North American Language and Culture Assistants 2010-2011

[hurrikaane]

The guide does not mention needing the Apostille for the med or police reports for your application.

What about for for the police record thing? Anyone know whether that's needed for the initial application?

[hurrikaane]

Again, what size (pixels) photo are people uploading for their CV picture?

[unohooim7]

Here's my advice to all people who are applying, instead of looking at this as something frustrating, which it can be, I know, focus on the goal, which is to come back to Spain to live and work LEGALLY and gain international work experience.  Gripe, compain, get it out of your system, but please do not let it make you bitter.

When I first found out about this program and this forum in September, I was pinching myself!! I had a half-assed dream to save money so that I can try to move to Spain in 2011 and hope I can find enough illegal work to survive. But then...I found this program where I'd be legal, I'd be handed a job with no experience or an expensive training course (though I plan to get a CELTA before I go), I'd have guaranteed income, AND health insurance. And then I found this forum offering help and advice about the application process...It was like a treasure map right out in the open on the internet: "Here is your dream and here's exactly what you must do to get there!"

This process is confusing and frustrating, but relatively easy for what you can get! I agree with Shawn, focus on the goal.

[unohooim7]

Again, what size (pixels) photo are people uploading for their CV picture?

I just scanned the passport sized photo I attached to my application. It ended up being 31KB and 384x364. The size limit is 100kb. Pixels shouldn't matter as long as it's under 100kb. Just try uploading a photo and see if the site accepts it.

[hurrikaane]

Thanks Uno.

Another interesting thing to note, the manual states that we need "A document detailing your police record, if any, issued by your local or state police."  This does not mention anything about needing reports from all places lived in the last 5 years, as the visa application requires. 

[elDorado]

The guide does not mention needing the Apostille for the med or police reports for your application.

Not for the application but for the visa. Its kind of dumb. Im getting a police check now that will be no good according to the 3month rule so Ill have to get another one when I apply for my visa in summer? ......................

[serendipity]

I'm gonna get new passport photos taken this week

How many passport photos do we need total? (for the application, visa, etc).

[ire]

hi everyone,

 1. what is contrastado with a check box beside it for?  It appears on every page of the application in the curriculum section.  Are we suppose to leave it blank or check it ?


2. Under the teaching experience section in the "comunidad autonoma" does it appear ANDALUCIA and you can't remove/change it and same thing for the "provincia" and ALMERIA appears and it won't let you remove/change it.  I got a message saying this section had an error and to email the technicians explaining where the error occurred.  Anyone else have this problem ?

Thanks

[hurrikaane]

1.  You are to ignore it.
2.  Unless you've taught in Spain, those fields will be unavailable to edit.

[SRedw]

dwhiteside says
   

Hi All!

I just completed and submitted my online application for the Auxiliares program for 2010-2011 and am now putting together my packet of hard copies to send to the consulate. Does anyone know from where the police report should come from? i.e. city, county, state?

Thanks

BKVal  responds
   

hi!

 I'm applying for the program as well and am in the process of getting all the materials together as well as submit my online application. I've spoken to the Spanish Ministry of Education and they said you just have to get a letter from your local police prescient stating that you don't have a record. Hope this helps!

Val

Please do not start a new topic related to the program.

Thanks,

Shawn

[SRedw]

BKVal writes

Hi All,

 So, I'm applying to the Spanish Ministry of Education's Cultural and Language Assistants Program and there seems to be some confusion as to whether or not I will have to go through the visa process. At first I was told I just need to submit photocopies of my American and my Portuguese passports and I would not need to go through the visa process. Today, no one seems to be sure. So I ask you guys. Will I need to go through the visa process for this program even though I already hold a Portuguese Passport?

[caraluna]

Does the police report have to be notarized? I got a Criminal Record Search from the Clerk of Court's office the other day. It has a raised seal, but I'm not sure whether that works for the application?  Also, would I need a report from my Undergrad location as well as my hometown for the initial application? Thanks!

[serendipity]

Does the police report have to be notarized? I got a Criminal Record Search from the Clerk of Court's office the other day. It has a raised seal, but I'm not sure whether that works for the application?  Also, would I need a report from my Undergrad location as well as my hometown for the initial application? Thanks!

caraluna - at this stage, nothing needs to be notarized. things will later need to be notarized when we apply for the VISA

those criminal record searches will be totally fine, as long as it looks official/legitimate.


as for me, i'm from california and i just got livescanned this morning to save me the hassle from getting records from 2 different police stations. it will give me a report from the california department of justice.

oh and unohooim7, my livescan only cost $32 total. it was $7 at a sheriff's station, and $25 for the doj record review fee. for everybody else who is getting livescanned in california - check the listings, bc most of the time, actual police stations/sheriff's stations have it much cheaper than private fingerprinting companies. http://ag.ca.gov/fingerprints/publications/contact.php i hope my livescan clearance comes as quickly as yours, and then i'm about ready to send my app away, yayyy

[unohooim7]

as for me, i'm from california and i just got livescanned this morning to save me the hassle from getting records from 2 different police stations. it will give me a report from the california department of justice.

oh and unohooim7, my livescan only cost $32 total. it was $7 at a sheriff's station, and $25 for the doj record review fee. for everybody else who is getting livescanned in california - check the listings, bc most of the time, actual police stations/sheriff's stations have it much cheaper than private fingerprinting companies. http://ag.ca.gov/fingerprints/publications/contact.php i hope my livescan clearance comes as quickly as yours, and then i'm about ready to send my app away, yayyy

Yay! Thanks for the tip, I'll look into a sheriff's office WHEN (*crosses fingers*) I need to apply for the visa.

If you were scanned yesterday morning, I'm sure your clearance will go out in the mail today. They ship from Sacramento and I'm in San Francisco, which is why I got mine so quickly. If you're in SoCal, I imagine you'll receive it no later than Monday.

I wonder if they'll send emails when the application status switches from "Inscrita" to "Admitada." Seems like last year, some people got the email and some didn't.

[hurrikaane]

Be happy you live in CA.  Out here in Massachusetts, it's roughly a 2 week wait for your record.  You get the pleasure of snail mailing in a form to the state.

[serendipity]

hey all!

besides unohooim7, are there any other californians who got live scanned and have received/or are waiting for their "record review" from the California Department of Justice?

I know it hasn't been that long, but I'm getting a little nervous because I got live-scanned last Thursday and I still haven't received my clearance in the mail. I know it hasn't even been a week, but unohooim7 received it like right away. i am just curious to hear from other Californians about how long it took them

I'm just antsy to get this app over and done with! haha

[BKVal]

Hi All! 

I just finished my application online yesterday (inscrita 174 - PHEW!). Feels good to have it done though. For anyone having trouble if you're confused about the steps in the application, go here. http://www.educacion.es/exterior/usa/en/File/aux_us/Secuencia%20pasos_profex_%20ENG.pdf

It will give you step by step instructions. The Ministry of Ed in DC uploaded them a few days ago. I spoke to the woman who was in the process of putting it together. If you have any questions that your nearest Ministry of Ed can't answer, call DC. They're really knowledgeable and helpful.

Also, I first learned about Ceuta and Melilla last night when I had to pick my comunidad autónomas.  I believe I picked them at my 2nd or 3rd choice. Has anyone ever taught there?

[unohooim7]

hey all!
I know it hasn't been that long, but I'm getting a little nervous because I got live-scanned last Thursday and I still haven't received my clearance in the mail. I know it hasn't even been a week, but unohooim7 received it like right away. i am just curious to hear from other Californians about how long it took them

I'm just antsy to get this app over and done with! haha

serendipity,

Call the DOJ today. When I did my scan, the guy said that if I didn't receive it within 5 business days that I should call them around that time because the DOJ deletes requests after awhile. When you got scanned, you should have received a confirmation number. Call (916) 227-3849, which is the number on the Live Scan form, and give them your confirmation number. Good luck!

[buffalove]

I inscrita'ed and mailed my application to the consulate this afternoon.  i was only #184! dont worry folks, there's still plenty of time!!! Pais Vasco I cant wait!!!   

i saw a lot of questions about the crime report thing.  for the application you only need to prove that you dont have a criminal record.  i just went to buffalo (your city) police headquarters and had a background check.  i just needed my drivers license.  it was $10 and took about ten minutes.  i recommend that approach.

[buffalove]

how long does it usually take to go from inscrita to admitada?  i sent my application to the new york office the other day.  i've heard that in new york its usually only a few business days

[Sclafan]

Hi everyone,

I've been trying to register and begin my application and I keep getting this message: "Error accediendo a los datos: dirija una consulta a la dirección de asistencia técnica detallando la operación que estaba llevando a cabo cuando sucedió el error. Gracias."  Has this happened to anyone else, and if so, do you know what to do?  I would really appreciate advice because I want to submit my application asap!

[gski]

Received this email from the consulate in LA confirming they received all my hard copies:

"It is our turn to include you as  ADMITIDO  but we won´t be able to do that till later next year.  What really matters is   your ID number in profex".

So in answer to a previous poster's question about when our status will be updated, it looks like they are waiting on something before they can start.  If anyone hears otherwise, please let us know.

And the most important thing is the Profex number you're assigned after submitting your application online.  Technically, you have months to mail them your hard copies without penalty because your acceptance and region assignment are completely based on that number.

[unohooim7]

Received this email from the consulate in LA confirming they received all my hard copies:

"It is our turn to include you as  ADMITIDO  but we won´t be able to do that till later next year.  What really matters is   your ID number in profex".

So in answer to a previous poster's question about when our status will be updated, it looks like they are waiting on something before they can start.  If anyone hears otherwise, please let us know.

And the most important thing is the Profex number you're assigned after submitting your application online.  Technically, you have months to mail them your hard copies without penalty because your acceptance and region assignment are completely based on that number.

Thanks gski. I'm trying be patient and haven't sent an email to the LA consulate to check on Admitada. I sent my documents via UPS, so I have confirmation of delivery, but it'd a huge load off to to have that Admitada confirmation...but I'm happy to be Inscrita!

I've been trying to register and begin my application and I keep getting this message: "Error accediendo a los datos: dirija una consulta a la dirección de asistencia técnica detallando la operación que estaba llevando a cabo cuando sucedió el error. Gracias."  Has this happened to anyone else, and if so, do you know what to do?  I would really appreciate advice because I want to submit my application asap!

 

Sorry, Sclafan, not familiar with that error. If you've followed the directions in the manual and keep getting that error, then perhaps contact Profex Support:

Ms. Rachel Canteri rachel.canteri@educacion.es
Ph.: 202-728-2335

[serendipity]

WHOO HOO, I finally submitted my application. What a relief... i was just waiting to fill all the pieces in the puzzle (medical certificate, letter of rec, police clearance, etc).

I am inscrita #234 and i put madrid for #1, followed by catalunya (#2), then extremedura (#3). i am sending my hard copy app via USPS certified mail tomorrow.

To everybody else, buena suerte! and Happy Holidays

[cmb04012]

Hi everyone,

I have a question about the letter of recommendation.  Did anyone send in a letter NOT from a Spanish class professor?  Also, did anyone send in a letter that was not specifically written for this program?  In other words, I have a general letter of rec from a political science professor that I was hoping I could use because I did not take Spanish in college.

Thanks and Merry Christmas

[serendipity]

Hi everyone,

I have a question about the letter of recommendation.  Did anyone send in a letter NOT from a Spanish class professor?  Also, did anyone send in a letter that was not specifically written for this program?  In other words, I have a general letter of rec from a political science professor that I was hoping I could use because I did not take Spanish in college.

Thanks and Merry Christmas

My letter of rec was from an academic advisor/career counselor who was also an advisor to a campus organization I was involved in... I'm sure many people get letters of rec from people other than spanish professors.

As for the general letter of rec... is it really general enough? (e.g... it doesn't say "i think so and so is perfect for your GRADUATE PROGRAM... etc). if you COULD, i'm sure it would be great if your professor could at least insert the name of the program into the letter. but if that's the best you can do, and time is of the essence, than it should be ok... if it says something like "so-and-so is perfect for your program/position"

[elDorado]

So Ive gathered all my documents and just need the passport photos....But let me get this straight. We have to do both the med check and background report AGAIN in 6 months so they can be apostillized for the visa?? Lots of hoop jumping here.

[gski]

So Ive gathered all my documents and just need the passport photos....But let me get this straight. We have to do both the med check and background report AGAIN in 6 months so they can be apostillized for the visa?? Lots of hoop jumping here.

Yes, I received confirmation that those two documents will need to be obtained a second time so that they are dated within 90 days of your Visa application.  Sucks, I know.  They must have had problems with people being accepted into the program but then were not able to obtain those clearances or something.

[serendipity]

So Ive gathered all my documents and just need the passport photos....But let me get this straight. We have to do both the med check and background report AGAIN in 6 months so they can be apostillized for the visa?? Lots of hoop jumping here.

for the medical certificate, i actually warned my doctor that i will be coming back in a few months to get an updated medical certificate with an updated date.. and i gave her a blank form to keep on file and she was totally cool about it. i suggest you give your doctor a heads up so they know what's going on

[buffalove]

jesus in the new york office e.mailed me the other day and told me to re do my doctor letter because it didnt follow the example one close enough.  so make sure you do that!  also send your consulate all original documents. from prior experience with a visa application, i sent only copies because i thought they would loose the originals.   so make sure once you're "inscrita" you send in your original documents

[buffalove]

for the medical certificate, i actually warned my doctor that i will be coming back in a few months to get an updated medical certificate with an updated date.. and i gave her a blank form to keep on file and she was totally cool about it. i suggest you give your doctor a heads up so they know what's going on

if you've had a physical within twelve months they should write you another letter with out having to be seen again.

[serendipity]

Received this email from the consulate in LA confirming they received all my hard copies:

"It is our turn to include you as  ADMITIDO  but we won´t be able to do that till later next year.  What really matters is   your ID number in profex".

So in answer to a previous poster's question about when our status will be updated, it looks like they are waiting on something before they can start.  If anyone hears otherwise, please let us know.

And the most important thing is the Profex number you're assigned after submitting your application online.  Technically, you have months to mail them your hard copies without penalty because your acceptance and region assignment are completely based on that number.

regarding this... Has ANYBODY gotten ADMITADA on their profex yet...?

[christina482]

regarding this... Has ANYBODY gotten ADMITADA on their profex yet...?

My status was changed to ADMITIDA yesterday (my consulate is New York). I spoke with a woman at the consulate last week to confirm that my paperwork had been received, and she said that it had. Later that day I got an email from Jesus at the consulate telling me that he needed the originals of my medical certificate and police report (I had only sent copies). I sent those via snail mail and a few days later I received email confirmation that my solicitud "ha sido regristrada" and when I logged into Profex, I was admitida. Everyone at the consulate was extremely nice and helpful so if you've mailed all of your paperwork and your status hasn't been changed, I would recommend giving them a call.

[elDorado]

what number is it up to now?

[beachp]

what number is it up to now?

Received #314 on December 28.

[sarahg]

Anyone know how much of a difference it makes whether we write the essay in English or Spanish?

I don't have Spanish classes on my transcript (I went to Spanish school in Costa Rica, but threw away the certificate so I can't scan it, and was placed in an upper-intermediate class at work which I completed) so I feel like I should write it in Spanish just in case.  However, it'll take awhile and I'll have to pay a tutor to help me translate because all of the Spanish classes I've taken had an emphasis on conversation.  I can get by just fine in a Spanish-speaking country, and I can read it, but I'm not so good with writing it.

[unohooim7]

Anyone know how much of a difference it makes whether we write the essay in English or Spanish?

. . .  I feel like I should write it in Spanish just in case.  However, it'll take awhile and I'll have to pay a tutor to help me translate because all of the Spanish classes I've taken had an emphasis on conversation.  I can get by just fine in a Spanish-speaking country, and I can read it, but I'm not so good with writing it.

The most important thing is to get the application in sooner than later, especially since they pass out region assignments based on the order in which you submit your application. If writing it in Spanish will be a pain just write it in English, submit your application and be done with it.

[CourtneyK]

Hi Everyone...Any idea what number we're at through Profex? I saw 314 a couple of days ago...Just curious. I'm just waiting for my medical document...Pretty eager to submit my application.

Thanks!

Courtney
Chicago, Illinois

[scclads]

Just submitted, am number 424.  I was going to wait and review choices tomorrow, but decided sooner was better than later.  Inscribir, inscribir, inscribir!

[ire]

hey all!

a question about the medical report.  Did you print out a copy of the one posted online and have the doctor fill it in? or did the doctor write it all out manually?

thanks

[buffalove]

hey all!

a question about the medical report.  Did you print out a copy of the one posted online and have the doctor fill it in? or did the doctor write it all out manually?

thanks

just have your doctor write something very similar to the the one posted online. it doesn't have to be exact but it has to be close... i suggest having your doctor write it out on their company letterhead

[CourtneyK]

Hi There...I copied from the FAQ section online what the medical certificate should say...It's not very long. You might want to use this as a guideline. Have your doctor sign and date it.

My doctor wouldn't sign the certificate without all sorts of blood work done first...TB test...Tetanus vaccine, etc. I won't get my results till tomorrow AM. So - If you still have to get the medical doc completed...See if you can't get in much sooner than later

Regards,

Courtney
Chicago, IL

[gski]

Hi Everyone...Any idea what number we're at through Profex? I saw 314 a couple of days ago...Just curious. I'm just waiting for my medical document...Pretty eager to submit my application.

The submittal online is what matters most since that is where you are assigned your PROFEX number, which is what everything is based on. 

I actually submitted my online application without a medical certificate or judicial conduct report because I submitted before they had posted the new Program Manual, which makes it clear that those two items are now required at application time (and I was going by last year's requirements).  Oops! I had to send those two documents separately about 2 weeks after I submitted online and mailed my initial set of hard copies.  After almost having a heart attack, I was reassured by a contact at the consulate that the Profex number stays the same no matter how long it takes to get all your hard copies right!

I'm not advocating any course of action, but do with that information what you wish.

Admitida as of about an hour ago btw .

[unohooim7]

I actually submitted my online application without a medical certificate or judicial conduct report because I submitted before they had posted the new Program Manual, which makes it clear that those two items are now required at application time (and I was going by last year's requirements).  Oops! I had to send those two documents separately about 2 weeks after I submitted online and mailed my initial set of hard copies.

That is EXACTLY my story, gski! However, I'm not yet Admitada (congrats, btw). Someone posted that they had to send the original medical certificate in order to become Admitada. My doctor's office emailed me a scan of the medical certificate, so it didn't have a ink signature. I emailed the consulate contact in Los Angeles, but she's out of the office until tomorrow. Rather than stress about it, I contacted my doctor's office who has recreated the letter with an ink signature (since they only keep electronic files). I'll ship the letter tonight and the consulate will have it Thursday. I could be Admitada by next week!

gski, what's your 1st choice region?

[gski]

That is EXACTLY my story, gski! However, I'm not yet Admitada (congrats, btw). Someone posted that they had to send the original medical certificate in order to become Admitada. My doctor's office emailed me a scan of the medical certificate, so it didn't have a ink signature. I emailed the consulate contact in Los Angeles, but she's out of the office until tomorrow. Rather than stress about it, I contacted my doctor's office who has recreated the letter with an ink signature (since they only keep electronic files). I'll ship the letter tonight and the consulate will have it Thursday. I could be Admitada by next week!

gski, what's your 1st choice region?

Hi uno.  It's nice to hear I wasn't the only one!  I submitted the original of the medical certificate though, so I didn't run into that issue.  And yea, don't stress.  Your PROFEX number isn't going anywhere, so as long as they receive the medical certificate by March 30...  .  I also submitted to the LA consulate.

My first choice region was Andalucia.  My wife and I are applying together and they told us that Andalucia and Madrid are the regions with the most spots, which gives us the best chance of being placed near each other (they said they do their best to place couples as close as possible provided there are still spots available... it's all about that PROFEX number again!).

What was your #1 choice?

[unohooim7]

Hi uno.  It's nice to hear I wasn't the only one!  I submitted the original of the medical certificate though, so I didn't run into that issue.  And yea, don't stress.  Your PROFEX number isn't going anywhere, so as long as they receive the medical certificate by March 30...  .  I also submitted to the LA consulate.

My first choice region was Andalucia.  My wife and I are applying together and they told us that Andalucia and Madrid are the regions with the most spots, which gives us the best chance of being placed near each other (they said they do their best to place couples as close as possible provided there are still spots available... it's all about that PROFEX number again!).

What was your #1 choice?

I'm not stressing so much as I look forward to a little break. This program has been my obsession for the past few months. I need to focus on being a good employee so they don't fire me before I get a chance to quit! 

I applied for Madrid. I've studied in Cordoba and thought I'd go for the big city!   

[serendipity]

Admitida as of about an hour ago btw .

gski what consulate office are you?



BTW, I e-mailed Carmen Santas at the Los Angeles consulates, and I got an vacation response saying she would be away until January 6, 2010

[hurrikaane]

Submitted today, #443.  Surprised at how quickly the number had gone up, seems as if this year more applications are being submitted?  Or, at least, more quickly?

1. Madrid / 2. Pais Vasco / 3. Galicia

[hurrikaane]

Also, anyone know if a Facebook group has been started for 2010-11 yet?  I tried the powers of Google but didn't find anything.

[gski]

gski what consulate office are you?



BTW, I e-mailed Carmen Santas at the Los Angeles consulates, and I got an vacation response saying she would be away until January 6, 2010

I'm under the LA consulate also, and Carmen Santas is who I've corresponded with.  I believe she has a few people who work with/under her on this program, though she is the main contact.