2011-2012 North American Lang/Cult Assistants: Castilla La Mancha

[WindyCity]

Hi, I just got placed in Castilla La Mancha today!  (worry finally over, haha)  Anyway, I was wondering if there's anyone else on this forum currently working in Castilla La Mancha (advice/tips(?), please) or anyone who was just placed there. 

• Tweet

[Teelex]

I got placed there, although now I'm having second thoughts since I could have easily been placed in Madrid. I'm worried because it's a huge region that's not populated.

• Tweet

[tapasntrouble]

WindyCity, I'm assuming you're a Chicagoan too? I was just placed in Castilla-La Mancha as well!

• Tweet

[WindyCity]

@ tapasntrouble Yeah, I'm from Chicago.  I'm really excited about Spain now, I can't wait until I get all the info about my school etc.

@ Teelex  I kinda wish I had put Madrid 1st because I see I could have easily gotten it, but I also think it will be easier to learn Spanish outside of major tourist areas, although I'm definitely hoping to be placed a city like Toledo.
 

• Tweet

[tapasntrouble]

@ tapasntrouble Yeah, I'm from Chicago.  I'm really excited about Spain now, I can't wait until I get all the info about my school etc.

@ Teelex  I kinda wish I had put Madrid 1st because I see I could have easily gotten it, but I also think it will be easier to learn Spanish outside of major tourist areas, although I'm definitely hoping to be placed a city like Toledo.
 

I live in Chicago too, in Edgewater. I'm so excited!!!

• Tweet

[sweetest_strawberry]

Hi's! I'm from the Chicago-land area too Except I go to school in Minnesota. I'm so excited to be in Castilla-La Mancha although I have no idea where exactly in the region I will be placed. September can't come soon enough!

• Tweet

[tapasntrouble]

Hi's! I'm from the Chicago-land area too Except I go to school in Minnesota. I'm so excited to be in Castilla-La Mancha although I have no idea where exactly in the region I will be placed. September can't come soon enough!

So that makes three Chicagoans going to Castilla-La Mancha. We should meet for coffee before we go!

• Tweet

[sweetest_strawberry]

Indeed! I won't be back in Chicago until the end of August but maybe then \`('u')/'

• Tweet

[tapasntrouble]

Indeed! I won't be back in Chicago until the end of August but maybe then \`('u')/'

I should be leaving Chicago by the end of August. My lease ends August 1, so I'm going to go live with my family in the NYC area for a month before I head to Spain.

• Tweet

[sweetest_strawberry]

Bummer! I suppose we'll meet in Spain then. Since I won't be spending too many days in Chicago until the end of August.

P.S. I'm originally, originally from New York

• Tweet

[kellidoscope]

Hi, I just got placed in Castilla La Mancha today!  (worry finally over, haha)  Anyway, I was wondering if there's anyone else on this forum currently working in Castilla La Mancha (advice/tips(?), please) or anyone who was just placed there. 

I live in Toledo, CLM and I love it! Castilla La Mancha was not any of my choices last year and at first I was a little bummed about getting it but after having lived here I'm so glad I got placed here.
First, your Spainsh will improve immensely here, no one speaks English, going to the store, the dr., the bank etc. you need to use Spanish. Second, because so few people speak English, there is a big demand for clases particulares. Third, in some regions your proximity to Madrid is great. For example in Guadalajara, you are closer to the Madrid airport than most people in Madrid, this makes travel really convenient. In Toledo, Im 45 min by bus from Madrid and the airport is about 2 hours away by public transportation. I've been able to visit Paris, the Canary Islands, Amsterdam and next month Rome. Some people in these regions even live in Madrid and communte to work, its a long commute though. In other regions such as Cuidad Real, you are a little farther from Madrid but it is supposed to be very beautiful and you are right next to Andalucia.
The region is good about paying us, haven't heard any negative stories from anyone. The people in CLM are very friendly and always are there to lend a helping hand. The countyside is very scenic with lots of windmills and was the setting for Don Quixote.
So, I hope that helps, if you guys have any more questions let me know!!

• Tweet

[kellidoscope]

I got placed there, although now I'm having second thoughts since I could have easily been placed in Madrid. I'm worried because it's a huge region that's not populated.

The pueblos and countrysides aren't very populated however the cities like Cuidad Real, Toledo and Albacete are bustling cities. Not as populated as Madrid but still very good size.

• Tweet

[Teelex]

Thanks for info Kelli,

How's the weather in Toledo province?

• Tweet

[sweetest_strawberry]

@kelleidoscope

Do you actually teach in Toledo? I know they don't have too much need in the city because the University of Minnesota, Notre Dame, Arcadia, etc. study abroad students volunteer as cultural assistants at the colegios, institutos, and la escuela oficial de idiomas in Toledo.

@Teelex

I've lived in Toledo for 6 months before and the weather in Toledo is way better than Minnesota winters. The winters are mild, but this winter I thought it was a bit drearier than usual. It didn't snow this year as far as I know. Los Toledanos freak out when it snows and they cancel school when it snows just 2 inches. The springs are very sunny, warm, comfortable. It hardly rains during the summer and Spain but by May it's usually pretty unbearably hot. And pools don't open until June! I don't know the fall though; I've never experienced it.

• Tweet

[Teelex]

That's nice to hear, because I'm from South Florida, so I'm not too fond of cold weather lol.
Thank you )

• Tweet

[tapasntrouble]

Bummer! I suppose we'll meet in Spain then. Since I won't be spending too many days in Chicago until the end of August.

P.S. I'm originally, originally from New York

That's SO weird! We definitely need to meet up.

• Tweet

[tapasntrouble]

I live in Toledo, CLM and I love it! Castilla La Mancha was not any of my choices last year and at first I was a little bummed about getting it but after having lived here I'm so glad I got placed here.
First, your Spainsh will improve immensely here, no one speaks English, going to the store, the dr., the bank etc. you need to use Spanish. Second, because so few people speak English, there is a big demand for clases particulares. Third, in some regions your proximity to Madrid is great. For example in Guadalajara, you are closer to the Madrid airport than most people in Madrid, this makes travel really convenient. In Toledo, Im 45 min by bus from Madrid and the airport is about 2 hours away by public transportation. I've been able to visit Paris, the Canary Islands, Amsterdam and next month Rome. Some people in these regions even live in Madrid and communte to work, its a long commute though. In other regions such as Cuidad Real, you are a little farther from Madrid but it is supposed to be very beautiful and you are right next to Andalucia.
The region is good about paying us, haven't heard any negative stories from anyone. The people in CLM are very friendly and always are there to lend a helping hand. The countyside is very scenic with lots of windmills and was the setting for Don Quixote.
So, I hope that helps, if you guys have any more questions let me know!!

Thanks SO much! So if I am placed in Toledo, it isn't too hard to get clases particulares? Because I'm going to try to stay during the summer if I renew... I have a million more questions, but I'm at work right now, so I'll flood you with them later

• Tweet

[WindyCity]

@ kellidoscope  I'm glad to hear you like Toledo and CLM.  By classes particulares do you mean private lessons?  If not, what are they?  If you do tutor privately, what do you charge per hour?  (I know it's considered kinda rude to ask about salary, but something like this is really hard to gauge, I wouldn't want to get ripped off, but I don't want to overcharge either)  What was your previous teaching experience, if any (if you tutor privately)?  (Again, I don't mean to be rude or intrusive but I'd like to get a feeling for what's available tutoring wise, because others on this forum have said that private lessons are a good way to supplement your income so...) 
Totally different but, how did you find an apartment and how long did it take you once you got to Toledo? 
Thanks! 

• Tweet

[kellidoscope]

@Strawberry
This year I teach in a pueblo about 20 minutes by car from Toledo, however they switched me for next year into Toledo. I know of 2 other first year auxiliares that were placed in Toledo itself for this past school year, so it does happen but I don't think there are a lot of positions in Toledo. If your in a pueblo close to the city though most of the other teachers will commute and rides will be easy.
 
@tapas in trouble
Its so easy to find students here that I frequently had to turn people down and I give classes everyday except sunday
 
@Windycity
Yes, I mean private classes, here they're referred to as classes particulares. No, worries about the instrusion of privacy, I want to help and I'm east coast so Im very open  . I do tutor privately and my rate flucuates depending on number of students. I charge 13 euro per hour for just one student, 10 each for 2 and 7.50 each for a group of 10 students I have. I have a Master's degree in secondary education and I am certified to teach in the state of Arizona. All I had done was 4 months of student teaching though before I arrived.
I found my apartment through an Immobilaria after I arrived, it was recommended by my contact at my school. It took me 2 days to find the place. I'm here with my husband and kid so it was imperitive that I find one quickly so I paid the 250 euro to the Immobilaria because I really liked the apartment. Most of the good apartments I had found online were taken by the end of sept. and the ones I had gone to see in the 2 days sucked, so it was worth the money to me.

• Tweet

[tapasntrouble]

@Strawberry
This year I teach in a pueblo about 20 minutes by car from Toledo, however they switched me for next year into Toledo. I know of 2 other first year auxiliares that were placed in Toledo itself for this past school year, so it does happen but I don't think there are a lot of positions in Toledo. If your in a pueblo close to the city though most of the other teachers will commute and rides will be easy.
 
@tapas in trouble
Its so easy to find students here that I frequently had to turn people down and I give classes everyday except sunday
 
@Windycity
Yes, I mean private classes, here they're referred to as classes particulares. No, worries about the instrusion of privacy, I want to help and I'm east coast so Im very open  . I do tutor privately and my rate flucuates depending on number of students. I charge 13 euro per hour for just one student, 10 each for 2 and 7.50 each for a group of 10 students I have. I have a Master's degree in secondary education and I am certified to teach in the state of Arizona. All I had done was 4 months of student teaching though before I arrived.
I found my apartment through an Immobilaria after I arrived, it was recommended by my contact at my school. It took me 2 days to find the place. I'm here with my husband and kid so it was imperitive that I find one quickly so I paid the 250 euro to the Immobilaria because I really liked the apartment. Most of the good apartments I had found online were taken by the end of sept. and the ones I had gone to see in the 2 days sucked, so it was worth the money to me.

Ok, I thought of another question. When I was in Granada, there wasn't much central heat - in my friend's apartment or in the place I was staying. Is that pretty much the norm? Should I bring lots of fluffy socks and thermals then

And... are you planning to go back to the States for the summer, or have you found that there are plenty of options for summer work (clases particulares, working illegally) that will pay your rent?

• Tweet

[sweetest_strawberry]

Haha I keep stealing questions directed toward others
I think the lack of central heating is the norm in Spain, especially in older apartments and houses. My friend, who lives in el Casco (of Toledo) has no heating system built into his apartment so he uses space heaters all over his place. My hostmamá, who lives in Santa Teresa (20 min walking from el Casco) has radiators but she never turns them up high in order to save gas. On the other hand, my other friend lives in Tres Culturas (15 min by car from el Casco), which is a newer barrio of Toledo, has central heating built into his apartment and he cranks it up because he can afford it. So I think most of us will have heat our homes in moderation so that we can survive. So I say we bring fleece, fuzzy socks, and warm pajamas.

• Tweet

[tapasntrouble]

Haha I keep stealing questions directed toward others
I think the lack of central heating is the norm in Spain, especially in older apartments and houses. My friend, who lives in el Casco (of Toledo) has no heating system built into his apartment so he uses space heaters all over his place. My hostmamá, who lives in Santa Teresa (20 min walking from el Casco) has radiators but she never turns them up high in order to save gas. On the other hand, my other friend lives in Tres Culturas (15 min by car from el Casco), which is a newer barrio of Toledo, has central heating built into his apartment and he cranks it up because he can afford it. So I think most of us will have heat our homes in moderation so that we can survive. So I say we bring fleece, fuzzy socks, and warm pajamas.

Fleece, fuzzy socks, and warm pajamas it is then! I've lived a year without central heating before, so it won't be impossible. I really think the worst part is taking a shower in the winter. Shivering, teeth chattering, in the cold bathroom. I remember a cold winter day huddled next to a space heater, being able to see my own breath in the house. Oh, the memories! Haha.

• Tweet

[kellidoscope]

Ok, I thought of another question. When I was in Granada, there wasn't much central heat - in my friend's apartment or in the place I was staying. Is that pretty much the norm? Should I bring lots of fluffy socks and thermals then

And... are you planning to go back to the States for the summer, or have you found that there are plenty of options for summer work (clases particulares, working illegally) that will pay your rent?

I am going back to the states to visit family for a month but will be continuing my classes particulares during the summer except for when I´m gone. There are a lot of options for work, if I wanted to there is summer camp and au pair work but I am trying to save up now so that other than private classes I won´t have to work.
As far as the heat goes, to add to what Strawberry said, I think it depends on where you come from. I´m from CT but have lived in AZ for many years now and I got really used to the AZ heat so I am very thnakful my place has central heating. On the other hand, I have no air conditioning and I hear the summers are brutal which is one of my main reasons for taking a month long vacation to the states.

• Tweet

[tapasntrouble]

Are there free wi-fi zones around the plazas in Toledo? I know they had them in Granada. I have a phone with wireless capability that I am planning to get unlocked to use in Spain.

• Tweet

[sweetest_strawberry]

Unfortunately, there aren't too many wifi zones in the centre of Toledo. Some bars offer wifi to their customers. Also, right by Zocodover (main plaza) there's the public library that offers free wifi (60 min/day is what I heard) to anyone who holds a library card. And then you can pick up some wifi from nearby residences sometimes. There are locutorios here and there and while many of them offer wired internet for a fee, they don't offer wifi.

• Tweet

[tapasntrouble]

Unfortunately, there aren't too many wifi zones in the centre of Toledo. Some bars offer wifi to their customers. Also, right by Zocodover (main plaza) there's the public library that offers free wifi (60 min/day is what I heard) to anyone who holds a library card. And then you can pick up some wifi from nearby residences sometimes. There are locutorios here and there and while many of them offer wired internet for a fee, they don't offer wifi.

Thanks! It's good to know that I can access it in some places though. Back on the topic of technology - what is your preference in regards to cell phone companies?

• Tweet

[sweetest_strawberry]

I guess it will depend on what your phone needs are. I'll just write exclusively about tarjeta plans because it's simpler than contratar. But I'm familiar with Orange, Yoigo, Movistar, and Vodafone.

When I was in Spain, I used Movistar because they offered many different plans that fit my needs. For example, with "mi gente" you can call 5 of your favourite people to call for 0,05/min; with "móviles movistar" you can call all movistar móviles for 0,05/min; with "tiempo libre" you can call anyone for 0,12/min on weekends and at night; etc. I believe to send a SMS for Movistar is 0,15/message. Most of Movistar's plans have no or a very small minimum monthly consumption requirement and Movistar stores are located all over the country because it's the biggest provider in Spain.

My boyfriend has Yoigo, which I guess is another good option because he chose Yoigo because it was cheap. Although they only offer 2 tarjeta plans, they are both pretty cheap. One allows you to call or text anyone for 0,08/min(or message) with a minimum monthly consumption of 6 Euros. The other is free for you to call Yoigo móviles and 0,12/min for other lines (fijo and movil). SMS is 0,10/message and no minimum consumption. Not too many Yoigo stores in Toledo though!

I wouldn't recommend Orange unless you want the "unlimited talk" plan for 7 Euros/week. Which isn't exactly unlimited because there's a limit of 75 min/day to móviles and 100 min/day to fijos. SMS is 0,15/message. I don't remember seeing a lot of Orange stores either!

My ex-roommate had vodafone but I don't know too much about it. All I know is that they have a plan where it's 0,08/min or message to call or send a SMS to anyone with a minimum consumption of 8 Euros/month. There are a few Vodafone stores here and there.

There's this place in the Casco called Phone House or something like that where you can get your Vodafone, Orange, and Yoigo phones.

I couldn't include internet because I'm not that familiar with that area

You can always go to their websites to find out more about their plans Personally, I'm leaning towards Yoigo .

• Tweet

[kellidoscope]

Unfortunately, there aren't too many wifi zones in the centre of Toledo. Some bars offer wifi to their customers. Also, right by Zocodover (main plaza) there's the public library that offers free wifi (60 min/day is what I heard) to anyone who holds a library card. And then you can pick up some wifi from nearby residences sometimes. There are locutorios here and there and while many of them offer wired internet for a fee, they don't offer wifi.

To add to this...the library may have a 60 min. rule but it is never enforced. My husband goes there all the time to use it. His only complaint is that there are only 2 or 3 outlets to plug in your laptop and they are always in use. McDonalds has free wifi too.

My ex-roommate had vodafone but I don't know too much about it. All I know is that they have a plan where it's 0,08/min or message to call or send a SMS to anyone with a minimum consumption of 8 Euros/month. There are a few Vodafone stores here and there.

I have vodafine, it is very expensive so I don´t reccommend it. I got it because was able to have the SIM card sent to me in the states and it was one less thing I had to worry about when I arrived. After we got here I shopped around and my husband got yoigo, it is definitely the cheapest I have come across. However yoigo only works within Span, vodafone works all over Europe.

• Tweet

[tapasntrouble]

Thanks everyone! So, it sounds like Yoigo is the way to go... but I'd get no service if I traveled outside Spain.

To add to this...the library may have a 60 min. rule but it is never enforced. My husband goes there all the time to use it. His only complaint is that there are only 2 or 3 outlets to plug in your laptop and they are always in use. McDonalds has free wifi too.

I have vodafine, it is very expensive so I don´t reccommend it. I got it because was able to have the SIM card sent to me in the states and it was one less thing I had to worry about when I arrived. After we got here I shopped around and my husband got yoigo, it is definitely the cheapest I have come across. However yoigo only works within Span, vodafone works all over Europe.

• Tweet

[WindyCity]

I guess this is a more general question but... I was looking at the Spanish Consulate in Chicago website and downloaded the info for student visa requirements.  One requirement is that we provide evidence of funds -
?either a statement from a university or financial aid/scholarship of $2,200/month.  This is puzzling to me because we are only receiving 700 euro a month, which does not equal $2,200.  I'm sure that the consulate will be flexible on this rule (maybe $2200 includes tuition???) but I was curious if anyone had already inquired, or heard anything about the proof of funds requirement. 
(I will email them in the near future, but I haven't had time yet)

• Tweet

[pittel]

I guess this is a more general question but... I was looking at the Spanish Consulate in Chicago website and downloaded the info for student visa requirements.  One requirement is that we provide evidence of funds -
?either a statement from a university or financial aid/scholarship of $2,200/month.  This is puzzling to me because we are only receiving 700 euro a month, which does not equal $2,200.  I'm sure that the consulate will be flexible on this rule (maybe $2200 includes tuition???) but I was curious if anyone had already inquired, or heard anything about the proof of funds requirement. 
(I will email them in the near future, but I haven't had time yet)

It doesn't matter, the amount we make is good enough for the Chicago consulate, as well as the others. I went through them last year and had no issues with that part of the visa process.  The Spanish government basically vouches for us, so we're good to go.

• Tweet

[evanjsilver]

I accepted my placement in Castilla La Mancha about a week ago. Started looking for some more information/experience in this region and found this thread. Has anyone had any contact with anyone in the region? I had a brief email dialogue with Marcos Turiel today and he said they would likely begin mailing invitation letters next week. Really excited.

Also, this seems to be a Midwest thread. Anyone from the Bay Area heading to la meseta.

• Tweet

[sweetest_strawberry]

Oooh! That's quite exciting that we may receive our letters before the month is up! Thanks for letting us know

• Tweet

[WindyCity]

I accepted my placement in Castilla La Mancha about a week ago. Started looking for some more information/experience in this region and found this thread. Has anyone had any contact with anyone in the region? I had a brief email dialogue with Marcos Turiel today and he said they would likely begin mailing invitation letters next week. Really excited.

Also, this seems to be a Midwest thread. Anyone from the Bay Area heading to la meseta.

Who is Marcos Turiel?  Is he one of the contacts for the Castilla la Mancha region in the program manual?  I'm wondering because the program manual (at least the 2011-2012 version I have downloaded) has two email address, but no names to go with these addresses.

• Tweet

[evanjsilver]

His is one of the emails in the program manual.

• Tweet

[kellidoscope]

I just got my letter yesterday (I am a second year though). They e-mail a copy and send a hard copy by mail. The e-mailed copy can be used as the original because if you print it in color there is no difference between that one and the one you´ll get via snail mail. My husband (a first year) spoke with Marcos the other day and was told he would receive his letter next week. His will go to our Spain address so he´ll get it before you guys in the states, I´ll let you guys know when he does get it because that means the rest are on there way!!

• Tweet

[sweetest_strawberry]

That's absolutely lovely! Thanks for keeping us in the loop!!

• Tweet

[tapasntrouble]

I just got my letter yesterday (I am a second year though). They e-mail a copy and send a hard copy by mail. The e-mailed copy can be used as the original because if you print it in color there is no difference between that one and the one you´ll get via snail mail. My husband (a first year) spoke with Marcos the other day and was told he would receive his letter next week. His will go to our Spain address so he´ll get it before you guys in the states, I´ll let you guys know when he does get it because that means the rest are on there way!!

Thanks!

• Tweet

[kellidoscope]

He received his school placement yesterday via e-mail so for those of you that have not gotten it, it is comming!!!

• Tweet

[sweetest_strawberry]

He received his school placement yesterday via e-mail so for those of you that have not gotten it, it is comming!!!

Should I be worried that I haven't received my school placement yet? I have a lower application number compared to some of the people that already received their placements. Should I contact the junta if I don't hear from them by the end of the week?

• Tweet

[WindyCity]

Should I be worried that I haven't received my school placement yet? I have a lower application number compared to some of the people that already received their placements. Should I contact the junta if I don't hear from them by the end of the week?

I'd be patient: I just got my placement today and I was number 1423. 

On that note, I've been placed in Villarrobledo, a town of 25,000 about an hour away from Albacete.  Has anyone else been placed in smallish towns like this, or is anyone currently living in one?  I'm definitely still excited about going and accepted the placement but I'm wondering if I'm going to have enough to do in the evenings or be able to meet anyone around my age (early-mid 20s). 

• Tweet

[tapasntrouble]

I just received my placement yesterday! My school is in Yunclillos, about 22km from Toledo. I'll be living in Toledo and commuting.

• Tweet

[garciaotk]

To Windy City:

I was in Villarrobledo 2 years ago in CEIP Graciano Atienza. I live in Alcazar de San Juan because that where my husband was placed. There are many full-time teachers that live in Albacete and commute. At the time only one of 4 of the cultural assistants lived in the city. I am much 48 years old. It was a great experience for me but I wished I would have lived in the town so I could have been more involved in  the local community and get to spend time with my students and teachers outside of class. They have a week festival in February that there is no school. If you like,I can give you names of teachers I know who work at that school. You could always life there during the week and couch surf with someone in Albacete.

• Tweet

[evanjsilver]

So....people from Castilla La Mancha are getting their letters? Perhaps because I live on the west coast it will take a little longer to arrive. I'm sure at this point our numbers have nothing to do with our placements so I guess all I can do is wait. Congratulations to those who received them. I'm sure it's a huge relief to finally have some certainty.

• Tweet

[sweetest_strawberry]

So....people from Castilla La Mancha are getting their letters? Perhaps because I live on the west coast it will take a little longer to arrive. I'm sure at this point our numbers have nothing to do with our placements so I guess all I can do is wait. Congratulations to those who received them. I'm sure it's a huge relief to finally have some certainty.

I've heard that these school assignments are arriving by email. And that once you accept it, they will send you the official letter with further details included

• Tweet

[evanjsilver]

Just got my placement email. I'm in a village, again. Recas. Looks pretty.

• Tweet

[kellidoscope]

Should I be worried that I haven't received my school placement yet? I have a lower application number compared to some of the people that already received their placements. Should I contact the junta if I don't hear from them by the end of the week?

I wouldn't worry just yet, last year it took over a week for everyone in CLM to be placed. I got mine about 4 days after the first people did and I was freaking out. Each of those 4 days I was like where is my placement? maybe they skipped me? I was worried but it turned out to be fine. I would give it a while longer before you worry.

• Tweet

[sweetest_strawberry]

@kellidoscope

Haha thank you. I was totally convinced that they skipped me! But you were right, I finally got placed today and I will be in Toledo, teaching at the Escuela Oficial de Idiomas

• Tweet

[ac4aj]

I just got my placement today in Rio Tajo/ Alcolea de Tajo in Toledo. ahh!
Are there any trustworthy websites with good information so I know what in the *Spanish* world I'm getting in to. 

• Tweet

[Teelex]

I got placed in Illescas, Toledo!!!!

I was a little bit concerned about the insurance question.

"Finalmente es esencial que, al responder, me diga si va a necesitar o no seguro médico privado, que no tendrá ningún coste para usted."

I thought the program covers health insurance? Should I reply saying that I will need private care, since apparently it's free?

Thank you!

• Tweet