Where do you recommend for the North American Language and Cultural Assistant

[Farmgirl]

So -- my husband and I plan to apply for the 2011-2012 season, which doesn't open up for at least 6-weeks.  Nonetheless, we're in the process of getting documents, opening up an account and doing what we can.  The one thing that is causing our head to spin is...where to choose?  With us, it's a bit more of a challenge, as we have two youth - a 15-year old and a 9-year old.  We've done family travel before, the last one was a 4-month trip to Ecuador/Peru. 

So -- considerations for us are:  good (public) schools for our girls (we want them to continue with their Spanish studies and a small city/large town that would be super friendly.  It looks like the NW coastal regions can get pretty soggy....but then again, maybe someone thinks their the best!  So -- we want to hear YOUR recommendations!

BTW - we love the outdoors.  We live in Bend, OR, with 300-days of sunshine/year.
Farmgirl

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[Y Tu Que?]

I've done the program in Andalucia and Islas Baleares - both are great. Andalucia has the most sunshine in Europe (claims the internet). Important to keep in mind is that you really do not have that much say in where you're placed. If you get your applications in early then yes, its possible to get your first choice for region, but after that its really out of your hands. So my advice would be not to get your hopes up for a particular city/town and focus instead on which region you could be happy in no matter where you are placed. And of course, get your applications in ASAP so that you can get your first choice. Word to the wise - if you list Valencia as your first choice there's a good chance you won't get it because many times they don't place first years there, and in 08-09 year there weren't any posts there anyways.

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[Farmgirl]

Thanks.  Do you know much about Murcia?  We'd be doing this as a family and would also have to consider schooling for our daughters.  We're more inclined toward a smaller city, town and also wonder about some of the regions toward the north.

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[Y Tu Que?]

Thanks.  Do you know much about Murcia?  We'd be doing this as a family and would also have to consider schooling for our daughters.  We're more inclined toward a smaller city, town and also wonder about some of the regions toward the north.

I only visited Murcia a few times, but its a nice region, and Murcia capital is a good small city. A lot of Murcia region is pretty rural, so be prepared for that. But it also has fairly good weather and some nice beaches.

I can tell you that from my personal experience the school system in Andalucia is less than impressive. According to Spaniards I know (from Valencia) the Valencian school system is pretty awful. Also keep in mind that in some communities the schooling is done in the local language, for example here in the Baleares schools are taught in Catalan, not Spanish. The same would be true for schools in Catalunya. I would guess that schools in Pais Vasco might be taught in Euskara (but definitely check on this because I do not know).

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[halydia]

I only visited Murcia a few times, but its a nice region, and Murcia capital is a good small city. A lot of Murcia region is pretty rural, so be prepared for that. But it also has fairly good weather and some nice beaches.

I can tell you that from my personal experience the school system in Andalucia is less than impressive. According to Spaniards I know (from Valencia) the Valencian school system is pretty awful. Also keep in mind that in some communities the schooling is done in the local language, for example here in the Baleares schools are taught in Catalan, not Spanish. The same would be true for schools in Catalunya. I would guess that schools in Pais Vasco might be taught in Euskara (but definitely check on this because I do not know).

Yup. There's a few different linguistic "track" choices (Spanish, Basque, mixed) but it could be a serious mess for the kids - unless you want them to pick up yet another language.

I've been hesitant to suggest the north due to the fact that you mentioned they can get soggy - which they can. However, it's this rain which makes it so breathtakingly green. You might want to look into Asturias or Cantabria.

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[Farmgirl]

Yes, Asturias and Cantabria seem breathtakingly beautiful...but I'm not sure whether the 'soggy' factor would be an issue. 
Any more insight on information on schools?  I'd like to keep it to Spanish, and would prefer an area with good education.
I hear Navarra has a good educational system.  Thoughts on that?  Other regions folks can recommend?

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[halydia]

It can get "Pacific Northwest Soggy" up here in the winter, that's for sure.

Here's a link to Navarra's "Guia de estudios": http://www.educacion.navarra.es/portal/Guia+de+Estudios

Most importantly, here's the info about Navarra's linguistic policies and track choices: http://www.educacion.navarra.es/portal/Guia+de+Estudios/SistemaEducativo/Modelos+Linguisticos
where they state: "En el citado Decreto Foral se autorizan para la zona vascófona los modelos A, B y D, siendo obligatoria por tanto la enseñanza de la lengua vasca; para la zona mixta los modelos A, B, D y G y para la zona no vascófona los modelos A y G.

En cualquier caso, los alumnos que escojan un modelo lingüístico en su incorporación al sistema educativo, deberán continuar en él durante toda su escolaridad. Los posibles cambios requieren la autorización de la Comisión de Bilingüismo, siendo diferente la situación si se desean realizar al finalizar una etapa o dentro de ella."

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[Farmgirl]

Thanks.  For some reason the links on the education system wouldn't open.  Which region is 'rainier', asturias or cantabria...or if you were to rank one over the other (1st/2nd), how would you?  How about in terms of 'friendliness', or schooling?

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[halydia]

Thanks.  For some reason the links on the education system wouldn't open.  Which region is 'rainier', asturias or cantabria...or if you were to rank one over the other (1st/2nd), how would you?  How about in terms of 'friendliness', or schooling?

For me, that's sort of like asking which is rainier, Vermont or New Hampshire?
I can't choose one over the other. They're both fairly small, and they're both quite similar. Do some google image searches. Check out local news. Read about the education systems on the auxiliares page. 

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[Farmgirl]

thanks - will do.  I absolutely love New Hampshire and Vermont.....

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