Author Topic: Questions from new arrivals (2009-2010) to alumni (Read 12491 times)

wanderlust · « **on:** May 08, 2009, 04:18:02 PM »

Hi All -

The application process seems somewhat slow / unorganized so there are various questions I have.. if anyone could help out with them it would be much appreciated!

- Since Culture & Language Assistants are granted a student visa, and not legally allowed to work, how do you supplement your 700 euro income? It seems pretty small compared to the cost of living in Europe.
- How did you find housing? Any suggestions on good apartments (I'm going to Madrid..) and would you recommend home-stays with families? How would that be set up?
- About how many hours per week do you work?

To all newbies, feel free to post up more questions as well!
Sharing is caring! Kthxbye!

lahabibi · « **Reply #1 on:** May 08, 2009, 06:34:02 PM »

If you need help finding a place in Madrid, I may be able to be of some assistance!

I lived there last summer and can at least tell you which neighborhoods to avoid, (such as Lavapies!).

sepi · « **Reply #2 on:** May 08, 2009, 07:07:18 PM »

Hello,

I participated in the program 2006-2007 in Cordoba but have been living in Madrid the past year and half teaching English in an academy. I believe those who work in Madrid will be receiving more than 700 euros a month to adjust to the cost of living in the capital. I think it was around 900 euros last year for Madrid participants. I disagree with lahabibi about Lavapies, its the neighborhood I live in and I absolutely love it. It's the immigrants barrio. I live with 2 Spaniards, we have a pretty big place, with a balcony (lovely extra when the weather perfect) and I pay 325 euros a month in rent plus about 30 euros in gastos (expenses). I think you can manage to live off what they pay you but you'd be more comfortable with some extra income. True you are not legally allowed to work but that doesn't stop anyone from paying you to give their kids private classes after school.

I've lived in 3 different apts. in Madrid and found them all on madrid.loquo.com. It's like craigslist, and can be used for all major cities in Spain, cordoba.loquo.com, seville.loquo.com...etc.

A homestay is up to your preference. I enjoy the freedom I have of living with other people my age opposed to living with a family - their home, their rules.

I would try to live near a metro/bus/renfe line that give easy access to where your school is located.

I've been out of the program for a bit and my experience was in Andalucia so I would probably better at answering any questions about Madrid.

Congrats on your placement!!

lahabibi · « **Reply #3 on:** May 08, 2009, 08:01:36 PM »

Well if you say it's ok then I'll take your word for it.

It's just that when I was looking for an apartment before, that was the area the locals advised me to avoid at night. :S

wanderlust · « **Reply #4 on:** May 08, 2009, 08:18:12 PM »

Thanks sepi! those suggestions are really helpful. I didn't know that housing could be that cheap in the city, and an increase in monthly stipend definitely makes a difference.

smiller · « **Reply #5 on:** May 08, 2009, 11:07:09 PM »

Sepi,
It's good to hear that some people decide to make their permanent residence in Spain after the fairly short program. How did you find work at an academy and how difficult is it to get a work visa?

I got placed in Madrid and would love to live with Spaniards too (or at least Spanish speakers as opposed to Americans)...how hard was it for you to find your roommates, seeing as most people in their twenties still live at home?

Do you plan to stay in Madrid for a while? I studied abroad there for a semester and can't wait to be back! I left my heart there!!!

Thanks for the help!!!

kurtgar · « **Reply #6 on:** May 09, 2009, 07:24:58 AM »

How long is the student Visa good for? Can you stay in Europe after the the school year is over until August?. I want to know about peoples experiences in Castilla La Mancha? Are people liberal or conservative? I want to be placed in a large city since my I am gay and my husband and I have a 4 yr old son and we are also vegan vegetarians and we know we would be accepted easier in there. I have never had a problem in Spain before but I have travel to mainly large cities in Spain. I want my family to feel safe and have a wonderful time in Spain but being placed in a small city concerns me a little bit.

Thank you for assisting us newbies,

Kurt

kurtgar · « **Reply #7 on:** May 09, 2009, 07:27:34 AM »

Does anyone know if you can change your email address on Proflex after you have submitted your application?

sepi · « **Reply #8 on:** May 09, 2009, 05:35:57 PM »

Wanderlust- housing prices vary, I've always lived in the center and my current place of 325 is the cheapest place I've lived, the other two places I paid 400 and 425, without gastos, but then I only lived with 1 other person and now I live with 2. Unfortunately you all will probably come to Spain at the end of September and that is the worst time to find a place. A lot of students are also looking for housing and it can be very competitive, it took me 3 weeks to find a place once! I would maybe suggest placing an ad on loquo.com a few days before you come to Madrid once you know which area you would like to live and speed up the piso finding process by having people contact you.

Smiller- Well I was actually going to do the program again in 2007-2008 in Madrid instead of Cordoba but had issues with my visa and upon arrival was told I couldn't be in the program. So I made a choice to either go back home or try to make it work in Spain, living without papers and finding a decent job. I got lucky and found an academy that didn't care about my lack of papers. There are quite a few illegal Americans here and they make it work. It's difficult to get a visa sponsorship, so I would suggest staying in this program for another year if you can and want to stay in Spain longer.

It wasn't hard at all to find a place living with Spaniards. I've only lived with Spaniards in all 3 apts I've had. True people tend to live at home a lot longer but Madrid has an abundance of people from all over Spain and Latin America so you'll find plenty of people living on their own. In Cordoba it was a bit different, there were Spaniards who lived on their own but not many.

Yes I plan to stay awhile. After a year with the program in Cordoba and a year as a sinpa (sin papeles

) in Madrid, I decided I wanted to stay but under legal conditions so I have decided to study. I'm here at the moment hanging out waiting for school to start in October and hope to find a legit job and someone to sponsor my visa after I graduate. Fingers crossed.

Kurtgar- Not sure how long the visa is good for, I think its jut good until the program ends or maybe a few months after, but I can't remember. Don't know much about Castilla La Mancha, people are pretty liberal in general in Spain so I wouldn't be concerned. You might wanna see if on facebook there is a group for people in Castilla La Mancha from last year and ask them.

outofhabit · « **Reply #9 on:** May 09, 2009, 05:38:42 PM »

I heard that the cost of living in Catalunya is comparable to that in Madrid...does anyone know if Catalunya also offers something more in monthly stipends? Or is Madrid the only place that does so? Thanks!

wanderlust · « **Reply #10 on:** May 10, 2009, 08:04:52 AM »

the job description says 12 - 16 class periods per week.. about how many hours is that? does the assistant get assigned to only one school?

sepi · « **Reply #11 on:** May 10, 2009, 12:39:38 PM »

In my case in Cordoba I only worked 12 hours a week, 3 days a week, Tues-Thurs! An amazing schedule. I worked 5 hours in the actual classroom with the kids, 5 hours one to one English classes with the staff, and 2 free hours to prep for my classes. My schedule was compact so I never had any wait time; I was only there for my 12 hours and then went home. You will only work in 1 school, although I have heard of a girl who split her schedule b/t 2 but that sounded like a rare case. The amount of hours you work, the amount of days you work, and your role in the classroom will just depend on your school.

tryniti26 · « **Reply #12 on:** May 11, 2009, 03:01:58 AM »

Hello,

New to this forum but have been accepted to Madrid - yay!

I was wondering if one or some of the alumni could give a rough timeline of the things we need to do between now and september. I'm so excited to finally find out but now feel like there are so many things to do to prepare and not sure where to start. It would be great to know when you bought your plane ticket, completed visa stuff, started apartment search, etc. and in what order things happened.

Thanks for the help!

Lindsay

caitaluna · « **Reply #13 on:** May 11, 2009, 03:44:32 AM »

Hi!

Did anyone apply for their visa at the New York office? I've heard that they just have you walk through but I wanted to hear it from someone who has actually done it.

I was accepted to the Balearic Islands so anyone who is/was there let me know too

Caity

chikita · « **Reply #14 on:** May 11, 2009, 02:21:52 PM »

Hi Caitaluna - I applied for a visa through the NY office in 2007 when I was going to study abroad. Back in 2007, they didn't have appointments so it was a little hectic. Now, all you must do is make an appointment and bring all the necesary documentation - they are somewhat of a checklist on their website under "long-stay" visa. I would start soon - as you will need to have an updated physical and a Record of Good Conduct (issued from the town/city of your permanent residence) with a Hague Apostille (which you have to file for through snail mail AFTER you even get your Recod - this alone takes approx. 3 weeks). But, besides the letter from Madrid (stating your purpose and location) you can start compiling everything now. You can even print the app. offline. I would even make your appointment soon. Once you have all that paperwork (and a $100 money order) - you just show up with your docs. and it takes bout 15 minutes. Then you just wait approx. 7 weeks - and they notify you your visa has been processed and you can go pick it up. If you choose not to pick it up during your original appt. bring a pre-paid certified mail envelope - and they will mail it to your permanent address.

Hope this info helps!

bri10s · « **Reply #15 on:** May 12, 2009, 08:22:12 PM »

to caitaluna and anyone else applying for a visa in new york...

yes, you need to make an appointment there now. like laurensita said, it used to be a walk-in deal, but now its appointment only. and from what i remember from reading last year, there was a huuuuge back up in terms of making them (those who go to boston wont have a problem

).

so, i suggest making an appointment soon, but make it for the second half of july. that will give you time on both ends. to receive your letter from the ministry (i didnt get my papers with my assignment until july 8th or something last year) and also enough time to process the visa.

congrats!

also....start the hague process... its kinda a witch

gacella · « **Reply #16 on:** May 13, 2009, 07:35:24 PM »

Hi, I asked at my police station and they said they could provide a letter of good standing only for the city I live in. Is that what i need? I read somewhere it has to be a criminal background check. Also Can it and the letter from the doctor be in English or do I need it in Spanish as well? I'll probably need to call the consulate but I've heard they tend not to be very helpful so if anyone can shed some light it would really help. I have to go to the Houston Consulate if that makes a difference.
Thanks

Luna2 · « **Reply #17 on:** May 13, 2009, 07:45:42 PM »

I also have the same question... does our medical certificate and police conduct report need to be translated into Spanish by an official translator in order to obtain a visa? I have to go to the LA consulate. Thanks guys!

Beckett · « **Reply #18 on:** May 13, 2009, 10:05:38 PM »

For the visa application, the medical certificate and the police certificate of good conduct can both be in English. You don't need to get them translated into Spanish.

Have you guys been able to accept the job via Profex yet? It's still not working on my end.

esimons324 · « **Reply #19 on:** May 13, 2009, 10:08:55 PM »

Beckett,

I still can't accept either...

gacella · « **Reply #20 on:** May 13, 2009, 10:51:57 PM »

good to know. I can't accept either but today I got an email from the coordinator of my region Cantabria and I accepted via e-mail. She also asked for a preference in the age group of the students.

dsr1700 · « **Reply #21 on:** May 14, 2009, 03:57:15 PM »

Hi all,

Could anyone share pointers about getting your visa at the Miami consulate? I looked at their website and they have an appointment system. Should I go ahead and make an appointment for mid-late July?

Venga_vamos_porfin! · « **Reply #22 on:** May 17, 2009, 01:32:39 AM »

hey all,
so i studied abroad for a year last year in Madrid...and now i'm going back!! does this mean that i need to get a police record from the spanish authorities as well, given that i was there for a year? or no, because I wasn't a permanent resident?
any help would be much appreciated!!
Thanks!!
todd

chikita · « **Reply #23 on:** May 17, 2009, 04:44:18 PM »

Venga -- I am pretty sure that you need the letter from your "permanent residence". (about 99% positive - because they asked for your address, etc.)

SarahKjrsten · « **Reply #24 on:** May 18, 2009, 12:09:57 AM »

I'm heading to Madrid as well.

How difficult is it to find a place to stay? What steps did people take to find an apartment? Where did you stay while you were looking for an apartment?

losemymouth · « **Reply #25 on:** May 18, 2009, 10:12:04 AM »

Really, really, really concerned about money. I am going to school here in Canada and am finding it impossible to find part time work for the summer while going to school. How much money did you guys go down with? If I head down with about $2000 Canadian, will that be enough?

SRedw · « **Reply #26 on:** May 18, 2009, 10:24:21 AM »

Quote from: SarahKjrsten on May 18, 2009, 12:09:57 AM

I'm heading to Madrid as well.

How difficult is it to find a place to stay? What steps did people take to find an apartment? Where did you stay while you were looking for an apartment?

Sarah,

It depends on when you look. September is the worst month to look for a place because you will be fighting with students who want to get a room or an apartment as well. August, things are pretty much dead, but you can still find a place. It all depends on when you want to come to Madrid.

Good luck in your search,

Shawn

Beckett · « **Reply #27 on:** May 18, 2009, 12:19:59 PM »

Quote from: losemymouth on May 18, 2009, 10:12:04 AM

Really, really, really concerned about money. I am going to school here in Canada and am finding it impossible to find part time work for the summer while going to school. How much money did you guys go down with? If I head down with about $2000 Canadian, will that be enough?

At the current exchange rate, $2000 Canadian is roughly 1268 euros. Yes, that should be enough to get by for two months, if you spend wisely and stick to a budget. Obviously, if you can come to Spain with more money in your pocket the better, because you never know what sort of unexpected expenses are going to pop up.

Also, be aware that you won't get your first pay check until the end of October or the first week of November, depending on the school and how organized the school secretary is. The first paycheck can sometimes be delayed so make sure you've got enough cash on hand just in case.

w_adams · « **Reply #28 on:** May 19, 2009, 01:11:41 AM »

if you are assigned your first regional choice from Profex, does that also mean that you'll likely get into a larger city within that region? For example, I chose Castilla y Leon and would love to be in Salamanca or Segovia...is this at all realistic?

BrandinhoGaucho · « **Reply #29 on:** May 21, 2009, 06:49:46 AM »

Is it true that we may be able to influence our final destination if we send an email to the right person? As long as you're not pegged back for being high maintenance then I'll be sending out a few emails pretty soon. Any experience with this???

ps - I know that the site says no, but people have been making posts that suggest otherwise. Getting Vigo instead of Ferrol or Lugo is a huge difference to me, so if I can influence it at all then I will.

smiller · « **Reply #30 on:** May 26, 2009, 07:31:41 PM »

So, I'm a bit confused as to what the Apostille of the Hague actually is....

Do we have to send in every Visa document we have to our office (I'm in Louisiana) and get them to "clear" it?

Can someone help??

dsr1700 · « **Reply #31 on:** May 26, 2009, 07:58:52 PM »

Quote from: smiller on May 26, 2009, 07:31:41 PM

So, I'm a bit confused as to what the Apostille of the Hague actually is....

Do we have to send in every Visa document we have to our office (I'm in Louisiana) and get them to "clear" it?

Can someone help??

Hi Smiler, So this website has a good explanation of what the Apostille is: http://www.in.gov/sos/business/apostille/
It's just a stamp of authentication on a document signed by a public official that is considered valid by certain foreign countries. Some states don't refer to it as the Apostille of the Hague and instead call it simply "authentication" or something like that. The Secretary of State office of each state handles the apostilles. Generally all you do is mail the form you want to have an apostille stamp put on (the police report in this case) with a cover letter and the fee required. You'll have to find the website for your state to know exactly what to send and what the fee is. Hope that helps!

mereR · « **Reply #32 on:** May 26, 2009, 08:30:05 PM »

Hi everyone! Thanks for all the information so far. I am new to this discussion board, and I have a few questions about getting a visa and NIE...

1. I am going to the DC Consulate for the visa. Does anyone know if my police record and medical certificate need to be translated into Spanish?

2. Once we arrive in Spain, do we need the police record and medical certificate to get an NIE? Do these documents need to be in Spanish? Or do we just need our visa and passport and photographs?

Can anyone tell me if an NIE is the same thing as a Residence Card? Will I need to get both of these once I arrive in Spain? What about an empadronamiento?

Thanks!!

mereR · « **Reply #33 on:** May 26, 2009, 11:17:18 PM »

Also, does anyone know the contact information for the Andalucia representative?

chikita · « **Reply #34 on:** May 27, 2009, 01:26:42 AM »

For all alums --- It seems that the people assigned to larger (or smaller) regions are starting to get notifications (or at least word on Profex of their assignments). From past experience, when did other regions (such as people assigned to Catalunya) receive information??

outofhabit · « **Reply #35 on:** June 06, 2009, 07:55:55 AM »

Does anyone have any advice on how much money we should take to start off with? I heard that we get our first paycheck at the end of October, so I'm guessing that we should cover at least that first month?
I know it depends on the city, but roughly how much do people outside of big cities like madrid or barcelona spend monthly?

Simca24 · « **Reply #36 on:** June 06, 2009, 12:52:22 PM »

Hello, I'm Simona (Canadian) and I'm a bit confused with the visa process. I've looked into this Schengen visa that we need, but it says that Canadians and Americans don't need it, I've also contacted the Spanish embassy in Riyadh (where I'm currently teaching), and they have also confirmed it. Can any alumnis help out with this? I don't plan on returning to Canada before the start of my contract in Spain, I'm going to finish my contract in Riyadh and then travel, will this be a problem in getting the Spanish visa? Any input appreciated. Thanks

Simona

gacella · « **Reply #37 on:** June 06, 2009, 04:15:46 PM »

Hi Simona, I'm from the US so things might be a bit different for you but you do need a schengen Visa. You don't need one if you are there for less than 90days but for longer you need one. It's a long-stay student Visa. Make sure that when you call the Spanish embassy you tell them the duration of the program. Hope that helps : )

chikita · « **Reply #38 on:** June 06, 2009, 05:34:14 PM »

so we are applying for a "long-stay" visa -- right?? also, have people started making NIE appts. i tried calling last Friday but no one answered and there are a lot of offices of extranjeros (in Barcelona) were I am applying. I am arriving into Barcelona on Sept. 9 so I wanted to make my appt for the first week of October right after orientation . . . and I am just not sure what office to use. . . anyone know if it makes a difference if you go to one oficina de extranjeros as opposed to another?

Simca24 · « **Reply #39 on:** June 08, 2009, 01:01:25 PM »

Ok, I just spoke to the Spanish embassy in Riyadh again, and they are saying that I have to have lived in Saudi for 5 years for them to issue me the schengen long term visa here, which clearly isn't the case. I know that we can get the short term Schengen visa, that allows you to stay up to 3 months, on arrival. Can I just get that and leave for a weekend every 3 months? Do I need an NIE number? Can I get one with the shrot term visa? Any help is appreciated. Thanks!

Simona

AnnaMad1 · « **Reply #40 on:** June 08, 2009, 05:22:34 PM »

schengen student visa is not the same thing as the schengen tourist visa (the three month thing you're referring to)

sepi · « **Reply #41 on:** June 08, 2009, 07:50:48 PM »

HI All,

I'm American and was in this program in 2006-2007. For Americans, and I assume Canadians as well, you can only obtain your visa back in your home country. I was abroad and was unable to process my visa application abroad, I had return to the US. My embassy allowed my mother to being the process for me with a copy of my passport but I had to go in person to pick it up.

You must get the 90 day visa to be in this program, once you arrive in Spain you will have to go to the police station with that visa to get your NIE, which is permission to be in Spain longer than 90 days. There is no way around any of this. If you don't have the visa you can't be in the program. I ran into this problem the following year 2007-2008 and arrived to Spain with the incomplete paperwork and was unable to participate in the program.

Beckett · « **Reply #42 on:** June 11, 2009, 01:08:14 AM »

Quote from: outofhabit on June 06, 2009, 07:55:55 AM

Does anyone have any advice on how much money we should take to start off with? I heard that we get our first paycheck at the end of October, so I'm guessing that we should cover at least that first month?
I know it depends on the city, but roughly how much do people outside of big cities like madrid or barcelona spend monthly?

How much money depends on your lifestyle and when you plan to arrive in Spain. I'd say one should have at least 1000 euros (roughly $1400) when they arrive in Spain, although 1200 euros would be better.

And yes, you're right, you won't receive your first paycheck until the last week of Oct or first week of November, depending on the school's secretary and how efficient/inefficient she is.

Madrid and Barcelona are more expensive than the smaller cities in Spain. Here's an extremely rough guide for expenses that obviously will vary per person:

400 to 500 euros for rent/utlilties
40 euros for cell phone/internet, if not included in apt.
150 euros for food
30 to 50 euros for transportation

So you're going to want to have at least 700 euros to cover your basic expenses the first month and that's not including apt hunting expenses if you need to stay in a hostal and going out on the weekend expenses. Also, you never know what kind of unexpected expenses might pop up during your first month, so you need to be sure to have a little money set aside (or have a way to quickly access money) to cover those things.

Beckett · « **Reply #43 on:** June 11, 2009, 01:09:44 AM »

Quote from: smiller on May 26, 2009, 07:31:41 PM

So, I'm a bit confused as to what the Apostille of the Hague actually is....

Do we have to send in every Visa document we have to our office (I'm in Louisiana) and get them to "clear" it?

Can someone help??

You only need the Apostille stamp for your police record certificate (the certificate of good conduct). The other documents for your visa application don't need the Apostille.

Beckett · « **Reply #44 on:** June 11, 2009, 01:20:04 AM »

Quote from: Simca24 on June 08, 2009, 01:01:25 PM

Ok, I just spoke to the Spanish embassy in Riyadh again, and they are saying that I have to have lived in Saudi for 5 years for them to issue me the schengen long term visa here, which clearly isn't the case. I know that we can get the short term Schengen visa, that allows you to stay up to 3 months, on arrival. Can I just get that and leave for a weekend every 3 months? Do I need an NIE number? Can I get one with the shrot term visa? Any help is appreciated. Thanks!
Simona

If you are Canadian, the visa requirements are the same as for the U.S. An official letter or official email should be arriving soon with details on the specific visa requirements, but based on past experience, people in the program need a STUDENT visa and it should be a short-term one good for 90 days. If the Spanish consulate gives you a long-term student visa this will cause problems in Spain when it is time to apply for the NIE. Be sure the Spanish consulate does not give you a 6-month visa.

Anyone accepted into this program who does not have a Spanish passport, i.e. (British, Canadian, Australian, U.S., New Zealand, South African, etc.) must apply for a NIE (Número de Identidad de Extranjero) once they arrive in Spain with a VALID visa. If you do not get a NIE you will not be allowed to work in the program. No NIE, no job. No exceptions. Leaving the country every 3 months will not be permitted. If you show up in Spain without a valid visa, the school you have been assigned to will not allow you to work for them.

If you have lived in Canada at any point in the last 5 years, you must request a certificate of good conduct (police record) from the Canadian cities you've lived. If you have lived overseas for the last 5 years, you must get a certificate of good conduct from the cities where you have lived and get those translated into English or Spanish. Additionally, those certificates of good conduct must be notarized or get that Apostille seal if it is a country that abides by the Hague conventions.

Beckett · « **Reply #45 on:** June 11, 2009, 01:28:29 AM »

Quote from: laurensita on June 06, 2009, 05:34:14 PM

so we are applying for a "long-stay" visa -- right?? also, have people started making NIE appts. i tried calling last Friday but no one answered and there are a lot of offices of extranjeros (in Barcelona) were I am applying. I am arriving into Barcelona on Sept. 9 so I wanted to make my appt for the first week of October right after orientation . . . and I am just not sure what office to use. . . anyone know if it makes a difference if you go to one oficina de extranjeros as opposed to another?

You will not be able to make an appointment for the NIE until you have a valid visa in hand. The contact for your region should be able to tell you which police office you need to go to get it.

Beckett · « **Reply #46 on:** June 11, 2009, 01:30:12 AM »

Quote from: kurtgar on May 09, 2009, 07:27:34 AM

Does anyone know if you can change your email address on Proflex after you have submitted your application?

Yes, there is an edit function in Profex. Just be sure to change your address across all categories, including your CV and the "Gestión" category.

Beckett · « **Reply #47 on:** June 11, 2009, 01:33:49 AM »

Quote from: mereR on May 26, 2009, 11:17:18 PM

Also, does anyone know the contact information for the Andalucia representative?

Programa de Auxiliares de Conversación extranjeros
Consejería de Educación, Junta de Andalucía
Dirección General de Ordenación y Evaluación Educativa
(A la atención de Ricardo Viñuelas)
Calle Juan Antonio de Vizarrón, s/n
Edificio Torretriana
41071 Sevilla

Correo-e de contacto: ricardo.vinuelas.ext@juntadeandalucia.es

Beckett · « **Reply #48 on:** June 11, 2009, 01:39:58 AM »

Quote from: mereR on May 26, 2009, 08:30:05 PM

Hi everyone! Thanks for all the information so far. I am new to this discussion board, and I have a few questions about getting a visa and NIE...

1. I am going to the DC Consulate for the visa. Does anyone know if my police record and medical certificate need to be translated into Spanish?

2. Once we arrive in Spain, do we need the police record and medical certificate to get an NIE? Do these documents need to be in Spanish? Or do we just need our visa and passport and photographs?

Can anyone tell me if an NIE is the same thing as a Residence Card? Will I need to get both of these once I arrive in Spain? What about an empadronamiento?

Thanks!!

Answer 1: No. Documents can be in English. Just make sure you have that Apostille seal for your police record.

Answer 2: You just need your valid visa, passport and passport photos. However, I recommend traveling to Spain with all of your documents, just to have easy access to them.

One important thing to note: The size of passport photos (or at least the size used for the NIE) is different from the U.S. passport photo size. Have your NIE photos taken in Spain. It won't cost you a lot. The first time I applied for a NIE I thought I was being smart and efficient by coming to Spain with an extra set of passport photos. Well, they were too big and I didn't know this until I had waited in line and got up to the counter and the woman turned me away because the size of the photos were too big. I then had to leave, find a passport photo place and then return to stand in line again to turn in my paperwork.

dsr1700 · « **Reply #49 on:** June 11, 2009, 03:36:13 AM »

Quote from: Beckett on June 11, 2009, 01:39:58 AM

Answer 2: You just need your valid visa, passport and passport photos. However, I recommend traveling to Spain with all of your documents, just to have easy access to them.

Beckett, are you saying that we should make an extra copy for ourselves of the apostilled police reports and the medical certificate before we send them off with our visa application so that we can bring these to Spain with us? I know we won't get any of the original documents sent in with our visa application back...

Beckett · « **Reply #50 on:** June 11, 2009, 03:57:36 AM »

Quote from: dsr1700 on June 11, 2009, 03:36:13 AM

Beckett, are you saying that we should make an extra copy for ourselves of the apostilled police reports and the medical certificate before we send them off with our visa application so that we can bring these to Spain with us? I know we won't get any of the original documents sent in with our visa application back...

Yes, make photocopies of everything before turning them in to the Spanish consulate. I'm not saying you're going to need the copies for anything official, but considering the amount of time and money you'll have spent getting all that documentation together it's a good idea to have photocopies, just in case.

Regarding whether or not you'll get them back, I think it depends on the consulate, but I'm not sure. At the New York consulate, all my original documentation was returned to me with my passport the first time I applied for a student visa.

dsr1700 · « **Reply #51 on:** June 11, 2009, 05:07:14 AM »

Quote from: Beckett on June 11, 2009, 03:57:36 AM

Yes, make photocopies of everything before turning them in to the Spanish consulate. I'm not saying you're going to need the copies for anything official, but considering the amount of time and money you'll have spent getting all that documentation together it's a good idea to have photocopies, just in case.

Regarding whether or not you'll get them back, I think it depends on the consulate, but I'm not sure. At the New York consulate, all my original documentation was returned to me with my passport the first time I applied for a student visa.

Ok good to know! The D.C. consulate gave me nothing back when I applied through them awhile back but maybe Miami will be different.

tryniti26 · « **Reply #52 on:** June 11, 2009, 09:23:19 PM »

Hi All,

I know that this question may have been floating around but I can't seem to find it now. I'm really confused about what type of visa we are applying for (duration-wise, I know it's a student visa). Also, I am applying to the Boston consulate.

I was always assuming that we would need to provide the medical and police documents, but then when I received the info from profex with all the consulates, and on the Boston one it says nothing about either form. However, the Boston consulate emailed me and said I DO need to have both forms if I'm applying for a visa for 60+ days. I know that duration of time in Spain is more than this, but I'm wondering what length visa we are supposed to be getting ... I'm further confused because all of the profex emails say that the visa expires after 3 months once we get to spain.

Help!
Thanks!!
Lindsay

gacella · « **Reply #53 on:** June 11, 2009, 11:08:59 PM »

Hi Lindsay,

This is my first time dealing with this too, but this is what I've heard from other people so hopefully it will help. I'm applying to the houston consulate so some stuff might differ there too. It's a long stay student visa but either way you will only be issued a visa for 3 mos. Once in Spain you have to apply for a NIE card(which will basically extend your visa). You do need both the medical certificate and the police documents, make sure to make copies. Also ask the consulate in which you are applying if you need to have the police documents notarized and with the Apostille of the Hague as some require it and some don't. Also check that your consulate requires only police record from the cities you've lived in as oppose to a Certificate from the FBI. ( I called my consulate for the second time today and they told me I needed the FBI certificate even though they told me a few weeks ago I only needed the police letters). So double check with them as you don't want any surprises the day of your appointment. Hope this helps. Suerte : )

jb1290 · « **Reply #54 on:** June 12, 2009, 10:35:28 AM »

Hi everyone,

I'm applying to the LA Consulate, which requires the clearance letters to be notarized and with the Apostille of the Hague. I was wondering the following:

For those of you from California or from LA county, did you go through the LA sheriff dept, or can we request it from the CA Dept of Justice? How long is the entire process, from receiving the document, the notarization, and getting the Apostile seal?

Also, should we ask for the letters from our hometowns or from where we went to college? For the LA Consulate, I think it's something like if you lived 5 months or less in that city within the past 5 years, you don't need a letter, which would apply to the case of the hometown... so this would mean that we only need to request letters from wherever we attended college, right?

thanks!

QuedateLuna · « **Reply #55 on:** June 15, 2009, 04:18:16 AM »

Hey Guys,
I've been placed in Castilla La Mancha, But i haven't recieved my Official Letter yet, and the email for that atonomos region isn't working for me. Im kinda worried, cause i need to drive up to Houston to take care of everything, and time is running out. Any ideas?

SarahKjrsten · « **Reply #56 on:** June 15, 2009, 04:28:21 AM »

Quote from: QuedateLuna on June 15, 2009, 04:18:16 AM

Hey Guys,
I've been placed in Castilla La Mancha, But i haven't recieved my Official Letter yet, and the email for that atonomos region isn't working for me. Im kinda worried, cause i need to drive up to Houston to take care of everything, and time is running out. Any ideas?

I've been placed in Madrid, and I haven't gotten my letter yet either.

Beckett · « **Reply #57 on:** June 15, 2009, 09:22:56 AM »

Open question to anyone who did a study abroad program in Spain since 2004 OR already did this auxiliar program in Spain within the past 5 years, left Spain and is now returning to Spain for 2009-2010....

Question: Do you know if we have to get a certificate of good conduct from Spain for our visa application if we were in Spain during the past 5 years previously on a different visa? Is there a simple way to get this document from Spain? I'm back in the U.S. and already have my American police dept certificate of good conduct but I'm wondering if the Spanish consulate is going to require me to have a letter from the Madrid police?

If anyone has previously applied in different years for a Spanish visa (but within a 5-yr time frame) and can tell me whether or not they had to submit a certificate of good conduct document from Spanish police, please let me know. Also, how can I request such a document while in the U.S.?

Thanks!

tryniti26 · « **Reply #58 on:** June 15, 2009, 06:17:36 PM »

gacella - Thanks for your answer! It makes much more sense now ...

chikita · « **Reply #59 on:** June 16, 2009, 04:26:01 AM »

Quote from: Beckett on June 15, 2009, 09:22:56 AM

If anyone has previously applied in different years for a Spanish visa (but within a 5-yr time frame) and can tell me whether or not they had to submit a certificate of good conduct document from Spanish police, please let me know. Also, how can I request such a document while in the U.S.?

Beckett - I studied abroad in 2008 -- however, I was in Spain for less than 6 months. The NYC Consulate requires the police documents for every city that you lived in for MORE than 6 months in the past 5 years. I got out of that one by a few weeks - however, if it was more than 6 months - I would assume that they would require it (since it fits into their specifications for the police records they are looking for). HOWEVER, I also spoke with a friend from the NYC Consulate who told me it is basically the places in the past 6 months that they are most interested in. With so much conflicting information - I would say the more the merrier when i comes to the documents. Hope this helps . . . PM me if you want me to copy and paste you the e-mail that I received from my friend who works at the Agregeduría

chikita · « **Reply #60 on:** June 18, 2009, 03:52:27 PM »

i have a question for alum (on the infamous NIE) . . . maybe this question is directed specifically if there are any alum who were in Cataluña. Can you explain your experience slash what you have to do slash how to make an appointment for the NIE in Cataluña (i will be in Barcelona). I tried calling myself but have been unsuccessful with my 4:30 AM NY time phone calls. I even had one of my good friends mothers (a native of Cataluña) call and even SHE did not fully understand the process of making the appointment and obtaining the NIE -- someone out there . . AYUDAME- !! por favor

beachp · « **Reply #61 on:** June 23, 2009, 06:40:53 PM »

Hi,

Would love to find alum (or others) who were placed/lived in either Palencia or Vallodolid to ask questions about the area.

knina23 · « **Reply #62 on:** June 25, 2009, 12:10:08 AM »

Hi New York area -

Anyone from last year remember how long it may have taken the NY consulate to process your visa? Is August 13th visa appointment with NY consulate - cutting it too close if I am planning on leaving Sept 10th?

Beckett · « **Reply #63 on:** June 25, 2009, 03:52:22 AM »

Quote from: knina23 on June 25, 2009, 12:10:08 AM

Hi New York area -

Anyone from last year remember how long it may have taken the NY consulate to process your visa? Is August 13th visa appointment with NY consulate - cutting it too close if I am planning on leaving Sept 10th?

Yes, that is cutting it close. NYC consulate's web site says to allow at least 7 weeks for student visa to be processed.

jb1290 · « **Reply #64 on:** June 25, 2009, 07:52:07 AM »

Has anyone gone through the LA consulate and got the police background check? Is our only option through the CA Dept of Justice (~$35, + fingerprinting fees)? Or is there another easier (and cheaper) way to do this? Thanks!

Luna2 · « **Reply #65 on:** June 25, 2009, 06:31:54 PM »

Hey Jb!

I'm going through the LA Consulate, and I got a report from the Colorado Bureau of Investigation (minus fingerprints)... it cost way less than $35 bucks... BUT to get the document translated was an arm and a leg! SUERTE

.

jb1290 · « **Reply #66 on:** June 25, 2009, 11:19:02 PM »

Thanks for the info, Luna!
Yeah, from what I've been reading, it seems like everyone else not from CA is able to get the report for free or for really cheap ... ugh California ...

Beckett · « **Reply #67 on:** June 26, 2009, 01:36:22 AM »

Quote from: jb1290 on June 25, 2009, 11:19:02 PM

Thanks for the info, Luna!
Yeah, from what I've been reading, it seems like everyone else not from CA is able to get the report for free or for really cheap ... ugh California ...

If it's any consolation, I have to get letters of good conduct from two different states (NJ and NY) and NJ is charging me a total of $66 for the letter with the apostillle seal while NYC's charge is going to be around $35.

JPH · « **Reply #68 on:** June 27, 2009, 07:25:57 PM »

I am also going through the LA consulate and I did the DOJ report. It actually is pretty easy, if you do it right (which I did not do, but I can pass on what I learned!). If you decide to go this route, make sure that you specify a SPANISH student visa on your livescan application form in the "reason for application" field, not just "student visa."

This is the application form: http://ag.ca.gov/fingerprints/forms/bcii_rr_8016.pdf

If you don't specify, they'll just send you a sort of print-out of your criminal record that isn't considered official enough to get the apostille, but if you mention Spain on the application, they will send you one with a signature and a stamp from the DOJ. I received my DOJ form in about two weeks, but it wasn't the right form since I didn't specify "Spain." I just called the phone number on the livescan application form and left a message, and they called me back and had the correct one sent out to me within two days, signed and stamped! It was actually surprisingly efficient! I don't have experience with doing this the correct way the first time around, so you might want to call the DOJ a day or two after your livescan appointment just to make sure they're sending out the stamped/signed copy the first time. I think the only way they take calls is through voicemail, but they called me back RIGHT away.

Also, if you have this DOJ form with the stamp and signature, it does NOT need to be notarized before you mail it in to the Sacramento Secretary of State's office for the apostille because it is already considered "authenticated" since it has that DOJ stamp on it. So you at least save $10 there! I talked to someone at the SOS to get that information after waiting on hold for approximately half an hour. If you take it in to a regional SOS office by hand it might be different, but the woman I talked to from the SOS said that they have a really good turnaround time right now in Sacramento and they're usually able to get apostilles taken care of within a week for people who send them in via mail! Plus it's a little cheaper that way! I am about to mail mine in today, so I'm about to find out how true this is.

ALSO! I emailed the LA consulate about getting documents (specifically the police clearance and medical certificate) translated and this is what they replied:

"For a student visa, at this time, you are not required to have a translation of these documents. Just make sure you bring them along with copies.

Our Regards,

Visa Department
Consulate General of Spain"

So it looks like we don't need translations! There might be an easier/cheaper way out there to get clearances from individual police stations in California, but for me this was the most convenient since I've lived in three different cities in California over the past five years. Hopefully this information is helpful to you guys!!

chikita · « **Reply #69 on:** June 27, 2009, 08:34:48 PM »

beckett --- have you gotten the apostille yet from NJ -- if so what does it look like. . . i got it done and it just seems to be a piece of paper stapled onto the document that says it is certified with the apostille of the hague -- am i missing something? it seems like an awful lot of hoopla for a stapled piece of paper

jb1290 · « **Reply #70 on:** June 27, 2009, 08:57:19 PM »

hey JPH!

Thanks SO much for the helpful info!!!
Esp thanks for pointing out about mentioning SPANISH student visa... I had just put down "Student visa" on the app form; I'll correct this! your info definitely saved me a lot of trouble!

Quote from: JPH on June 27, 2009, 07:25:57 PM

I am also going through the LA consulate and I did the DOJ report. It actually is pretty easy, if you do it right (which I did not do, but I can pass on what I learned!). If you decide to go this route, make sure that you specify a SPANISH student visa on your livescan application form in the "reason for application" field, not just "student visa."

This is the application form: http://ag.ca.gov/fingerprints/forms/bcii_rr_8016.pdf

If you don't specify, they'll just send you a sort of print-out of your criminal record that isn't considered official enough to get the apostille, but if you mention Spain on the application, they will send you one with a signature and a stamp from the DOJ. I received my DOJ form in about two weeks, but it wasn't the right form since I didn't specify "Spain." I just called the phone number on the livescan application form and left a message, and they called me back and had the correct one sent out to me within two days, signed and stamped! It was actually surprisingly efficient! I don't have experience with doing this the correct way the first time around, so you might want to call the DOJ a day or two after your livescan appointment just to make sure they're sending out the stamped/signed copy the first time. I think the only way they take calls is through voicemail, but they called me back RIGHT away.

Also, if you have this DOJ form with the stamp and signature, it does NOT need to be notarized before you mail it in to the Sacramento Secretary of State's office for the apostille because it is already considered "authenticated" since it has that DOJ stamp on it. So you at least save $10 there! I talked to someone at the SOS to get that information after waiting on hold for approximately half an hour. If you take it in to a regional SOS office by hand it might be different, but the woman I talked to from the SOS said that they have a really good turnaround time right now in Sacramento and they're usually able to get apostilles taken care of within a week for people who send them in via mail! Plus it's a little cheaper that way! I am about to mail mine in today, so I'm about to find out how true this is.

ALSO! I emailed the LA consulate about getting documents (specifically the police clearance and medical certificate) translated and this is what they replied:

"For a student visa, at this time, you are not required to have a translation of these documents. Just make sure you bring them along with copies.

Our Regards,

Visa Department
Consulate General of Spain"

So it looks like we don't need translations! There might be an easier/cheaper way out there to get clearances from individual police stations in California, but for me this was the most convenient since I've lived in three different cities in California over the past five years. Hopefully this information is helpful to you guys!!

wanderlust · « **Reply #71 on:** June 28, 2009, 12:50:07 AM »

Quote from: Beckett on June 25, 2009, 03:52:22 AM

Yes, that is cutting it close. NYC consulate's web site says to allow at least 7 weeks for student visa to be processed.

I went to the NYC consulate. They said they can prob get it processed in 4 weeks, but no guarantees. Also, make sure you make and bring copies of your visa application documents. They looked at my official apostille and medical letter but only took the copied versions of those bc you will need the originals when applying for the NIE..

Beckett · « **Reply #72 on:** June 28, 2009, 01:01:02 AM »

Quote from: laurensita on June 27, 2009, 08:34:48 PM

beckett --- have you gotten the apostille yet from NJ -- if so what does it look like. . . i got it done and it just seems to be a piece of paper stapled onto the document that says it is certified with the apostille of the hague -- am i missing something? it seems like an awful lot of hoopla for a stapled piece of paper

Yes, that's it. I was surprised too when I saw it. It looks pretty flimsy and not all that official and I was annoyed that they charged me $25 for a piece of paper.

The Apostille from NYC looks more official and looks like a real govt document.

JPH · « **Reply #73 on:** June 29, 2009, 02:41:12 AM »

Ok, another update re: my previous posting for jb1290 and anyone else who is requesting a Department of Justice report in California.

My boyfriend, who is also doing the program, just received his DOJ report in the mail. He did specify "Spanish Student Visa" on his application form when he went in for his livescan (about ten days ago), but he STILL received only the unsigned, un-authenticated version in the mail. SO, it looks like anyone who is going through this process will have to call the DOJ phone number on the application form after they do their livescan to make sure that they are sent a signed, stamped copy of the DOJ report.

Good luck!

jb1290 · « **Reply #74 on:** July 03, 2009, 05:04:22 PM »

Thanks so much for the info, JPH! You've been a REALLY awesommeeee help!!!

I have a question for alumni, esp if you lived in Castilla-La Mancha (or know about it). How extensive is the public transportation there (specifically, buses)? I got assigned to a pueblito 40 km (1 hr by car) away from Ciudad Real, and would like to live in the city and commute. As far as I know, this pueblito doesn't have a train station. Is commuting by bus a realistic option? I tried looking up public transportation info through google , but to no avail ...

graciassss

detailedspin · « **Reply #75 on:** July 05, 2009, 08:44:56 PM »

I have a question about dress code on the job. I'm looking to gear up my wardrobe this summer and wondering about what are some key pieces I should get. Thanks!

SarahKjrsten · « **Reply #76 on:** July 05, 2009, 08:56:03 PM »

Quote from: detailedspin on July 05, 2009, 08:44:56 PM

I have a question about dress code on the job. I'm looking to gear up my wardrobe this summer and wondering about what are some key pieces I should get. Thanks!

I second this question. How formal/casual should we be? Dress pants/skirts for the girls, or are jeans okay?To anyone who's been to Madrid, how heavy of a winter coat should a bring?

jb1290 · « **Reply #77 on:** July 06, 2009, 08:32:22 AM »

I'm not too sure about the dress code myself, but regarding winters in Madrid, it gets pretty darn cold!! 32 F around December. And very dry. I had a long wool coat (which wasn't very thick, though) and layered up in sweaters and jackets, and boots and scarves, and it was fine. Definitely you do need a coat there. You could buy one there, too ... clothes are really cheap and good quality there, including coats/jackets/sweaters.

RebeccaG · « **Reply #78 on:** July 06, 2009, 12:12:29 PM »

Questions about how cold or hot a certain region is are really relative depending on where in the US you come from.

For example, if you are from the northeastern part of the US (PA, NJ, NY, MA, CT, ME, VT, NH) you will find the winters in Madrid typically "warmer" than what you are accustomed to. The biggest difference being that it is a dry cold rather than a humid cold. This dry cold makes the use of a humidifier in your bedroom at night highly recommendable.

As far as clothing being much cheaper in Madrid, I respectfully disagree. Clothing is by far more consistently cheaper in the US. This is something that many American Expats are aware of and plan their visits to the US with big shopping trips in mind.

As far as dress code is concerned, I think business casual should work fine. Nice shoes (no sneakers/trainers), nice pants (khakis or Dockers for men) and blouses. As far as what "pieces"...ones that can mix and match well. Keep in mind dryers are not common in many parts of Spain, including Madrid. You will most likely be hanging your clothes to dry through out the year, including the winter. So sufficient changes of key clothing (pants, underwear, socks, etc) are recommendable...especially since it may take a day or two for the clothes to dry in winter and rainy season...

chikita · « **Reply #79 on:** July 09, 2009, 12:47:09 AM »

thanks for the dress code advice - i was definately concerned about that! however, I will be in a CEIP - maybe there will be more games or active things where the dress code may be a bit more relaxed? Any advice specifically for CEIP?

carolina16 · « **Reply #80 on:** July 15, 2009, 04:54:37 PM »

Hi!
I'm new to the forum also and have been accepted to a small town called Alájar 1.5 hrs from Sevilla! Has anyone heard of this town or can they tell me anything about living in a more rural place? Also, do you think that a 1.5 hours commute from Sevilla would be too far if I were to live there? Or should I try and find another city near the place I will actually work? There is a city w/ 8000 ppl called Aracena near my tiny town of 700 people. Does anyone have any suggestions or recommendations??
Thanks!

mereR · « **Reply #81 on:** July 15, 2009, 05:36:57 PM »

Does anyone know anything about our health insurance? Specifically, does it cover anything dental like a routine cleaning?

Also, I have been placed in Aznalcollar about 20 miles outside of Sevilla. Just wondering if anyone had worked there before or had any information on it.

Thanks!

carolina16 · « **Reply #82 on:** July 15, 2009, 07:55:26 PM »

Does anyone know when our vacations are? I'm trying to plan when to come home and when I can travel...

jb1290 · « **Reply #83 on:** July 18, 2009, 01:06:17 AM »

For the visa, the official instructions for the Los Angeles consulate states that we need to present flight tickets to apply; however, the Spanish officials have advised us not to buy tix before having our visas in hand ... ? Do I need to buy my tickets before going to the Consulate?

JPH · « **Reply #84 on:** July 18, 2009, 03:44:14 AM »

The L.A. consulate does require that you have at least a one way ticket to Spain if you are applying for a long stay visa. I went to my appointment on Monday and they did ask me for the flight information. I had a round-trip because I'm coming home for Christmas and it was SO cheap, and they accepted that without a problem. If you don't want to buy your flight yet for any reason, I'd recommend emailing the L.A. consulate directly to find out if it's really required. The email for the visa department is cog.losangeles.vis@maec.es and they usually reply really fast.

And if you're flying out of LAX, check British Airways (www.ba.com). I just booked a round-trip from LAX-BCN and then MAD-LAX for $590, which is by far the best price I could find. They had flights as cheap as $570 (and that includes all fees and taxes)!

If you have any other questions about the L.A. consulate, let me know!

liz · « **Reply #85 on:** July 18, 2009, 09:47:27 PM »

i was placed in madrid. i will be teaching in a ceip in meco, which is not too close to the city. but i was planning on living in a. henares. is there any information anyone can give me on meco, or just madrid in general as far as mepsyd. ive lived in madrid and spain for a few years before, but ive never had to do this much work! haha.

CAT5 · « **Reply #86 on:** July 19, 2009, 09:54:59 AM »

I need information about how to go about switching cities with someone. Does anyone know how to do this? Thanks in advance!

jb1290 · « **Reply #87 on:** July 24, 2009, 01:35:21 AM »

Does any alumni have advice about what to do regarding not getting visas on time?

I haven't received my letter and had to push back my appt, but the next one is in mid-august ....

Thanks!

mlcruz · « **Reply #88 on:** July 24, 2009, 02:13:25 PM »

is it better to buy a roundtrip ticket or a one-way ticket? i'm not coming home in december, so the return for this roundtrip would be some time in june. would anyone know if its cheaper to switch dates/places in case you decide to not come back the date your roundtrip ticket says?

jfamo · « **Reply #89 on:** July 24, 2009, 06:37:26 PM »

Quote from: mlcruz on July 24, 2009, 02:13:25 PM

is it better to buy a roundtrip ticket or a one-way ticket? i'm not coming home in december, so the return for this roundtrip would be some time in june. would anyone know if its cheaper to switch dates/places in case you decide to not come back the date your roundtrip ticket says?

you can call the airlines and see if you can buy an open-ended ticket from them. not all airlines sell them tho. but if they do, you're basically buying a roundtrip ticket but you decide at a later time when your return flight will be. i have heard from friends tho that open-ended tickets are slightly more expensive than regular roundtrip rickets.

from my personal experience, i studied in south america and bought a roundtrip ticket. later on i decided to stay an extra week to travel with some friends and i was charged $200 by american airlines to change my return flight date (but totally worth it). so if you want to avoid paying that fee, i suggest just buying one-way tickets.

bcn071985 · « **Reply #90 on:** July 25, 2009, 02:21:46 AM »

Hola,
I got placed to work in C.Real at El Pradillo in Miguelturra. Has anyone worked there last year? If so I am wondering about where to look for housing, how was the school etc. Gracias!

un saludo
Noemi

QuedateLuna · « **Reply #91 on:** July 27, 2009, 09:10:40 PM »

Hey Guys,

I was placed in manzanares, has anyone worked there before? If so, should i be looking for housing before i get there? any good/bad areas i should know about? anygood websites for finding said housing?
living the dream,
Ricky

mll22 · « **Reply #92 on:** August 26, 2009, 05:37:00 PM »

Yes I plan to stay awhile. After a year with the program in Cordoba and a year as a sinpa (sin papeles

) in Madrid, I decided I wanted to stay but under legal conditions so I have decided to study. I'm here at the moment hanging out waiting for school to start in October and hope to find a legit job and someone to sponsor my visa after I graduate. Fingers crossed.

[/quote]

Sepi- i see that you have plans to study, and was just curious how you were going about it? are you doing independently, or through a pricey study abroad program? i ask, because i've been researching student visa requirements, and the part about financial means of support, if you don't have an actual program, you have to have a bit of money in the bank (1,000 dollars/month youre going to be there), have your parents accept financial responsibility, have financial aid for the same amount/month, or a letter stating that your university accepts financial responsibility for you. was just curious what route you went, or if you found a better way to go about it. thanks!

SRedw · « **Reply #93 on:** August 27, 2009, 05:16:42 PM »

If anyone gets placed at Federico García Lorca (Alcobendas) let me know. I worked there for two years and loved it. Great teaching staff and wonderful students.

Cheers,

Shawn

mll22 · « **Reply #94 on:** August 28, 2009, 05:32:00 PM »

Quote from: laurensita on July 09, 2009, 12:47:09 AM

thanks for the dress code advice - i was definately concerned about that! however, I will be in a CEIP - maybe there will be more games or active things where the dress code may be a bit more relaxed? Any advice specifically for CEIP?

I worked in a school in a tiny town in Southern Spain, and there really wasn't much of a dress code. The teachers wore nice jeans everyday to school, decent pair of shoes (tennies weren't very common, but i did wear some small, brown, nicer looking puma style ones often), decent top- a nice t-shirt,blouse, sweater, etc. Other teachers would also wear the occasional skirt/dress, and dress up maybe a little, but overall, in my school there was no dress code. just don't go in your college sweats and t-shirts.

anemo · « **Reply #95 on:** October 22, 2009, 03:17:42 PM »

Quote from: wanderlust on May 10, 2009, 08:04:52 AM

the job description says 12 - 16 class periods per week.. about how many hours is that? does the assistant get assigned to only one school?

My son and a few others he knows are split between 2 schools. He lives in a 3rd town where most of the teachers live from both schools. he did not count on having to pay so much to be in the teacher's carpool (more than his monthly rent) so beware of what they do not tell you.

News:

Author Topic: Questions from new arrivals (2009-2010) to alumni (Read 12491 times)