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

esimons324 · « **Reply #50 on:** January 29, 2009, 09:05:53 PM »

My top three are Andalucia, Catalonia, and Navarra, but I would feel lucky to go anywhere.

Laura2009 · « **Reply #51 on:** January 30, 2009, 01:25:38 AM »

hey everyone!

my friend tonya told me about this so i figured i would check it out! so cool about everyone applying! i applied for the program too and my status has been changed to admitada. I was wondering if everyone's who status' changed from inscrita to admitada was sent an email confirming this because I did not receive an email, I just noticed it one day when I was looking in Profex. Let me know whenever

thanks!

Laura

charisma · « **Reply #52 on:** February 04, 2009, 03:43:20 PM »

País Vasco, Cataluña, and Madrid.

Hi to the Colorado folks! I'm in Denver, too.

Debbie55 · « **Reply #53 on:** February 05, 2009, 01:28:52 AM »

I chose Catalunya, Madrid, and Asturias.

vef · « **Reply #54 on:** February 06, 2009, 05:09:57 AM »

I chose Madrid, Islas Canarias, and Asturias but I really really want Madrid!

RebeccaG · « **Reply #55 on:** February 06, 2009, 08:17:46 PM »

Quote from: caitaluna on February 06, 2009, 08:57:25 AM

By the way, this website is NOT very informative at all! I say once we all get in we contact the program and suggest they get a better web designer! haha

Good Luck to everyone!!
Caity

Hello Caity and welcome to the Expatriate Café! I am glad to hear that reading our forum has gotten you excited about the NALCA program. What suggestions do you have to improve our website? Please feel free to post them or send them to one of the admins privately so we can take them into consideration.

Thanks and good luck with your application process!

-Rebecca

caitaluna · « **Reply #56 on:** February 07, 2009, 12:31:41 AM »

Does anyone know if it would be ok to just send in a hard copy of our letter of recommendation?

esimons324 · « **Reply #57 on:** February 09, 2009, 02:00:34 PM »

Caity,

The application prompts you to send in a hard copy and also to upload a digital copy once you get to the first part of the "presentacion solicitudes" part. To be safe, I would suggest that you do both. I just had my professor who wrote the recommendation email me a copy of it before she mailed it to me.

-Eric

vef · « **Reply #58 on:** February 09, 2009, 11:58:16 PM »

Samma,

Who did you contact in the Miami office when you emailed them? Thanks!

samma · « **Reply #59 on:** February 10, 2009, 04:01:44 AM »

Vef,

I emailed Antonio Cabellero, antonio.caballero@mepsyd.es Hope that helps!

vef · « **Reply #60 on:** February 10, 2009, 04:44:45 AM »

Samma,

Thanks! That's what I was thinking because he looked like the contact person based on that page with all the consulates. I just didn't know if you used another general address for the consulate. I hope to hear soon! I mailed in everything last Monday, but if I don't hear back soon I thought I'd email them and hopefully have the same luck as you about finding out right after writing them.

daryy · « **Reply #61 on:** February 10, 2009, 08:28:30 AM »

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samma · « **Reply #62 on:** February 10, 2009, 12:54:11 PM »

Vef,

Good luck! From the other posts, it looks like the turnaround time is about a week to a week and a half. It seems like the emails help things to move along. I mean, it is Spain and they are Spaniards. Nothing will be too quick!

It is nice that we will all be done so early, but the wait will be rough!

jessie_loves_spain · « **Reply #63 on:** February 11, 2009, 04:12:02 AM »

hey everyone!! i'm so excited for this program I can hardly breathe! i havent gotten out my hardcopy application yet because I still need my letters of recommendation, but Im applying to el Pais Vasco for my first choice. Is anyone else? I want to start early looking for roomies!! ehehh VIVA ESPANA!

Beckett · « **Reply #64 on:** February 11, 2009, 10:53:27 PM »

Got email today saying application status changed to "Admitada" Yay!!

We find out in late April which city we're assigned to, right?

Simca24 · « **Reply #65 on:** February 12, 2009, 06:59:12 PM »

Hey guys! Noticed some people were asking about the letter of recommendation. I had the same question, and just got a response. Don't upload the letter onto PROFEX since you have to mail it in with your documents in a sealed envelope. She said it's a flaw in the system, just to ignore that bit.

I also have "registrada" and not "admitada", hopefully that will change soon.

Also, thought this was a little encouraging...I asked how many people applied for the program last year, she said that last year, they couldn't fill all the positions, that they were still looking for people in December!! And this year, the number of positions has increased from 1300 to 1700!!!

Good luck everyone!!!

vef · « **Reply #66 on:** February 12, 2009, 10:04:32 PM »

Congrats to everyone! It seems like everyone is hearing back today! My status was also changed to admitada today!! Now until April...

jessie_loves_spain · « **Reply #67 on:** February 13, 2009, 12:13:06 AM »

Yay! Congrats to everyone is has been receiving their admitada status. I can't wait to send in my application! I'm still waiting on my transcript and recommendations. I know we only need one, but Im having two teachers write me one just in case, because you never know, people can be flaky hehhe but I figure more won't hurt. I'm so excited, I can hardly wait to receive that status, and then Espanaaa:)

Beckett · « **Reply #68 on:** February 13, 2009, 02:10:05 AM »

Quote from: Simca24 on February 12, 2009, 06:59:12 PM

I asked how many people applied for the program last year, she said that last year, they couldn't fill all the positions, that they were still looking for people in December!! And this year, the number of positions has increased from 1300 to 1700!!!

Simca,
I'm not disputing what that lady told you but what she said is kind of misleading. There was a change in the administration of the program last year, at least in Madrid, which is the place that gets the majority of the auxiliares, and because of disorganization on the part of the administration, a lot of positions went unfilled. I'm not saying that it is easy filling 1300 slots but trust me, between the U.S., Canada, Australia and the U.K., there are TONS of people who would kill to have this opportunity. The fact that they aren't being flooded with applications indicates that they're not doing a good job marketing the program. But the Spanish government's best kept secret is good news for those of us who do know about the program and are applying for it.

I think anyone who meets the minimum requirements, follows the application instructions and turns the application in on time will be accepted. The only sticking point for some people might be where they get assigned. In any case, good luck to everyone!!

jessie_loves_spain · « **Reply #69 on:** February 16, 2009, 02:03:44 AM »

hey does anyone have any tips for opening a bank account once we are in spain? i'll hopefully be placed in Bilbao, what is the best bank to go to for a checking account with little fees and little start up money needed. thanks!

Beckett · « **Reply #70 on:** February 16, 2009, 06:38:32 AM »

Quote from: jessie_loves_spain on February 16, 2009, 02:03:44 AM

hey does anyone have any tips for opening a bank account once we are in spain? i'll hopefully be placed in Bilbao, what is the best bank to go to for a checking account with little fees and little start up money needed. thanks!

For people in Madrid, I recommend Caja Madrid. I don't know about Bilbao. In Spain you're going to need a NIE (número de identidad de extranjero) to open a bank account and you'll get that once you come to Spain (on your visa) and register at the local police station in the region where you are assigned. So there's no way to open a bank account from overseas if you were thinking about opening an account online before coming to Spain.

Somebody correct me if I'm wrong but I think the 2009-2010 school year is the first year that País Vasco (Blibao) is participating in this language assistants program.

jessie_loves_spain · « **Reply #71 on:** February 16, 2009, 06:47:37 AM »

Well I think you can apply for your NIE and Residencia beforehand if you have a local Spanish address to put on there. I printed out the documents for it already. hehhe Im so anxious that I've pretty much got everything ready to go. I'm gonna secure an apartment before I arrive so that way I have a place to go to right away, and also so that I can get my NIE and Residencia beforehand by having an address.

Its the first year for El Pais Vasco? Wow, well I hope there are a few of us there so I have some people that I can meet up with

jessie_loves_spain · « **Reply #72 on:** February 16, 2009, 06:50:57 AM »

Quote from: Beckett on February 16, 2009, 06:38:32 AM

For people in Madrid, I recommend Caja Madrid. I don't know about Bilbao. In Spain you're going to need a NIE (número de identidad de extranjero) to open a bank account and you'll get that once you come to Spain (on your visa) and register at the local police station in the region where you are assigned. So there's no way to open a bank account from overseas if you were thinking about opening an account online before coming to Spain.

Somebody correct me if I'm wrong but I think the 2009-2010 school year is the first year that País Vasco (Blibao) is participating in this language assistants program.

Thanks for the recommendation! I just looked up Caja Madrid and they have lots of branches in Bilbao, so yay!

Beckett · « **Reply #73 on:** February 16, 2009, 07:11:28 AM »

Quote from: jessie_loves_spain on February 16, 2009, 06:47:37 AM

Well I think you can apply for your NIE and Residencia beforehand if you have a local Spanish address to put on there. I printed out the documents for it already. hehhe Im so anxious that I've pretty much got everything ready to go. I'm gonna secure an apartment before I arrive so that way I have a place to go to right away, and also so that I can get my NIE and Residencia beforehand by having an address.

Jessie,
You're going to have plenty of time, don't worry. But I think it's fantastic that you're thinking and planning ahead.

A lot of people would wait until Sept. 30 to start thinking about these things.

Unless Spanish immigration rules have changed recently, you need to have a valid visa to get that NIE if your nationality is from outside the European Union. So it doesn't matter if you have an address in Spain, you need to have that visa first. Also, that visa has to be stamped by Spanish immigration at the airport. Once you have that, then you can apply for the NIE. Also, the NIE is not Spanish residency. It's just a number identifying you to the Spanish government as a foreigner who is legally in Spain. That's it. But it is not Spanish residency, in the official/legal sense. Getting Spanish residency is another process. Sorry to sound like such an aguafiestas but I'm speaking from experience. :'(

jessie_loves_spain · « **Reply #74 on:** February 16, 2009, 08:18:47 PM »

Quote from: Beckett on February 16, 2009, 07:11:28 AM

Jessie,
You're going to have plenty of time, don't worry. But I think it's fantastic that you're thinking and planning ahead. A lot of people would wait until Sept. 30 to start thinking about these things.

Unless Spanish immigration rules have changed recently, you need to have a valid visa to get that NIE if your nationality is from outside the European Union. So it doesn't matter if you have an address in Spain, you need to have that visa first. Also, that visa has to be stamped by Spanish immigration at the airport. Once you have that, then you can apply for the NIE. Also, the NIE is not Spanish residency. It's just a number identifying you to the Spanish government as a foreigner who is legally in Spain. That's it. But it is not Spanish residency, in the official/legal sense. Getting Spanish residency is another process. Sorry to sound like such an aguafiestas but I'm speaking from experience. :'(

Lol no you are actually helping me out a lot. Yeah I've heard horror stories in a sense with people going abroad, but I think a lot of it can be avoided by planning ahead. And yeah I know there is a difference btwn the NIE and Residency, I have both forms already. But thanks again for all the advice, it really is helpful. So I have the forms, I guess I'll just have to wait until i get to Spain to do anything with them. I think I want to move like a week ahead of when we need to be there because I'd like to get all of this set up before I start working, because I know if you don't you can have a problem getting paid ect. I can't wait, it seems like the time can't come soon enough!

RebeccaG · « **Reply #75 on:** February 17, 2009, 05:06:37 PM »

Quote from: jessie_loves_spain on February 16, 2009, 02:03:44 AM

hey does anyone have any tips for opening a bank account once we are in spain? i'll hopefully be placed in Bilbao, what is the best bank to go to for a checking account with little fees and little start up money needed. thanks!

Hi Jess,

Just to add on to the fantastic information that Beckett has given you, checking accounts are a rarity in Spain. You would most likely be interested in a savings account with a tarjeta de débito since you can pay for practically anything with a debit card (much like checks are used in the USA).

Good luck on the process!
Rebecca

jessie_loves_spain · « **Reply #76 on:** February 17, 2009, 08:35:03 PM »

Quote from: RebeccaG on February 17, 2009, 05:06:37 PM

Hi Jess,

Just to add on to the fantastic information that Beckett has given you, checking accounts are a rarity in Spain. You would most likely be interested in a savings account with a tarjeta de débito since you can pay for practically anything with a debit card (much like checks are used in the USA).

Good luck on the process!
Rebecca

Hey Rebecca! That's what I was hoping to find, are they common?

BrandinhoGaucho · « **Reply #77 on:** February 20, 2009, 05:06:58 PM »

I've been wanting to apply for this for about two years and finally did a couple weeks ago (Friday the 13th, to be exact). I'm seeing that my status is still "inscrita" and hoping that my mail took forever to get there. Anybody else have experience w/ the LA office?

As for regions, I'm really hoping for Galicia (Vigo, more specifically) since I already have quite a few connections in the area. Another factor is that the stipend doesn't change whether you're in Madrid or a rural community; however, the same can't be said for cost of living.

Anybody who is looking for rent, among other things, the site www.loquo.es is a great place to start. It is a similar format to Craigslist and it's not flooded with scams.

-Brandon

Beckett · « **Reply #78 on:** February 20, 2009, 06:56:53 PM »

Quote from: jessie_loves_spain on February 17, 2009, 08:35:03 PM

Hey Rebecca! That's what I was hoping to find, are they common?

Yes, getting a Visa check card (a debit card) is included with a savings account. However, small mom-and-pop stores and restaurants, i.e. places that aren't owned by big companies, don't accept plastic, even when it is a debit card. Be prepared to have to carry around cash with you for when you go to bars and restaurants, even in the major cities in Spain.

Beckett · « **Reply #79 on:** February 20, 2009, 07:09:09 PM »

Quote from: BrandinhoGaucho on February 20, 2009, 05:06:58 PM

I've been wanting to apply for this for about two years and finally did a couple weeks ago (Friday the 13th, to be exact). I'm seeing that my status is still "inscrita" and hoping that my mail took forever to get there. Anybody else have experience w/ the LA office?

As for regions, I'm really hoping for Galicia (Vigo, more specifically) since I already have quite a few connections in the area. Another factor is that the stipend doesn't change whether you're in Madrid or a rural community; however, the same can't be said for cost of living.

-Brandon

It's only been, technically, a week since you mailed your application. Your status in Profex will probably change sometime next week. I'd give it at least two weeks from the date you sent the application for it to be received and your status updated in their system. The system is designed to automatically send you an email when your status changes in the system. Make sure nothing is sitting in your spam folder. But if you don't see any change by the first week of March, then I'd send the LA consulate an email confirming that your application has been received.

If you put Galicia as your first choice, I'm sure you will get it. The most popular destinations are Madrid and Andalucia and now that Cataluña and País Vasco have been added to the program, those are sure to be very popular as well. Whether or not you'll get a school in Vigo is another story since it depends on how many schools in that town are participating in the program. But like I said, I'm sure you've got an excellent shot at getting assigned to Galicia.

Regarding the salary, they don't specify this on the application or in the FAQs on Profex, but auxiliares assigned to Madrid make at least 188 euros a month extra since cost of living in Madrid is significantly higher than some of the other regions in Spain. Housing costs alone in Madrid are much higher than in other parts of Spain.

Good luck!

BrandinhoGaucho · « **Reply #80 on:** February 20, 2009, 07:54:52 PM »

Thanks for the quick reply. You bring up a good point in that it's only been a week... it's just that these next two months will feel like years, so I'm a bit high-strung in anticipation.

I feel like I've heard of the increased stipend, but doesn't it require some one on one lessons with your school director(s)? Either way, it's good to know that it wasn't just a rumor.

BrandinhoGaucho · « **Reply #81 on:** February 20, 2009, 08:09:55 PM »

So I just got the email notification and my status on Profex is "admitida." This just means that my paperwork has been received...right? Not that I'm officially admitted into the program already?

ps - Sorry for posting so much in so little time. I'll try not to flood the forums from now on.

Luna2 · « **Reply #82 on:** February 20, 2009, 08:34:07 PM »

Brandin!

I'm so glad you're "admitida" now! I sent my application to the LA office iin January and it took awhile for it to be processed, but they were super nice to me! I think there's conversation earlier in this thread about what "admitida" exactly means... someone said they received an email from the Washington office saying that this status means that your application can now be assigned to a region (like you have all of the necessary documents to go). I'm not sure if that means we're completely in, but it sounds good! FELICIDADES! I'm super excited about the program too and glad people have started talking again. If anyone has more information on what "admitida" implies please let us know

!

BrandinhoGaucho · « **Reply #83 on:** February 20, 2009, 08:44:10 PM »

Hey Luna, seems like we're in the same boat. I just had a look at the Profex instructions and saw this:

"5. Once the Spanish Education Office has reviewed your application, you may either be “Admitido” (‘admitted’), if you meet the necessary requirements, or “Excluido” (‘not admitted’), if you do not.
6. After the tests, interviews or ranking of your application, its status will change to “Seleccionado” (‘selected’) or “No seleccionado” (‘not selected’).
7. And finally, “Aceptado” (‘agreed’) or “Renuncia” (‘withdrawn’), depending on whether or not you accept the post."

(http://www.mepsyd.es/educa/internacional_eng/files/2007/PROFEXFAQAUX.pdf)

Seems like there's still an interview and a couple other things...but you're right! Doesn't sound bad at all. What region did you apply for?

Luna2 · « **Reply #84 on:** February 20, 2009, 09:32:35 PM »

Brandin!

Thanks so much for the information... at least our applications have all the necessary documentation, now we just have to wait until the end of April... boo LOL! I applied for Andalucia, Extremadura, and Castilla La Mancha- I really want to be in Sevilla, so I'm keeping my fingers crossed! Where did you pick?!

~Tonya

charisma · « **Reply #85 on:** February 20, 2009, 10:41:00 PM »

I think the interviews might be for Spanish nationals who are applying for similar posts outside of Spain.
As far as the Basque Country is concerned, I believe that the option was also offered when I applied (two years ago). However, I looked at the list of admitted assistants from last year, the majority of whom were not U.S. or Canadian citizens.

Beckett · « **Reply #86 on:** February 21, 2009, 02:13:20 AM »

Quote from: charisma on February 20, 2009, 10:41:00 PM

I think the interviews might be for Spanish nationals who are applying for similar posts outside of Spain.
As far as the Basque Country is concerned, I believe that the option was also offered when I applied (two years ago). However, I looked at the list of admitted assistants from last year, the majority of whom were not U.S. or Canadian citizens.

Yes, Charisma is correct. The interviews are for SPANIARDS who wish to be language assistants/language teachers outside of Spain, like in the U.S.

We do not need to do an interview.

Yes, there has traditionally been a large number of English language assistants from the United Kingdom, for obvious reasons. Many of them come in through the British Council and a lot of them are still enrolled in college. They do the program as part of a study abroad program for university credit (they get paid but have to do a university project/paper based on their year in the program), whereas the Americans, Australians and Canadians in the program have already finished undergrad or grad school. Don't worry, the U.S. is extremely well represented in the program.

Some of the Americans come in under the Fulbright program. (They also make more money as well.)

Beckett · « **Reply #87 on:** February 21, 2009, 02:26:41 AM »

Quote from: BrandinhoGaucho on February 20, 2009, 08:09:55 PM

Sorry for posting so much in so little time. I'll try not to flood the forums from now on.

No apology necessary. This is the place to ask your questions on this topic. People reading this thread most likely fall into one of the following categories:

They're currently in the program and plan to repeat
They've already done the program and want to help new people
They're never done the program but are applying or thinking about applying for it

So you'll get the info you need here from people who are either currently going through the process or have already done it once or twice before. So ask as many questions as you want!

¡Suerte a todos!

BrandinhoGaucho · « **Reply #88 on:** February 21, 2009, 02:54:29 AM »

So if there is no interview, then is it pretty safe to assume that I'll be packing my bags in late September? I'm just not really sure what to make of "admitida" this early on. And I appreciate your patience, btw.

vef · « **Reply #89 on:** February 21, 2009, 05:48:53 AM »

Brandin,

Congrats! I do think it's pretty safe to assume that you'll be in Spain come October if you want to be. What I mean by that is how important your region choice is in your decision to participate in the program...like if you would still go if you weren't to get your #1 choice.

esimons324 · « **Reply #90 on:** February 21, 2009, 07:58:04 AM »

Quote

Yes, there has traditionally been a large number of English language assistants from the United Kingdom, for obvious reasons. Many of them come in through the British Council and a lot of them are still enrolled in college. They do the program as part of a study abroad program for university credit (they get paid but have to do a university project/paper based on their year in the program), whereas the Americans, Australians and Canadians in the program have already finished undergrad or grad school. Don't worry, the U.S. is extremely well represented in the program.

Hi ,

I wanted to comment on something that Beckett posted earlier. When I was looking around on the Profex application site, I found that you can look up the names of last year's participants, their country of origin, and their destination in Spain. I think someone might have mentioned earlier that they saw that it was mostly British and Canadians who were placed in Pais Vasco. But also on that same page it shows the total number of participants last year being 2,259 . This page http://www.mec.es/sgci/usa/en/programs/us_assistants/default.shtml advertises the program and says that "over 1,200" will be accepted from US and Canada, so it's nice to know that more countries aren't counted in that 1,200. I guess with this separation of the field, it should make it easier to get into the program, being that there are probably about 900+ or so from the US.

A few interesting things I can gather from last year's list:

- Only British and French and one German were taken in Valencia
- Pais Vasco actually had many from the US; if not a majority, then half
- Only British and French in Navarra
- Mostly US citizens in Madrid and Andalucia
- Only four US citizens in Galicia, out of like 40.

Anyway, I found some of these things to be interesting, but it seems that this might not have too much relevance for this year. As people have said, Pais Vasco and Catalunya have opened up more positions. And if you haven't seen this list already and would like to, you can get to it by logging in to Profex, clicking "Auxiliares..." + "Listados" + "Aceptados y renuncia."

vef · « **Reply #91 on:** February 21, 2009, 04:40:02 PM »

Going off of what esimons324 just said, I also looked at the list and another region without Americans last year was Islas Canarias. Out of about 28 slots, everyone there was either French or British and then there was 1 Italian and 2 Germans.

samma · « **Reply #92 on:** February 21, 2009, 08:23:05 PM »

In reference to the questions of what "admitida" mean, I got some answers from emails to the program. It means that you have sent in all the necessary information on PROFEX and to the consulate office assigned to your region in the U.S. So, if your status has changed to this, you have provided all the required parts of the application.

It does not mean that you have been accepted to the program, it just means that you have turned everything in and that if accepted, they can begin to assign you to a region.

I think that "admitida" is a bit of a false cognate because it implies that you are admitted into the program. It was confusing for me too, that's why I had to send an email.

Hope this helps everyone! Congrats on the status changes!

samma · « **Reply #93 on:** February 21, 2009, 08:31:15 PM »

I forgot to include this in my earlier post, but I know a couple people who have participated in the program and they gave me some interesting information about acceptance rates to the program.

The impression I got from them is this:

If you apply, meet all the requirements, and have a good essay, your chances of being accepted are VERY good. Overall, they told me that the program is not too competitive. Both of them got their Bachelor's degrees the spring before starting the program and I am pretty sure that they both had a major or minor in Spanish. Both have them have gone on to graduate school in Spanish Education since returning to the States. It is probably safe to say that they were excellent candidates, but it should ease some minds that I have not heard from anyone that this program is very competitive. In general, I have gotten the impression that if you meet the requirements on the website, you will be accepted.

If anyone is curious, they were placed in Castilla-La Mancha and Andalucia, their top choices. One was in Sevilla and the other was in a small town outside of Madrid.

jessie_loves_spain · « **Reply #94 on:** February 23, 2009, 02:32:41 AM »

Don't forget guys, just because you get placed in a small town outside of the city you want to live in, that doesn't mean you can't live in the city and just commute

BrandinhoGaucho · « **Reply #95 on:** February 23, 2009, 05:09:37 AM »

That's a good point, Jessie. It actually works both ways...if cost of living is too high, then live outside of the city you like and commute to it. If you absolutely have to be in the middle of Madrid, then commute to the outskirts or wherever your school is.

I actually have a few questions regarding location and flexibility. Will I be presented with a couple openings and get the chance to decide? If I have an area where I already have connections, will that be taken into account if I send a letter? I noticed people in threads from previous years talking about swapping schools...can you still do that?

I've just realized that maybe going back to the same place every time may not be the best decision, and I already put in for the place where I studied abroad. I'd be ecstatic if given the option to go back to Vigo, but there's still a lot of Spain left to see.

Will_B · « **Reply #96 on:** February 23, 2009, 06:46:22 AM »

I'm applying to this program as well. All of the stuff you guys are saying is really informative, but I'm wondering if any of you have had experience with making requests to be placed with another person? My friend and I would like to room together so if any of you guys have experience with making those sort of arrangement, I'd really appreciate the benefit of your knowledge.

Beckett · « **Reply #97 on:** February 25, 2009, 08:50:07 AM »

Quote from: Will_B on February 23, 2009, 06:46:22 AM

I'm applying to this program as well. All of the stuff you guys are saying is really informative, but I'm wondering if any of you have had experience with making requests to be placed with another person? My friend and I would like to room together so if any of you guys have experience with making those sort of arrangement, I'd really appreciate the benefit of your knowledge.

It's highly unlikely that the Spanish government will honor a specific request to place friends and/or novios in the same region. The good thing is that there are enough slots across the regions that as long as you and your friend check the same exact boxes and submit your applications at the same time, the chances are very high that you will get assigned to the same region. But, of course, there's no guarantee. You and your friend could check Madrid, Andalucia, Galicia and you get assigned to Madrid and your friend gets assigned to Sevilla. I'm sure once they review the applications and make sure all the paperwork is in order, they just randomly assign people to schools. With over 1200 slots to fill they're not going to be able to handle special requests, especially with it being the Spanish government. I guess if you and your friend will be submitting your applications to the same consulate, I guess it couldn't hurt to attach a note asking to be assigned to the same region, but I wouldn't count on them honoring that request.

BrandinhoGaucho · « **Reply #98 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?

caitaluna · « **Reply #99 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

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