ANDALUCIA Language and Cultural Assistants 2010-2011

[diecinueve]

Hello everyone!  Just wanted to start a thread for those who have been notified that they are placed in Andalucia - thought we could use this board to get more region-specific convo going on school assignments, our orientation, and housing info.

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[andaluciagina]

Great idea! I am super pumped to be going to Andalucia and can't wait to find out which city I'll be in...

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[dizzymizzy]

I'm headed to Andalucia. :-)

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[ginajcbsn]

Got accepted to Andalucia aws well Very excited!! Does anyone have an idea of how long it takes to find out your city assignment?

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[dizzymizzy]

Does anyone know anything about the following school in Sevilla:

Instituto de Educación Secundaria Vicente Aleixandre


Thanks!

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[diecinueve]

No, I haven't heard anything about it - did you get a school placement?

I have no idea how long it takes but I can't wait!

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[dizzymizzy]

Yes I did. The school is in Triana

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[cmb04012]

Dizzymizzy, are you a second year applicant?

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[scatterpillar]

I found out today that I'll be in Andalucia and I couldn't be happier!!

Dizzymizzy that is so cool that you've gotten your school already! I heard that some schools take a while to actually send you the letter, is that true? I am anxious to hear where in Andalucia we will all be placed!

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[edina]

I just got notified that I'll be in Andalucia this morning!! 
I wonder how long we have to wait now....

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[esperika]

Hi everyone.  SOOOO excited to be placed in Andalucia! 

This weekend I spent hours and hours reading past posts on Expatriate Cafe and Facebook.  It looks like in the past, people placed in Andalucia found out about their city/school the 2nd week in July.  Some other regions notified people in June, but I didn't see anyone in Andalucia who found out in June.  Hopefully this year will be different and we'll find out sooner!!!  But just wanted to let you know what I found so we don't worry if we don't hear anything at the same time as other people.

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[jenoweno]

Hello,

i've been placed in Andalucia, but need to be in Catalunya.  Does anyone know someone who wants to switch?

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[serendipity]

Hello,

i've been placed in Andalucia, but need to be in Catalunya.  Does anyone know someone who wants to switch?

how come you need to be in catalunya?

if it's a compelling reason, you should check with the embassy first before soliciting a switch.

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[diecinueve]

Thanks esperika for the date projections!  Although with the FBI fingerprints taking 13 weeks to process, at this point the letter itself arriving feels like the least of my worries, visa-wise.  Grr.  But obviously I can't wait to see where exactly I'll be!

And about transfers - I'd check with the program first - people have often transferred in years past, but it was my understanding from the program materials that they have changed policy on that and aren't allowing any this year. 

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[dwhiteside]

Dizzymizzy, are you a second year applicant?

Please tell us, dizzymizzy...first-year or second-year applicant? 

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[swizzle]

Oh hey everyone,
I got placed in Andalucia too! I found out last Friday. I'm wicked excited! So, from reading the 2010-2011 main thread, it seems like the next step is to get documents ready to apply for the visa? And we should be doing that before we get the letter, since some things take a long time to process?? Has anyone actually made a visa appointment?

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[Carlita32]

Hi Everyone! I found out two weeks ago that I will be placed in Andalucia and I am very excited. I'm wondering if anyone can talk about the visa process and what will be the most important to start gathering before we get the letter. I live in Los Angeles...anyone else live in the area? 

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[Kamela]

Hi All,

I'm also headed to Andalucia and I'm super excited! The visa thing does seem like quite the complicated process! Especially since the timing is so tight if we don't get our official acceptance letters soon. But, hundreds of people do this very year, so it must work out alright!

I am thinking I will make an appointment in anticipation of having the letter by the 3rd week of July. Does anyone happen to know if past participants to Andalucia got their letters via email or snail mail?

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[diecinueve]

I am thinking I will make an appointment in anticipation of having the letter by the 3rd week of July. Does anyone happen to know if past participants to Andalucia got their letters via email or snail mail?

I live in Arizona, but am serviced by the LA consulate (which has tightened up their regulations on the background check this year), so I would say definitely get your FBI clearance process going today!  It takes 13 weeks!

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[Carlita32]

Hello! I am a little confused as to whether California residents need to do the FBI check or if that is just for people living outside of California that report to the Cali consulate. I emailed the consulate today and I am waiting to hear back. Anyone else know details about this???

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[Carlita32]

I live in Arizona, but am serviced by the LA consulate (which has tightened up their regulations on the background check this year), so I would say definitely get your FBI clearance process going today!  It takes 13 weeks!

Hi Diecinueve,

I have not heard back from the consulate so I'm just going to go ahead and fill out the FBI fingerprint form. It says on the bottom that you can request it to be expedited by a certain date. Did you fill out this portion? I'm just wondering how soon we need these documents so that we can get our visa in time...Any idea? Thanks!

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[serendipity]

carlita 32:

Regarding LOS ANGELES consulate,

I e-mailed them and explained that I was a California resident, and asked if the California Department of Justice state-wide clearance would be sufficient, this is what they said

You need to receive the letter from the school where you have been assigned a position in order to apply for the Visa.   The requirements to apply must be checked at your Consulate:
 
http://www.maec.es/Subwebs/Consulados/LosAngeles/es/home/Paginas/postingHSW.aspx
 
To date  an  FBI certificate is required but negotiations are going on at the moment to make an exception with Auxiliares and admit a standard police certificate. Please check the web regularly for any changes.
Best
 
.................................................................
Carmen Fernández Santás
Asesora Técnica Docente / Education Advisor
Agregaduría de Educación / Education Office
Consulado General de España / Consulate General of Spain
ADDRESS 1: 6300 Wilshire Boulevard, suite 830, Los Angeles, CA, 90048.
Phone :               323 852 6997  Ext  124 - FAX: 323 852 0759
carmen.santas@educacion.es
ADDRESS 2:
Centro Español de Recursos en Los Ángeles
University of Southern California
Spanish Resource Centre at USC 3375 S.Hoover Street, suite F204.
 Phone: 2137405896 . Fax: 2138212304
cer.losangeles@educacion.es
http://www.educacion.es/exterior/centros/losangeles
www.educacion.es/exterior/usa
 

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[diecinueve]

Hi Diecinueve,

I have not heard back from the consulate so I'm just going to go ahead and fill out the FBI fingerprint form. It says on the bottom that you can request it to be expedited by a certain date. Did you fill out this portion? I'm just wondering how soon we need these documents so that we can get our visa in time...Any idea? Thanks!

Hi Carlita!  I did fill out that portion, and asked for it to be done by July 15, giving them 8 weeks, but when I called the FBI they told me that they don't expedite for any reason (which is obviously different that what the website/form says!).  So anyway, I filled it out but I don't know if it will do any good.

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[Carlita32]

Hi Carlita!  I did fill out that portion, and asked for it to be done by July 15, giving them 8 weeks, but when I called the FBI they told me that they don't expedite for any reason (which is obviously different that what the website/form says!).  So anyway, I filled it out but I don't know if it will do any good.

Thanks diecinueve! Apparently , based on the post from Serendipity, we might not need the FBI report after all but I think it's better to play it safe and just  go ahead and apply for it anyways.

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[paracaidista06]

Andalucia letters -

In the spirit of sharing information, I sent an email to the individual at the Junta de Andalucia who runs the program/takes care of placements regarding when we would get our school assignments and our letters.  I have not heard back yet, but I will share as soon as I hear something.  If anyone else has any info about it, please share!

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[Carlita32]

Hi everyone.  SOOOO excited to be placed in Andalucia! 

This weekend I spent hours and hours reading past posts on Expatriate Cafe and Facebook.  It looks like in the past, people placed in Andalucia found out about their city/school the 2nd week in July.  Some other regions notified people in June, but I didn't see anyone in Andalucia who found out in June.  Hopefully this year will be different and we'll find out sooner!!!  But just wanted to let you know what I found so we don't worry if we don't hear anything at the same time as other people.

Can you please send me the link for the new facebook page for 2010..I can't seem to find it. Thanks!

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[cmb04012]

It is hard to find for some reason. Search "NORTH AMERICAN LANGUAGE & CULTURE ASSISTANTS IN SPAIN 2010-2011"

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[cmb04012]

whoops that seems to be a smaller facebook group someone started. Here is the main one:

"Auxiliares de conversacion / English Language Assistants Spain 2010-2011"

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[scatterpillar]

I'm still kind of confused about the police clearance--does this vary from consulate to consulate? And where can we find out the exact details of what's needed for our consulate? I already emailed the Washington DC consulate which is mine but have gotten no response to the next steps in the process. I'm getting worried because I read that it can take up to 13 weeks to get the police clearance and I wouldn't want to miss the opportunity to apply for my Visa. Thanks for any help!

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[cmb04012]

Where is everyone hoping to be placed?

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[dwhiteside]

Where is everyone hoping to be placed?

Ojala que vaya a Granada!

On a separate note, does anyone know the contact person/e-mail address for the program within the Junta de Andalucia. I was super excited when I saw on the May newsletter that we can request certain city placements, but I couldn't find any names or contact information on the Junta website. I did find a general contact link, but the message I sent using this link was responded with this:

Estimado/a usuario/a:
Gracias por usar el servicio del portal http://www.juntadeandalucia.es

Le informamos que este buzón de correos está destinado a resolver dudas, sugerencias e incidencias del portal de la Junta de Andalucía: http://www.juntadeandalucia.es

Si lo desea puede remitir su consulta a la Consejería de Empleo,  para su comodidad le facilitados los datos de contacto:

Avda. de Hytasa, 14 CP: 41071 Teléfono: 955 04 85 00/ 902 50 15 50 Sevilla (SEVILLA) Fax: 955.04.84.58 Web: www.juntadeandalucia.es/empleo
Webmaster: webmaster.cem@juntadeandalucia.es

Esperando haberle sido de utilidad, le enviamos un saludo,

Basically, what I used is for general questions regarding the region of Andalucia or the use of the website.

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Felicidades to all who get to return/go for the first time to this wonderful region! 

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[julie]

hey everyone!! so i JUST got accepted to Andalucia!!!! so excited about meeting everyone!!!!!!

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[kyky22]

hey everyone!! so i JUST got accepted to Andalucia!!!! so excited about meeting everyone!!!!!!

Congrats Julie. 

Hi everyone, I haven't introduced myself but I got accepting into Andalucia last week and looking forward to meeting everyone as well!

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[Carlita32]

whoops that seems to be a smaller facebook group someone started. Here is the main one:

"Auxiliares de conversacion / English Language Assistants Spain 2010-2011"

Thanks!

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[julie]

Is there a way to make a group totally open to those who can't join it?  I can see the wall and stuff but can't post unless I join - I'd love to join but can't because I work full-time and my work doesn't exactly know that I'm leaving in a few months - and Facebook is so dang public that I can't hide stuff, grr.

Also, I see on there that a bunch of people have their city placements already? And said they got them in an email? WHAAA?

ummm, I have no idea about that. I think you have to be a member of the group to post on the wall... anyone else know?

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[beachp]

Is there a way to make a group totally open to those who can't join it?  I can see the wall and stuff but can't post unless I join - I'd love to join but can't because I work full-time and my work doesn't exactly know that I'm leaving in a few months - and Facebook is so dang public that I can't hide stuff, grr.

Also, I see on there that a bunch of people have their city placements already? And said they got them in an email? WHAAA?

people who are returning for a 2nd year already received their city placements.

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[Ruthie]

Heyy, i'm from Ireland and got my placement todayy for Andalucia!!!! i'm been assigned to a school in Chipiona near Cadiz! does anybody know anything about it?

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[cmb04012]

Heyy, i'm from Ireland and got my placement todayy for Andalucia!!!! i'm been assigned to a school in Chipiona near Cadiz! does anybody know anything about it?

Hi Ruthie,
Sorry to tell you I can't be of much help in regards to Chipiona. But I was wondering if you received word of your placement via email? Thanks!

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[js103]

I am SOOOOO excited to be going to Andalucia...I really hope to be in Granada since I've lived there before, but Sevilla would be awesome too!

I can't wait to get my letter but considering it is coming from the province sin prisa, I'm betting I'll have to be veryyyy patient!

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[edina]

So am I right to assume that those who have received city placements are either second years or those applying from Europe?

I can't wait to find out so I can start obsessing and googling the hell out of whichever city I get!
 

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[Ruthie]

Hi Ruthie,
Sorry to tell you I can't be of much help in regards to Chipiona. But I was wondering if you received word of your placement via email? Thanks!

Hey,

well i got an email looking for my home address and then they posted me the details!I'm from Ireland though so I know its done a little differently!

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[paracaidista06]

Again, in the spirit of sharing - I emailed my point of contact for Andalucía last night and when I woke up this morning here is the response I got-

"Trabajamos tan deprisa como podemos, se lo garantizamos.
Recibirá su carta dentro de diez o quince días.

Un saludo."

So, we'll see what happens in the next 10 to fifteen days. 

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[diecinueve]

Again, in the spirit of sharing - I emailed my point of contact for Andalucía last night and when I woke up this morning here is the response I got-

"Trabajamos tan deprisa como podemos, se lo garantizamos.
Recibirá su carta dentro de diez o quince días.

Un saludo."

So, we'll see what happens in the next 10 to fifteen days.

Thanks for sharing!  Also, the process is pretty radically different depending on which country you are applying from. Are you American by any chance?

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[paracaidista06]

Thanks for sharing!  Also, the process is pretty radically different depending on which country you are applying from. Are you American by any chance?

Yes, american here.

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[dwhiteside]

Again, in the spirit of sharing - I emailed my point of contact for Andalucía last night and when I woke up this morning here is the response I got-

"Trabajamos tan deprisa como podemos, se lo garantizamos.
Recibirá su carta dentro de diez o quince días.

Un saludo."

So, we'll see what happens in the next 10 to fifteen days.

Awesome news! Thanks for sharing

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[julie]

Again, in the spirit of sharing - I emailed my point of contact for Andalucía last night and when I woke up this morning here is the response I got-

"Trabajamos tan deprisa como podemos, se lo garantizamos.
Recibirá su carta dentro de diez o quince días.

Un saludo."

So, we'll see what happens in the next 10 to fifteen days. 

Thanks!  by the way, what email address did you use? whenever I tried I only got an automated message

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[ginajcbsn]

Hey everyone! I'm also going to Andalucia! I live in Southern California and am going through the LA Consulate. I've been e-mailing back and forth with them about the Visa requirements and thought I would share all of the information! So here it goes! Sorry that its so long!

Gina,
The answers to your questions will follow the questions themselves.

1. Is the FBI clearance required? (someone from the consulate office said they were considering making this NOT mandatory for those in this program.) Yes, the FBI clearance is mandatory.

2. Could a notarized police clearance from our city/cities of residence be enough for the Visa application? No, the certificate must be issued by the FBI, it is a federal clearance.

3. If the FBI clearance is still necessary, can we bring proof that we have started the clearance process to the Visa appointment and get started on our Visa? Or do we have to wait until after we get the FBI clearance to make our Visa appointment? Yes, you may bring proof that you have begun the clearance process, you must however, send the original with apostille and copies of each page to the Consulate before we can issue your visa.

4. Does the FBI clearance need to be notarized before it is sent to the Apostille? No, it only needs to be apostillized.

5. What home address do we put on the Visa application? (I do know, along with many others, yet know where I will be living in Spain.) Should we put the address of our school instead? In number 17 put your home address in the United States.

6. Will the letter we receive from our school with our work information be enough for the funds/health insurance requirements? The letter states our stipend and that we will be covered by European health insurance. As long as the proof of funds and insurance meets the requirements detailed in the visa application directions it will be sufficient. Make sure to check that it does.

7. Can we buy a ONE WAY ticket to Spain since our program lasts longer than 180 days? Yes, you only need to purchase a one way ticket to Spain.

8. How long does it take from the DAY of your VISA appointment at the LA Consulate to when you receive your actual VISA? Is it mailed or can we pick it up? A visa takes 10-21 days to be approved assuming that all of your documents are presented on the day of your appointment. If your application is incomplete it will likely take longer. We will email you when your visa is ready. You may then pick up your visa or we will mail it to you if you include a self addressed prepaid express envelope with paid postage.

9. Does the Medical Certificate have to have the Hague of the Apostille or be notarized? No, but it must be an original from the doctor on his/her letterhead and signed in his/her hand. This document must also be translated by a certified translator or the original must be in Spainsh. You must also present copies of the original and translation.

Warm regards,
The Consulate General of Spain in Los Angeles
Visa Department


Sorry I couldn't do the rest in red, the forum is acting up. Anyways I hope this helps!

I also had a few questions! If you go to the LA Consulate website: http://www.maec.es/subwebs/Consulados/LosAngeles/en/MenuPpal/RequirementsEntrSpainVisas/Estudios/Paginas/noticia1.aspx      and click on the Visa Application Form, a 4 page "Application for National Visa" form comes up. If you download the instructions, I saw that they do not match that visa Form. Then I also googled the "Schengen Visa form" which is what I was under the impression we needed and came up with this: http://www.immihelp.com/visas/schengenvisa/application_form_english.pdf

Does anyone have any idea which we should use? I emailed the consulate and am waiting to hear back but thought maybe someone already knew.

Good luck everyone in your Visa process and I hope to get to know all of your in our upcoming adventures!! Oh and if anyone else is in Newport Beach area and wants to meet up send me a message! Feel free to add me on facebook : Gina Jacobson (UC Berkeley )

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[diecinueve]

Wow Gina, thanks for all the info!  I'm applying through LA too and it is a big motherlovin' mess    This is really helpful!

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[ginajcbsn]

No problem! Just also wanted to let you know the sherrif's office does the fingerprint thing you need to send in to the FBI for $10 so don't waste your money on Livescan like I did!

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[Carlita32]

Thanks Gina! I am wondering for everyone...did you make your appointment at the consulate? And if you did, what date did you make the appointment for?

For the medical certificate, I wonder if I should contact my doctor's office back and see if someone in their office can type the letter in Spanish and then have the doctor sign it? Seems easier then having to pay for a certified translator to do it!

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[edina]

Hey guys!
Good news! Someone got their letter today!!
She's going to Sevilla and her profex was #1348.
 

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[edina]

ps: via snail mail

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[cr.ceballos]

Hey all.  Just got my letter.  I'm going to be in Jerez de la Frontera, Cadiz!  Anybody know anything of interest about this city or also placed there?

-Chris

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[paracaidista06]

Just got my letter as well - going to be in a suburb about 10k SE of Sevilla! 

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[andaluciagina]

Hey all.  Just got my letter.  I'm going to be in Jerez de la Frontera, Cadiz!  Anybody know anything of interest about this city or also placed there?

-Chris

Hey! I also just got my letter and am in Cadiz, only I'm in Chiclana de la Frontera (don't know what the difference there is...) I don't know much about the city, except that the beaches are supposed to be awesome. Needless to say, I'm pretty excited!!

~Gina

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[kyky22]

Hey, I just got my letter too.  I'm going to be in Aracena (Huelva).  It looks like a pretty small pueblo but I'm excited!

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[ginajcbsn]

The earlist consulate appointment I could get was July 22nd in LA. Question for those who got their letters: did it come to your perminent address or temporary/current address? Also, what are the dates that we begin in Andalucia for training? Having the answers to these would be really helpful since I haven't gotten my letter yet and am trying to get some things organized stat! Thanks

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[gski]

Just got our letters today.  Malaga!

One of our schools is on Avda. James Bowles, 29014, Malaga, which we can't find on google maps or anything else.  The other schools we are able to find without a problem.  Weird.

Anyone know what streets are near Avda. James Bowles?

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[julie]

someone else got my letter today in the main(with my name and everything on it) and contacted me on the fb group...

if the letter is right, im at IES Al-Andalus in Arahal, Sevilla.   

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[Carlita32]

I got my placement today in Sevilla! I am very excited. I will be at IES Nestor Almendros, 41940 Tomares Sevilla

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[dwhiteside]

Received my letter today and was placed in Granada. The school is called IES Hurtado de Mendoza. Has anyone else been placed here? I can't figure out exactly where it is on google maps based on the address on my letter and the school's website has a different address. Also, based on the website I found, it looks like the school is a specialized school for hospitality and tourism. Anyone else have a situation like this?

Congrats to all who received their letters y que esteis felices con vuestros colocaciones!

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[GoGetter25]

Hey, I just got my letter too.  I'm going to be in Aracena (Huelva).  It looks like a pretty small pueblo but I'm excited!

Hey kyky22,
I will be working Alajar, a smaller city near Aracena.  I have heard that most people live in Aracena and then get a ride to my town.  I think Aracena (population 9,000) seems pretty tiny, especially for being the largest town in the area.  I was considering commuting from Sevilla, but I'm curious as to what you plan to do!

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[ginajcbsn]

I've been placed in Malaga!!! I saw a few others had been! Would you care to look me up on FB or give me your info and I'll look you up? I'd love to know someone else in this program there!!

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[Kamela]

I have been placed in Castro del Rio, a pueblo about 40 kilometers from Cordoba city. Does anyone know anything about this town or if it would be realistic to live in Cordoba and commute to Castro del Rio? Any information would be super helpful!

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[almeria]

Hola a todos!
I am new to this site. Still learning how to post. I received my acceptance letter this week, I was assigned to Almeria! Don't know much about the city, if anyone has any information, please share!

Gracias!

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[almeria]

Received my letter today and was placed in Granada. The school is called IES Hurtado de Mendoza. Has anyone else been placed here? I can't figure out exactly where it is on google maps based on the address on my letter and the school's website has a different address. Also, based on the website I found, it looks like the school is a specialized school for hospitality and tourism. Anyone else have a situation like this?

Congrats to all who received their letters y que esteis felices con vuestros colocaciones!

Not sure if this is how you reply...
I love granada! I was placed in Almeria. In a similar school (IES). I would appreciate any informationl.

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[esimons324]

I will be at CEIP Anibal Gonzalez in Sevilla capital.  Last year, I was in Fuengirola, near Malaga.  I live in Ohio, and so I have to go to Chicago again to apply for the Visa.  I'm wondering if anyone has already applied yet this year?

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[ginajcbsn]

I had a question for those of you who have recieved their letters...it might sound a little stupid BUT on my letter they are requiring me to send back a sheet formally accepting my position. I'm suppose to send this to Seville by July 15th. Should I send the original copy? Or make a photocopy and send them that?

I tried e-mailing them early last week and still haven't hear back so I wanted some input! Thanks a bunch!

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[dwhiteside]

I had a question for those of you who have recieved their letters...it might sound a little stupid BUT on my letter they are requiring me to send back a sheet formally accepting my position. I'm suppose to send this to Seville by July 15th. Should I send the original copy? Or make a photocopy and send them that?

I tried e-mailing them early last week and still haven't hear back so I wanted some input! Thanks a bunch!

I signed the letter. made a photocopy of it (2 copies to be exact), and sent the original back to them last Friday. I sent it registered mail and, through on-line tracking, learned today that it left New York yesterday morning. I would recommend sending the acceptance letter as soon as possible.

On another note, for those of you that are going through the SF consulate, I had my appointment today and turned in all the paperwork for the visa application. Overall, the process went pretty smoothly. I had to go across the street to make a photocopy of my police report with the apostile on it b/c I had not done that yet, but they accepted everything else (everything I brought with me was based on the checklist from the website). I did bring a copy of a flight from expedia that I could potentially be taking and the lady barely glanced at it and handed it back to me, so I'm not sure how pertinent it is to have an itinerary with you. Although, always better safe than sorry  . If you're going to apply in person, plan on them running about 30 min behind schedule. There were quite a few people applying for visas, as this is also the time for students doing study abroad programs to get their applications in. The lady told me the turn-around would be about 5 weeks.

Feel free to message me or respond to this post if you have any questions about the SF consulate

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[cmb04012]

I had a question for those of you who have recieved their letters...it might sound a little stupid BUT on my letter they are requiring me to send back a sheet formally accepting my position. I'm suppose to send this to Seville by July 15th. Should I send the original copy? Or make a photocopy and send them that?

I tried e-mailing them early last week and still haven't hear back so I wanted some input! Thanks a bunch!

I also made a few photocopies of the sheet and sent the original (today). I'm pretty certain you need to send the original AND a copy of your passport. I would send them asap because it will take 7-10 business days going through regular mail. If you send it express you could get it there quicker, but it will cost you around 30 dollars (that's the rate from here on the east coast).

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[dwhiteside]

I also made a few photocopies of the sheet and sent the original (today). I'm pretty certain you need to send the original AND a copy of your passport. I would send them asap because it will take 7-10 business days going through regular mail. If you send it express you could get it there quicker, but it will cost you around 30 dollars (that's the rate from here on the east coast).

You're right...I forgot about the passport. Send that, too. From the west coast it was about $30 to express mail it also. I decided it wasn't worth the price since we have a couple weeks, I just payed a couple extra dollars to have it registered so I could have a tracking number. 

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[ginajcbsn]

Here's some information I just recieved from a lady who works at the Sacramento Apostille Office (916-653-3595).

If your FBI clearance comes back with "Robert Santos'" signature you don't have to get it notarized before you send it to Sacramento for the Apostille. If it does NOT have his name/signature then you WILL have to get it notarized before you can send it for the Apostille.

You can mail it in to recieve the Apostille BUT if you go IN PERSON they can do SAME DAY Apostilles. Another bonus is that you can have someone else TAKE your letter to the Sacramento office for you to get it Apostilized! I asked her if we had to give the person a written consent form signed by us authorizing them to get it Apostilized and she said no, but I might do that just in case since my sister lives there and can do this for me.

Also, she said that the LA Apostille Office should be able to Apostilize the Police Clearance but I believe it is walk in only. I tried to call them, but got a busy signal on their number (213-897-3062). If you do decide to go to the LA Office you need to complete these steps:
-Get your clearance notarized if necessary, then go to the place where the Notary took his/her oath and have he/she verified as a notary (small $fee) then you take that information to the LA Office for the Apostille.

Hopes this helps and at least theres one way to avoid a long wait for the Apostille after already waiting the 13 weeks for the FBI Clearance!!

Oh and I also called the FBI (304-625-5590 Press 2 and then 6 for the options) to ask about the FedEx expidite thing and he told me no, but also said that it may not take the full 13 weeks and some were getting back to people a month early. I wouldnt count on this, but just passing along what I was told.

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[ginajcbsn]

Check your emails! Looking like our FBI clearance is being waived and we only need local clearance!! WOO 

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[esperika]

Does anyone know what the next steps are going to be after we send in our acceptance letter?  Will we receive a confirmation?  Will we get information about an orientation?  Or should we just show up in our city ready to teach on October 1?

I'm assigned to Cabra, in the Cordoba region.  Is anyone nearby?!  I can't wait!!!

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[CMarian]

Are there others who have still not recieved their 'offer letter' from their school yet?

I have my consulate meeting this Monday, and am wondering how late I should try to reschedule. 

Thanks!

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[ginajcbsn]

Is anyone e-mailing Seville to make sure they recieved the signed acceptance letter? I tracked mine through USPS and wasn't sure if I should also email them just to double check...

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[dwhiteside]

Is anyone e-mailing Seville to make sure they recieved the signed acceptance letter? I tracked mine through USPS and wasn't sure if I should also email them just to double check...

I've been thinking about doing the same thing. I tracked my letter as well, but the information only went as far to say the letter left the 'international mailing center' in New York. It doesn't say anything about actually making it to Spain. However, I did read somewhere (either on this site or FB) that the region will let people know if they did not receive the acceptance letter. Maybe no news is good news in this situation, although I don't really want to risk it either. If you do e-mail Sevilla and get a response please post.

Gracias  y tapas...mmmmmmmmm

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[Catou]

Anyone knows if there is a thread about VISA/NIE renewal for folks like me who are starting their second year in Andalusia?

Can't seem to find information for returning language assistants...

Any help is greatly appreciated!

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[Anne Marie]

I've been thinking about doing the same thing. I tracked my letter as well, but the information only went as far to say the letter left the 'international mailing center' in New York. It doesn't say anything about actually making it to Spain. However, I did read somewhere (either on this site or FB) that the region will let people know if they did not receive the acceptance letter. Maybe no news is good news in this situation, although I don't really want to risk it either. If you do e-mail Sevilla and get a response please post.

Gracias  y tapas...mmmmmmmmm

Hey! I tracked my letter w/ USPS & the same thing happened, so I called the Junto, gave them my name & they let me know they received it.

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[mhaaga]

I was assigned to Andalucia region a month ago and just now found this thread.  I will be in a small town outside of Sevilla, Lora del Rio.  Is anyone here going to be in that city?  Also, does anyone know any information about orientation besides the October 1st date we were sent?  Thanks.

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[rachel_s]

Is anyone else going to be in the Jaen region in Andalucia? When I first got the letter, I thought that my school was actually in the town of Jaen (between Cordoba and Granada). But I just recently google-mapped the address for the school and it is about an hour outside of Jaen! On the map, it looks to be basically the middle of nowhere. The closest small towns each have only about 1000-4000 people in them. The town that the school itself is in (Solera) has 338 people!!! I found a website for the school, but it hasn't been updated since 2007. (All of the news on the site is from spring 2007)... I'm very confused and don't know what to do about where to look for places to live or how to get to the school, especially since our orientation isn't until a few days after we start at the schools. I really don't want to have to live in a tiny village...
Has anyone emailed their school? I would assume that this email would need to be in Spanish?

The school is CEIP Antonio Machado. It would be amazing if there was another person from the program there, but I feel that is highly unlikely since it's so small...

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[mhaaga]

I emailed the contact at my school a few weeks ago, but did so in English, and still haven't received a response.  I'm guessing you probably want to email the contact in Spanish. 

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[JPH]

Hey,

I was an auxiliar last year in Jaen in a tiny town waaaaay further out than Solera (La Puerta de Segura), so I wanted to get in touch and tell you what I know! I just looked at where Solera is on the map and you should just commute to Granada! In a town that small I am sure that there will be teachers commuting from other cities (trust me, there always are), so even if there aren't buses going from Granada to Solera, you might be able to hitch a ride with someone. Looking back, I wish I had commuted, but I lived three hours from a capital city, so it was impossible. Being only one hour from Granada is awesome and if nothing else you can try to live there on the weekend (or you can commute from Ubeda or Jaen). I lived in Baeza on the weekend and rented two rooms, one there and one in my pueblo, which is possible in these areas because rent is only like 100-120 euros per room. Try to get in touch with your school but don't panic and realize that its really easy to work out housing and everything once you get over there. I only worked 12 hours on Tues/Wed/Thurs and then had four day weekends every week, and that was working in two schools! Four day weekends every weekend means lots of time to hang out in Jaen capital or Granada if you can work it out that way.

 If you have any questions about small town Jaen or anything, feel free to email me! jhoolko@gmail.com

Good luck with your preparations and be excited! Even though its a small town it will still be awesome.

Jess

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[rachel_s]

Thank you Jess! That really did make me feel a lot better! (I'm sure it was obvious enough, but I was starting to freak out a bit...) I will definitely be emailing you soon.
Thanks so much,
Rachel

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[JPH]

Hi Andalucía people!

I was an auxiliar last year in a pueblito in Jaén province, and I've been answering questions for some people who had them about the area. I know I was freaking out this time last year because I had no idea what I was walking into, so I compiled all the questions I've gotten so far and my answers on the blog I kept while I was abroad. If anyone thinks it would help, here it is! I worked in La Puerta de Segura and lived in Baeza on the weekends:

http://glamorousinretrospect.wordpress.com/

Buena suerte!!!

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[mhaaga]

I've been accepted to the program in Andalucia.  I will be working in a small town outside of Sevilla, Lora del Rio.  I was wondering if anyone could tell me anything about that region?  How hard was it to find housing once you got over there?  What type of cell phone plan is available or what you recommend on that?  What's a good bank to use over there?  What type of things should we bring?  If there is anywhere you can direct me on these questions I would greatly appreciate it.  Thanks for the help and I look forward to being over in Spain at the end of September!

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[ewoebse]

Hi everyone,

I'm placed in Torremolinos in the province of Malaga (Andalucia).  Is anyone else in that area or has anyone been placed there previously?  I've been trying to get in touch with my school to find out about housing but still haven't heard anything back.  Help!  Thanks!

Erica

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[ginajcbsn]

Hi everyone,

I'm placed in Torremolinos in the province of Malaga (Andalucia).  Is anyone else in that area or has anyone been placed there previously?  I've been trying to get in touch with my school to find out about housing but still haven't heard anything back.  Help!  Thanks!

Erica

Hey Erica,

I've been placed in Velez-Malaga which is near the coast a bit north of Malaga. (not sure how close it is to Torremolinos), but as far as I know the schools don't really have a say on living. I think its just up to us to find an apartment. I've been looking on some sites and there seems to be quite the selection in Malaga itself (I'm going to live there and commute to Velez-Malaga) but it was recommended to me to not commit to an apartment before actually seeing it. So I'm arriving in Malaga on Sept. 21st and am couchsurfing while I find an apartment. Do you think you're going to live in Torremolinos or Malaga?

Ciao!!

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[diecinueve]

Hey all! Just wanted to throw in there that if anyone is blogging about your time in Andalucia, I'd love to follow along!

I'll be blogging about life in Malaga at my blog Love & Paella at http://writinganewstory.blogspot.com if anyone cares to visit!

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[kborghi]

Hey guys, here's my blog too. I'm just getting started, but this will cover my time in Sevilla centro :

www.lasevillana.wordpress.com

Enjoy

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[SenoritaSwain]

Wow! I am just finding this site. I wish I knew of it before.
I will be in Sevilla teaching at Instituto Isbilya. Is anyone
else placed at this same school?
I am arriving in Sevilla on September 23rd to begin looking
for a place and become familiar with the city. I don't even know
where I will stay until I find a place..I'm thinking Hostel?
Anyone else in the same situation,
Also, I applied for my Visa at the DC office about 3 weeks ago.
About how long will it take for me to receive..

I cannot wait to get this show on the ROAD!
PEACE

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[lisa_l]

Is anyone else going to be in the Jaen region in Andalucia? When I first got the letter, I thought that my school was actually in the town of Jaen (between Cordoba and Granada). But I just recently google-mapped the address for the school and it is about an hour outside of Jaen! On the map, it looks to be basically the middle of nowhere. The closest small towns each have only about 1000-4000 people in them. The town that the school itself is in (Solera) has 338 people!!! I found a website for the school, but it hasn't been updated since 2007. (All of the news on the site is from spring 2007)... I'm very confused and don't know what to do about where to look for places to live or how to get to the school, especially since our orientation isn't until a few days after we start at the schools. I really don't want to have to live in a tiny village...
Has anyone emailed their school? I would assume that this email would need to be in Spanish?

The school is CEIP Antonio Machado. It would be amazing if there was another person from the program there, but I feel that is highly unlikely since it's so small...

Hi Rachel!  I just got my assignment (I was on the waiting list for a long time!) in Peal de Becerro in Jaen province.  It looks to be about 30-45 minutes away from Ubeda; I thought the same thing at first, that it was in the city of Jaen, and that "Peal de Becerro" was the street.  I'm thinking of living in Ubeda and commuting, but as several people have suggested I'll wait until I'm there to make a final decision.  Since I'm just now applying for my visa, I'll be coming over late, but in the meantime I'm trying to get in touch with other people placed near Baeza/Ubeda.  It looks like Solera and Peal de Becerro are on different roads leading out of Ubeda, but if you end up living in Baeza or Ubeda let me know!  Anyone else in that area?  (And is anyone else just now getting their assignment?)

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