Author Topic: 2011-2012 North American Language & Culture Assistant : : EXTREMADURA (Read 5972 times)

Lmburel · « **on:** March 24, 2011, 03:28:00 PM »

This group is for all the Language and Culture Assistants who have been assigned to the Extremadura Region. Here we can get to know each other, find roommates, ask questions, and just talk about how great it is going to be living in Spain! Get excited for Extremadura 2011-2012!

red5b · « **Reply #1 on:** March 24, 2011, 08:30:06 PM »

Wohoo Extremadura!!! I'm so excited! From what I've been reading, this region is pretty pueblo, but people say it embodies the "classic Spanish landscape." I definitely want to try and live in more of a city center, then communte to my school, but am really looking forward to the small town feel as well.

Lmburel · « **Reply #2 on:** March 25, 2011, 02:22:35 AM »

I am so excited, too. Anytime I have had free during the day so far I have been looking up info online about the region. There's not a lot of information, but it is out there. I think I am more interested in: cost of living, general city/pueblo placements of auxiliaries, etc.

I am also looking for a book that will help with adjustments to living in Spain, and maybe even specifically, Extremadura.

Just starting to think about these things! The time will come sooner than we think...

hellokitty · « **Reply #3 on:** March 25, 2011, 09:34:30 PM »

I'm going to be in Extremadura this fall!!

I'm really excited because I wanted to go to region in Spain that doesn't have a lot of tourists. I also read that Extremadura is fairly inexpensive, so that will help with managing my money! I really hope to be placed in a city, particularly Badajoz, but I will be happy anywhere because I'll be in Spain!!!!!

MRLambert · « **Reply #4 on:** March 26, 2011, 06:22:44 PM »

I just accepted my position

I'm really nervous and excited to get the ball rolling on this process! There really isn't that much information online so we have a lot of googling in our future! Haha. I'm happy to have this thread so that we can all help each other out. I don't really have anything useful to add right now but wanted to say hi to y'all. Extremadura 2011!

fumala22 · « **Reply #5 on:** March 27, 2011, 11:46:48 AM »

Does anyone know the e-mail for the Junta de Extremadura?

Nieves28 · « **Reply #6 on:** March 27, 2011, 06:42:17 PM »

Quote from: fumala22 on March 27, 2011, 11:46:48 AM

Does anyone know the e-mail for the Junta de Extremadura?

oraux05@edu.juntaex.es or respecial@edu.juntaex.es

All the emails for the Juntas are in the Manual.

Eduardo Almau · « **Reply #7 on:** March 29, 2011, 08:43:58 PM »

Hi, my name is Eduardo and next September Iam opening a new academy of English in Cáceres, Spain. I am interested in contacing American teachers who want to teach english part-time. If you are interested, please, get in touch. (ealmau@yahoo.es)

LB331 · « **Reply #8 on:** March 30, 2011, 07:01:25 PM »

Just wanted to say hi, I found out this morning that i'll be in extremadura!

Anyone else from virgina or surrounding states?

Is there already an extremadura facebook group, and if so, could someone post the link? Thanks

Jax7117 · « **Reply #9 on:** March 30, 2011, 09:39:11 PM »

Hey everyone. Just accepted to extremadura....don't know much about this region...but excited to be going to Spain!

MRLambert · « **Reply #10 on:** March 30, 2011, 10:50:32 PM »

Yay! All these new people are making me so excited! I wish we had our specific assignments!

Lmburel · « **Reply #11 on:** March 31, 2011, 03:58:33 AM »

Quote from: MRLambert on March 30, 2011, 10:50:32 PM

Yay! All these new people are making me so excited! I wish we had our specific assignments!

I know! So, anyone know the time line of when we are supposed to receive our letters from the regions? Has anyone heard anything?

There is something intriguing about being placed in a region like this...like it's so remote and almost unknown to your typical young traveler. I am really excited to be placed here. I am ready to explore it! Who cares what we don't know--we will find out!

hellokitty · « **Reply #12 on:** March 31, 2011, 03:58:48 PM »

Quote from: Lmburel on March 31, 2011, 03:58:33 AM

I know! So, anyone know the time line of when we are supposed to receive our letters from the regions? Has anyone heard anything?

There is something intriguing about being placed in a region like this...like it's so remote and almost unknown to your typical young traveler. I am really excited to be placed here. I am ready to explore it! Who cares what we don't know--we will find out!

That is why I picked Extremadura as my first choice, because it is off the beaten track, and not many people know about it. There definitely won't be a lot of tourists, which I think is great!

Jax7117 · « **Reply #13 on:** March 31, 2011, 04:06:24 PM »

Hey everyone. I am applicant 2206 and just got placed in extremadura. Just wanted to say hi to everyone!

Farmgirl · « **Reply #14 on:** March 31, 2011, 06:26:16 PM »

Hi everyone,
My husband and I and our family will be heading to Extremadura!!!! It took 13 fingerprint cards and a lot of wonderful people to help pull it off for us.

Here you can stream either Extremadura radio or watch the noticias with Extremadura TV. It's a great way to start associating with some of the places in the region and also to hear the Extremadurian way of talking.

http://tv.canalextremadura.es/

Farmgirl from Oregon

Lmburel · « **Reply #15 on:** April 01, 2011, 02:38:40 AM »

Quote from: Farmgirl on March 31, 2011, 06:26:16 PM

Hi everyone,
My husband and I and our family will be heading to Extremadura!!!! It took 13 fingerprint cards and a lot of wonderful people to help pull it off for us.

Here you can stream either Extremadura radio or watch the noticias with Extremadura TV. It's a great way to start associating with some of the places in the region and also to hear the Extremadurian way of talking.

http://tv.canalextremadura.es/

Farmgirl from Oregon

Fabulous! CongratS! Thanks for the website...that's useful.

Farmgirl · « **Reply #16 on:** April 01, 2011, 04:15:34 AM »

Quote from: Lmburel on April 01, 2011, 02:38:40 AM

Fabulous! CongratS! Thanks for the website...that's useful.

you're welcome. We've been streaming it nearly every night. They also show some other programas as well....

LB331 · « **Reply #17 on:** April 01, 2011, 04:50:08 AM »

Good to hear you're now accepted farmgirl- I know you worked hard to make that happen. Hope you & your family have a great time in Extremadura! ...and thanks for the link you shared! It should be an excellent way to get us ready for Spain.

Farmgirl · « **Reply #18 on:** April 01, 2011, 05:20:35 AM »

Quote from: LB331 on April 01, 2011, 04:50:08 AM

Good to hear you're now accepted farmgirl- I know you worked hard to make that happen. Hope you & your family have a great time in Extremadura! ...and thanks for the link you shared! It should be an excellent way to get us ready for Spain.

thank you....

Callejear · « **Reply #19 on:** April 01, 2011, 01:16:31 PM »

Hola Extremedura Peoples,

My partner and I were accepted last Friday into the, "region that has only recently entered the 21st century" according to lonely planet, and we can not wait to buy those tickets. Also, we are in the Virginia area right now.

So, this Apostille of the Hague for the medical and FBI check - this is how I understand the process.

1. Have FBI and Med Cert
2. Make copies of those
3. Get copies notarized as true copies of the original
4. Send notarized copy and original to my state gov office for Apostille.
5. Wait

Is this what you all are doing? I know that each consulate has a different procedure but any advice would be super.

Lmburel · « **Reply #20 on:** April 01, 2011, 03:27:54 PM »

Quote from: Callejear on April 01, 2011, 01:16:31 PM

So, this Apostille of the Hague for the medical and FBI check - this is how I understand the process.

1. Have FBI and Med Cert
2. Make copies of those
3. Get copies notarized as true copies of the original
4. Send notarized copy and original to my state gov office for Apostille.
5. Wait

Is this what you all are doing? I know that each consulate has a different procedure but any advice would be super.

It depends on your consulate apparently...so, contact them just to be sure!

Mariknee · « **Reply #21 on:** April 03, 2011, 04:52:56 AM »

Hey everyone! I just got accepted to teach in Extremadura too. I'm anxious to find out exactly where they'll place me. I've been researching it since I know nothing about the region! I lived in Alicante for 5 month for my study abroad. I'm so excited to go back to Spain. I hope the schools notify us soon.

Mariknee · « **Reply #22 on:** April 03, 2011, 04:56:01 AM »

Oh, and I'm also from Virginia close to DC.

Mariknee · « **Reply #23 on:** April 03, 2011, 05:18:03 AM »

I made a facebook group & called it Auxiliares de Conversacion - Extremadura!

Join it!! My name is Marini. Hope to see you there

Lmburel · « **Reply #24 on:** April 03, 2011, 05:50:16 AM »

Quote from: Mariknee on April 03, 2011, 05:18:03 AM

I made a facebook group & called it Auxiliares de Conversacion - Extremadura!

Join it!! My name is Marini. Hope to see you there

FYI there is already one: "Auxiliares de Conversación en Extremadura 2011-2012"

Mariknee · « **Reply #25 on:** April 03, 2011, 04:11:06 PM »

Oh haha thanks!! I'll delete the one I made..

hellokitty · « **Reply #26 on:** April 05, 2011, 03:31:45 PM »

Did anyone else get their placement yet? I just got an email this morning...I'm placed in Badajoz!!!!! Well it is the province of Badajoz, it looks like I will be in 2 schools, one in Montijo and the other in La Garrovilla. Yay!!!

red5b · « **Reply #27 on:** April 05, 2011, 05:08:56 PM »

Quote from: hellokitty on April 05, 2011, 03:31:45 PM

Did anyone else get their placement yet? I just got an email this morning...I'm placed in Badajoz!!!!! Well it is the province of Badajoz, it looks like I will be in 2 schools, one in Montijo and the other in La Garrovilla. Yay!!!

Ah! I can't believe placements are going out already! I really hope I get mine soon!

ajnabiyya · « **Reply #28 on:** April 05, 2011, 05:35:15 PM »

HelloKitty, that's awesome that you're going to be at La Garrovilla. Is it the high school? I'm placed in Madrid, not Extremadura, but I used to do a penpal exchange with one of the English teachers there for our students when I taught middle school Spanish in California. Her name was Marisol and she is awesome - super nice. The kids were neat too, from what I saw in their letters. You're going to have a great time!

hellokitty · « **Reply #29 on:** April 05, 2011, 05:40:20 PM »

Quote from: ajnabiyya on April 05, 2011, 05:35:15 PM

HelloKitty, that's awesome that you're going to be at La Garrovilla. Is it the high school? I'm placed in Madrid, not Extremadura, but I used to do a penpal exchange with one of the English teachers there for our students when I taught middle school Spanish in California. Her name was Marisol and she is awesome - super nice. The kids were neat too, from what I saw in their letters. You're going to have a great time!

Thanks!!! I'm so excited!!! I'm not sure if it is the high school...Here is the info I received, I'm still trying to figure out the schools and education system.

C.E.I.P. NTRA SRA DE LA CARIDAD
C/ Zurbarán, s/n
06870 LA GARROVILLA
(Badajoz)
Tfno: 924009995 Fax:924009994

ajnabiyya · « **Reply #30 on:** April 05, 2011, 06:18:21 PM »

Quote from: hellokitty on April 05, 2011, 05:40:20 PM

Thanks!!! I'm so excited!!! I'm not sure if it is the high school...Here is the info I received, I'm still trying to figure out the schools and education system.

C.E.I.P. NTRA SRA DE LA CARIDAD
C/ Zurbarán, s/n
06870 LA GARROVILLA
(Badajoz)
Tfno: 924009995 Fax:924009994

It looks like you're at an elementary school - I believe CEIP stands for "centro de educación infantil y primaria". The school I worked with was IES (instituto de educación secundaria) Dulce Chacón. It's a pretty small-townish atmosphere from what I gathered, though, so you'll probably cross paths. Very exciting!

sweetest_strawberry · « **Reply #31 on:** April 05, 2011, 06:18:42 PM »

CEIP stands for Centro de Educación Infantil y Primaria. Which means you will be working in a colegio

Congratulations!! It's most likely a school that has the lower school portion as well as the nursery part

hellokitty · « **Reply #32 on:** April 05, 2011, 08:50:35 PM »

Quote from: ajnabiyya on April 05, 2011, 06:18:21 PM

It looks like you're at an elementary school - I believe CEIP stands for "centro de educación infantil y primaria". The school I worked with was IES (instituto de educación secundaria) Dulce Chacón. It's a pretty small-townish atmosphere from what I gathered, though, so you'll probably cross paths. Very exciting!

Quote from: sweetest_strawberry on April 05, 2011, 06:18:42 PM

CEIP stands for Centro de Educación Infantil y Primaria. Which means you will be working in a colegio Congratulations!! It's most likely a school that has the lower school portion as well as the nursery part

Thanks guys!!! I googled it, but couldn't find what the CEIP stood for...I also will be at this school:
I.E.S. VEGAS BAJAS
C/ Virgen de Barbaño, s/n
06480 MONTIJO

Which from the website and ajnabiyya's post will be a high school. I'm happy to have both kinds of schools to teach in!!!

fumala22 · « **Reply #33 on:** April 05, 2011, 10:35:06 PM »

Quote from: hellokitty on April 05, 2011, 03:31:45 PM

Did anyone else get their placement yet? I just got an email this morning...I'm placed in Badajoz!!!!! Well it is the province of Badajoz, it looks like I will be in 2 schools, one in Montijo and the other in La Garrovilla. Yay!!!

Hey, congrats! I got my placement too.. I'll be in a high school in the city of Badajoz.. so excited!!

In order to accept the position, we just respond to their e-mail, right? I responded saying "I would like to confirm that I will accept this position" (except in Spanish, lol) That should be enough, right? They didn't say anything back, though, to show that they acknowledge my official acceptance...

Anyway, is that what you did?

I'm just worried since we only have 7 days to accept.

hellokitty · « **Reply #34 on:** April 05, 2011, 11:12:36 PM »

Quote from: fumala22 on April 05, 2011, 10:35:06 PM

Hey, congrats! I got my placement too.. I'll be in a high school in the city of Badajoz.. so excited!!

In order to accept the position, we just respond to their e-mail, right? I responded saying "I would like to confirm that I will accept this position" (except in Spanish, lol) That should be enough, right? They didn't say anything back, though, to show that they acknowledge my official acceptance...

Anyway, is that what you did?

I'm just worried since we only have 7 days to accept.

I think that should be enough. I haven't sent my acceptance back yet, although, of course I will accept. I'm just at work and want to make sure I take my time and don't make any typos. I guess I would write back in a few days and just make sure they received your official acceptance. I'm glad someone is going to be close to me in Badajoz, although I haven't figured out if I'm going to live in Badajoz or Merida...my schools are in between.

Mariknee · « **Reply #35 on:** April 06, 2011, 12:20:42 AM »

Lucky! I can't wait to find out where I'll be teaching & living. Hope its soon!!

MRLambert · « **Reply #36 on:** April 06, 2011, 12:31:00 AM »

Congratulations everyone!!! I am SO happy that they're already getting assignments out! I can't wait until we all find out. Have fun researching... I'm sure that's all you'll be doing now haha!

Lmburel · « **Reply #37 on:** April 08, 2011, 10:02:03 PM »

Seriously...I am getting very ansty...I want my placement

I am trying to be patient, but seeing people get there placements is making me this way.

So, what is everyone planning on doing about housing? Living with other auxiliaries? Spaniards? Alone?

mindyk · « **Reply #38 on:** April 09, 2011, 07:21:01 PM »

I just posted this, but don't know if it went through. I just got placed in a very small town called Monesterio and I don't know if I want to accept it. It's far from any larger-sized city in Extremadura and so I'm apprehensive about committing. If I reject my assignment, will I receive a new one? Or, will I be taken out of the program entirely?

hellokitty · « **Reply #39 on:** April 09, 2011, 07:56:34 PM »

Quote from: Lmburel on April 08, 2011, 10:02:03 PM

Seriously...I am getting very ansty...I want my placement I am trying to be patient, but seeing people get there placements is making me this way.

So, what is everyone planning on doing about housing? Living with other auxiliaries? Spaniards? Alone?

I really want to practice my Spanish, so I think I will try and live with other Spaniards, or maybe even alone. I'm not sure if I'll be able to afford living alone though. I want to see if my schools give me any suggestions.

hellokitty · « **Reply #40 on:** April 09, 2011, 07:59:12 PM »

Quote from: mindyk on April 09, 2011, 07:21:01 PM

I just posted this, but don't know if it went through. I just got placed in a very small town called Monesterio and I don't know if I want to accept it. It's far from any larger-sized city in Extremadura and so I'm apprehensive about committing. If I reject my assignment, will I receive a new one? Or, will I be taken out of the program entirely?

I'm not sure what would happen, but I think they probably wouldn't be quick to give another assignment. I know it probably seems like a remote place, but I was looking at some posts from last year's Extremadura discussion board, and some people really had a good time in some of the smaller towns.

Lmburel · « **Reply #41 on:** April 11, 2011, 03:12:37 PM »

I got my school placement e-mail this morning! ah ah ah! okay...so lets see...I am in Badajoz!

Two I.E.S : one in OLIVENZA and the other in VALVERDE DE LEGANÉS. They are both about a half hour from Badajoz city center. I wouldn't mind the commute

pittel · « **Reply #42 on:** April 11, 2011, 03:38:16 PM »

Quote from: mindyk on April 09, 2011, 07:21:01 PM

I just posted this, but don't know if it went through. I just got placed in a very small town called Monesterio and I don't know if I want to accept it. It's far from any larger-sized city in Extremadura and so I'm apprehensive about committing. If I reject my assignment, will I receive a new one? Or, will I be taken out of the program entirely?

If you reject that's it, you won't get another placement. I would give it a shot, you never know what's gonna happen. I have lots of friends in small pueblos and they've had the greatest experiences that you would never get living in a big city.

Lmburel · « **Reply #43 on:** April 11, 2011, 10:35:57 PM »

What is everyone writing back to accept their placements

Just, Yes, I accept.

But, in espanol?

hellokitty · « **Reply #44 on:** April 11, 2011, 11:25:17 PM »

Quote from: Lmburel on April 11, 2011, 10:35:57 PM

What is everyone writing back to accept their placements

Just, Yes, I accept.

But, in espanol?

Yes, that's pretty much what I said. I added some nice stuff like, I'm honored to accept this position, but basically just kept it short and sweet. Since your cities are about 30 minutes away from Badajoz like mine, do you plan to commute from Badajoz, or live in one of the pueblos?

jules128 · « **Reply #45 on:** April 13, 2011, 01:55:03 PM »

Quote from: mindyk on April 09, 2011, 07:21:01 PM

I just posted this, but don't know if it went through. I just got placed in a very small town called Monesterio and I don't know if I want to accept it. It's far from any larger-sized city in Extremadura and so I'm apprehensive about committing. If I reject my assignment, will I receive a new one? Or, will I be taken out of the program entirely?

I know you feel like you're placed in the middle of nowhere but I just looked it up on google maps and it seems Monesterio is only an hour driving to Sevilla. Maybe your school will be flexible and let you work more hours just 3 days a week and you could commute from Sevilla if you'd like to live in a bigger city. I think it could definitely be worse, an hour from a major city is not that bad at all. Let us know if you accept it!

Lmburel · « **Reply #46 on:** April 19, 2011, 04:52:52 PM »

I know I have already asked this...but, since everyone is starting to get their placements---what is your update on visas? Have you started? If not, when are you planning on starting? I don't wanna start too early. But, I don't want to wait until the very last second....

hellokitty · « **Reply #47 on:** April 19, 2011, 06:29:35 PM »

Quote from: Lmburel on April 19, 2011, 04:52:52 PM

I know I have already asked this...but, since everyone is starting to get their placements---what is your update on visas? Have you started? If not, when are you planning on starting? I don't wanna start too early. But, I don't want to wait until the very last second....

I just sent my FBI background check off last week for the apostille. When I get that, I will see if I can schedule my visa appt. I want to get an early start just in case they say I need something, or something goes wrong. I usually am a procrastinator, but in this case, I say earlier is better.

Lmburel · « **Reply #48 on:** April 20, 2011, 03:53:43 PM »

Quote from: hellokitty on April 19, 2011, 06:29:35 PM

I just sent my FBI background check off last week for the apostille. When I get that, I will see if I can schedule my visa appt. I want to get an early start just in case they say I need something, or something goes wrong. I usually am a procrastinator, but in this case, I say earlier is better.

How do you go about getting the apostille? Do you request it when you send in your FBI app?

hellokitty · « **Reply #49 on:** April 20, 2011, 08:39:04 PM »

Quote from: Lmburel on April 20, 2011, 03:53:43 PM

How do you go about getting the apostille? Do you request it when you send in your FBI app?

No, when you get your FBI background report, it has a letter in there with directions on how to request the apostille. Your background check needs to have the FBI seal and a signature of a division official (you ask for this when you send off for the background check). The address to send for the apostille is:

U.S. Department of State
518 23rd NW SA-1
Washington, DC 20037

There is a email included if you have questions aoprgsmauth@state.gov

I also included a cover sheet basically asking for an apsotille. I included all my contact info. I received an email yesterday saying they have my request.

News:

Author Topic: 2011-2012 North American Language & Culture Assistant : : EXTREMADURA (Read 5972 times)