N. American Lang & Cultural Asst 2008 - 09

[bri10s]

i think the international standards is 50 lbs a bag, 2 bags plus a carryon. at least, that was the case when we went to bermuda last month. i would check your specific airline though. each one may be different

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[SRedw]

What are the weight requirements, I looked about customs but forgot the weight...

You can find the answer to this by looking at the webpage of the airline that you are planning on taking to Spain.  Go straight to the source.

Shawn

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[Charmarie]

Bri,

Thats funny I, I went to Bermuda last month too... And Shawn, I haven't bought my tickets yet.

C

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[ARW044]

Hey all.. Does anyone know any specifics about our insurance with the program?  I need some prescription medications and was wondering if I'd be able to get them in Spain.  I'd rather ask the forum since the women at the MEC in Madrid are not very quick to respond to emails and I don't feel like calling internationally.

Should I try and "stock up" my medication while I'm home and just take it with me?

Thanks!

Amanda

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[SRedw]

Amanda,

The insurance coverage is MAPFRE and you will be issued a card, as well as a book of all places where MAPFRE is accepted.  If you want to know more, please visit their website which is below.

http://www.mapfre.com/seguros/es/index.shtml

It's in Spanish. 

Suerte,

Shawn

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[bigempty_8]

So, not to sound like I'm worrying, but when should I START worrying about not having received my placement letter?? 

You should call them ASAP, you should have receaved it by now. I know each State is being sent their letter at a different time, but it's August already, call them.

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[mangosteen]

For the people who've already heard about their orientation dates: they're all towards the end of September, right? I'm waiting to hear from Castilla la mancha (who said in their placement letter a month ago that we'd be getting info "soon" about specific dates). Do you think I can assume that it'll be then as well?

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[SRedw]

Mangosteen,

Yes, you will have to wait for further information.  Found this floating on the website of the program.

Assistants teaching in
CASTILLA LA MANCHA
The orientation course will be held in Daimiel (Ciudad Real) on the second week of
October. The exact date will be conveniently announced. The assistants are expected to
report at their assigned schools on October 1, 2008.

Full information is found here:

http://www.mec.es/sgci/usa/en/programs/us_assistants/2008.pdf

I am quite sure that you all have seen this.

Suerte,

Shawn

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[JMac]

Any current/former auxiliares placed in Bilbao? 

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[bri10s]

i was wondering what other assistants have done for cell phones in spain. shawn and stacy, you guys have been there a while, so i'm sure you've contracted by now. however, do you have suggestions for a pay-as-you-go plan? feel strongly one way or the other about moviestar, vodafone, orange, etc.

also, i recently heard about another company, pepephone (www.pepephone.com). apparently, its 9 cents a minute all the time (plus a 15 cent connection fee) and to anyone on any network. seems like a good deal.  i'll use skype and/or voipbusters for calling home, but i need something to talk to people in spain.

i was thinking about buying a cheap GSM worldphone off of ebay or something, so that i could just put a new sim card into it when i got there. only problem is i would have to deal with a U.S. plug that requires a converter to charge.

anyway, any advice, horror stories, etc would be appreciated. thanks!

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[pietti]

Hello all,

I just got accepted last minute to go to Pais Vasco, but I will not arrive there until after the program begins. Anyone else going to Pais Vasco? Any tips for making extra cash while I'm there?

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[SRedw]

Bri10s,

I have a contract with Vodafone and have been with them for 5 years now.  I like the plans that they have to offer, but this is just my personal choice.  When you get here, look into all providers here and see which plan works best for you.  When you first open an account, many times the phone is free.

I would also get a phone here and if you will be here for the long haul, well, get a contract.  Much cheaper than pay-as-you-go in my opinion, depending on the plan if you use the plan to the max.  For example, I have Contrato1 with Vodafone, which means that I can call all Vodafone numbers and landlines after 6pm and on the weekends for 1 céntimo al minuto.  Big savings for me and since I am always in class, I can't call people until after 6pm anyway.

Look into all options and make a decision that's right for you.

Pietti,

You can always earn extra money by giving private classes.  I can speak for Madrid, and I am always being asked if I am interested in giving private classes to many kids at my school.  I turn them down because after dealing with kids all day, the last thing that I want to do is have a private class with a kid.  In my afternoons, I prefer to work with adults and I like the variety and change that comes with that.

I am sure that there are a variety of opportunities to give private classes after school.  You can also put up an ad in a store that allows you to do that and see how many people respond.  Also, talk up the fact that you work with kids in a bilingual school.  Many parents here, in Madrid, want people who are working or have worked in the bilingual program.

Suerte,

Shawn

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[Debbie55]

Hello!

My name is Debbie and I have been placed in Catalunya in a town near Barcelona.  I was wondering if anyone on this board has worked in Barcelona before??  Do you know if it's possible to do another type of part time work with the visa I will get??  I figure that 700 Euros is not enough to survive on so I would like to find other means of income while there.  Any information will be greatly appreciated.

Thank you!

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[SRedw]

Debiie55,

I can speak for Madrid and say that with your student visa, there are academies that will hire you with just your student visa.  I've worked for a few who did.  Not sure about Barcelona, but I am quite sure there must be some academies who will do the same.

Do an Internet search for English academies in Barcelona and tell them that you will be an English Language Assistant in a bilingual public school there and that you have a student visa.  This should open the door for you with some academy.

Here is a job at at academy in Barcelona:

Barcelona and various other locations throughout Spain.

Job / Employment title: EFL teachers for adults and young learners.

Academy: King’s Training.

Website: http://www.kingstraining.com

Location: Avenida Diagonal 608, 08021 Barcelona.

Minimum experience required: TEFL qualification + at least 1 year’s experience.

Description of the academy: The excellence of our teaching programme is based on more than 20 years experience in language training.

Conditions of employment: Please send CV and covering letter. Candidate must be native speaker and either an EU citizen or have valid work permit.

Salary: Competitive (contract or self-employed)

Contact information:

Email: info@kingstraining.com
Telephone: : 93 454 51 66

This is an example of a job found on MadridTeacher's website.  He has jobs for Madrid and Spain in general.  Give it a look.

Suerte,

Shawn

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[Charmarie]

Hi guys!

 I am looking for apartments and wanted to know if any of you are familiar with Sevilla, and if so are there areas or barrios in Sevilla that might be unsafe for a single female? Thanks so much.

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[stacylimones]

Re: Móviles (Bri)
I have a contract with Orange. I get good coverage, and I usually spend about €30 per month during the school year, much less in summer and when there are holidays. I'm not sure it's the "best deal in town", but it works for me. This would be a good question to post in a more general thread, so I think I'll do that.

Re: Extra money (Pietti, Debbie)
As Shawn said, there is normally demand for private lessons, if not the same students from your school then often the teachers' children, neighbors, etc. I have had to turn work down because my schedule was just too full. You can always look into working for study abroad/student travel offices as well. They are often lookng for English speakers to be student liaisons, clercal work, etc.

Re: Sevilla neighborhoods (Charmarie)
If you stay in the Center/Nervión/Triana/Los Remedios then you don't have much to worry about. The rougher neighborhoods are outside of these central areas, so it's doubtful you'd be looking for apartments there anyway. If the bus to your village leaves from the Prado de San Sebastián, then I would look in that area. If your bus leaves from Plaza de Armas then I would focus on Triana or the Arenal section of the center. If you have any questions about specific locations, feel free to ask me. In general, you have to be careful EVERYWHERE (especially as a foreigner), but the more central locations are generally safe as long as you're careful and use common sense. (I do know of several people who have been robbed in different areas, but, without exception, they were doing something careless to begin with; ie walking alone at night in empty streets, not keeping their handbags guarded when a stranger approached, etc.)

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[pietti]

Hi Everyone,

I got a verbal acceptance to Pais Vasco just last week but I'm waiting for the written confirmation to come through. Because it's all last minute I'll be coming a few weeks after everyone else. I have a few questions, though:

1. I'm assuming we have to buy our own pasaje to and from Spain, and that we need to have a round-trip ticket to qualify for the visa. What has everyone found to be the cheapest way to go/find a ticket? I've looked on Kayak and Iberia, but I'm more interested if the travel agents have better deals.

2. Is it possible for me to go to Chicago, get my visa and fly out in the same week? I live in Ohio, so if the visa only takes a few business days it would save me an extra trip.

3. I want una bici todoterreno while I'm there. On SegundaMano and other such websites it looks like they start at around EUR 110. Could it cost as much or cheaper just to ship my current bike? The last time I shipped it (from DC to Ohio) it cost $100. I know I probably wont get an answer to this question here and most likely will have to ask UPS or my local bike shop, but it's worth a shot.

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[SRedw]

"1. I'm assuming we have to buy our own pasaje to and from Spain, and that we need to have a round-trip ticket to qualify for the visa. What has everyone found to be the cheapest way to go/find a ticket? I've looked on Kayak and Iberia, but I'm more interested if the travel agents have better deals."

I came over with a one way ticket and didn't encounter any problems at all getting the visa.  They didn't even ask to see my ticket.  I had a copy of it just in case, but since they didn't ask, I didn't volunteer any information.

Suerte,

Shawn

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[alisond2]

Hey Everyone! I'm going to be living in Caceres for this coming year...anyone familiar with that city?

Also...having never been to Europe before, can anyone recommend some absolute necessities that I should have on my packing list?? With the new airline restrictions I'm trying to pack really light but don't want to miss any essentials. Thanks!!!

Alison

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[SRedw]

Alison,

Congrats on being accepted to the program.

I would advise you to bring your favorite soap, deodorant, toothpaste, etc, because I do not know if these will be easy to find in Cáceres.  Also, many people bring their favorite "junk food" to Spain.

Suerte,

Shawn

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[bri10s]

hey alison...i'm doing my packing now too, so i'll run down the list of what i thought was essential to stock up on...

-my favorite mousses....i have curly hair, it took years to find one i liked, and now i'm not giving up my garnier fructice or tressume

-my sensodyne pronamel toothpaste...i have really sensitive teeth, and it has been a godsend to me

-extra makeup...last time, i ran out of mascara and i think i had to pay 10 euro for the cheapest, crappiest one in the store

-lots of deodorant....europeans seem to think that antipersperant is completely unnecessary, hence, the deodorants that are sold in stores are completley useless

-comfortable, but still cute shoes. chances are you're in for more walking than you've ever done before, but if you dont want to look like a complete guiri, you still have to do it in style i lucked out and have a go-to pair of medium height heels that i actually found at payless, and can wear around at work all day no problem (and if you are a size 9 1/2 or higher, it is nearly impossible to find anything that fits...i have a few friends who can attest to that)

-a microphone/headset so you can skype your family and friends back home

-little gifts to give to my old friends, some local candy that i could pass out to my students (i'm gonna bring some boston baked beans (candy covered peanuts) and salt water taffy to represent MA

-some granola bars for the first few days (maybe not as essential now, as i can eat on my own schedule and am not constricted to the study abroad/host mother schedule. but it will take a few days/weeks for your body to get used to eating at spanish times...)

-an english grammar book (so you dont have to say, "ummmm, i'm not sure why we do that. it just sounds right?")

-if you're a peanut butter addict, bring some jiffy

-and i'm picky, so i stocked up on my favorite, umm, feminine products today at BJ's

oh, and spanish bars/restaurants feel it is completely unnesesary to stock toilet paper. those little "charmin to go" things came in handy quite a few times...you can buy them at target.

don't know if you wear contacts or anything, but one thing i've seen from other people is to make sure you have enough solution. apparently its different there.

i'm not too picky about shampoo or conditioner, so i'll buy replacements there. also, dont bother bringing a hairdryer/straightener or anything. it will most likely blow up when you try to plug it in, and may even blow out the electricity in your apt. you can buy a cheap one when you arrive at el corte ingles or media markt.

if i think of more, i'll let you know. good luck with your packing, cause i know i'm gonna need it!
-briana

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[SRedw]

"-lots of deodorant....europeans seem to think that antipersperant is completely unnecessary, hence, the deodorants that are sold in stores are completley useless"

Briana,

Thanks for the great advice mentioned here.  Your post is wonderful.  But I would have to disagree with you about the deodorant.

Your off base with one this.  Little by little, antipersperants are making their way on the store shelves.  NIVEA sells antipersperant deodorant for both men and women and it works well.  It depends on the brand.  Not all deodorants here in Spain are completely useless. 

However, if you have a favorite brand of deodorant, please bring enough to last you until you go home to visit family and friends.

Suerte,

Shawn

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[bri10s]

really? good to know. its been a little over a year since i've been there, and i remember hunting all over the place for a good one. secret platinum or the like was nowhere to be found. i finally settled on a Nike Sport thing, which still didn't do anything. most deodorants that i saw where also sprays, as opposed to a roll-on. a had a friend with the same problem in rome that semester.

good to know they are making an appearance now!

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[SRedw]

Briana,

I have used NIVEA and it's a roll-on deodorant and it worked for me.  The brands that you have mentioned, especially the Secret Platinum will be pretty hard to find here in Spain, so stocking up is a good idea.

Once again, thanks for a very wonderful and helpful post.  It'll help many people as they start packing and getting ready to come to Spain.

Suerte,

Shawn

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[Nina.Jedina]

Hi guys, it's good to be back in Madrid! Has anyone else decided on switching from the government sponsored program to the one led by Jose Manuel? I begin work tomorrow (yes, it's Sept. 15th to June 30th) but I will be working in zone A as opposed to zone B2 as I did last year. The guy in charge is very hands-on, and met with me personally to go check out the school, meet with the principal, etc. Just curious to hear if there are any others like me that decided to stay on another year but with this program. The paycheck WAS higher than that of auxiliares until I heard you guys got a 150 euro pay raise (speaking for Madrid, again). Hope to meet with more of you this year!
Nina

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[SRedw]

Hi Nina,

Don't take this the wrong way, but your post doesn't make any sense.  What program are you talking about?  Please clarify.

Just so you know, people in MADRID did not get a 150€ pay raise.  We are quoted on our official letters as making 1045€, but that's before taxes, and after taxes, it's still 888,25€.  Until I see my first paycheck, I won't believe any rumor circulating on the net.

Thanks,

Shawn

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[SRedw]

I am one hot brother right now!

I just got an email from a friend that says that English Language Assistants IN MADRID returning for a second year have to attend an orientation for two days on the 25th and 26th of September from 9:30 - 17:30 (lunch included - but this doesn't make me feel any better about it).  Well, I never got the email, and I wonder what are they actually going to be talking about.

They aren't going to help us to renew our student visa and new people coming to Spain have been thrown to the wolves and have to do this on their own.  That should be fun.

OK.  I feel better.  Got that little bit off my chest.  Thanks for reading.

Shawn

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[Nina.Jedina]

Remember a few months ago when someone mentioned on the Madrid Auxiliaries listserv about another teaching assistant opportunity that isn't government sponsored, which was offered as an alternative for those who had already finished their 2nd year and couldn't renew for a 3rd time?? Well this is it. It's run by a guy named Jose Manuel. It's for 5 days a week, rather than 4, but the majority of the schools are located nearer to the center, and I think that you're obligated to work 17 hours. I'm at a school with 3 other gals, including two who are doing this gratis, as a part of their education degree internship. It's much smaller of course, and still a rather young program, there might be several dozen of us in total. My former colleague from last year and my former roommate are also doing it.

Shawn, for some odd reason I got that email about the orientation as well (the one with the info on how repeat auxiliaries must attend) a couple of days ago, as opposed to my sister who is doing the NALCA program as a 1st timer. I heard a couple of people who had already planned trips during those orientation days and are rather upset as well, but I'm more concerned about the part you mentioned how they have to get the visa ON THEIR OWN. Are you sure about this??? I would assume an email would have been sent out, because at this rate, my sister will have been in Spain way over the maximum 90 days allowed on her visa before she'd be able to set up an appointment...

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[SRedw]

Nina,

It says it right there in the MASIVO FORMACIÓN letter we all received.  I quote,

"TARJETA DE RESIDENCIA

Auxiliares que se incorporan a centros de la Comunidad de Madrid POR PRIMERA VEZ

Al llegar a España es muy importante solicitar en el plazo de 30 días la Tarjeta de Residencia en la Comisaría de Extranjería previa cita en el teléfono 902 56 57 01. Esta tarjeta permite obtener un Número de Identificación de Extranjero (N.I.E.) imprescindible para el cobro de la beca mensual.

Documentos necesarios para la obtención de la Tarjeta de Residencia: (deberán aportar original y copia de todos los documentos)
· Pasaporte en vigor
· Visado de Estudios Schengen (sólo Auxiliares no comunitarios)
· Impreso para la solicitud de la Tarjeta de Estudiante y N.I.E. (modelo EX11 disponible en la Web del Ministerio del Interior, consultar apartado Direcciones de Interés)
· Carta de nombramiento de la Consejería de Educación
· Seguro médico (se entrega en las jornadas de formación previas al inicio del curso) (sólo a auxiliares no comunitarios)
· Tres fotografías recientes, en color, con fondo blanco, tamaño carné"

Remember that when Aurelio was in charged of the program, we DIDN'T HAVE to call and make our own apointments.  He did everything for us.  We turned in ur paperwork, and he handed it in to the police department.  He also took us there as a group and we didn't have to stand in line.  Now that we have Muffin in charge, things have changed.  I just hope your sister sepaks enough Spanish to get through the process.  Well, like we say in the south, "ya sista betta get da callin'." and see if she can get an appointment.

As far as people just finding out about this, it's because the database for everyone's email is not complete.  I wrote and asked the Ministerio about this meeting and this was the response that I got, about their database not being complete.  They then told me that I needed to update my information.  I wrote back and told them that I don't need to update anything because this is the same email address that I have been using since I started the program.

Thanks for clarifying about the other program.  I am not on that listserv, but am glad to know that there is another alternative.

Suerte,

Shawn

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[Charmarie]

Shawn, I feel like I have been thrown to the wolves and am thinking of renouncing and going home before I even meet my "contact" from the school. I have been working on an apt como una loca for the past three days and after a horrible experience at a hotel some 40 mins from Sevilla, It took my forst full 2 days just to get safe and bathed and get my luggage which had been left in Lisbon. I went to my pueblo and was too afraid to leave the bus. It was desolate, there were piles of rummble, grafiti and trash all over the roads- nobody on the street but stray dogs. I am not picky or spoiled but when my safety is compromised I am unwilling to further compromise it. Its funny that I have heard that the towns on the outskirts of the city are the most risky and that's where many students I've spoken to have been assigned. My contact has been avassive since I told her I couldn't afford the 430/450 e  apts she recommended. This is my 5th day here (2 of which were ruined by unfortunatue circumstances), In the last three I have found myself stranded in far removed pueblos  during the hour of siesta trying to find the pueblo I'mm supposed to work at and a lady renting a room (one of my "contacts" contacts) other than that it seems like my choises are reduced to living with single middle aged men (which I will not do). That's all if I choose to live near this pueblo, and if not I'm looking at a 1h15m bus ride from Sevilla. I have yet to meet my contact from the school, and the hospitality here so far has left MUCH to be desired. I am not looking for a hand out. I have done so much work to be prepared for this experience, with the utmost respect for the Spanish Governmet but I am 1 person, scared and unfamiliar with the system here and i need help! If not sianara Spain b/c this has been an unbelievably dissapointing and heartbreaking experience.

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[Nina.Jedina]

Believe it or not, my sister NEVER received that letter with the details...she got her information sent to Serbia, with her name misspelled, with my previous year's school's name, and with my own passport number...after I'd emailed the program more than once to make sure we didn't get mixed up (although nobody else has our last name), and showing up in person. So yeah...so it's good to check up on this site to hear what's been sent out, since some of the auxiliaries are out of the loop.

Thanks so much...at this point my sister won't get an appointment until 2009 according to my calculations (I had called in the beginning of July and my appointment is on Halloween)...

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[SRedw]

Charmarie,

You have to do what you have to do.  If you feel like you have been thrown to the dogs and that no one is helping you and you see leaving Spain as an answer, well, only you can make that decision.  Based on what I have read, it seems like nothing is going the way that you had planned it.  Before throwing in the towel, try contacting the Ministry by phone and explaining your situation.  See if they can step in and help.  It's just a suggestion.

Nina,

This is why it's great to have message boards like this.  I do hope that everything workd out for your sister and she will have to call to see when she can get an appointment, soinstead of her basing it on her calculations, encourage her to call and see what they say. 

The program has really changed since Aurelio left, but I am determined to stick it out and see about doing a third year.  I will go to this meeting with an open mind and see exactly what they have to tell us and just take it from there.  Yes, there are many auxiliares out of the loop, but this is just the tip of the iceberg, I believe.

Suerte,

Shawn

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[pietti]

I second what Shawn said. Profex messed up my application and got me discouraged, but the program ended up accepting me four months later after I contacted them and asked when the next deadline was. Now I'm going to Bilbao next week--a month after everyone else but it was the soonest I could go given the circumstances. They didn't send me my letter, either. I had to call the Junta several, several times between September and October and ask for it. One advantage to coming in late is the visa only took two weeks to come through because I applied after the high season. Someone suggested I go without the visa, because the scholarship program doesn't really check whether you have it or not, but I couldn't do that and feel secure.

So just point out to whoever you talk to that you did everything right and there was a mixup. If they say you're talking to the wrong person or department, get the name and phone number of the right one. Don't be surprised if that person directs you back to the first one. Just be persistent, and if you have to call them again start out by saying, "Dispulpe que lo/a moleste pero es que..." I'm telling you, I talked to this one woman at the Junta almost every day for two and a half weeks until I got that letter--both in attachment and hard copy--and any other information I needed from her. Don't give up, remember you're dealing with human beings who can see when exceptions need to be made.

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[SRedw]

Well, I'm back afater having taken it all in.  The meeting that the second year people had to go to was a COMPLETE joke.  We saw presentations on topics that they presented last year.  But, the final straw for many of us was when Magdalena told us how to become and English Language Assistant.  So, I told the people sitting around me that maybe we need to know this information in case we have friends who want to do the program.  We just laughed.

We also have to run back to Gran Vía, 10 to pick up our medical insurance cards because MAPFRE sent us the book and all other information without the card, but we got a magnet included.  So, I figure that I will just use the magnet as my card.

Not too thrilled with administration this year, as there have been many mistakes made and we, as language assistants, are the ones to suffer.  At my school, and not sure about others, our teachers now take attendance and if we missa day we have to bring an excuse AND make up that day.  SO, the person with whom I work already knows that I have to pick up my student card on November 11 at 10am.  Wil have so see howI can make that time up.

The new administration is only ruining the program and they don't realize that there are forums like this where people express their opinions.

We'll have to see what happens at the end of the program and what people write about their experiences here.

Suerte,

Shawn

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[SRedw]

GET A LOAD OF THIS ONE . . .

I just laughed after it happened.  So, I give my friend Ryan a letter giving him permission to pick up my medical insurance card.  The person calls me telling me that my letter wasn't in the right format and everything, so I thank him for telling me this and that I would know the next time.  He then preceeds to tell me how nice and gentle he is because another person wouldn't do this.  He was full of himself and playing the saint and at this point, I really didn't care.  I am so through with administration and this program now.

I get a call from a private number and they leave a message.  It's from the Ministry saying that they can't find my card and that I can just use my passport number.  She also said something about they are getting another one for me and she left no name or number.  Thank God I kept my old card and I have my policy paper so that if anything happens, I can explain it to MAPFRE.

Am I angry? NO

Am I surprised? NO

Do I care? NO

And this is why I am able to laugh at all of this.  They have lost so many people in the program because of Muffin and ineffeciency.  They refuse to answer emails and you get phone calls like the one mentioned above.

I will do a third year and hang on to my student visa and continue working with privates and in public and private universities.

Anyone else care 2 share?

Shawn

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[bri10s]

yikes. sounds like sevilla has actually picked up some of the slack for madrid this year. i had heard horror stories about the process to apply for the NIE here from past auxiliares...standing in line all day, running back and forth for new copies of everything, etc.

turns out they decided to make it waaayyy easier for us this year... we just went to the office of the directors in the days after orientation, turned in our nombramiento, a copy of our passport and visa, and i think one other paper, and were on our way in 5 min. last week, we all got letters for our next appointment sent to our schools (unfortunatly, my school decided to tell me about this letter about 4 hrs before my appointment....thank god i work close by) and we went in mass groups to ministerio de extranjeros for stage 2. we were all a little confused at first, how we could all have an appointment at 4:30, but as long as we had already paid the bank and had our new passport pictures, as my director explained when she showed me the email, we were back on the street by 4:50. quick, simple, painless. (some people did miss the memo that they needed to pay the bank ahead of time, or that passport pics here are smaller than at home, so it was a little bit more of a hassel for them)

with any luck, stage 3...picking up the actual card in 45 days, will be just as easy.

the only problem i had was the amount of time i had to wait between step 1 and 2. since i no longer have a valid student id, i'm desperately waiting for my NIE card with my student status written on it. i miss student reduced fares! also, i didnt want to open my bank account without my NIE number, since i wanted a resident's account.


as for insurance, we were able to pick up our cards about 2 weeks ago, a little late for me, since i had already had to go to the clinic. however, i lucked out in the fact that my first day at my school, my director gave us the phone number of who to call if we needed to get our policy number before our cards were ready. and thaannnk god i have amazing roommates who are native spanish speakers and did everything for me when i was in so much pain, and so sleep deprived that every time i tried to speak i started to cry.  but anyway, i didnt have any problems when i finally went to pick up my card, it was another 5 minute process. no sé...things seem to be a little bit more under control down here in the south. or maybe i had just heard so many beaurocratic horror stories that i was prepared for the worst?

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[SRedw]

Well, the confusion started in Madrid as soon as Aurelio left the program and another person was put in his place.  Aurelio had many contacts in the police department and was a very valuable asset to the program.  This year, we have Magdalena and Arancha, both of whom don't answer emails and the answer is because there are more than 600 English Language Assistants this year.  Don't give me that bull.  If they were organized, they could do it without any problem at all.  When I met both of them at the orientation this year, they both looked frazzled and confused because many of the English Language Assistants caught them after the program and just fired away with questions for which they were not prepared.

Glad to know that one community has its act together.

Shawn

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[Nina.Jedina]

YIKES! well this explains why I know of at least 2 people who are coming into the program late, starting in January. Since my colleague from last year and I both switched programs in order to work in zone A, we had informed A. and M. MONTHS earlier about our decision (I even called from Serbia to make sure they knew), and it turns out nobody ever informed our last year's school, so this year they had no auxiliaries! Another auxiliary never showed up at a friend's school where she is repeating the year, but on the other hand, she's working on Friday now and get's paid nearly double the salary (at least until they find a replacement, if they do).

Overall though, my 2nd year has been even better than my 1st...repeaters, would you agree?

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[SRedw]

Overall though, my 2nd year has been even better than my 1st...repeaters, would you agree?

Nina,

I am going to have to disgree 100% with this one.  The program has been shot to hell because of the two in charge now.

We are lacking one assistant and I had to take over someone else's schedule, so now I work with two teachers, on different days, have to go to infantil (which I am not fond of, for I just want the damned kids to shut the hell up) and do two hours of music.  The person who would've worked with the other teacher is now in 2nd grade to help them prepare for the Trinity exam.  It's craziness.  I have realized that this year when I get home that I just want peace and quiet and don't want to hear any noise at all.   

I am doing it all with a smile on my face because I know that it won't last forever.  Thank God!  Can't wait until June.

Shawn

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[RebeccaG]

have to go to infantil (which I am not fond of, for I just want the damned kids to shut the hell up)

Uncle Shawn! I was going to ask you to babysit this weekend! Ha ha ha!!!

 

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!

-Rebecca

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[SRedw]

Same 2 u, Rebecca. One child is no problem, but 24 at the same time? So, all in all, I am making this year work for me.  Keeping a smile on my face and am looking forward to doing another year and hanging on to that student visa, which is key for me to continue making money.

Other experiences about the second year?

Shawn

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[dfdfdf]

Hello,

I'm applying for the 09-10 school year and I'm thinking about putting down Catalunya as one of my preferred regions, but I'm hesitating because of the Catalan thing.  I speak Spanish pretty well but it's going to be challenging enough with el castellano, I don't really want to have to deal with also having to learn Catalan. 

Is anyone here currently working in Catalunya?  Have there been any difficulties in this regard?  Let me know, since I'm trying to send out my application in the next day or two!

Thanks....

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[Beckett]

Hello,

I'm applying for the 09-10 school year and I'm thinking about putting down Catalunya as one of my preferred regions, but I'm hesitating because of the Catalan thing.  I speak Spanish pretty well but it's going to be challenging enough with el castellano, I don't really want to have to deal with also having to learn Catalan. 

Is anyone here currently working in Catalunya?  Have there been any difficulties in this regard?  Let me know, since I'm trying to send out my application in the next day or two!

Thanks....

DF,
You've posted your question in the wrong thread. This thread is for last year's program. The 2009-2010 thread is here:
http://www.expatriatecafe.com/forums/index.php/topic,2148.0.html

Regarding your question, if you don't want to have to learn or have to deal with Catalan, don't apply to work in Cataluña. It is widely spoken and you will be immersed in it, with more exposure to catalan than to castellano in some communities. If part of the reason why you're applying to this program is to improve your Spanish, you'd be better off picking another region of Spain so that you can get the maximum amount of exposure to castellano and to making friends who speak and want to speak castellano.

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[SarahKjrsten]

For those of you who have gone before, how exactly does health insurance work while taking part in this program?

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[mereR]

Does anyone have the contact information for the Andalucia representative?

Thanks!

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[knina23]

Hi Andalucía people!

I know this is a long shot but hey why not just ask!!!

I have been assigned to Islas Baleares and currently live in Sevilla with my boyfriend and was hoping to commute from there. For any one who has been assigned to Andalucia but is interested and open to going to Islas Baleares and would consider switching with me for - sun, sand and beach - please let me know!

**** If anyone is interested in switching with me - my family has a very nice fully furnushed vacant apartment in Mallorca - a block off the beach - willing to negotiate switching regions for dirt cheap rent in large 3 bedroom - 2 bathroom apartment 1 block off the beach!!! ****

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[mll22]

Hi everyone,

a pair of questions for all of you veterans.

1) for those of you who have made the sad trip back to the states forever, how did you get all your stuff back home?  i know that there's no way i'll be under the weight limits on the maletas (3 years of living here will do that to you...).  Has anyone found a good/cheaper way to get stuff back home?  aka a way to ship stuff home besides regular mail?? i had a friend from germany who shipped stuff back from the u.s. via some shipping company that sent the stuff via boat, and it came out much cheaper.  has anyone found something like that here in spain?

2)This question is for the mega pros (stacy limones, shawn, etc.)  Any shortcuts to homologando los titulos de los EE.UU.?  Have either of you gone through that process? any cost/time saving tips?? I've been looking for jobs at private schools, but no one will hire me without the titulos homologados

3) also, any tips to residency/work permit apps?  a friend of mine suggested getting a residence permit, and then get a workers permit.  but i don't know if that'll fly with us not being minors and american.  Just looking to see what things you've found/done.

Thanks for any pointers!! Disfrutad de vuestras vacaciones!!

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[girasole]

Hi,

I am new to this site. I was just accepted to Madrid ( I was waitlisted), and now I am looking at the visa application process and wondering if it is too late to begin all of this in order to have everything in order for a late september departure. I will be away for two weeks starting this Friday, so wouldn't really be able to do much until 9 August.

Any thoughts or experiences?

Thanks!

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