North American Language and Culture Assistants 2010-2011

[halydia]

Hola a todos!
     So this is my first time applying for this program...i just sent my paperwork in last monday (even though I applied in like Jan) Im number 700 something.  Does anything have any down low on the insides of the program (I.E what they dont put on the site?) 

Muchas gracias

What information are you looking for in terms of the "down low"!? Many things they don't put on the site are here on the boards once you get reading... (Pay, experiences, etc.)

[Daniele]

So I just received "admitida" status. Now I have two questions:

1. I went to review my application on Profex, and on the page where you select your location preferences it lists my first preferences and says, "Situación de destinos: Admitida". Does this mean that I will receive my first preference? Or is it just restating the status of my entire application. (I hope this question makes sense)


2. Also, when reviewing my application (again the destination portion), at the top it says, "Fecha de finalización de los estudios universitarios requeridos para esta convocatoria" (or, "Date of completion of university studies required for this assignment). I'm a junior in college, and it says that juniors are able to apply. So does this statement mean that I just need to be finished with my classes for the semester, or that I have to have graduated?

If any one can answer these, it would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Oh I attached two screen shots of the two messages on Profex that I'm referring to. Thanks!

[madridsally]

Okay, finally submitted, I'm #2538.

Anyone know how far they got on the waitlist last year?  I'm kind of mad at myself because I had everything ready but the essay, but short-term job hunting stuff got crazy and I waited a few more weeks to finish it.

Too bad you didn't read this forum more carefully! Then you would have known that you could have submitted your application online without uploading anything and reserved your place in line. (For example, I just submitted all my documents a couple weeks ago, but I did the online application in December, snagging a spot below #200).

Anyway, I don't know how far they got on the waitlist last year. On the Facebook group one person said she was #2222 last year and got called up in August. So, it sounds like you still have a shot. I've heard that they call up people well into December, because some don't show up for their assignement, or they show up and then leave.

[madridsally]

So I just received "admitida" status. Now I have two questions:

1. I went to review my application on Profex, and on the page where you select your location preferences it lists my first preferences and says, "Situación de destinos: Admitida". Does this mean that I will receive my first preference? Or is it just restating the status of my entire application. (I hope this question makes sense)


2. Also, when reviewing my application (again the destination portion), at the top it says, "Fecha de finalización de los estudios universitarios requeridos para esta convocatoria" (or, "Date of completion of university studies required for this assignment). I'm a junior in college, and it says that juniors are able to apply. So does this statement mean that I just need to be finished with my classes for the semester, or that I have to have graduated?

If any one can answer these, it would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

I just tried that and saw the same thing:

Destino: España
Preferencia: 1
Situación de destinos: Admitada

Sounds promising... but who knows what it means? I would be more encouraged if the name of my region was listed!

As far as your second question, on mine, the date listed in the box is my graduation date (which was several years ago).  I think it's just saying that "it's required that you provide the date that you are finished with school in order to participate"; and you already did. It should just be showing you the date that you submitted. On yours, it says 5/25/2010 -- so that must have been a date that you provided them.. is that maybe when your classes are done for this year? Anyway, I wouldn't be worried!  If you're admitida you should be in good shape -- if there was a problem with you being a junior they surely wouldn't have granted you admitida status.

[hurrikaane]

I'm pretty sure that does not mean anything.  Daniele's # is 1951 (yes?), it's highly unlikely that someone with a number that large has already been assigned a region.  It would be more telling if someone had a 2 or a 3 there, my guess is that for everyone it says 1.

[madridsally]

I'm pretty sure that does not mean anything.  Daniele's # is 1951 (yes?), it's highly unlikely that someone with a number that large has already been assigned a region.  It would be more telling if someone had a 2 or a 3 there, my guess is that for everyone it says 1.

Yeah, considering it says our "destino" is Espana... sounds like we've been approved to get our first choice destination -- which is Spain in general, not a particular region!

I would definitely not read too much into the nonsensical wording on Profex. It was clearly not meant for us (or any humans) to gain knowledge from. So... guess we'll just have to be patient and wait to get official notification of our placements!

[halydia]

I'm pretty sure that does not mean anything.  Daniele's # is 1951 (yes?), it's highly unlikely that someone with a number that large has already been assigned a region.  It would be more telling if someone had a 2 or a 3 there, my guess is that for everyone it says 1.

Regional placements will come once you've been officially accepted into the program. (Town assignments will come MUCH later in the game.)

[Daniele]

I just tried that and saw the same thing:

Destino: España
Preferencia: 1
Situación de destinos: Admitada

Sounds promising... but who knows what it means? I would be more encouraged if the name of my region was listed!

As far as your second question, on mine, the date listed in the box is my graduation date (which was several years ago).  I think it's just saying that "it's required that you provide the date that you are finished with school in order to participate"; and you already did. It should just be showing you the date that you submitted. On yours, it says 5/25/2010 -- so that must have been a date that you provided them.. is that maybe when your classes are done for this year? Anyway, I wouldn't be worried!  If you're admitida you should be in good shape -- if there was a problem with you being a junior they surely wouldn't have granted you admitida status.

Yeah I figured as much. Thanks for answering. Now we just have to wait . Do they normally start to offer placements in April or May?

[Amanda2122]

So... I emailed the New York office last night to see if they got my hardcopies that I sent in 3 weeks ago. They responded and said no!!! I am so MAD at the present moment because it appears as if my package has been lost. Now, I have to reorder costly transcripts, send the last copy I have of my recommendation, and waste valuable time to get everything in by March 30th! I really hope that I can get everything in by the deadline. Everything should have been in 3 weeks ago! UGGGGGG

[kborghi]

Yeah I figured as much. Thanks for answering. Now we just have to wait . Do they normally start to offer placements in April or May?

On past forums and stuff it looks like some people got placed as early as Mid-April. So if you have a low inscrita number you should probably get word around that time.

[serendipity]

So... I emailed the New York office last night to see if they got my hardcopies that I sent in 3 weeks ago. They responded and said no!!! I am so MAD at the present moment because it appears as if my package has been lost. Now, I have to reorder costly transcripts, send the last copy I have of my recommendation, and waste valuable time to get everything in by March 30th! I really hope that I can get everything in by the deadline. Everything should have been in 3 weeks ago! UGGGGGG

make sure to get tracking / certified mail!

[Vallista87]

What information are you looking for in terms of the "down low"!? Many things they don't put on the site are here on the boards once you get reading... (Pay, experiences, etc.)

Yeah I guess you are right I guess i better start looking hahaha

[caraluna]

How did you guys format your application essay? Did you include anything other than your name at the top of the page?

[Daniele]

How did you guys format your application essay? Did you include anything other than your name at the top of the page?

I formatted mine as a cover letter.

[madridsally]

I formatted mine as a cover letter.

Same. I put my name, address and stuff at the top of the page, and wrote it like a letter. I don't think it's neccessary, though. Obviously, they know who it's coming from! I was just trying to look "professional".. but I'm pretty sure as long as it's half way decently written and has something to do with your desire to come to Spain, you'll get a check mark for completing that part of the application.. and that's all that really matters.

Although, does anyone know if they take into consideration your particular strengths highlighted in your essay when giving you a specific assignment?

[unohooim7]

On past forums and stuff it looks like some people got placed as early as Mid-April. So if you have a low inscrita number you should probably get word around that time.

Last year the deadline for the program was mid April. Those up to 1735ish received regional placements in early May and the letters with school assignments arrived 7-10 weeks after that (depends on how efficient your assigned region is). I imagine this year, it should just shift 2 weeks earlier for us: regional placements in mid-April and letters arriving sometime in June.

Although, does anyone know if they take into consideration your particular strengths highlighted in your essay when giving you a specific assignment?

Even though I want to ask you to clarify "specific assignment" ....as in assigning regions, assigning schools or what level of students you teach?...but no matter what, I imagine they don't consider it much at all. In the past, they used to ask applicants to state what age they'd like to teach, what size city they'd like to live in...but they didn't ask this year...I think because it doesn't matter. It's too much of a pain to try to work around preferences and they can't satisfy everyone. As long as you satisfy the minimum requirements, you're strong enough to get an assignment. And I don't know if anyone knows how they hand out the specific schools (i.e. start in big cities and radiate out or go alphabetically down a list of school, etc...)

[madridsally]

Even though I want to ask you to clarify "specific assignment" ....as in assigning regions, assigning schools or what level of students you teach?...but no matter what, I imagine they don't consider it much at all. In the past, they used to ask applicants to state what age they'd like to teach, what size city they'd like to live in...but they didn't ask this year...I think because it doesn't matter. It's too much of a pain to try to work around preferences and they can't satisfy everyone. As long as you satisfy the minimum requirements, you're strong enough to get an assignment. And I don't know if anyone knows how they hand out the specific schools (i.e. start in big cities and radiate out or go alphabetically down a list of school, etc...)

By "specific assignment" I meant at the school level. I was wondering if the schools have any say in which auxilaries they get.  In which case, maybe they would actually look at the content of some of the applications. As I suspected, it sounds like the answer is "no."  However, after the assignements are made, I bet the schools look at the applications to see who they'll be in getting. So, at the very least it might be worth turning in a somewhat impressive application, if only to make a good first impression on your future employer.

On the same topic...  had anyone considered putting in their essays something like "please, please, please put me in central Madrid"?  (Not in those words, of course.) I had thought about it, hoping someone would be nice and oblige my request. But, I ended up deciding that I didn't want to come off like I couldn't follow instructions, or expected special treatment...
Realistically I would have said something more like "Ideally, I would like to be placed in central Madrid because my significant other is studying there." However, I was afraid the person processing my application might have been like "just for that, I'm putting you in Extremadura!" 

[caraluna]

On the same topic...  had anyone considered putting in their essays something like "please, please, please put me in central Madrid"?  (Not in those words, of course.) I had thought about it, hoping someone would be nice and oblige my request. But, I ended up deciding that I didn't want to come off like I couldn't follow instructions, or expected special treatment...
Realistically I would have said something more like "Ideally, I would like to be placed in central Madrid because my significant other is studying there." However, I was afraid the person processing my application might have been like "just for that, I'm putting you in Extremadura!" 

I used my essay to talk about how much I love Madrid (in addition to why I want to do the program). Hopefully they'll get the hint.

[unohooim7]

. . .  So, at the very least it might be worth turning in a somewhat impressive application, if only to make a good first impression on your future employer.

On the same topic...  had anyone considered putting in their essays something like "please, please, please put me in central Madrid"?  (Not in those words, of course.) I had thought about it, hoping someone would be nice and oblige my request. But, I ended up deciding that I didn't want to come off like I couldn't follow instructions, or expected special treatment...
Realistically I would have said something more like "Ideally, I would like to be placed in central Madrid because my significant other is studying there." However, I was afraid the person processing my application might have been like "just for that, I'm putting you in Extremadura!" 

You're right about the importance of a good impression on our employers. The application period for the following year will start just a couple of months after we start, which gives us a limited amount of time to start "campaigning" for a 2nd term.

I don't think it would have hurt if you tossed a little something in your essay stating why you really wanted a specific region, but the statement in your essay wouldn't trump your application number. If Madrid is your #1 and there's space there, you'd get it no matter what you wrote.

At any rate, the people that review your application aren't involved in the specific school placements. That request would need to go specifically to the contact for that region. If that doesn't work, try to switch with someone. Push come shove, you could try to adjust your schedule so that you're only there 3-4 times a week and commute.

[madridsally]

I don't think it would have hurt if you tossed a little something in your essay stating why you really wanted a specific region, but the statement in your essay wouldn't trump your application number. If Madrid is your #1 and there's space there, you'd get it no matter what you wrote.

The key word was *central* Madrid. I'm number 149, so I think I should get placed in the region. But it would make life a lot easier if I could get placed within a 20 minute commute to downtown, which is where my significant other's university is. Anyway... we'll see! The good thing is that the Madrid region is pretty small. So at worst I'd be like an hour out, and hopefully I could find a carpool or something.

At any rate, the people that review your application aren't involved in the specific school placements. That request would need to go specifically to the contact for that region. If that doesn't work, try to switch with someone. Push come shove, you could try to adjust your schedule so that you're only there 3-4 times a week and commute.

Yeah, that's what I figured. I've heard of people being allowed to switch assignments later in the process. So, I figure I will only make a plea if I end up receiving an assignment that's going to be impossible for me..

I used my essay to talk about how much I love Madrid (in addition to why I want to do the program). Hopefully they'll get the hint.

Good strategy, nice and subtle

[SamFig]

Number 1210 now Admitida.  When is the next phase suppose to start?

[madridsally]

APRIL! Am I the only one who has read every post in this thread?!

Edit:  In this case, you didn't even have to go too far back. Someone just re-posted that information yesterday when another person asked the same question.

If you had scrolled back seven or eight posts you would have found this, posted by unohooim7: "Last year the deadline for the program was mid April. Those up to 1735ish received regional placements in early May and the letters with school assignments arrived 7-10 weeks after that (depends on how efficient your assigned region is). I imagine this year, it should just shift 2 weeks earlier for us: regional placements in mid-April and letters arriving sometime in June."

[pepita]

APRIL! Am I the only one who has read every post in this thread?!

Edit:  In this case, you didn't even have to go too far back. Someone just re-posted that information yesterday when another person asked the same question.

If you had scrolled back seven or eight posts you would have found this, posted by unohooim7: "Last year the deadline for the program was mid April. Those up to 1735ish received regional placements in early May and the letters with school assignments arrived 7-10 weeks after that (depends on how efficient your assigned region is). I imagine this year, it should just shift 2 weeks earlier for us: regional placements in mid-April and letters arriving sometime in June."

This year the deadline is actually mid-April as well. According to the site, you have until April 15 to send in your hard copies while you have to apply on Profex by the end of the month, so it might actually be the same time frame as last year.

Shawn said at some point that they are now placing assistants in high schools in Madrid.  Do you think, then, that the overall number of applicants accepted before starting the waitlist is going to be higher this year than last?

[hurrikaane]

Shawn said at some point that they are now placing assistants in high schools in Madrid. 

This is a new thing?

[madridsally]

This year the deadline is actually mid-April as well. According to the site, you have until April 15 to send in your hard copies while you have to apply on Profex by the end of the month, so it might actually be the same time frame as last year.

You're right that hard copy documents can be mailed in as late as April 15. It says that in the February 2010 newsletter.  However, they must work fast, because according to the January 2010 newsletter:

"When will the grants and placements be awarded?
The grants will be awarded mid-late April of 2010. If you do not receive one in this time frame it is safe to assume that you are on the
waiting list and may receive a future vacancy in the months of May-July. Please wait to be awarded a grant before making any visa
inquiries or plans."

I would think it's in our best interest to get "admitida" status by the first week of April at the latest, just so we don't somehow get left out of the initial placement process.

[halydia]

I thought of the recent request for the "down low" on the program when I read this...

"Do you speak English? Sorry, only Spanish."
http://www.elcorreo.com/vizcaya/rc/20100311/sociedad/espanoles-reconoce-sabe-hablar-201003111331.html

At the very least, it's an interesting read and good Spanish practice. Although I'd suggest reading the comments on the article...

[unohooim7]

This year the deadline is actually mid-April as well. According to the site, you have until April 15 to send in your hard copies while you have to apply on Profex by the end of the month, so it might actually be the same time frame as last year.

Wow. I was basing my assumption on the Program Manual I downloaded in December. I see that they have updated it with the new document deadline. Once I'd sent everything in, I pretty much glossed over the Newsletters. But you're right, our time line will probably be very similar to last year.
 

[unohooim7]

So... I emailed the New York office last night to see if they got my hardcopies that I sent in 3 weeks ago. They responded and said no!!! I am so MAD at the present moment because it appears as if my package has been lost. Now, I have to reorder costly transcripts, send the last copy I have of my recommendation, and waste valuable time to get everything in by March 30th! I really hope that I can get everything in by the deadline. Everything should have been in 3 weeks ago! UGGGGGG

You've got until April 15th to get your documents in, which buys you a little more time.

If you can, I'd recommend sending your documents via UPS, Fed Ex or DHL (I sent mine UPS Ground). It costs a little more, but it might be worth the peace of mind. You can track the journey and the delivery confirmation will have the time, date, and last name of who signed for it.

[Daniele]

You've got until April 15th to get your documents in, which buys you a little more time.

If you can, I'd recommend sending your documents via UPS, Fed Ex or DHL (I sent mine UPS Ground). It costs a little more, but it might be worth the peace of mind. You can track the journey and the delivery confirmation will have the time, date, and last name of who signed for it.

You can also use USPS and pay and extra 70 cents for delivery confirmation. I paid I think $4.80 total to ship from Houston to Miami via USPS, and someone from the consulate emailed me literally the next day to let me know that I had forgotten to include my passport photo.

[Vallista87]

Since we are on the topic, (and Im sure if I dig through the threads I can find the answer but this might be easier)  How long does it take for the offices to receive your documents, process them, and notify you?  I sent mine last Friday via First class mail and I have not received word yet.  Just thought I would see if this was a common thing.  I remember reading somewhere that they usually take their time and notifying you.

bueno ya veremos..

[SRedw]

The Bilingual program is entering 35 high schools this year

So some people will be assigned to high schools.

Suerte,

Shawn

[madridsally]

Wow. I was basing my assumption on the Program Manual I downloaded in December. I see that they have updated it with the new document deadline. Once I'd sent everything in, I pretty much glossed over the Newsletters. But you're right, our time line will probably be very similar to last year.

Didn't you read my last post?

According to the January 2010 newsletter:

"When will the grants and placements be awarded?
The grants will be awarded mid-late April of 2010. If you do not receive one in this time frame it is safe to assume that you are on the
waiting list and may receive a future vacancy in the months of May-July. Please wait to be awarded a grant before making any visa
inquiries or plans."

That is not the same as last year.  I think, to be safe, everyone should still try and get their documents in by the end of March, otherwise they'd be cutting it close.

[madridsally]

Since we are on the topic, (and Im sure if I dig through the threads I can find the answer but this might be easier)  How long does it take for the offices to receive your documents, process them, and notify you?  I sent mine last Friday via First class mail and I have not received word yet.  Just thought I would see if this was a common thing.  I remember reading somewhere that they usually take their time and notifying you.

bueno ya veremos..

Actually you wouldn't have to dig very far because this question has been asked about 5,000 times. In most cases, your status should be updated within a matter of days after the consulate receives it. You will get a notification via an e-mail that says you're "registrada". Within 24 hours after you get that e-mail your status in Profex should change to admitida.
In rare cases it has taken longer, probably b/c the person's job who it is to do it was on vacation/busy or something.
If you want to hear about other people's experiences, read some of the older posts. This has been the primary topic of conversation over the past several weeks.

[madridsally]

You can also use USPS and pay and extra 70 cents for delivery confirmation. I paid I think $4.80 total to ship from Houston to Miami via USPS, and someone from the consulate emailed me literally the next day to let me know that I had forgotten to include my passport photo.

Agreed, USPS "Certified Mail" is the way to go. You can also do "priority mail" for a little more money, and its guaranteed to get there within two days. However, my first class, certified mail package got there in two days, anyway, and it was about half the price. (I too paid around $4).

[unohooim7]

Didn't you read my last post?

According to the January 2010 newsletter:

"When will the grants and placements be awarded?
The grants will be awarded mid-late April of 2010. If you do not receive one in this time frame it is safe to assume that you are on the
waiting list and may receive a future vacancy in the months of May-July. Please wait to be awarded a grant before making any visa
inquiries or plans."

That is not the same as last year.  I think, to be safe, everyone should still try and get their documents in by the end of March, otherwise they'd be cutting it close.

I did read your post.

Originally, I said the timeline may shift forward about 2 weeks. As you mentioned, according to the Jan Newsletter, the grants will be awarded mid-late April (and from Feb Newsletter, "Once you mail the hardcopies to the corresponding office, please wait at least 2?4 weeks for processing").
If someone gets their placement in late April or if it takes 2 weeks to process documents received on April 15th, that's the same time or less than a week from the time when people began receiving placements last year (May 5th). I figured that time frame could be considered "similar" to the timeline last year.

However, the information we have so far relates to the award of placements and not necessarily to when we receive our letters from the regions.

Once we send in our hard copies it's out of our hands and there's not much else for us to do but try to be patient and wait.

[madridsally]

I did read your post.

Originally, I said the timeline may shift forward about 2 weeks. As you mentioned, according to the Jan Newsletter, the grants will be awarded mid-late April (and from Feb Newsletter, "Once you mail the hardcopies to the corresponding office, please wait at least 2?4 weeks for processing").
If someone gets their placement in late April or if it takes 2 weeks to process documents received on April 15th, that's the same time or less than a week from the time when people began receiving placements last year (May 5th). I figured that time frame could be considered "similar" to the timeline last year.

However, the information we have so far relates to the award of placements and not necessarily to when we receive our letters from the regions.

Once we send in our hard copies it's out of our hands and there's not much else for us to do but try to be patient and wait.

Well, it seems like they will be giving people placement notifications at least one week earlier than they did last year.

It's also unclear whether the hard copy deadline policy is different than it was last year.

Anyway, this is from page 7 of the Program Manual:

"The application period runs from November 30, 2009 until March 30, 2010. The applicants will need to submit their documents online and then send their hard copy documents to their corresponding office. The deadline for receiving hard copy documents is April 15, 2010. It is best if you send your hard copies shortly after you submit your online submission. Please be aware, although your application will be processed when received, you will not receive word about a regional placement or wait list status until mid-late April 2010. We will update you as often as possible regarding application updates, placements and wait list status via mass emails from Profex. Please make sure to check your spam folder as these emails often get caught there and mark the Profex mailer as a safe sender."

As everyone who has turned in their hard copy documents already can attest, it usually only takes betwee 1-3 days for them to process your documents. So, I think the "2 to 4 weeks" thing mentioned in the newsletter is being generous.

It sounds like notifications will go out the week of April 19, or the week of April 26 at the latest.

[chikita]

@ madridsally - here in Spain we are all on vacations until April 6 de to Semana Santa - which means that the information wont be processed until after.  They said the same thing last year abut deadline (march 30) and when March 30 came along they ended up extending the deadline another two weeks - which , in turn, gave people another two weeks to send in their hard copies - I wouldnt expect anything until early May - from an "experienced" point of view ...

[Daniele]

Has anybody found any RECENT blogs? Like from this year and last years applicants??

[kyky22]

Has anybody found any RECENT blogs? Like from this year and last years applicants??

On page 20 someone listed some blogs, I believe the ones I looked at were recent.

[Daniele]

On page 20 someone listed some blogs, I believe the ones I looked at were recent.

Thanks!!

[madridsally]

@ madridsally - here in Spain we are all on vacations until April 6 de to Semana Santa - which means that the information wont be processed until after.  They said the same thing last year abut deadline (march 30) and when March 30 came along they ended up extending the deadline another two weeks - which , in turn, gave people another two weeks to send in their hard copies - I wouldnt expect anything until early May - from an "experienced" point of view ...

We should start a pool for guessing when placements will be announced. I'm optimistic: I pick April 22!

[beachp]

Has anybody found any RECENT blogs? Like from this year and last years applicants??

There is a blog by an auxilliar currently teaching in Palencia and living in Valladolid, Spain. Just google, "Brendan Shea's Digital Corkboard". 

[halydia]

Has anybody found any RECENT blogs? Like from this year and last years applicants??

I was good with updating until February of last year... You can start at the beginning: http://mianoenespana.livejournal.com/?skip=60

[ggnarly]

@ madridsally - here in Spain we are all on vacations until April 6 de to Semana Santa - which means that the information wont be processed until after.  They said the same thing last year abut deadline (march 30) and when March 30 came along they ended up extending the deadline another two weeks - which , in turn, gave people another two weeks to send in their hard copies - I wouldnt expect anything until early May - from an "experienced" point of view ...

Speaking of vacation...what dates are the schools/auxiliares on vacation? I would imagine sometime around Christmas and then for Semana Santa? Are there other days that school is out of session during the program?

[halydia]

Speaking of vacation...what dates are the schools/auxiliares on vacation? I would imagine sometime around Christmas and then for Semana Santa? Are there other days that school is out of session during the program?

About two weeks at Christmas time, and a week and a half for Semana Santa. It appears that the Semana Santa breaks vary by region, as here we get out the 1st and go back the 12th. Correct me if I'm wrong, but I think Madrid (at least) has a different break.

There's a bunch of long weekends here and there. If you're interested in getting an idea, here's our schedule in Cantabria:  http://www.educantabria.es/docs/centros/Calendariot.pdf Auxiliares start 1 October and finish 31 May (OJO: This appears to vary by autonomous region!)

[SRedw]

This year, in Madrid, we get March 26 - April 5 off and I can't wait.  This year has been horrible for holidays and we have been ON for so long that I need the rest.

Shawn

[halydia]

This year, in Madrid, we get March 26 - April 5 off and I can't wait.  This year has been horrible for holidays and we have been ON for so long that I need the rest.

Shawn

Que suerte! We're in exam period in my school (and on top of normal exams, some poor kids have the Trinity) and the tension level is extremely high. Enjoy your break, and think about those of us still in school while you're relaxing those first few days

[Daniele]

I was good with updating until February of last year... You can start at the beginning: http://mianoenespana.livejournal.com/?skip=60

Thanks a lot. I was thinking about starting a blog or a Facebook group for this years applicants, but I didn't know if anyone had already started one.

[Daniele]

Thanks a lot. I was thinking about starting a blog or a Facebook group for this years applicants, but I didn't know if anyone had already started one.

Someone started a Facebook group for 2010-2011 applicants.

[halydia]

Thanks a lot. I was thinking about starting a blog or a Facebook group for this years applicants, but I didn't know if anyone had already started one.

I'm nearly certain that if you do some digging (or just use the search) in this thread, there's at least one person who has started a blog this year to document their application/grantee journey.