North American Language and Culture Assistants 2010-2011

[esperika]

I have a few questions, and I'm wondering if anyone knows the answer.

1) When we apply for the NIE in Spain, do we need to have all our documents translated into Spanish? 

2) Assuming I receive a placement, my husband and I would like to travel for a month before the program begins.  The Manual says that you're supposed to apply for the visa immediately after you arrive. With our 90 day visa that we obtain in the U.S, are we allowed multiple entries into Spain?  (for example, if we arrived and dropped off our stuff. Then went traveling around Europe and applied for the Spanish visa (or NIE) when we got back to Spain)

Thanks!

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[halydia]

I have a few questions, and I'm wondering if anyone knows the answer.

1) When we apply for the NIE in Spain, do we need to have all our documents translated into Spanish? 

2) Assuming I receive a placement, my husband and I would like to travel for a month before the program begins.  The Manual says that you're supposed to apply for the visa immediately after you arrive. With our 90 day visa that we obtain in the U.S, are we allowed multiple entries into Spain?  (for example, if we arrived and dropped off our stuff. Then went traveling around Europe and applied for the Spanish visa (or NIE) when we got back to Spain)

Thanks!

1. Not in my experience with the foreigners office in Santander (Cantabria.) Do, however, make sure to get the Apostille of the Hague just in case they decide to question the legality of the documents. You can find the issuing authority of the apostille in your state by scrolling to point III here: http://www.hcch.net/index_en.php?act=authorities.details&aid=353
In the event that any of you are from Canada, or have studied/lived in Canada, the procedure is different because Canada doesn't participate. Send me a message and I can explain more.

2. This will be important to ask when you apply for your visa. I'm 90% certain that you'll be fine on a multiple entrance visa (they do specify on the visa, or at least they did two years ago). The absolute most important thing that you must know about the visa is DO NOT LET THE VISA EXPIRE BEFORE YOU GET YOUR NIE. In the first days there, make a quick trip to the local foreigners office to see how the process goes. In my city, it was a walk in process last year but now they're issuing appointments. What happens if your visa expires? Depending on how strict the authorities are, you may very well have to go back to your country of origin and wait out the visa process again. Not cool.


Edit: When re-reading my post I realized that I specified that "such and such didn't happen in my experience." If you're not familiar with Spain (and I wasn't) you have got to keep in mind that experiences with certain government departments/banks/schools/etc. often change radically between autonomous regions and cities. My NIE experience in Santander could be radically different from what happened to any auxiliares in Bilbao and is very likely wildly different from the NIE experience in big cities with large concentrations of immigration such as Madrid. One of the first things I learned in Spain is that things change depending on the person who is working with you. First bank wouldn't give you an account because they say you don't have the right paperwork!? Don't worry - try the next branch just down the road. Didn't work? There's a different bank across the street, give them a try. Just try not to get frustrated, and have fun learning to play the system like a local

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[jfamo]

I have a few questions, and I'm wondering if anyone knows the answer.

1) When we apply for the NIE in Spain, do we need to have all our documents translated into Spanish? 

2) Assuming I receive a placement, my husband and I would like to travel for a month before the program begins.  The Manual says that you're supposed to apply for the visa immediately after you arrive. With our 90 day visa that we obtain in the U.S, are we allowed multiple entries into Spain?  (for example, if we arrived and dropped off our stuff. Then went traveling around Europe and applied for the Spanish visa (or NIE) when we got back to Spain)

Thanks!

These are my answers based on my own experience:

1. No. Since you already received the student visa from an American consulate, the foreigner's office in Spain doesn't need to see your doctor's note or police report because those were already read over and processed in the US consulate. That Apostille of Hague was not necessary for those who applied for the visa in the Chicago consulate. So if you didn't need it to get your student visa, don't get it for the NIE.

2. I see no problem in doing some traveling before the program begins. I didn't even apply for my NIE until over a month after I got to Spain. Although I applied for my NIE in late October, I wasn't issued an actual number until a month ago. Back in January I traveled out the country to Holland and I had no problems at all at the airport. By that time my student visa had expired and I didn't receive my NIE yet so I was kind of in limbo but I don't think the people at the airport even flipped through my passport to look at my (expired) student visa.

Let me stress that obviously my situation cannot and does not apply to every single auxiliar's experience with visas and NIE applications. Like it was mentioned above, the governments of the comunidades autonomas can be polar opposites when it comes to these type of things. Pais Vasco was pretty lax with this NIE process (though it was pretty confusing).

Your best bet is that when you get here talk to the people in charge of the program in your comunidad autonoma. Probably the best information I received for these type of questions were through previous auxiliares that participated in the program in my region and lived in my city. Even the cities within the same region can differ in how they handle the NIE so talking to someone who went through the process from the city you decide to live in can really clear things up. They'll know what's up.

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[missalyss12]

I have a couple questions of anyone can help...

1. I printed out my digital resume to send with my paperwork but for "destinos que solicita por orden de preferencia" it only says spain.  Should it say my top three choices for location here? 

2. Is this all that needs to be sent via mail?
signed PDF solicitud with photo
medical clearance
proof of spanish language skills
college transcript
letter of motivation
police clearance

or do I need to print out my curriculum as well?

Thanks for your help everyone.  Buena suerte

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[Daniele]

I have a couple questions of anyone can help...

1. I printed out my digital resume to send with my paperwork but for "destinos que solicita por orden de preferencia" it only says spain.  Should it say my top three choices for location here?  

2. Is this all that needs to be sent via mail?
signed PDF solicitud with photo
medical clearance
proof of spanish language skills
college transcript
letter of motivation
police clearance

or do I need to print out my curriculum as well?

Thanks for your help everyone.  Buena suerte

If you write your letter of motivation (cover letter) in Spanish, you don't have to send proof of Spanish skills. (that's what I did)
But don't forget your recommendation letter and a copy of your passport photo page!

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[robert87]

I would also assume that If you send your transcript or diploma, the Spanish classes shown on the transcript would be proof (clearly if you are Spanish major/minor that would be more than enough).  I only sent my transcript, as I have not yet graduated, and obtained admitida status (meaning they found that I had a sufficient Spanish level b/c I'm now eligible for placement).  If you haven't had your recommendation written yet, or it is still in the process, it definitely won't hurt for that person to talk about your Spanish level (if they are familiar with it, ie a professor, restaurant employer, etc...).  Best of luck with the hard copies, that is by far the hardest part, so far at least.

Just a personal question, does anyone think it real matters as to what language the personal letter was written in.  I know that in the past it was the only part of the application that HAD to be written in Spanish.  This year they changed it, and since the position is to teach English, I wrote my in English.  Any thoughts?

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[kellidoscope]

I have a couple questions of anyone can help...

1. I printed out my digital resume to send with my paperwork but for "destinos que solicita por orden de preferencia" it only says spain.  Should it say my top three choices for location here? 

2. Is this all that needs to be sent via mail?
signed PDF solicitud with photo
medical clearance
proof of spanish language skills
college transcript
letter of motivation
police clearance

or do I need to print out my curriculum as well?

Thanks for your help everyone.  Buena suerte

In regards to your 1st question, it should just say Spain there. If you wnt to check your regions open up the application and click the Destinos button and then scroll down. If you do not know how to open the app IM me or read previous posts

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[Daniele]

I would also assume that If you send your transcript or diploma, the Spanish classes shown on the transcript would be proof (clearly if you are Spanish major/minor that would be more than enough).  I only sent my transcript, as I have not yet graduated, and obtained admitida status (meaning they found that I had a sufficient Spanish level b/c I'm now eligible for placement).  If you haven't had your recommendation written yet, or it is still in the process, it definitely won't hurt for that person to talk about your Spanish level (if they are familiar with it, ie a professor, restaurant employer, etc...).  Best of luck with the hard copies, that is by far the hardest part, so far at least.

Just a personal question, does anyone think it real matters as to what language the personal letter was written in.  I know that in the past it was the only part of the application that HAD to be written in Spanish.  This year they changed it, and since the position is to teach English, I wrote my in English.  Any thoughts?

I wrote mine in both English and Spanish. I don't think they did more than glance at it though because I mailed my documents in from Texas to Miami on a Wednesday, and was admitida by Friday, the day they probably received it.

In the program manual, it says that it can be written in either language.

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[unohooim7]

Just a personal question, does anyone think it real matters as to what language the personal letter was written in.  I know that in the past it was the only part of the application that HAD to be written in Spanish.  This year they changed it, and since the position is to teach English, I wrote my in English.  Any thoughts?

.). 

I prepped my application before the program manual came out, so I assumed at the time it had to be in Spanish. I wrote mine in Spanish and you wrote yours in English and we're both Admitada, so I don't think it mattered. My advice to applicants was to submit in English if writing it in Spanish was going to delay the application. I think applying early was more important than the language of the statement.

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[SRedw]

It really doesn't make a difference in which language you write it in.  When I applied in 2007, I had to write it in Spanish.  It was a requirement for those who applied in Madrid at least. At the end of the day, you are hear to work in English, not in Spanish, and the places where you send your apps off to won't be impressed with your Spainish at the end of the day.

Suerte,

Shawn

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[Vallista87]

So, I didn't log in for a day and the posts jumped by 4 pages...sounds like everyone is getting anxious hahaha...understandable

A ver lo que pasa

Steve

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[robert87]

Anyone having problems logging into profex? it says my password is invalid, and it says it cannot send me an email when i request a new one...

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[caraluna]

Anyone having problems logging into profex? it says my password is invalid, and it says it cannot send me an email when i request a new one...

It let me in without a problem. I'd call their support line if I were you, they're generally pretty helpful.

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[fischer787]

I was "inscrita" in february, but i just sent in my papers (medical clearance, police letter, etc.) at the end of March.  I still haven't heard back on profex.  how long does it usually take to process the materials?  should i call to make sure that they arrived at the embassy?   

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[julie]

i got Admitida about a week after I sent my hard copies in. You might want to call the embassy you sent them to just to make sure they got there.

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[robert87]

I was "inscrita" in february, but i just sent in my papers (medical clearance, police letter, etc.) at the end of March.  I still haven't heard back on profex.  how long does it usually take to process the materials?  should i call to make sure that they arrived at the embassy?   

I would definitely call, don't e-mail, as the deadline for hard copies is in 10 days.  I sent everything in to Miami in early December and did not have an updated status come middle of January (I assumed it was taking a while because of las navidades).  I e-mailed and they sent a short reply saying that they had everything except my transcript, although I sent everything through USPS in one envelope.  I resent my transcript and a few weeks later still had no updated status.  I called the consulate in Miami and the lady was very helpful.  She went through my file and confirmed that my transcript was indeed in my folder.  Two days later I was admitida.  Not to stress you out, but get on top of it as soon as you can because you do not want your name to be taken out of the program list if they have not received your hard copies by the 15th.  Best of luck

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[missalyss12]

Ok this is bizarre...I have an email with my inscrita status and number but now my application isnt appearing  in profex when I try to check my status.  Thankfully I had already printed it to send out.  Does anyone know why this is? 

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[edina]

Anyone having problems logging into profex? it says my password is invalid, and it says it cannot send me an email when i request a new one...

I'm also having this problem. I keep thinking I forgot my password but I can't seem to get them to send me an e-mail with it. I'm gonna try sending them an e-mail. Let me know what works for you 

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[robert87]

Ok this is bizarre...I have an email with my inscrita status and number but now my application isnt appearing  in profex when I try to check my status.  Thankfully I had already printed it to send out.  Does anyone know why this is? 

If Profex will not send you an email or "unblock" your account, the least you should do is email their support.  They are normally really quick with their response, and very helpful.  You could always call you're absolutely dying to log in for some reason.  Good luck with getting things straightened out

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[fischer787]

I would definitely call, don't e-mail, as the deadline for hard copies is in 10 days.  I sent everything in to Miami in early December and did not have an updated status come middle of January (I assumed it was taking a while because of las navidades)...  Two days later I was admitida.  Not to stress you out, but get on top of it as soon as you can because you do not want your name to be taken out of the program list if they have not received your hard copies by the 15th.  Best of luck

well - i called in and they said that there were a number of envelopes that they had yet to open that day alone (about 50 I guess).  so hopefully they have time to get all the materials sorted out...  I guess everyone's trying to send them in right now.  since there's over 4000 people who have applied...lots of papers.   

hoping to hear back soon.  one week done w/waiting.  one more to go.  then it's april 15th!

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[tfreeman]

Hey everyone. I have been admitida for a while but I just ran across this thread. I noticed that there was some sort of spreadsheet/database that was being created via google, so I wanted to jump on this so that I could be included.

My name is Timmy. I am 24. I am currently a high school Spanish teacher on the south side of Chicago (originally from Tennessee...been here for 2 years via Teach for America). My application # is 472 and I could not care less where they place me...as long as I get to go.

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[madridsally]

Hey Timmy, here's a link to the spreadsheet. You can imput the info yourself!
https://spreadsheets.google.com/ccc?key=0AohHTW8EZtXLdDk3cERwRzZvYnhEXzZ6MUdoWjVPZ2c&hl=en  (webadmin message: Take care of the information that you share)

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[SRedw]

Hey everyone. I have been admitida for a while but I just ran across this thread. I noticed that there was some sort of spreadsheet/database that was being created via google, so I wanted to jump on this so that I could be included.

My name is Timmy. I am 24. I am currently a high school Spanish teacher on the south side of Chicago (originally from Tennessee...been here for 2 years via Teach for America). My application # is 472 and I could not care less where they place me...as long as I get to go.

Timmiy,

You have the rght attitude.  A lot of times in life, we want things done our way, with our own specifications and in the end, many times, we end up with nothing.  So, I wish you luck and come back and let us know where you get placed.

Suerte,

Shawn

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[serendipity]

this is kind of a random question... but to shawn, or other people who have been in the madrid region, about how much do you spend for internet access? is it usually easy to get this set up?

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[SRedw]

I have JAZZTEL and I spend 50€ a month, after taxes and it includes Internet and phone and local calls in Madrid are free.

Shawn

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[robert87]

I have JAZZTEL and I spend 50€ a month, after taxes and it includes Internet and phone and local calls in Madrid are free.

Shawn

Shawn, I'm not quite sure of your living situation, but that would be split among your compañeros de piso, right? Also, are ultilities (gas, water, electricity) normally included or excluded from your rent?  I know these things tend to be much more expensive in Europe, so even if they are included I could foresee a surcharge for excessive usage (ie, typical American usage). Thanks for the help

Robert

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[SRedw]

Shawn, I'm not quite sure of your living situation, but that would be split among your compañeros de piso, right? Also, are ultilities (gas, water, electricity) normally included or excluded from your rent?  I know these things tend to be much more expensive in Europe, so even if they are included I could foresee a surcharge for excessive usage (ie, typical American usage). Thanks for the help

Robert

Robert,

I live alone and there will be no more roomates for me.  You can find some places in Madrid where water may be included, but usually, the utilities aren't included, so you will end up paying less if you live with other people.  I am rarely at home because I work so much and I shower at the gym, so that helps me to keep my water bill low.

If you have any other questions, just ask.

Shawn

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[SRedw]

Hi all,

I am mailing my documents in today, and I cannot find the application form that needs to be printed and signed.  If someone has the link or can help me find it, that would be great!

(I applied online earlier; I have just been away and not able to send in the materials yet.)

thanks,
kat

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[madridsally]

Kat, I had trouble finding it too. I clicked around on Profex until I figured it out.

Here's what you do:
Log in. Click on "accesso", new window will open.  Then under the "auxilaries de conversation" heading click on "Consulta solicitudes".  You may need to hit "Buscar" to search for your application. Or, it might automatically show up.  Scroll down a bit. You'll see a blue bar that says:  "Situación solicitud" among other things. Click on the PDF icon to the right to get your signature page.

At this point, I would definitely overnight/express mail your documents, since they must be received by Thursday.


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On another note, two things I just noticed looking at the "listado":

one, several "admitida" applicants are from countries outside of north america. How does that work?

two, I counted more than 150 second year applicants that were offered spots in Madrid already! gah! That's about half of the total number of second year students listed!

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[halydia]

one, several "admitida" applicants are from countries outside of north america. How does that work?

There are auxiliares for (at least) English, French, and German and those who apply through Madrid are admitted using profex. If you look at the first page of the Spanish version of the program manual, it mentions all the countries involved.

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[madridsally]

Where did you find the Spanish version of the program manual? are you on a different web site? 
In the English program manual it says all applicants must be citizens of the US or Canada.
Is guess there's a slightly different application process for those from other countries?

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[madridsally]

If anyone ends up in Barcelona, this could be an interesting place to live, or just visit: http://www.canmasdeu.net/?page_id=265

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[halydia]

Where did you find the Spanish version of the program manual? are you on a different web site? 
In the English program manual it says all applicants must be citizens of the US or Canada.
Is guess there's a slightly different application process for those from other countries?

The program manual off the Consejeria de Educacion in the USA only deals with North American applicants.

Regarding the Spanish version I apologize, I made a mistake. I should have mentioned that it was the Spanish language version of the directions for renewing that I had saved.

If you're interested, the countries listed are:
Austria, Bélgica (lengua francesa) China e Italia.
Reino Unido
Alemania, Australia, Bélgica (lengua inglesa),Canadá, Estados Unidos, Francia, Holanda (lengua inglesa), Irlanda, Luxemburgo (lengua inglesa), y Nueva Zelanda


On a side note, you guys are really lucky this year. They've put together a really good program manual!

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[serendipity]

Does anybody know how many auxilares they are accepting from OUTSIDE North America?

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[madridsally]

Based on the "admitida" list so far, the vast vast majority of auxilaries seem to be coming from the United States.

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[missalyss12]

"Dear new applicant/candidate,  Your application status is “inscrita” or “submitted.” Please send the hard copy documentation to your corresponding office found in the manual, www.mepsyd.es/exterior/usa/en/programs/us_assistants/default.shtml  Your documents must be received on or before APRIL 15. PLEASE, DISREGARD IF YOU ARE A RENEWAL CANDIDATE  Please disregard if you have already sent your documents and allow two weeks for application processing i.e. for your status to change to admitida. You will receive only one number in the whole process that determines the order of selection (see page 16 of the manual). This number will not change and is your application number given when you inscribir/submit your application. Your application needs to be complete (in “admitida” status) before APRIL 15, 2010 in order to make you eligible for a position. Positions will be awarded in late April, early May. Once your application is processed you will receive an alert email saying you are “registrada” from Profex. For a list of terms please see the glossary in the manual."

I received this a few days ago...but it's a bit confusing.  Does all of your hard copy documentation need to be received before April 15th or does your status actually have to be admitida before the 15th.  I sent my copies in a week and a half ago and my status still hasn't been changed to admitida so I'm nervous.  I tried calling but you can only leave a message!

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[unohooim7]

On another note, two things I just noticed looking at the "listado":

one, several "admitida" applicants are from countries outside of north america. How does that work?

two, I counted more than 150 second year applicants that were offered spots in Madrid already! gah! That's about half of the total number of second year students listed!

1) The list seems to be for all foreign auxiliares in Spain, not just North Americans.

2) Based on the blogs I'd read and some comments on this forum and the FB groups, it seems like many 2nd year applicants switch to Madrid, if they don't stay with the same school. It doesn't seem like anyone goes from Extremadura to Pais Vasco, or Galicia to Valencia. Shawn mentioned that they are adding high schools to the program in Madrid. For some reason, I feel like the 2nd year applicants will be placed in the high schools and the newbies will get the primary and middle schools. I guess we'll see in a couple of months.

Does anybody know how many auxilares they are accepting from OUTSIDE North America?

I found something on the British Learning Council site that there were about 550 spots available in Spain. I imagine that covers England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales. For the 08-09 year, there were about 30 spots for Australians. I'm not sure about the other countries, but those are the other native-English speakers.

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[madridsally]

I found something on the British Learning Council site that there were about 550 spots available in Spain. I imagine that covers England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales. For the 08-09 year, there were about 30 spots for Australians. I'm not sure about the other countries, but those are the other native-English speakers.

Hmm I wonder if auxilaries from other countries get the same #s as we do. And when they say there are "more than 1200" spots, does than mean just for North Americans or for everyone?  Not that this really matters to me, but just curious.

 

Based on the blogs I'd read and some comments on this forum and the FB groups, it seems like many 2nd year applicants switch to Madrid, if they don't stay with the same school. It doesn't seem like anyone goes from Extremadura to Pais Vasco, or Galicia to Valencia. Shawn mentioned that they are adding high schools to the program in Madrid. For some reason, I feel like the 2nd year applicants will be placed in the high schools and the newbies will get the primary and middle schools. I guess we'll see in a couple of months.

Actually I had a friend who switched from Castilla La Mancha (in 2008-09) to Valencia last year (2009-10). I'm not sure how he managed that, I could ask him about it.

However the system works, it seems like Madrid is a very popular destination for second year's. It's making me feel a little less confident about my #145.  Hopefully there are well over 300 positions in Madrid, otherwise I would be cutting it close!  Also, there was a rumor that they might place people with lower incrita numbers more urban locations. Although, I'm not sure if that is true or not....  Anyway, it's out of my hands at this point! I'll just wait and see...

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[caraluna]

Hmm I wonder if auxilaries from other countries get the same #s as we do. And when they say there are "more than 1200" spots, does than mean just for North Americans or for everyone?  Not that this really matters to me, but just curious.

 
Actually I had a friend who switched from Castilla La Mancha (in 2008-09) to Valencia last year (2009-10). I'm not sure how he managed that, I could ask him about it.

However the system works, it seems like Madrid is a very popular destination for second year's. It's making me feel a little less confident about my #145.  Hopefully there are well over 300 positions in Madrid, otherwise I would be cutting it close!  Also, there was a rumor that they might place people with lower incrita numbers more urban locations. Although, I'm not sure if that is true or not....  Anyway, it's out of my hands at this point! I'll just wait and see...

Uh oh, that does NOT bode well for those of us in the 400s...

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[halydia]

Hmm I wonder if auxilaries from other countries get the same #s as we do. And when they say there are "more than 1200" spots, does than mean just for North Americans or for everyone?  Not that this really matters to me, but just curious.

"The Ministry of Education of Spain announces over 1,200 openings for U.S. and Canadian Language & Culture Assistants ('CULTURAL AMBASSADORS') in Spain, for the  2010-2011 school year.
The positions are offered in the K-12 public school system."

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[robert87]

Does anybody know how many auxilares they are accepting from OUTSIDE North America?

Not sure, but it won't affect us as that is a different program that serves the same purpose.  They are still going to have the same amount of auxiliares from the US, regardless of the amount they accept from other countries.  Thankfully the partido popular has been very adamant against cutting education during this crisis, especially English in the classroom.  In fact, they have been pushing to add more English in schools (Spanish as well, because not all schools are taught in Spanish- ie Cataluña devotes approximately two hours a week to Spanish, about the same amount of time as English)

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[robert87]

"Dear new applicant/candidate,  Your application status is “inscrita” or “submitted.” Please send the hard copy documentation to your corresponding office found in the manual, www.mepsyd.es/exterior/usa/en/programs/us_assistants/default.shtml  Your documents must be received on or before APRIL 15. PLEASE, DISREGARD IF YOU ARE A RENEWAL CANDIDATE  Please disregard if you have already sent your documents and allow two weeks for application processing i.e. for your status to change to admitida. You will receive only one number in the whole process that determines the order of selection (see page 16 of the manual). This number will not change and is your application number given when you inscribir/submit your application. Your application needs to be complete (in “admitida” status) before APRIL 15, 2010 in order to make you eligible for a position. Positions will be awarded in late April, early May. Once your application is processed you will receive an alert email saying you are “registrada” from Profex. For a list of terms please see the glossary in the manual."

I received this a few days ago...but it's a bit confusing.  Does all of your hard copy documentation need to be received before April 15th or does your status actually have to be admitida before the 15th.  I sent my copies in a week and a half ago and my status still hasn't been changed to admitida so I'm nervous.  I tried calling but you can only leave a message!

My guess would be that they are absolutely swamped with paper work right now.  I highly doubt you have to have admitida status by the 15th to be eligible.  I think that if your hard copies are received by the 15th then your are eligible, therefore the admitida list should continue to until the 3rd/4th week of April.  I'm not sure what happens if they receive your documentation on the 16th, but it could be  high possibility they place it in your file and will only look at it when spots need to be filled due to various reasons (people not showing up, people deciding to return to the US, etc...).

Best of luck

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[madridsally]

"The Ministry of Education of Spain announces over 1,200 openings for U.S. and Canadian Language & Culture Assistants ('CULTURAL AMBASSADORS') in Spain, for the  2010-2011 school year.
The positions are offered in the K-12 public school system."

Yeah, that's what I thought I remembered. So, that leaves the question: Do they get the same inscrita numbers that we do? And, if so, does that mean our numbers are inflated by non-North American language assistants who are not competing for the same spots?

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[halydia]

Yeah, that's what I thought I remembered. So, that leaves the question: Do they get the same inscrita numbers that we do? And, if so, does that mean our numbers are inflated by non-North American language assistants who are not competing for the same spots?

Take a look at the number of people admitida. That will be your only way to take a guess.

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[ire]

hey all!,

I know this has been asked before but in the end I couldn't figure out if the answer was yes or no.  Do we find out the region we get placed in through email ?  If not does anyone know where on Profex we look to accept a region.

Thanks!!:) hope we all hear about our placements soon!

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[pepita]

I've got a question for the old-timers: On average, when do you receive your letter that you need to apply for the student visa? I know I've read that it varies a lot, and I'm sorry for asking a common question but I'm on a short break from work and can't search through everything.

Also, has anyone heard anything of applying for the visa from abroad? I swear I've read about this before too, but I can't find anything now and it's a topic on the Facebook group right now. The reason I'm concerned about all of this is because I have a potential job in Spain for the summer which would start in July, and between the letters coming late and all the restrictions for applying for a visa (at least 6 weeks to process, applying AND picking up in person, etc.), it seems impossible to make it happen. Anyone have any insight?

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[madridsally]

Take a look at the number of people admitida. That will be your only way to take a guess.

I have, of course, done this because I am obsessive. haha. But it is too early to say at this point, since there are a lot more people who are yet to become admitida.  I will check again at the end of the week.... I am going to be such an expert on this program lol.

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[wacooper]

Question- I'm trying to make logical sense out of the placement process (which according to previous posts could be all in vain).... but which is more important, Inscrita or Admitida....... My inscrita number is high (10_1AXCOO3284) but my admitida number is average (In the 1100s when I was notified I was admitida)... logic would suggest that they would take a look at and place people who have completed the full application (online and hard documents together- the admitida number) first over just the electronic submission. But reading the posts I was confused about whether that was correct, or is placement in the program based on the inscrita number only. Having only the inscrita number count towards your "place in line" doesn't really make sense if they take into account both the electronic and hard copies, but if that's correct then what is the point of the hard documents considering you have to have a medical and police clearance for a visa anyways? Can anyone clarify?? Thanks- I'm just trying to get an understanding of whether I should expect to hear something from them in May or June, or if I'm going to be contacted like August or beyond- financial planning kind of centers around when I may hear something

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[halydia]

Question- I'm trying to make logical sense out of the placement process (which according to previous posts could be all in vain).... but which is more important, Inscrita or Admitida....... My inscrita number is high (10_1AXCOO3284) but my admitida number is average (In the 1100s when I was notified I was admitida)... logic would suggest that they would take a look at and place people who have completed the full application (online and hard documents together- the admitida number) first over just the electronic submission. But reading the posts I was confused about whether that was correct, or is placement in the program based on the inscrita number only. Having only the inscrita number count towards your "place in line" doesn't really make sense if they take into account both the electronic and hard copies, but if that's correct then what is the point of the hard documents considering you have to have a medical and police clearance for a visa anyways? Can anyone clarify?? Thanks- I'm just trying to get an understanding of whether I should expect to hear something from them in May or June, or if I'm going to be contacted like August or beyond- financial planning kind of centers around when I may hear something

Once you get to Spain, you will quickly come to find that it is the land of numbers. Take a number and wait to send a letter. Take a number and wait to ask a question in a government office. Take a number and wait to buy fish at the supermarket.

This is another one of those number things. You got in line with your first submission - your inscrita number. At the post office here it doesn't matter if you've got your letter sealed and ready and just need a stamp, you have to wait for the abuelita with a "better" number than yours to pack the box, address the box, send the box... and talk about her grandkids. Numbers, numbers, numbers...

You are now officially dealing with things the Spanish way.

Regarding why it's even necessary to submit the hard copies, I imagine it's to avoid the problems that could possibly arise should John or Jane Doe arrive at the Consulate in x-city in late July and has some sort of abnormality in either one of these documents. Should an abnormality arise, Spain loses an auxiliar who could have arrived in October. Now, the person who will have to take John's/Jane's spot won't arrive until December. If everything is given the "vista buena" early in the game, things are simplified.

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[serendipity]

Hmm I wonder if auxilaries from other countries get the same #s as we do. And when they say there are "more than 1200" spots, does than mean just for North Americans or for everyone?  Not that this really matters to me, but just curious.

 
Actually I had a friend who switched from Castilla La Mancha (in 2008-09) to Valencia last year (2009-10). I'm not sure how he managed that, I could ask him about it.

However the system works, it seems like Madrid is a very popular destination for second year's. It's making me feel a little less confident about my #145.  Hopefully there are well over 300 positions in Madrid, otherwise I would be cutting it close!  Also, there was a rumor that they might place people with lower incrita numbers more urban locations. Although, I'm not sure if that is true or not....  Anyway, it's out of my hands at this point! I'll just wait and see...

i counted the number of auxiliares placed in madrid last year (i was able to download the list from profex), and there was about 400. and then if shawn is right, they will be adding more high schools. i'm number #243 and keeping my fingers crossed for madrid...i'm thinking it should be fine. i've already told everyone i'm probably going to madrid, hahaha. and i have some friends from/in madrid that i've been getting advice from.

we'll just have to wait a few more weeks... i hate this indefinite "LATE APRIL/EARLY MAY" thing...

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