Topic: North American Language and Culture Assistants 2010-2011 (Read 105854 times)

saram · « **Reply #200 on:** January 31, 2010, 02:43:31 PM »

Last year they filled over 2000 spots, if you check the facebook group for Auxiliares de Conversacion Solicitudes 1700+. Candidates 1700 and over were waitlisted - like me. I had to end up declining my grant, but this year I'm reapplying from abroad in Asia and if I make it in by 1700, I'll feel ok about it. I'm waiting on documents. Do the police clearance and medical certificate have to be uploaded onto Profex? I know this question has been addressed, but after reading this thread for 15 minutes the volley back and forth of yes or no is kind of mind boggling. I just emailed my consulate's advisor in NY to see what he'll say (Alvarez) but was wondering if anyone else had gotten an answer from him about this.

halydia · « **Reply #201 on:** January 31, 2010, 04:29:50 PM »

Quote from: chameleon333888 on January 31, 2010, 02:27:10 AM

Sorry to barge in on the conversation, but if I'm number 1280 and I listed Extremadura as my first choice, do you think there's any chance I'll get it? I'm kicking myself because I filled out my application over a month ago, but I didn't actually send the profex portion (I only thought I did so it's been sitting completed on file and unsent for a month!) and I missed the 1200 cutoff... I'll go anywhere if it means being in Spain for a year, but I'm just hoping I can still snag a spot in Extremadura.

Hey there,

You're not "barging in" - we're here to ask and be asked!
I can't help you with the question about extremadura though - I've never even been there. Maybe you could find someone on the facebook group (or this site) who is there to ask if they fill up the program there. Best of luck!

mbg_mi · « **Reply #202 on:** January 31, 2010, 04:59:40 PM »

Quote from: saram on January 31, 2010, 02:43:31 PM

Last year they filled over 2000 spots, if you check the facebook group for Auxiliares de Conversacion Solicitudes 1700+. Candidates 1700 and over were waitlisted - like me. I had to end up declining my grant, but this year I'm reapplying from abroad in Asia and if I make it in by 1700, I'll feel ok about it. I'm waiting on documents. Do the police clearance and medical certificate have to be uploaded onto Profex? I know this question has been addressed, but after reading this thread for 15 minutes the volley back and forth of yes or no is kind of mind boggling. I just emailed my consulate's advisor in NY to see what he'll say (Alvarez) but was wondering if anyone else had gotten an answer from him about this.

I also applied in NY and I did not upload that stuff in PROFX, I sent it to the NY office and I got my admitida status.

beachp · « **Reply #203 on:** January 31, 2010, 08:47:16 PM »

I believe it states in the maunual that uploading documents is optional. I know it's not necessary because when I sent my application via profex, I did not upload any documents, and I was assigned a number.

saram · « **Reply #204 on:** February 01, 2010, 12:57:37 AM »

Quote from: beachp on January 31, 2010, 08:47:16 PM

I believe it states in the maunual that uploading documents is optional. I know it's not necessary because when I sent my application via profex, I did not upload any documents, and I was assigned a number.

That's good to know. I guess I can at least get a number if I'm waiting on my two documents.

saram · « **Reply #205 on:** February 01, 2010, 01:01:05 AM »

Also........what's the count up to now? Please share your number if you're recently inscrita.

selisabethh · « **Reply #206 on:** February 01, 2010, 05:24:16 AM »

I just submitted my application (yay!) and I was lucky number 1300. Btw, I did not upload my documents, still waiting on a few things to come in. Figured I should go ahead and submit to get my number and then mail all the hard copies together.

t.c.parker · « **Reply #207 on:** February 02, 2010, 06:56:00 AM »

So what has everyone listed as their preferences?

1. Pais Vasco

2. Cantabria

3. Madrid

Anyone else?

I'm putting my physical application together. I was wondering if anyone knew if we should send copies of the:

Medical Release Form

Criminal Record Form

Because we would need both of these to be able to apply for the visa later on.

Also, are the originals supposed to receive some sort of certification? Do the copies need to be notarized?

Please let me know, and lets keep talking about Spain. Let's stay excited guys.

T.C. Parker

Idaho

unohooim7 · « **Reply #208 on:** February 02, 2010, 06:27:22 PM »

Quote from: t.c.parker on February 02, 2010, 06:56:00 AM

So what has everyone listed as their preferences?

1. Pais Vasco
2. Cantabria
3. Madrid

I was wondering if anyone knew if we should send copies of the:
Medical Release Form
Criminal Record Form

Because we would need both of these to be able to apply for the visa later on.

Also, are the originals supposed to receive some sort of certification? Do the copies need to be notarized?

Please let me know, and lets keep talking about Spain. Let's stay excited guys.

T.C. Parker

Idaho

1. Madrid
2. Catalunia
3. Pais Vasco

You will need to send the original version of the Medical Release Form and Criminal Record Form along with you application materials in order to become Inscrita.

You'll need new documents to apply for the visa and THOSE documents will need the Apostille of the Hague. Feel free to call or email the San Francisco Consulate to make sure, since they are the ones who will have final say over your visa application.

t.c.parker · « **Reply #209 on:** February 02, 2010, 08:02:35 PM »

But then we will have to have both reprinted again wouldn't we?

Doesn't that mean I would have to have the doctor sign twice? And I'm kind of confused as to how to get the Apostille on there.

cwtack · « **Reply #210 on:** February 02, 2010, 08:07:20 PM »

to keep everyone updated, i submitted my application without uploading any documents and i was applicant #1335. one thing to note is that i did spell my name wrong on the application, "Christophner"...i really hope that doesn't screw me over, lol. other that i am really excited! the website does say there are "over 1200 openings" and 1700 was mentioned here so i feel good about making the cut-off point. i would love to return to Leon!

halydia · « **Reply #211 on:** February 02, 2010, 08:21:49 PM »

Quote from: t.c.parker on February 02, 2010, 08:02:35 PM

But then we will have to have both reprinted again wouldn't we?

Doesn't that mean I would have to have the doctor sign twice? And I'm kind of confused as to how to get the Apostille on there.

1. To get the answer about the copy/original deal, call the consulate or office where you have to send your documentation. If I remember correctly, it even varies between offices.

2. As for the Apostille, you can find more info here: http://www.sos.idaho.gov/notary/apostill.htm

Note for Canadians or Americans who have Canadian documents: the process is NOT the same, as Canada does not do the apostille of the hague. The process took me at the very least a month, so take that into consideration when planning your appointments, etc.

knina23 · « **Reply #212 on:** February 02, 2010, 09:59:11 PM »

Hey!

This is my 1st year as a taeching assistant and I am placed in a pueblo an hour outside of Sevilla. Over the weekend my roommate and I finished our renewal application on Profex and I was 1294 and she was 1384. Does anyone know if the profex number matters for renewals or just for those applying for the first time.

Dear Candidate,

Please allow us to make some clarifications to the past mass emails. Some have received an invitation to participate for another year. This email only refers to participants who are currently participating in their first year of the program for the 2009-10 academic year as it is the policy of the program to give priority to participants who wish to participate for the first time or those who wish to pursue a second (first renewal) year of the program.

The priority for regional assignments this year will be in the following order: first time renewal participants that hold a positive recommendation letter from their school, then brand new candidates who have never participated before, then we will take any other renewal candidates into consideration if they also hold a positive recommendation AND we have positions still available, which, due to the lengthy wait list for new candidates last year seems unlikely. That being said, candidates wishing to stay for a third or fourth year are not prevented from applying.

sarahg · « **Reply #213 on:** February 03, 2010, 03:13:56 AM »

Are we still good for getting in applying in the next week or so?

I think I might have to put a gun to my LOR writer's head to actually get that letter, haha. And still waiting on my police clearance since I'm living out of state right now.

t.c.parker · « **Reply #214 on:** February 03, 2010, 06:07:10 AM »

Make sure you just do the online part and submit it to get your number quicker.

Send the physical stuff afterwards.

GauxGaux · « **Reply #215 on:** February 03, 2010, 06:16:48 PM »

WOW! the numbers are going by fast. I submitted my application online January 7th and I was Inscrita #492. I just mailed all of my documents to my local consulate and so now I'm waiting for an "Admitida" status (hopefully!).

Can anyone out there who is already "Admitida" give me a timeline on how long it took them to become admitida after mailing their documents? Was your turn-around a week? Two weeks?

nathansaurus · « **Reply #216 on:** February 03, 2010, 07:00:59 PM »

Admitida, baby!

GauxGaux, I submitted my info to the Miami consulate last Wednesday and recieved admitida status yesterday. I think it's imperative to call whichever consulate is closest to you, to make sure that your application is correct with all the documents and if they had filed it yet, in order to move from inscrita to admitida. For me, I was inscrita #976 on Jan. 23rd, and got admitida yesterday, the 2nd of February.

All the best!

smin · « **Reply #217 on:** February 03, 2010, 08:15:56 PM »

Heard about this program last year in my spanish class. Thought about applying, never got around to it, and I just remembered about it yesterday and found you guys here - good thing too, or else I would have diddled around for a month before getting my app in. #1395, last night.
Looks like I'll be running around locating paperwork this week.
Any other canadians on here in the program? As a backup - has anyone looked into the youth mobility agreement signed between spain/canada last year? Or chile, for that matter? both good backup plans, anyway. of course, independently finding work in both those countries/economies could be a real headache.

halydia · « **Reply #218 on:** February 03, 2010, 10:29:25 PM »

Quote from: smin on February 03, 2010, 08:15:56 PM

Any other canadians on here in the program? As a backup - has anyone looked into the youth mobility agreement signed between spain/canada last year? Or chile, for that matter? both good backup plans, anyway. of course, independently finding work in both those countries/economies could be a real headache.

I'm not Canadian, but I went to university there. It'd sure be nice to have a youth mobility agreement available as a choice!

GauxGaux · « **Reply #219 on:** February 03, 2010, 11:25:08 PM »

Thanks NathanSaurus for your response.
I guess I was getting a little impatient because I just logged on to Profex to discover that I was just "admitida"! Thank God! The consulate received my materials on Friday and I was Admitida today, Wednesday. Talk about a quick turn-around. Oh and I was Inscrita #482, before I said #492 but I was mistaken. So now I'm Admitida #482!

mbg_mi · « **Reply #220 on:** February 04, 2010, 03:04:07 AM »

Admitida means you got all your stuff in, all that we need and you can now be selected correct? I mean we don't have a place but we are good to go for placing right? Also, Say yuo want Andalucia or Barcelona or whatever but there aren't any more spots left, that means the will place you in some other place (based on your 1,2,3 seleccion) but what after that, if 1, 2, 3 are full, they just place you ... wherever there is room?

beachp · « **Reply #221 on:** February 04, 2010, 04:43:39 AM »

If all the spots are full for your 1,2,3 preferences, then yes they place you wherever there is a need.

knina23 · « **Reply #222 on:** February 04, 2010, 01:36:45 PM »

Quote from: mbg_mi on February 04, 2010, 03:04:07 AM

Admitida means you got all your stuff in, all that we need and you can now be selected correct? I mean we don't have a place but we are good to go for placing right? Also, Say yuo want Andalucia or Barcelona or whatever but there aren't any more spots left, that means the will place you in some other place (based on your 1,2,3 seleccion) but what after that, if 1, 2, 3 are full, they just place you ... wherever there is room?

Last year I had placed 1. Andalucia 2. Cataluna 3. Pais Vasco as my choices and I was inscrita 1739. The waiting list started at 1700 and I thought that I still has a chance at one of those three regions but was placed in Mallorca. So I would guess the first 500 - 700 people will be assigned to the region of their choice with no problem after all the renewals are granted their positions again. Anybody after that they place you were they need assistants. Later on I was able to switch to Andalucia but was placed in a very little pueblo over an hour from Sevilla that has no public transportation. So please be aware that just because you get your region of choice more likely than not you are going to be in a pueblo outside of the city.

ire · « **Reply #223 on:** February 05, 2010, 02:49:42 AM »

Quote from: smin on February 03, 2010, 08:15:56 PM

Heard about this program last year in my spanish class. Thought about applying, never got around to it, and I just remembered about it yesterday and found you guys here - good thing too, or else I would have diddled around for a month before getting my app in. #1395, last night.
Looks like I'll be running around locating paperwork this week.
Any other canadians on here in the program? As a backup - has anyone looked into the youth mobility agreement signed between spain/canada last year? Or chile, for that matter? both good backup plans, anyway. of course, independently finding work in both those countries/economies could be a real headache.

I am Canadian..from BC and you? I wonder how many Canadians apply. I would guess not many since we all mail our documents to the same place

hurrikaane · « **Reply #224 on:** February 05, 2010, 05:22:23 AM »

Why did you switch from Mallorca?

zutalors · « **Reply #225 on:** February 05, 2010, 05:27:12 AM »

Quote from: ire on February 05, 2010, 02:49:42 AM

I am Canadian..from BC and you? I wonder how many Canadians apply. I would guess not many since we all mail our documents to the same place

Quote from: smin on February 03, 2010, 08:15:56 PM

Heard about this program last year in my spanish class. Thought about applying, never got around to it, and I just remembered about it yesterday and found you guys here - good thing too, or else I would have diddled around for a month before getting my app in. #1395, last night.
Looks like I'll be running around locating paperwork this week.
Any other canadians on here in the program? As a backup - has anyone looked into the youth mobility agreement signed between spain/canada last year? Or chile, for that matter? both good backup plans, anyway. of course, independently finding work in both those countries/economies could be a real headache.

Hey, i'm from BC too, from vancouver but i am stuyding in Ontario @ the moment.. where abouts in BC are you from? Glad to see other Canadians here as it seems like there are many more americans in the program

the youth mobility plan sounds like a good backup plan to get to spain. but yah finding your own/ good job would be much harder i think

spainprogram · « **Reply #226 on:** February 05, 2010, 06:47:11 AM »

Before I submit I was wondering if I should upload my recommendation. Currently, it is signed and sealed in an envelope but should I open it? My recommender told me I could open it and she did not care about confidentiality but I have not seen it and would l like it to appear official. what have people done in the past? Sent the recommendation sealed or scanned it in?

serendipity · « **Reply #227 on:** February 05, 2010, 07:40:14 AM »

does anybody know what the DATES of the Madrid Orientation were last year? and the year before?

does the orientation usually occur at around the same time?

I'm inscrita #243 and I put Madrid as #1... so I'm cautiously assuming that I will get Madird *fingers crossed*. I just wanted to know the orientation dates as I am trying to plan my life (resigning my jobs, other travel plans, etc).

elDorado · « **Reply #228 on:** February 05, 2010, 09:11:00 AM »

Im also curious about that...trying to plan for my departure date. Im 469 for Madrid, hoping Ill get it as well!

diecinueve · « **Reply #229 on:** February 05, 2010, 05:53:31 PM »

Quote from: elDorado on February 05, 2010, 09:11:00 AM

Im also curious about that...trying to plan for my departure date. Im 469 for Madrid, hoping Ill get it as well!

I suggest reading through last year's thread - people were still trying to get enough details to plan their departure and plane flights well into the summer months! My guess is that we'll have to sit tight, and based on last year's messages, our best best is probably to stay loose and flexible! $:-\$

serendipity · « **Reply #230 on:** February 06, 2010, 10:36:24 AM »

hey everybody,

from looking at last year's facebook group, i found the MADRID auxilares web site http://www.educa.madrid.org/portal/web/auxiliares, which has a PDF of their academic calendar: http://www.educa.madrid.org/cms_tools/files/9973678c-908f-4dfb-a9dd-028af0d2b58f/calen_escolar2.pdf

apparently it's from september to june 30th (i know it's different for other regions)

mbg_mi · « **Reply #231 on:** February 06, 2010, 06:34:13 PM »

any idea how long it takes for the visa to go through? and I want to go to Spain for the summer, well before the beginning of the academic year, do you think it will be a problem to get there around june?

mbg_mi · « **Reply #232 on:** February 06, 2010, 06:40:02 PM »

Quote from: knina23 on February 04, 2010, 01:36:45 PM

Last year I had placed 1. Andalucia 2. Cataluna 3. Pais Vasco as my choices and I was inscrita 1739. The waiting list started at 1700 and I thought that I still has a chance at one of those three regions but was placed in Mallorca. So I would guess the first 500 - 700 people will be assigned to the region of their choice with no problem after all the renewals are granted their positions again. Anybody after that they place you were they need assistants. Later on I was able to switch to Andalucia but was placed in a very little pueblo over an hour from Sevilla that has no public transportation. So please be aware that just because you get your region of choice more likely than not you are going to be in a pueblo outside of the city.

Why in a Pueblo? they only send us to pueblos?

stacylimones · « **Reply #233 on:** February 06, 2010, 06:50:02 PM »

Quote from: mbg_mi on February 06, 2010, 06:40:02 PM

Why in a Pueblo? they only send us to pueblos?

I think knina23 is just reminding people that getting the region of your choice does not guarantee that you'll be in one of the larger cities of that region. Many people are placed in small villages and then have to either commute (with sometimes less than adequate public transport) or live outside the city. Of course, you may be among the lucky people who gets placed exactly where you're hoping. It's kind of a crapshoot.

oudy · « **Reply #234 on:** February 07, 2010, 04:20:45 AM »

Hey everyone!!

Quick intro: I'm an American citizen and recently graduated with a Bachelor's degree in engineering. I realized that engineering isn't the line of work I'm interested in and the job market is horrible. I have been searching for a position in the engineering field for quite some time and I'm burnt out. I have been obsessed with Spain for about 6-7 months now and I see no reason why I shouldn't go.

Through my research I just found out about the Cultural Ambassador program and applied right away! I'm #1527..which is slightly disappointing but I'm confident that I will get in because not everyone follows through with the paperwork and people change their minds.

hurrikaane · « **Reply #235 on:** February 07, 2010, 05:33:08 AM »

Orientation (including those going to Madrid) has been the final week of September, in both 2009 and 2008.

t.c.parker · « **Reply #236 on:** February 07, 2010, 07:31:55 AM »

Last week of September eh?

Hopefully I will be spending my 22nd birthday in Madrid then. Haha.

elDorado · « **Reply #237 on:** February 07, 2010, 11:31:48 AM »

so approximately the 27th (Mon) of Sep 2010....Good to know.

kborghi · « **Reply #238 on:** February 07, 2010, 09:18:10 PM »

Hey guys--

Two questions:
(1)I've already sent in all of my hard copy documents AND got the "registrada" email. But I'm having trouble navigating Profex to figure out whether I'm admitida or not yet. Could anyone just write some quick directions, and I'm somewhat technologically illerate?

(2) Mid-late April we will be given info regarding what REGION we have been placed, right? And then the actual city comes later? So we sign on to this program before they have even placed us in a city?

Let me know!
Thanks

-Kat

kborghi · « **Reply #239 on:** February 07, 2010, 09:33:53 PM »

Ok, ACTUALLY disregard the 1st question. I figured it out, and I'm admitida

Yay!

BUT, I would like to get the second one answered if anyone knows.
Thanks!

hurrikaane · « **Reply #240 on:** February 07, 2010, 09:57:18 PM »

To question two, last year people were notified 4-6 weeks after the close of the application period. So yes, mid-late April

ire · « **Reply #241 on:** February 07, 2010, 11:07:03 PM »

Quote from: zutalors on February 05, 2010, 05:27:12 AM

Hey, i'm from BC too, from vancouver but i am stuyding in Ontario @ the moment.. where abouts in BC are you from? Glad to see other Canadians here as it seems like there are many more americans in the program

the youth mobility plan sounds like a good backup plan to get to spain. but yah finding your own/ good job would be much harder i think

Wow!! I am from Vancouver too...going to school at SFU. For sure seems like there are more Americans than Canadians. What regions did you pick? mine were Cataluna/Madrid/Navarra. No clue on the last one LOL hoping to not really be placed there.

oudy · « **Reply #242 on:** February 08, 2010, 07:00:04 AM »

quick ? about the letter of recommendation. I graduated last year but I dislike most of my former professors. Is there any way I can use my former employer or the president of the cultural center at my school?

It says in the manual that I can use an employer if I've been out of school for 5 years but it hasn't been that long. I just want to limit my contact with my professors as much as possible. Any way around it or am I gonna have to bite the bullet and talk to them?

Thanks

Clamatojuice · « **Reply #243 on:** February 08, 2010, 11:05:05 AM »

I'm from Vancouver as well studying at UBC. I hope i get in, I'm inscrita 1565.

My choices were Andalusia, Catalunia and I just left the third one blank.

Obviously nobody knows for sure, but how popular would you say the regions I chose are?
Is there any chance that I will get one or the other? PLEAAAAASE

hurrikaane · « **Reply #244 on:** February 08, 2010, 02:18:00 PM »

Sorry to say, but those regions are very popular. My guesstimation, from reading a lot (!) of posts here and on Facebook, that Madrid is the most popular choice, followed by Andalusia, and then either Pais Vasco or Catalunya.

ire · « **Reply #245 on:** February 08, 2010, 06:27:12 PM »

Quote from: Clamatojuice on February 08, 2010, 11:05:05 AM

I'm from Vancouver as well studying at UBC. I hope i get in, I'm inscrita 1565.

My choices were Andalusia, Catalunia and I just left the third one blank.

Obviously nobody knows for sure, but how popular would you say the regions I chose are?
Is there any chance that I will get one or the other? PLEAAAAASE

hey!

maybe 2 vancouverites will end up in Catalunia! apparently the wait list starts at around 1700 so hopefully your in!

MattC · « **Reply #246 on:** February 08, 2010, 08:02:09 PM »

Just wondering if anyone else who has been admitada has not been able to access thier application. I checked last week and I had "admitada" status but signed in to profex again today and the screen was different and just said that the application was open and processing. Has anyone seen this?

Clamatojuice · « **Reply #247 on:** February 08, 2010, 08:51:44 PM »

Thanks for giving me the odds, no matter how bleak.

Ire, and whoever else is from Vancouver,I was wondering when filling out the VPD record check form, what did you put for name of agency and organization, and especially address and title of person in authority etc?

zutalors · « **Reply #248 on:** February 09, 2010, 02:03:23 AM »

Quote from: ire on February 07, 2010, 11:07:03 PM

Wow!! I am from Vancouver too...going to school at SFU. For sure seems like there are more Americans than Canadians. What regions did you pick? mine were Cataluna/Madrid/Navarra. No clue on the last one LOL hoping to not really be placed there.

Quote from: Clamatojuice on February 08, 2010, 08:51:44 PM

Thanks for giving me the odds, no matter how bleak.

Ire, and whoever else is from Vancouver,I was wondering when filling out the VPD record check form, what did you put for name of agency and organization, and especially address and title of person in authority etc?

so there's 3 of us from vancouver! it sucks that i am stuck in ontario while the olympics are happening....
my choices are Andalucía, Catabria and La rioja...

ire, i'm with you on the 3rd choice, i didn't know that much about mine, but just put it down as my 3rd choice.... but i inscita-ed pretty early so i think ill be able to get my first choice

clamatojuice, i think andalucía is pretty popular, but its the biggest region so there are the most places there probably. and for the police record thing, i put down the spanish govt/embassy of spain and then the contact info for Jorge luengo, the guy @ the embassy we send our stuff to.. hope that helps!

ewlandon · « **Reply #249 on:** February 09, 2010, 09:33:23 AM »

hey guys. I just got all my papers in for 2010/2011. My first choice is Catalunya (I want to live in barcelona). My inscrita number was 795 does anyone have any idea of the likelyhood of getting catalunya with 795? Im super excited and nervous. Also I am looking into ...purchasing a plane ticket soon since I would save a ton of money. Is it safe to assume that the orientation is going to be late september? I was thinking of getting a stop-over-flight (Stopping in Iceland on the way to berlin) early september. Then just figure out a cheap ryanair flight to Barcelona(if i get lucky) when I am in berlin.
another thing I am wondering about is whether I am going to be able to get the police report that I need for the visa without flying thousands of miles to one of the places I lived a few years ago? In the past 5 years I have lived in London, LA, Portland (oregon) and Eugene oregon, London was just 3 months is that long enough that I need a report? Is this going to cause a problem?

thanks for the help

Author Topic: North American Language and Culture Assistants 2010-2011 (Read 105854 times)