface,

Thanks for the great and informative post.  This should help a lot of people whio have been placed in that region.  When you mention emails, all who have been accepted into the program will have to have patience and just wait for the next part of the process.

I think if you have a situation you don't like, try to put some more effort into it. In the end, it really sucks, don't put up with it.

Very good advice.  You can be ANGRY, but you musn't become BITTER about the situation.  Bitterness is like you swallowing the poison and waiting for the other person to die.

So, to those who have had bad experiences, move on and take something away from the experience that you liked about it, no matter how small it may seem.  There's always something good in every situation.  

Shawn

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[SRedw]

Aldy,

Anyone who submitted their app by the mid-May deadline get any word back as of yet?

Here is what's written on the NALCA website:

Applications received by May 11th will receive notification by May 30th.
 
Applications with documentation received after May 23rd will be included on a waiting list.

Suerte,

Shawn

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[charisma]

For auxiliares who want to improve their Spanish, is there a way for us to enroll in the Escuela de Idiomas (with the help of program)?

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[MadrileñaJoelie]

That's a great question, Charisma. I'd be interested to know too....

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[Beckett]

For auxiliares who want to improve their Spanish, is there a way for us to enroll in the Escuela de Idiomas (with the help of program)?

Yes. For auxiliares in Madrid, info will be given during the orientation in September. I don't know what the options are for assistants assigned to the other Spanish communidades.  

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[stacylimones]

We were not given any information at the orientation in Andalucía about the possibility of studying at the EOI. Maybe if enough people ask, they would consider giving us that opportunity.

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[maritraveler]

For the Escuela Oficial, in smaller cities there is no Spanish.  However, I have studied both French and Portuguese this year for free at the Escuela Oficial.  You have to beg them, but they should let you in.  It took a couple weeks of convincing since you arrive later than the classes start, but they should let you.  In my city there is no school for foreigners to learn Spanish.  I would say if you want to take Spanish classes at a language school or the Escuela Oficial, pray you get a big city!  

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[SRedw]

maritraveler said:

For the Escuela Oficial, in smaller cities there is no Spanish.

Thanks for this information, maritraveler.  This program assumes that no matter where you are, that

The Assistants will have the opportunity to learn about the Spanish language and culture...

They make the assumption that with using Spanish everyday to buy food and other things and interacting with people, listening to the radio and watching TV in Spanish that your Spanish will improve through these activities.  This is what's called the immersion method, which does work.  However, there are many people who benefit from more formal classroom instruction and having a teacher correct their errors.  

stacylimones said:

Maybe if enough people ask, they would consider giving us that opportunity.

This is what should be done, Stacy.  People have to ask for things and constantly give suggestions to make improvements for the program.  When people don't speak, it's assumed that all is going well.  It's nice that we can unload, per se on this board, but the people heading this program probably aren't reading this website.  For true change to happen, there has to be NUMBERS.  There is power in numbers.

Shawn

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