MADRID Language and Cultural Assistants 2010-2011

[SRedw]

For the training days before we start at the school is accommodation provided?  What is a near by hostel people are planning to stay at? I was not able to find hostels in the area

No accommodation is provided at all. There are plenty of hostels in Madrid. You just have to find them.

Suerte,

Shawn

[tfreeman]

Question about living...

Is it detrimental to live with other English speakers? I have said all along that I want to live with locals (for the cultural and language help), but I have run across a place that is completely furnished, well located, and a solid price for its location. The issue is that it is being rented to all auxiliares, so we would all speak English. The biggest upside is that taking this place would keep me from having to waste money in a hostel and it would save me the trouble of having to look for a place. (not the I would rent it now, but I have contacted the person early enough that I am one of the top on the list, if I want the place when I get there).

So, my question is, is it worth it to save myself the trouble and if I like what I see when I get there just sign and take it? OR, is it better to live with locals? Will it hurt me to only live with English speakers? Is it hard to negotiate rent agreements and such?

Thanks.

[SRedw]

Question about living...

Is it detrimental to live with other English speakers? I have said all along that I want to live with locals (for the cultural and language help), but I have run across a place that is completely furnished, well located, and a solid price for its location. The issue is that it is being rented to all auxiliares, so we would all speak English. The biggest upside is that taking this place would keep me from having to waste money in a hostel and it would save me the trouble of having to look for a place. (not the I would rent it now, but I have contacted the person early enough that I am one of the top on the list, if I want the place when I get there).

So, my question is, is it worth it to save myself the trouble and if I like what I see when I get there just sign and take it? OR, is it better to live with locals? Will it hurt me to only live with English speakers? Is it hard to negotiate rent agreements and such?

Thanks.

If you like it, take it. It's as simple as that. You can always speak Spanish outside of the house.

Suerte,

Shawn

[madridsally]

Question about living...

Is it detrimental to live with other English speakers? I have said all along that I want to live with locals (for the cultural and language help), but I have run across a place that is completely furnished, well located, and a solid price for its location. The issue is that it is being rented to all auxiliares, so we would all speak English. The biggest upside is that taking this place would keep me from having to waste money in a hostel and it would save me the trouble of having to look for a place. (not the I would rent it now, but I have contacted the person early enough that I am one of the top on the list, if I want the place when I get there).

So, my question is, is it worth it to save myself the trouble and if I like what I see when I get there just sign and take it? OR, is it better to live with locals? Will it hurt me to only live with English speakers? Is it hard to negotiate rent agreements and such?

Thanks.

I think you could find Spanish roommates just as easily. Try Loquo or EasyPiso. The only thing is you'll need to post and respond to ads in Spanish in order to find Spanish-only speaking roommates.

madrid.loquo.com/en_us  -- this is like craigslist
http://www.easypiso.com/ --- this is a roommate finder site, which is good except for one drawback. you can only read messages people send you for the first two days that you're a  member. After that you have to upgrade to "premium" membership to read e-mails. so, write down any contact info that people send  you during the first two days after you join.

Also good..

http://www.dflathousing.com

They charge a 175 euro finders fee, but they often have special discounts on that... they do all the work finding you a room with roommates and they will deal with you in English.  I'm guesing most of their customers are non-Spaniards though. That's why I think luquo or easypiso is probably your best bet for spanish roommates.

[abialva03]

Hello my friends!

I already have my placement and all...all I'm waiting for is my visa so that I can purchase my ticket! I'm kind of nervous that I will get it late...is anybody having the same problem?

[serendipity]

Hello my friends!

I already have my placement and all...all I'm waiting for is my visa so that I can purchase my ticket! I'm kind of nervous that I will get it late...is anybody having the same problem?

if you are at the los angeles consulate by any chance...don't worry. they have a quick turnaround, only 1-2 weeks! i applied at the end of july and i got mine in a week

[abialva03]

I turned in my visa the Houston Consulate...does anybody know how long it will take to get my visa?

[BenATX]

I turned in my visa the Houston Consulate...does anybody know how long it will take to get my visa?

My wife and I applied to Houston July 2nd and received them July 30th.  However, when we applied they quoted us a 4-5 week turnaround and now they are saying 7-8 weeks. 

Best of luck!

Ben

[Daniele]

I turned in my visa the Houston Consulate...does anybody know how long it will take to get my visa?

I applied a week and a half ago on the 12th and they called me on Friday and said I could come pick it up. I will probably go in tomorrow and get it.

Houston has a pretty quick turn around.

[Leepa]

Hi everyone,

Can anyone recommend a company that does certified translations within a week or two? My doctor's note is in Spanish but my police clearance is not. I paid for an online professional translation of my police clearance; however I only received a Microsoft Word document. The person at the LA consulate told me that I need to have a certified translation done by a certified translator to get my NIE in Madrid. I've done many google searches but haven't found anything. Please help!

Lisa

[abialva03]

DOes anybody know how w get to cash our checks? do we need to get an account?

[serendipity]

abilalva03: if you are talking about the auxiliar paychecks, most schools will pay by direct deposit, and you'll need to have a spanish bank account. or if they pay be checks, you'll have to manually deposit them into a spanish bank account.

once you get your NIE, you will be able to open a bank account. although some banks may let you open one with just your passport.

[Rmarie]

if you get a check you don't need an account.... usually your school will have a deal with whatever bank that makes the checks so you can just cash it there for free.  I know it was a 1.80 (euro) fee to cash a caja madrid check at a different caja madrid than the one who made out my check.  Not a bad deal if you ask me!

[abialva03]

Thank you for the information! I have another question...what if I want to have another account for me? I want to open an account here in Houston so that I can use it in Spain. Is there a bank that is international and that doesn't charge fees? I want to be able to have an account so that I can use meanwhile I wait for my paycheck. Any suggestions?

[Rmarie]

sorry I'm not sure about that! 
I just used cash here for a long time.... but I also didn't have to stay in a hostal or room with people I didn't know.  I know you can pull out money with your debit card here.  I had Chase bank and they charged me 3% of the total amout I was taking out plus the exchange rate.  Maybe you could put one of your parents on your account there, that way if something goes wrong they can help out.  Sorry for not being very helpful with this one!

[Y Tu Que?]

Thank you for the information! I have another question...what if I want to have another account for me? I want to open an account here in Houston so that I can use it in Spain. Is there a bank that is international and that doesn't charge fees? I want to be able to have an account so that I can use meanwhile I wait for my paycheck. Any suggestions?

Charles Schwab. They don't charge you any fees when withdrawing money overseas. Technically they simply refund all ATM fees - whether in the US, or abroad, since they don't have their own ATM machines. I got an account with them before I did auxiliares last time and it turned out to be a wonderful decision.

[kate bell]

Hi

Are you enjoying your post.  I am from the UK and just been offered a position....bit unsure would really appreciate some advice on how you're finding it?

Thanks Kate

[ilovebakchoy]

Hi Everyone,

Seasons Greetings!

I am currently a second-year assistant in a school near the center of Madrid.  I have a sudden crisis at home that I need to attend to when I go back for winter break.  I will not be coming back.  I am devastated that I have to abandon the post because it is unfair to the kids, especially the 4th graders whom I am responsible for this year.  But there is no other way.  Can someone enlighten me with the steps that I have to take with the Consejería and my school?

Kindest Regards