Author Topic: North American Language and Culture Assistants 2009-2010 (Read 81209 times)

Beckett · « **Reply #100 on:** February 26, 2009, 12:46:16 AM »

Quote from: caitaluna on February 25, 2009, 11:57:44 PM

Hey everyone!

I am planning to be in Spain for the summer and probably will come back to the US in August or September (depending on when I need to be back in Spain for NALCA). My question is, can I apply for my visa if I'm already there? I'm pretty sure it is required that you go back to your country of origin in order to receive your visa which won't be a problem. Does anyone know the process?

Caity

Don't buy a plane ticket just yet. In answer to your question, no, you can't apply for a visa while you are in Spain. You must turn in your passport to a Spanish consulate OUTSIDE of Spain when you apply for the visa. You get the passport back when your visa is ready. Applying for a Spanish visa during the summer is peak season due to all the study abroad students who will also be applying for student visas.

The Spanish consulate web site says plan on a minimum of 7 weeks to process a student visa. When I did it previously at the Spanish consulate in New York City, it took 9 weeks. So, if you apply for a visa in June the earliest you could probably get it back would be the end of July but it will more likely be sometime in August. If you apply for your visa in August when you return to the U.S. you will be cutting it very close and there is a good chance that you may not get your visa in time to start the program at the end of September/beginning of Oct.

Beckett · « **Reply #101 on:** February 26, 2009, 12:58:19 AM »

Quote from: BrandinhoGaucho on February 25, 2009, 11:51:17 PM

Another question for you all...

I have a friend from the UK that I met while studying abroad in Vigo and he is interested in finding his way back as well. I showed him the page for Americans, but I really have no idea who he should apply to. I've noticed on the list of accepted assistants from the previous year that there are quite a few Brits as well as other nationalities represented in the program.

So...who does a non-American send the application to?

Tell your British friend to contact the British Council. Their application deadline is Feb. 28, 2009.
Their web site is: http://www.britishcouncil.org/languageassistants

dkd3 · « **Reply #102 on:** February 26, 2009, 04:14:06 PM »

Hi all,

This is my first post, but I've read through most of what you guys have been saying. I just wanted to re-echo what some people have been saying about emailing your consulate to get your PROFEX status changed from "inscrita" to "admitida."

I sent my documents using a tracking number from the postal service, and once I was sure they had arrived, I gave the consulate (mine is in Miami) a couple days to process them. Last night, I emailed Antonio Caballero (he's the correct person to email for Miami, but for other consulates, check the .pdf file on the application website that tells you where to send your documents). This morning, as soon as I woke up, I had an email from him. He was really nice, assured me that I hadn't bothered him in the least, and he immediately changed my status to "admitida." However, he did remind me that I still have to wait to actually be placed, which will happen at the end of April or the very beginning of May.

Suerte a todos, ¡y nos vemos en España!
Kyle

jessie_loves_spain · « **Reply #103 on:** February 27, 2009, 12:33:47 AM »

I officially sent in hardcopy application today! Yayyy! Of course the thing that took the longest for me to get was my college transcript, go figure lol. But Im super excited!

Venga_vamos_porfin! · « **Reply #104 on:** February 28, 2009, 03:34:51 AM »

buuuueeeeeennnnaaasss XD
I'm new to the forum, getting my application all together to send out next week (fingers crossed).
I had a question for you all pertaining to the essay/personal statement. is this basically a cover letter or is it more in depth? thought? I think i read somewhere it shouldnt be much more than 300 words, I dont want to write too little and not too much (i understand what we have to do just unsure on length and format). Should I do more than just one page?
thanks!!

BrandinhoGaucho · « **Reply #105 on:** February 28, 2009, 05:41:22 AM »

I had a similar question, so I asked one of the program advisers in Baton Rouge. Here's part of the response I got...

"La carta de motivación (recuerda que es el único documento que tiene que estar necesariamente en español) tampoco tiene un formato. Simplemente tienes que contar por qué te interesa ir a España como auxiliar, por qué piensas que eres la persona idónea para el puesto, cuáles son tus expectativas y objetivos... no sé, es algo personal."

Hope that helps!

jessie_loves_spain · « **Reply #106 on:** February 28, 2009, 06:17:42 AM »

Oh Todd, by the way it said that it should be ATLEAST 300 words. so i dont think you can write too much. i just noticed that you wrote that in this post

Venga_vamos_porfin! · « **Reply #107 on:** February 28, 2009, 06:21:20 AM »

sisi...eso genial, tio

seguro que me sirve!!
espero poder enviar la solicitud la semana que viene, a ver si consigo arreglar todo.
gracias hombre

Beckett · « **Reply #108 on:** March 02, 2009, 01:15:26 AM »

Story that appeared last week in the Spanish-language version of the Miami Herald about the program. No real news here for anyone who already knows about the program but good to see Spanish govt trying to get the word out. Funny that headline says the program is looking for teachers who want to learn Spanish. Story also gives the figure of 1400 Americans and Canadians will be hired this year.

http://www.elnuevoherald.com/galeria/en_familia/story/390058.html

BrandinhoGaucho · « **Reply #109 on:** March 02, 2009, 06:59:23 AM »

I have a question regarding the language schools we're assigned to. If I'm placed in an Escuela de Idiomas where other languages are instructed, is there a chance that they would cut me a deal?

I'd like to start on a 3rd language this year (either Portuguese, Italian, or French) and I think it'd be pretty sweet to just stick around after class and take one for me. 12-16 hours per week is sure to leave us a bunch of free time and I figured it'd be an excellent opportunity to do this sort of thing, especially if we're already affiliated with the school.

Any ideas/experience/answers?

caitaluna · « **Reply #110 on:** March 02, 2009, 06:40:39 PM »

hey everyone!

I finally received my letter of recommendation and am planning on sending in my paper documents today. However, I can't seem to find the blank copy of the actual application to print out. It's on the PROFEX website right?

thanks!
Caity

BrandinhoGaucho · « **Reply #111 on:** March 02, 2009, 07:06:15 PM »

What I did, and what I'm hoping I was supposed to do, was just print out the electronic copy. The only extra page that I added to my application that I got from Profex was a one page document that had a place for a signature at the bottom. Congrats on nearing the end of the mountain of paperwork...feels good doesn't it?

Raquel123 · « **Reply #112 on:** March 02, 2009, 11:35:04 PM »

So I just finish applying, and I'm not "admitado" yet! $:-\$ I know that this is way ahead of time, BUT, are people going to find housing beforehand, or when they get to Spain? I could go either way, but I'd feel better if I had an apartment before I got there. Any suggestions?

BrandinhoGaucho · « **Reply #113 on:** March 02, 2009, 11:44:53 PM »

www.loquo.es is a great place to start. Just go to your city and click compartir pisos/alq habitacion.

samma · « **Reply #114 on:** March 03, 2009, 12:31:05 AM »

Raquel,

Here are some other sites that may be helpful in finding somewhere to live. It is a little early to start checking, but they can give you an idea of prices, locations, and availability. From what I have read in blogs from people participating in the program, it is strongly suggested to find housing before arriving or get to Spain early to find something.

Hope the links help!

Helpful blogs:
http://aubreedenise.blogspot.com/2008/03/q-for-future-language-and-culture.html

http://europicurean.blogspot.com/2008/04/q-for-new-langauge-auxiliar-applicants.html

http://buenapinta.blogspot.com/

http://kdinspain.blogspot.com/

Housing in Spain:
www.idealista.com

http://www.easypiso.com/

Beckett · « **Reply #115 on:** March 03, 2009, 01:04:50 AM »

Quote from: Raquel123 on March 02, 2009, 11:35:04 PM

So I just finish applying, and I'm not "admitado" yet! $:-\$ I know that this is way ahead of time, BUT, are people going to find housing beforehand, or when they get to Spain? I could go either way, but I'd feel better if I had an apartment before I got there. Any suggestions?

Wait until you've been assigned to a school and then get a map and figure out which bus or train routes run near your school. Once you have that info, then narrow down parts of town that would be the most convenient commute for you. Ideally, you want a door-to-door commute of 30 minutes or less. And if you get assigned to a school in la Comunidad de Madrid remember that la "Comunidad" is huge. Living in the center of Madrid might not be a wise choice if your school is located in the Madrid suburbs and it takes two trains and one bus to arrive.

I would not recommend renting a room, site unseen, from an ad found on the internet, especially if you are asked to wire money in advance. DO NOT WIRE MONEY to strangers, no matter what they say. There are a lot of shady characters out there and a lot of people waiting to take advantage of foreigners (and yes, that means Americans). In fact, if you have a Spanish friend or acquaintance who can help you find a place, I recommend you get them to help you. You'll be less likely to get screwed over that way.

Plan to get to Spain at least two weeks before the program starts. Plan on staying in a hostal for at least a few days but be prepared to stay in one for at least a week, just in case. That will give you enough time to check out places, meet your potential roommates, see what a potential commute is like, etc. And make sure you try to do a trial run of your commute during rush hour just to see what it is like from the apartment you're most interested in.

Also, when renting a room in an apartment, be sure to find out upfront exactly what is included in the rent. Is everything included or will you have to pay additional money for utilities, internet access, cleaning lady, etc. If you're renting a room in an apartment filled with other people, try to find out from them what they're paying. Don't ask the landlord this question because he (she) is not likely to give you an honest answer. I personally know of two Americans who were charged almost 200 euros a month more than Spaniards living in the same apartment. Neither one knew this until after they moved in and started talking with their roommates and found out. The landlord, of course, didn't volunteer this info. There was one rate for the guiris (i.e. Americans) and another rate for the locals. Don't let this happen to you!

P.S. For anyone assigned to Madrid, you may also want to join the Madrid auxiliares Yahoo group. Good way to network with other auxiliares and trade info about apartments well as find out about apartments opening up from departing auxiliares.

Raquel123 · « **Reply #116 on:** March 03, 2009, 04:14:14 AM »

That was so helpful, thanks.

SRedw · « **Reply #117 on:** March 04, 2009, 09:59:10 AM »

Good luck to everyone who's applying. Let us know how it all turns out.

Shawn

jessie_loves_spain · « **Reply #118 on:** March 04, 2009, 05:32:45 PM »

Hey everyone!! I got my official admitida status today!! Wooo hooo!!!!

Nina.Jedina · « **Reply #119 on:** March 05, 2009, 06:16:48 PM »

I´m ditto-ing loquo, it´s been the most helpful thus far!

BrandinhoGaucho · « **Reply #120 on:** March 06, 2009, 12:53:15 AM »

Anybody know of a Facebook group with lots of people applying for the grant? The ones I've found have like 15 people in them.

Luna2 · « **Reply #121 on:** March 06, 2009, 01:32:04 AM »

You should make one Brandin! Super idea!

caitaluna · « **Reply #122 on:** March 06, 2009, 03:24:10 AM »

Brandin you really are on top of this!

good for you... love the facebook group idea! let us know when you make one!

I posted earlier asking about applying for a visa from Spain (which I knew wasn't possible - I didn't word that question right). I got my answer for how to do this and wanted to post in case anyone else has the same problem. I talked to the Spanish Consulate in NYC and they said that they DO NOT need to hold onto my passport while they process the visa. Well, I don't necessarily believe that they understood my question... soooo I called the State Dept and they told me that I am eligible to apply for something called a "2nd Limited Passport" which will get me to Spain while my visa is processing. It's $75 and requires a bunch of paper work but another summer in Spain is worth that much and more!

These next few months are going to be so tough!!! I'm DYING to know if I'll be accepted and where I'll be placed. Hope all of you are being a little more patient! haha

Caity

jessie_loves_spain · « **Reply #123 on:** March 06, 2009, 04:14:00 AM »

Caity, a week after you send in your application just email your rep askiing if they've received it, and your status should be update that same day. Thats what I did

I can't wait either!!!

BrandinhoGaucho · « **Reply #124 on:** March 06, 2009, 07:09:16 PM »

I joined the group last night. Thanks for putting that together. The fact that only about 20 people on the internet are discussing this is reassuring in a way since it leaves us with about 1380 open placements.

janomatt · « **Reply #125 on:** March 07, 2009, 03:03:15 AM »

Hey all,

Just joined and I’ve got two questions!

After “inscribir”-ing our stuff on PROFEX, what is all this stuff about the registro telemático? I keep trying to firmar and then enviar but it gives me an error message. Is this something I need to be paying attention to? Or is the application completely finished after it says inscrita?

Also, is there any hope the Spanish government would let me get the visa work done during a six week stay in Buenos Aires this summer? I’m worried I won’t have time in the States either before or after. Has anyone had any experience with how fast they make visas down there?

Gracias por su ayuda!

Matt

BrandinhoGaucho · « **Reply #126 on:** March 07, 2009, 08:55:47 AM »

Hey Matt,

So I'm pretty sure you can just disregard that part. I played with it a bit when I first saw it too, but I decided that they can't expect us to go through with that. My paperwork has been accepted without it either way, so yeah... I say don't worry about it. After "inscrita" comes "registrada" in theory (contingent on the arrival of your hard copies), but mine went directly to "admitida." I guess it depends on how your people deal with all the paperwork and if it arrives and whatnot.

I really have no idea about the Visa. I have this phobia of paperwork/fine print/red tape, so I almost wish you could just hire somebody to just take care of that for you. Good luck!

-Brandon

dfdfdf · « **Reply #127 on:** March 07, 2009, 03:30:07 PM »

Here's a question: do you think the recession will make more or fewer people apply for this position? People tend not to go abroad when the economy sucks but if there aren't any jobs here (especially for new college grads) maybe that paltry 700 euros a month will look more enticing.

I could see it going both ways.

Beckett · « **Reply #128 on:** March 07, 2009, 06:49:23 PM »

Quote from: dfdfdf on March 07, 2009, 03:30:07 PM

Here's a question: do you think the recession will make more or fewer people apply for this position? People tend not to go abroad when the economy sucks but if there aren't any jobs here (especially for new college grads) maybe that paltry 700 euros a month will look more enticing.

I could see it going both ways.

I've been wondering about this myself. I agree with you, it could go both ways. I think if someone has a huge amount of student loan debt, they are unlikely to do this program since you can't defer your student loans if you're in this program and someone could find themselves in a HUGE financial hole very quickly since an auxiliar's salary alone is just enough to cover rent, food and a few extras here in Spain. It's certainly not enough to cover your Spain expenses PLUS any recurring monthly expenses back home (student loans, credit cards, etc.) So, I think if someone was already planning on being a foreign language teacher in the U.S. and they get a job offer this spring, they are probably very likely going to accept it, since any teaching job in in the U.S. pays more than this program.

I do think that for all of the Spain lovers out there doing this program is an incredible once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to LEGALLY live and work in Spain. But will all those native-English-speaking-Spain-lovers find out about this program in time to apply? I don't think so. 1400 slots is a lot of people to hire and keep in mind that some of those people will inevitably not meet the minimum requirements or will not fill out the application correctly or not remember to send in their hard copy application, etc.

BrandinhoGaucho · « **Reply #129 on:** March 07, 2009, 10:17:28 PM »

I wonder if there's any difference between forbearance and deferral and the different types of loans in this respect. I sure hope there is since ~$240/month isn't something that I've planned on budgeting for just yet.

And about the crisis...I've actually been wondering the same thing. I think for many it will come down to what kinds of obligations you have beyond those related to your life in Spain. If there are bills to be paid at home, then 700 euros will leave much to be desired. On the other hand, economic crisis or not, if you can isolate your expenditures to all things Spain-related, then there's no reason not to go. 700 euros is just as good as any other year, and perhaps now it will go even further. On top of that, you're gaining valuable experience and bolstering your resume (depending on how you frame the experience and what field you want to go into) as well as giving time to the economy to stabilize.

Here's an analogy that works for me. If there was to be a huge epidemic and I had the option to cryogenically freeze myself until it was safe to come out again, I might do it. So the economy is an epidemic, and living as an auxiliar in Spain is like freezing yourself until it's safe to come back out again (given that you can manage to isolate your expenditures).

jessie_loves_spain · « **Reply #130 on:** March 08, 2009, 01:25:20 AM »

Yeah, I know personally that I'm going to have a whole hell of a lot of debt lol after graduation, but honestly, I'm not too worried. Going to Spain is a once in a lifetime chance especially when you're just out of school because you don't have a spouse or children to worry about. It may be hard to budget financially, but when theres a will, theres a way.

jessie_loves_spain · « **Reply #131 on:** March 08, 2009, 01:27:05 AM »

And also, the likelihood of finding a job here is slim pickins. One of my friends who graduated last year had to move back home because she just couldn't find a job and it was over 6 months that she was looking. So a small bit of money is better than no money at all.

stacylimones · « **Reply #132 on:** March 08, 2009, 09:44:59 PM »

re: REGISTRO TELEMÁTICO

I saw that Matt asked about this, and I'm wondering, too. I didn't have to do this last year, and I can't figure it out. Do I need to take my application to be notarized at the Registro or something? Anyone who is renewing (or not, either way) know what this is all about? I thought I was finally finished with the paper pushing! Profex is such a "lioso" system!

Besos,
Stacy

jessie_loves_spain · « **Reply #133 on:** March 08, 2009, 11:36:58 PM »

I'm not sure about all the details for renewing, but all of us newcomers had to fill out the application via profex until we got Inscrita at the end next to our application status, and then print it out and send in the hardcopy with the supplemental documents

stacylimones · « **Reply #134 on:** March 09, 2009, 02:50:11 PM »

Yeah, but then there is a step about registering the application. Did any of you do this? It sounds like just printing it out and signing it is enough, but I got nervous when I saw this registration telematico business.

jessie_loves_spain · « **Reply #135 on:** March 09, 2009, 04:39:10 PM »

On the instructions it says not to "register". So after you print out and sign your docs and send them all in, they do the rest. So no worries

SRedw · « **Reply #136 on:** March 09, 2009, 11:45:29 PM »

Quote

I've been wondering about this myself. I agree with you, it could go both ways. I think if someone has a huge amount of student loan debt, they are unlikely to do this program since you can't defer your student loans if you're in this program . . .

Beckett,

You are mistakened about this. I have my student loans through SallieMae and I deferred twice with them. I sent them a copy of the official letter and how much I was making and they gave me a deferment and I did this for two years straight.

I am now in the process of paying back student loans while living in Spain. I am making more than enough money to live on and pay student loans.

Shawn

Beckett · « **Reply #137 on:** March 10, 2009, 12:34:36 AM »

Shawn,
That's great that you were able to defer. All I know is what I was told when I asked about it. Maybe the service rep I got was misinformed. My loans are serviced by the "Direct Loan Servicing Center of the U.S. Dept. of Education." At least that's what their email says. No mention of Sallie Mae on the emails.

SRedw · « **Reply #138 on:** March 10, 2009, 10:57:23 AM »

Well, Beckett, maybe the person was misinformed, but I would still send in the paperwork and see what they say. this is a grant and you are living in a country on very little and to have to pay back student loans on whatthey pay us, without an additional souce of income, would be just foolishness. You have the official letter and how much you will be making, so I really don't see the problem.

Hope to see you again soon.

Shawn

stacylimones · « **Reply #139 on:** March 10, 2009, 07:33:58 PM »

Quote from: jessie_loves_spain on March 09, 2009, 04:39:10 PM

On the instructions it says not to "register". So after you print out and sign your docs and send them all in, they do the rest. So no worries

Thanks, Jessie, I missed that in the instructions!

coconnell8687 · « **Reply #140 on:** March 12, 2009, 05:19:12 AM »

hey everyone!

i sent in my application this week...with my location choices as:
1) Cataluña
2) Andalucía
3) País Vasco

i have a few questions though...
anyone know about the probability of an american getting placed in barcelona?
has anybody who has done this program before NOT been placed in their top selection?

...also, does anyone know of anyone who was not accepted into the program itself?

kevin777 · « **Reply #141 on:** March 12, 2009, 06:22:48 PM »

Hi,

I hope someone can help me sort this out. In short PROFEX confuses me. I have followed all the instructions available at:

http://www.mepsyd.es/educa/internacional/programas/auxExtI/files/instr.%20ENG.pdf

But I wonder what to make of all the sections below? Is it only the "Cirriculum" that needs to be printed from PROFEX? Because when I "print cirriculum" there is no section for me to sign as the instructions say to do.

If anyone has really good instructions for how to properly complete the the application please let me know.

Thanks in advance.

-Kevin

kevin777 · « **Reply #142 on:** March 12, 2009, 07:11:43 PM »

Hi again,

I am in the section "presentaciones solicitudes" and when I try to click it tells me "En este momento no existe una convocatoria abierta para este programa."

Did I miss the opportunity? I thought the deadline was April 15...

-Kevin

charisma · « **Reply #143 on:** March 12, 2009, 08:12:58 PM »

Hi Kevin,

I believe that the only Profex page you need to print out can be accessed by clicking on the "Presentación solicitudes" link under the "Auxiliares" header. Click on "Generar PDF solicitud"; this will make your page look similar to this:

http://www.mepsyd.es/educa/internacional/programas/auxExtI/files/modelosolicitudprofex.pdf

The deadline is still April 15, though I'm not quite sure as to why you're having trouble with the "Presentación solicitudes" link. In the "Convocatoria" drop-down menu, make sure you have "2009 - Auxiliares de conversación extranjeros en España."

The only parts of the "Curriculum" which I filled out are as follows: "Datos personales," "Formación académica," and "Idiomas." In "Documentos anexos," I also uploaded a copy of my CV.

Hope this helps somewhat.

beachp · « **Reply #144 on:** March 12, 2009, 10:46:48 PM »

Quote from: kevin777 on March 12, 2009, 06:22:48 PM

Hi,

I hope someone can help me sort this out. In short PROFEX confuses me. I have followed all the instructions available at:

http://www.mepsyd.es/educa/internacional/programas/auxExtI/files/instr.%20ENG.pdf

But I wonder what to make of all the sections below? Is it only the "Cirriculum" that needs to be printed from PROFEX? Because when I "print cirriculum" there is no section for me to sign as the instructions say to do.

If anyone has really good instructions for how to properly complete the the application please let me know.

Thanks in advance.

-Kevin

Hi,

Profex is very confusing if you don't have all the instructions to follow. The complete instructions are located at the bottom of the official home page for the application (the one with the picture of the assistants at the top). go to the bottom of that page and look for "Application Instructions". then click on the underlined words, "steps and notes". these show you how to fill out the CV (which you already have) as well as all the other pages. When your all done and click the button to print everything out you will get a copy of the CV and other pages you filled in except those pertaining to placement. In addition you will get a page which contains some personal info and a place for your signature which gets mailed in with the rest of your papers. Hope this helps.

caitaluna · « **Reply #145 on:** March 13, 2009, 12:25:45 AM »

coconnell8687,

if you go to the profex homepage, sign in and click listados and then aceptados y renuncia, you can see everyone who is in the program now, where they are living and where they are from. i think this is the only way to realy tell where you have a good chance of going. it looks like cataluna has a lot of people from the US so my guess would be that your chances are pretty good. also i havent heard anyone talk about someone who did not receive their first choice. dont get your hopes up too high but i think you have good chances of being where you want to be

by the way - IM FINALLY ADMITADA!

Caity

BrandinhoGaucho · « **Reply #146 on:** March 16, 2009, 04:27:27 AM »

Ok...I'm freaking out just a little bit. I realized that aside from the 3 cities where I'd like to live, places in Galicia can be super isolated. If our schedule is only ~3 days/week then that gives me the option to live further away and just commute, but I still don't want to end up in a small village or a farming community.

Does anybody know what kind of say we'll have? Or if I'm overreacting? Or if I can give up like 5 months worth of salary to not end up in a village?

beachp · « **Reply #147 on:** March 16, 2009, 04:50:14 AM »

Quote from: BrandinhoGaucho on March 16, 2009, 04:27:27 AM

Ok...I'm freaking out just a little bit. I realized that aside from the 3 cities where I'd like to live, places in Galicia can be super isolated. If our schedule is only ~3 days/week then that gives me the option to live further away and just commute, but I still don't want to end up in a small village or a farming community.

Does anybody know what kind of say we'll have? Or if I'm overreacting? Or if I can give up like 5 months worth of salary to not end up in a village?

Hi,

the application gives you the option to chose the size of your location. I believe it ranged from less than 50,000 (or even smaller) in population to over a million. I think I read most schools have you work at least 4 days a week if not 5. Valencia shows a 4 day work week.

stacylimones · « **Reply #148 on:** March 16, 2009, 08:49:30 AM »

Quote from: bri10s on March 11, 2009, 07:22:30 PM

we actually dont really need to send in the hard copies to renew, just the electronic version

however, speaking of the actual application part...did you check off regions/city size and type of school? or just leave it all blank? or, did you fill it out, in case you were moved to a different school?

Bri,
I would definitely send in the hard copies just in case. I haven't sent mine in yet, I admit, but it's on my "To Do" for the week. I did complete the part about the city size, regions, etc. just in case, too. I don't know if you saw the e-mail sent (I think in January?) saying that since they are cutting posts in Andalucía that there would be no guarantee that, if your renewal is accepted, you would be in the same school. This is completely the opposite of last year's policy which essentially guaranteed that those who wanted to renew would be able to as long as the school agreed, but that you could not change schools. Things are a little different this year, so I would fill everything out completely, again, just in case.
Good luck!
Stacy

samma · « **Reply #149 on:** March 16, 2009, 11:36:57 AM »

Quote from: BrandinhoGaucho on March 16, 2009, 04:27:27 AM

Ok...I'm freaking out just a little bit. I realized that aside from the 3 cities where I'd like to live, places in Galicia can be super isolated. If our schedule is only ~3 days/week then that gives me the option to live further away and just commute, but I still don't want to end up in a small village or a farming community.

Does anybody know what kind of say we'll have? Or if I'm overreacting? Or if I can give up like 5 months worth of salary to not end up in a village?

I think you should be fine. You turned everything in pretty early and it looks from the info sheet on Galicia that most of the schools are in bigger cities. However, I am not sure how much you can do about it right now. Perhaps when you get your notification about acceptance and comunidad you can make a request for a specific city? Either way, Galicia is absolutely gorgeous and I am sure it will all work out.

As beachp asked, did you fill out the final page on PROFEX about city size preference? Good luck!

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Author Topic: North American Language and Culture Assistants 2009-2010 (Read 81209 times)