North American Language and Culture Assistants 2009-2010

[Catou]

The program provides medical insurance.

Shawn

You! Shawn! You seem informed about this medical insurance!  Do you know what this insurence covers?  All my acceptation letter mentioned about is one sentece: "Esta Consejería tendrá también suscrita una póliza de seguro médico, accidentes y repatriación a favor de este becario desde el 1 de octubre de 2009 hasta el 31 de mayo de 2010, ambos inclusive." 

I can't seem to find just what this insurence covers and I need to know that to get (or not) additional insurance.  And what if I arrive before Oct 1st and leave later than May 31st, do I need to buy a full travel insurance plan for the few additional days?

Help? Anyone?

Catou

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[SRedw]

The medical insurance covers a lot.  It is through MAPFRE.  Take a look at their website for any amswers that you may have as to what they cover.

Shawn

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[Catou]

The medical insurance covers a lot.  It is through MAPFRE.  Take a look at their website for any amswers that you may have as to what they cover.

Shawn

THANK YOU, I am starting to see the light.  But I still have questions.

- Is "Caja Salud Familiar" the medical insurance participants have ? http://www.mapfre.com/seguros/es/particulares/productos/seguro-asistencia-sanitaria.shtml#cob?idPestanya=Coberturas&padre=0900ab3e80275168

- Did anyone get additional insurance for the whole stay or is the program's insurance sufficient??

- Anyone knows if we're supposed to be getting an additional travel insurance for the few days I'll be there before Oct 1st and after May 31st?

I know, obnoxious first timer, but I don't get why precious info like that is not provided... Thank you!

Catou

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[SRedw]

THANK YOU, I am starting to see the light.  But I still have questions.

- Is "Caja Salud Familiar" the medical insurance participants have ? http://www.mapfre.com/seguros/es/particulares/productos/seguro-asistencia-sanitaria.shtml#cob?idPestanya=Coberturas&padre=0900ab3e80275168

- Did anyone get additional insurance for the whole stay or is the program's insurance sufficient??

- Anyone knows if we're supposed to be getting an additional travel insurance for the few days I'll be there before Oct 1st and after May 31st?

I know, obnoxious first timer, but I don't get why precious info like that is not provided... Thank you!

Catou

I did not get any additional coverage before the start of the program because my insurance started as soon as I picked up my card and I even had a month of insurance coverage after the program ended.

This depends on the date that your card says, so as soon as you pick up your MAPFRE card, look at the dates and see when you are covered.  That's all you have to do and don't worry about health insurance coverage.  It's all taken care of.

Shawn

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[SarahKjrsten]

Okay, I know we need to get NIEs and I applied for that yesterday (it was a simply and speedy process) but how do we extend our visas beyond our initial 90 days? What sort of visa do we need to apply for and where do we need to apply for it at?

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[SRedw]

Okay, I know we need to get NIEs and I applied for that yesterday (it was a simply and speedy process) but how do we extend our visas beyond our initial 90 days? What sort of visa do we need to apply for and where do we need to apply for it at?

Please don't put the cart before the horse.  All of this information will be provided for you once you get to Spain and even if someone were to tell you ahead of time where to go, it wouldn't help because some things have to be put in place first.  Have patience.

Shawn

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[SarahKjrsten]

Please don't put the cart before the horse.  All of this information will be provided for you once you get to Spain and even if someone were to tell you ahead of time where to go, it wouldn't help because some things have to be put in place first.  Have patience.

Shawn

I am in Spain. I physically went and applied in person for my NIE yesterday in Madrid. I just wanted to know if the NIE was sufficient or if I needed to extend my visa.

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[SRedw]

I am in Spain. I physically went and applied in person for my NIE yesterday in Madrid. I just wanted to know if the NIE was sufficient or if I needed to extend my visa.

That's it! Your student card is the visa that proves you are here legally, since you are here on a student visa.

Shawn

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[SarahKjrsten]

That's it! Your student card is the visa that proves you are here legally, since you are here on a student visa.

Shawn

Thanks! People keep calling it so many different things that I'd gotten turned around and thought that they were separate things. Good to know that they're the same and that it's all taken care of.

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[liz]

heyyy. youre in spain now? im coming on tuesday!! do you have a phone yet? #?
email me! elizabeth.provow@gmail.com

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[TJRScudieri]

Hey all,

Well, after two grueling days of travel, I got to my site (in Laguardia, Alava, Pais Vasco, a very, very small town).  I am a bit concerned because when I went to the school, they seemed to have no idea who I was or what the program was about.  Also, I missed the orientation because I never got any information about where it was or what time, so I feel a bit out of the loop.

Right now, I am concerned about all of the documentation.  On Monday, I am going to the Oficina de Extranjeros.  I went on Friday to apply for my NIE and student card, but they told me that since I am in Spain on student visa that I already have a NIE (I am confused -- if I have one, why don't I have a card or the number?)  The lady told me that when I apply for the student card that they will know what my NIE is and that they will put it on my student card.  Is this true???  So confused.

Also, regarding health insurance...is the government supposed to send a form to the school?  My school has absolutely NO information and I am very far away from any population center to get information.  Any info from you guys would be excellent.

Thanks in advance,
Terry

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[cursive26]

hey,

the first thing i would do is get in touch with someone from the ministry of education...it seems to me that the autonomous community has a serious lack of communication going on...the ministry website is mec.es...there is someone in your region that handles all of the auxiliares...as far as the NIE everyone has been having a problem with it...i think at some consulates there is a serious miscommunication between  the consulate the national government and the provinces. what type of school are you at?

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[ilivefaster]

Holy cow. So a couple days ago, I got an e-mail from Pedro P. Rey Rodil, in what I assume was a mass e-mail notifying people of vacancies in the program. I responded that I was still incredibly interested, and didn't hear anything for a few days. Then, yesterday, I got an e-mail about my interest in being placed Madrid, last-minute style. The full text was:

Would you be ready to go to the Madrid region? I don't have the name of the schools or place. Please respond today if you are 110% sure to accept and be in Spain in a few weeks.

It arrived at 3:30pm, but I was out (the Red Sox game demanded that I be in Boston with friends, watching. Oops.) and didn't get to respond to it until I got in, at around 3:30am. Does "respond today" include a 24-hour window, do you think?

The real reason I'm writing this, though, is first to introduce myself. My name's Mike, I'm a 24 year-old Spanish graduate from a state school in Massachusetts, and I'm terrified but wicked stoked on going to Spain.

How has everyone found their experience so far? What about housing? Clearly, that's the most nerve-wracking thing for me, since I wasn't in a position to come out early to grab a place cheaply before the students got back. Any advice?

(Thanks so much for anything/everything you can help me with, I've been kind of taken aback by this all!)

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[stacylimones]

Mike/ilivefaster,
I say go for it, why not? As for finding housing, it would obviously be ideal to know where you'll be working and go from there. I don't know Madrid, so I'm no help there, but I would recommend that you get in touch with other auxiliares in the Madrid region. If you don't see anyone on here, you can also try on Facebook where there are many different groups dedicated to the program in various regions. Good luck, and let us know how things go!

Stacy, a fellow Bostonian

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[ilivefaster]

I did, for sure, but now I'm just waiting. This is the worst part! Hahaha, oh well right? In the end it'll totally be worth it.

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[ilivefaster]

Oops. Got a bit overzealous. Turns out I'm not actually accepted into the program, I guess that e-mail I got wasn't directed to me personally but instead was another of the mass e-mail types. Bummer. Oh well, maybe there will be another vacancy?!

EDIT: I was just 'aceptada' for El Pais Vasco! I'm so excited. When do I find out my school/location or whatever, and when do I find out what to do next? I'm nervous that I've gotten my hopes up again, but things seem to be falling into place where they should be at this stage, I guess? Do I just get more info as it comes? Should I apply for my student visa now?

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[anemo]

The application for next year is up.

http://www.mec.es/sgci/usa/en/programs/us_assistants/default.shtml

My son just started 3 weeks ago as a culture and language assistant in Caceres. He is split between 2 different schools and the teacher's carpool is charging him more than what his monthly apt. rent is costing. He feels taken advantage of, as most of the other assistants he knows of are not being charged by their teachers at all. The program will not help at all and there was no info given beforehand about this large expense. No buses run to the the small towns he teaches in and he cannot live in 2 towns at the same time. Any thoughts or helpful ideas appreciated!

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[beachp]

Hi,

Your son should tell the teachers he can't afford their fee, and tell them the other assistants he knows aren't being charged and if he wants to be nice maybe contribute what he feels is reasonable maybe based on what an assistant might have to pay who takes pubic transportation in a similar size town.

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[anemo]

Hi,

Your son should tell the teachers he can't afford their fee, and tell them the other assistants he knows aren't being charged and if he wants to be nice maybe contribute what he feels is reasonable maybe based on what an assistant might have to pay who takes pubic transportation in a similar size town.

That is exactly what he has done so far but they keep pushing him for full fees.  One school wants 80 euros/mo and the other wants 60 per month. They want him to pay the same as what the regular teachers pay except they earn a whole lot more than him! he has not paid anything yet but is willing to pay some for gas but not as much as they are asking! He feels it is extortion to some degree (rich Americans!) but he is not rich by any means! Just a poor college kid!

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[stacylimones]

Anemo,
If he has already tried reasoning with his schools with no results, he should contact the Consejería de Educación of the region where he is working. He most likely has contact info for the person (or people) responsible for the administration of the program. The situation you are decribing is (in my experience) not at all normal and should be reported to the higher-ups. Keep us posted!

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[anemo]

Thanks for responding. He has sent an email to the Ministry of Education in Extremadura and they passed the email on to someone else who replied that he should try to negotiate with the school and that he is on his own since he lives in a different town than he is teaching in. It's really a catch22 b/c he chose to live in the town where all the teachers live (at their suggestion) so that he could get rides with them to both of his 2 schools (in different towns - in opposite directions.) Also, nobody from his school showed up at the end of his training, they did not even know they were getting an assistant at either school. He was on his own for the first weekend, had to find a hostel, etc., after all the other assistants mentors/teachers came and got their assistants and took them to their respective towns. Nobody would answer the phones at his schools and his professor's cell hung up on him twice so he had to get a bus and venture to the towns on his own and try to find the schools and what to do, etc.,This program seems very poorly organized!

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[cursive26]

I don´t think your son is being taken advantage of...he has to pay 80 euros and 60 euros to each car pool that is only 140 euros a month and you say that is more than his rent? I pay nearly 250 euros a month for rent so if your son has to pay 250 for rent and travel that isn´t that big of a deal as there are many many people that would love to have a rent lower than 150...Extremadura is a very affordable place to live and I´m sure he has no problem as far as bills, food, and generally living comfortably are concerned. It´s really unfortunate that he has to split his time between two schools as that can be quite a time killer however...when he accepted his appointment he was well aware that he´d be working at two different schools...and he couldn´t have thought he´d be able to commute for free...your comment about feeling like he´s being extorted is...incorrect. Spanish people are very hospitable and giving. Just think that your son travels at least 8-10 times a week multiply by 4 he´s traveling 36 or 40 times a month and paying only 3 to 4 euros a month...his professors or teachers aren´t being greedy or unfair they just want him to pay for what he uses...

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[powerss]

Hi all,
    The posts have been very informative and beneficial. I saw on Facebook that people were trying to switch their placement. Are you actually allowed to switch your placement? If you want to do private tutoring or teaching, is it necessary to have a certification like the TEFL or CELTA? When I studied abroad in Sevilla in the Spring of 2008, I met an BU graduate who was working illegally at a bar to help support his teaching stipend. Is it possible to do such work and does anyone do it? Any further advice on making the decision go with the language and cultural assistant program would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

~Sarah

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[pietti]

Hi all,
    The posts have been very informative and beneficial. I saw on Facebook that people were trying to switch their placement. Are you actually allowed to switch your placement? If you want to do private tutoring or teaching, is it necessary to have a certification like the TEFL or CELTA? When I studied abroad in Sevilla in the Spring of 2008, I met an BU graduate who was working illegally at a bar to help support his teaching stipend. Is it possible to do such work and does anyone do it? Any further advice on making the decision go with the language and cultural assistant program would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

~Sarah

Hi Sarah,

A certificate is not necessary to teach English part time. It gives you an advantage, but you can still work at an academy giving supportive conversation classes, and plenty of students seek such classes on their own. If you have a knack for grammar and linguistics and are able to provide resources and material then you can go further with the private classes. I don't know what a bar pays, but generally you can make more money teaching than in food service. The challenge is finding enough work through effective promotion.

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[pietti]

This program seems very poorly organized!

Yes, it is poorly organized and it's definitely not for everyone. Paydays are few and erratic, communication is terrible and it really is an embarrassment for Spain because they are not putting their best foot forward when welcoming foreigners into their schools. But in the end it builds character and gives young people an opportunity to live abroad, share their cultural and linguistic knowledge and get paid for it (albeit very little).

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[beachp]

Hi,

Maybe things aren't perfect, but I wouldn't go so far as to describe the experience as badly as was described for most. I find the Castilla Leon region to be pretty well organized and hospitable. The assistants get paid once a month and even got paid for the last 2 weeks of September by merely phoning the contact person with bank info. this region starts September 15. It was very easy to find housing at a very reasonable cost of 155 euros. You will not make a fortune on 700euros a month and whether or not you find that adequate depends on your locaton and spending habits.  But remember on average you work 12 hours a week plus a bit more for prep and many are able to have a schedule of just 3 days. that leaves plenty of time for private lessons or whatever.  everyone here in Valladolid/Palencia has been very helpful, and it has been easy to pick up private students on the side. And no you don't need a TEFL or CELTA to teach privately. It's stated that switches aren't allowed, but many tried anyway, and I believe some were able to. Though I can see why the administrators of the program don't want to be bothered since so many want to do it. You should be very thoughtful about the region you chose and the size of city you choose and know that it's first come first serve.

 I think the program provides an opportunity that can't be matched but you have to be mature enough and motivated enough to deal with moving to a foreign country on your own. And yes there are some who are not happy about  how things are going or went(some with very good reason). Prepare yourself well ahead for whats to come, and I think you won't be disappointed.

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[SRedw]

Yes, it is poorly organized and it's definitely not for everyone. Paydays are few and erratic, communication is terrible and it really is an embarrassment for Spain because they are not putting their best foot forward when welcoming foreigners into their schools. But in the end it builds character and gives young people an opportunity to live abroad, share their cultural and linguistic knowledge and get paid for it (albeit very little).

Pietti,

This is your experience and you certainly cannot generalize the entire program.  I had a very positive experience with the program and would recommend it to people who want to be in Spain legally.

Shawn

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[pietti]

Pietti,

This is your experience and you certainly cannot generalize the entire program.  I had a very positive experience with the program and would recommend it to people who want to be in Spain legally.

Shawn

Shawn-- I'm not saying it's a negative experience, just a very challenging one. For a kid who is used to having their housing, budget and transportation decided for them it's going to be a shock at first. And the administration of the program in the Community I'm serving is an embarrassment for Spain, trust me.

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[elDorado]

Does anyone know when the 2010-2011 application will be up? Im getting excited! (and starting to prepare in advance).

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[unohooim7]

I don't think anyone knows for sure. The 2009-2010 application was up by December 12, which is when stacylimones started this post. Someone made a comment in this post that it was up in November (the 2008-2009 application wasn't up around  February). I've been checking everyday. I'll post when I see it, unless someone beats me to it.

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[serendipity]

I e-mailed the US head of the program directly, and he said it would be up sometime this month.

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[BrandinhoGaucho]

I just sent an email to the general address asking pretty much the same question. If I get a response anytime soon then I'll post it here.

Is it possible that the program collapses or is it crisis-proof? I've been slightly nervous about that.

I'm also set on getting Madrid if I renew (for several reasons) and hope to send an application soon. Your success in the program relies heavily on when they receive your documentation, so I want to apply ASAP.

Any advice/insight would be greatly appreciated. Thanks everyone.

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[SRedw]

Is it possible that the program collapses or is it crisis-proof? I've been slightly nervous about that.

This program cannot be stooped at the drop of a dime.  Here in Madrid, the bilingual program reaches 25 high schools.  APPLY and make your dreams come true.  Life is much easier in Spain, as far as work goes, if you have a student visa.

Shawn

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[BrandinhoGaucho]

This program cannot be stooped at the drop of a dime.  Here in Madrid, the bilingual program reaches 25 high schools.  APPLY and make your dreams come true.  Life is much easier in Spain, as far as work goes, if you have a student visa.

Shawn

Shawn,

What do you suggest for job searching in Madrid for the upcoming year? If not via the auxiliares program, I will pursue other positions in Madrid for 2010-2011. I'm convinced that applying in a larger city is to my advantage after seeing how difficult Galicia can be in regards to placements. Any advice is appreciated.

Regards,



Brandon

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[SRedw]

Shawn,

What do you suggest for job searching in Madrid for the upcoming year? If not via the auxiliares program, I will pursue other positions in Madrid for 2010-2011. I'm convinced that applying in a larger city is to my advantage after seeing how difficult Galicia can be in regards to placements. Any advice is appreciated.

Regards,



Brandon

Brandon,

Once you have done your two years in the blilingual program in public schools, send your CV to UCETAM http://www.ucetam.org/. You will be doing the same thing that you did in public schools, but will be paid more money.  I am doing it now and work 25 hours.  My school isn't bad.

Shawn

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[beachp]

Is anyone else who is already an assistant in Spain having trouble logging into Profex to renew? Also the link with info to renew hasn't been working. Maybe they are in the process of updating?? Any info on how to renew would be helpful.

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[stacylimones]

beachp,
Last year we needed to resubmit a Profex application plus a letter of recommendation from the school principal and a letter of good health. Not sure what the deal is with that link, hopefully they'll get it up soon.
Good luck!

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[hurrikaane]

Any good blogs by this years crop of auxiliares?

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[cursive26]

feels good to be early inscrita#142... last year i was 1900 and barely squeaked in remember that the online application is more important than the hard copies...because that´s how you get your number in line...seems they are really going to accept first timers before us renewers so better get em in early good luck...

in other news does anyone feel so immersed that they are beginning to lose their english? i know i am...un poco

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[beachp]

feels good to be early inscrita#142... last year i was 1900 and barely squeaked in remember that the online application is more important than the hard copies...because that´s how you get your number in line...seems they are really going to accept first timers before us renewers so better get em in early good luck...

in other news does anyone feel so immersed that they are beginning to lose their english? i know i am...un poco

What other documents did you upload with your application when you reapplied? All the same ones requested for new applicants like your diploma etc? Did you get a police report from your residence in Spain and a medical clearance?

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[cursive26]

no police report, no medical clearance.... let´s see what i can remember exactly


this is what i uploaded
college transcripts
letter of rec from professor at american uni...same one i used last year
proof of intermediate spanish
letter of motivation

i was accepted last year and am renewing...i believe the process is different if you applied last year and didn´t make the cut.

later on i plan on getting a medical clearance here in spain as well as a police clearance from the spanish authorities...this should make it easier to apply for the visa as well as meet any additional requirements for the paper portion of  the application...
remember guys...

this is JUST the online portion...don´t shoot yourself in the foot waiting for your paper stuff....get inscrita and get that number in line because after all...THAT is the most important thing

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[Amanda2122]

I unfortunately just realized that applications started in November. I have all of the information online filled out, but I haven't set up all of the documents I need yet. (police record, med check, recommendation) Should I submit my application now? I've been reading that the most important thing is to get your application in early, and I apparently I missed the start date. Do I still have a chance of getting a good number?

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[caraluna]

I unfortunately just realized that applications started in November. I have all of the information online filled out, but I haven't set up all of the documents I need yet. (police record, med check, recommendation) Should I submit my application now? I've been reading that the most important thing is to get your application in early, and I apparently I missed the start date. Do I still have a chance of getting a good number?

Submit the online application now -- you don't need the other documents to do so, and the online application is what holds your place in line.

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[Clamatojuice]

Does anybody know exactly how many people that let into the program?
I thought I read 1500 somewhere, but I can't seem to find it again.
My application number is about 1560, so what would you say my chances are?

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[powerss]

Does anyone have an idea of how many people were accepted/taught in the program last year? Also does anyone remember the available number of positions they said last year? This year the website said over 1200 positions were available. How about a guess of how many they would accept this year?

I was really busy with school, so I did not submit my online application until the beginning of Feb. I didn't realize the online application portion was so much more important that the hard documents. I should have checked this forum more frequently. My number is 1342, so I have my fingers crossed. Any help is greatly appreciated.

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[madridsally]

Does anyone have an idea of how many people were accepted/taught in the program last year? Also does anyone remember the available number of positions they said last year? This year the website said over 1200 positions were available. How about a guess of how many they would accept this year?

I was really busy with school, so I did not submit my online application until the beginning of Feb. I didn't realize the online application portion was so much more important that the hard documents. I should have checked this forum more frequently. My number is 1342, so I have my fingers crossed. Any help is greatly appreciated.

This question is answered in the 2010-11 thread.  Last year, about 1700 were initially admitted. Then, hudreds of people decided not to participate, so those with #'s into the 2000s were admitted as alternates.  If the total numbers are similar to last year, you should get in but will likely get a random assignment.  In the worst case you would be waitlisted and wouldn't get your assignment until the last minute.

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