Author Topic: 2011-2012 North American Language and Culture Assistants in MADRID (Read 35094 times)

Packback · « **Reply #50 on:** April 10, 2011, 08:56:46 AM »

Quote from: Rubiaco on April 08, 2011, 04:25:01 PM

from the moment we get our school assignments, we can start the visa process right? Any idea on how long it takes? I'm sure like everything else, it varies from consulate to consulate. I want to move to MAD as soon possible.

I'm trying to gather all the incidentals now so that I can schedule my appt. as soon as I get the assignment (assuming that's the last piece of the puzzle.)

Started on airfare?

Reportinglove · « **Reply #51 on:** April 13, 2011, 04:17:36 PM »

So? Anybody receive anything yet?

Also for the Canadians -- is anyone familiar with the Visa process? I went on my Spanish consulate's website and the items they list as requirements for the student visa are different than what the Program Manual lists (for example the consulate website says a medical note and criminal background check are not required though the Program Manual says they are. It also says we need to proof of funds but the Program Manual doesn't list that).

Does anyone know? I'm going to call the consulate anyway but was wondering if anyone has insight...

sunflower · « **Reply #52 on:** April 14, 2011, 03:32:43 PM »

Quote from: Rubiaco on April 08, 2011, 04:25:01 PM

from the moment we get our school assignments, we can start the visa process right? Any idea on how long it takes? I'm sure like everything else, it varies from consulate to consulate. I want to move to MAD as soon possible.

i believe so

Reportinglove · « **Reply #53 on:** April 15, 2011, 03:33:13 PM »

Did anyone get this email today:

Dear Language Assistant:

Welcome to the Language Assistant Programme in Madrid. In the next few weeks you will be receiving your Letter of Appointment with all the necessary information to start in Madrid on October 1st of 2011.

You will also receive information about the compulsory Orientation Sessions that will take place between the 15th and the 30th of September 2011.

Please be patient and wait to receive all your documents before expressing concern and asking for further information. Be aware that there are over 1000 Language Assistants involved in this programme and it is extremely difficult to answer all inquiries personally. Attached is the document: Frequently Asked QuestionsWe look forward to meeting you in Madrid this September.

The Language Assistant Team in Madrid.

===========

The FAQs confirm that we get 1000 Euros a month and we work from Oct. 1 to June 30. I'm screwed!!!

lrogers · « **Reply #54 on:** April 15, 2011, 03:54:18 PM »

Yes! Our placements are finally coming!!! I do have one concern: I am still waiting on my FBI check and it's going to take another 4 weeks to receive it before I can send it in... I'm worried I won't receive my placement, but then again it would surprise me if they just said that but still placed me anyways. What does everyone think??

Quote from: Reportinglove on April 15, 2011, 03:33:13 PM

Did anyone get this email today:

Dear Language Assistant:

Welcome to the Language Assistant Programme in Madrid. In the next few weeks you will be receiving your Letter of Appointment with all the necessary information to start in Madrid on October 1st of 2011.

You will also receive information about the compulsory Orientation Sessions that will take place between the 15th and the 30th of September 2011.

Please be patient and wait to receive all your documents before expressing concern and asking for further information. Be aware that there are over 1000 Language Assistants involved in this programme and it is extremely difficult to answer all inquiries personally. Attached is the document: Frequently Asked QuestionsWe look forward to meeting you in Madrid this September.

The Language Assistant Team in Madrid.

===========

The FAQs confirm that we get 1000 Euros a month and we work from Oct. 1 to June 30. I'm screwed!!!

Reportinglove · « **Reply #55 on:** April 15, 2011, 04:04:18 PM »

Also from reading the FAQs we can expect to receive 2 things from them via email:

You will receive 2 documents:

1) A letter of acceptance ( carta de nombramiento) and 2) A letter of reference for your visa (carta de apoyo al visado). You will need these pdf documents to apply for your visa. The documents have been signed digitally. Print them out in colour and take them with you on the day of your appointment at the consulate. You will not receive a hard copy of these documents.

Packback · « **Reply #56 on:** April 15, 2011, 06:04:09 PM »

I also received the FAQ email today--it does confirm that the letters will arrive via email.

The important points I pulled out:

> 15th Sept.-30th June are the program dates
> 16 hours per week, Mon. or Fri. off (hello long weekends. nice to meet you.)
> During those dates, auxiliares receive 1,000€ tax free each month
> Training session is mandatory
> No switching schools, where you're assigned is it
> You could be assigned at two schools--each twice a week
> Health insurance is provided from 15 Sept.-30 June

Nothing too new. Almost there...

AMIRicano · « **Reply #57 on:** April 15, 2011, 08:38:02 PM »

In the intro email/letter about FAQs that we just got, it says our initial training sessions will take place between the 15th and 30th of September. I booked my flight already for the 21st.

Does anyone know if this is gonna be a problem or how the training sessions are scheduled? It says the the training sessions only last a day and a half, so I'm hoping I can get one for after I get there.

Andrepdx · « **Reply #58 on:** April 15, 2011, 09:09:39 PM »

Since we get an extra month in Spain - Why not spend 2 extra weeks and go to The festival of San Fermín? Who is coming with me?

Andre

I am so AMPED!!!

Reportinglove · « **Reply #59 on:** April 15, 2011, 09:11:06 PM »

I just want to get this damn email already so I can start work on the visa!

Rubiaco · « **Reply #60 on:** April 15, 2011, 10:50:56 PM »

sucks cuz I'll be in Madrid (ironically enough) when we get the placements, and won't be able to send off for the VISA until I get back with my passport.

laur · « **Reply #61 on:** April 16, 2011, 08:10:19 AM »

hey all,

so what is this website they referred to in the email where the orientation dates are supposed to be posted?

"The exact dates can be consulted every term on our web page." also, they refer to the "guia de auxiliar" that is on this webpage as well...

anyone know?

ajnabiyya · « **Reply #62 on:** April 16, 2011, 06:30:21 PM »

Quote from: laur on April 16, 2011, 08:10:19 AM

hey all,

so what is this website they referred to in the email where the orientation dates are supposed to be posted?

"The exact dates can be consulted every term on our web page." also, they refer to the "guia de auxiliar" that is on this webpage as well...

anyone know?

I found their website last month, but the dates were for the 2010-2011 cohort; I just checked again and they appear to have redone their website - I couldn't find the auxiliares section this time, but the link I posted to the 2010-2011 guidebook still works.

par0910 · « **Reply #63 on:** April 17, 2011, 04:44:42 PM »

I have a question about the work schedule. In the email we received, it says that it is a 4-day, 16-hour work week, but it says that the day is from 9:30 to 4:30 or 8:30 to 3:30.

For anyone who is currently in Madrid, what are your work schedules? Do you work from 9:30 to 4:30? If so, that is more than a 16-hour work week. Am I just reading the email wrong?

sunflower · « **Reply #64 on:** April 17, 2011, 06:39:25 PM »

Quote from: par0910 on April 17, 2011, 04:44:42 PM

I have a question about the work schedule. In the email we received, it says that it is a 4-day, 16-hour work week, but it says that the day is from 9:30 to 4:30 or 8:30 to 3:30.

For anyone who is currently in Madrid, what are your work schedules? Do you work from 9:30 to 4:30? If so, that is more than a 16-hour work week. Am I just reading the email wrong?

i think they mean we work 16 hrs total for the week but we could be working at any time between 9:30-4:30 M-F..

Xsteene88 · « **Reply #65 on:** April 18, 2011, 09:53:41 AM »

Heeey everyone. Just thought I'd pop in and see if everyone's as excited as I am for Madrid! :-)

mandeebee · « **Reply #66 on:** April 18, 2011, 02:51:54 PM »

Quote from: Xsteene88 on April 18, 2011, 09:53:41 AM

Heeey everyone. Just thought I'd pop in and see if everyone's as excited as I am for Madrid! :-)

It's pretty much ALL I can think about! Which is kind of bad because we still have 5 months til we go! Haha

mandeebee · « **Reply #67 on:** April 18, 2011, 03:43:33 PM »

Useful link about Madrid's cost of living etc.
http://www.xpatulator.com/outside.cfm?lid=187

Xsteene88 · « **Reply #68 on:** April 18, 2011, 05:45:16 PM »

Yeah, 5 months is a long ways to go! I'm glad we found out early though, instead of being anxious about being accepted or not I'm anxious to get everything together and get there.

joe d · « **Reply #69 on:** April 22, 2011, 07:28:49 PM »

thanks for all the info everyone! i was accepted in madrid back in march, but i just discovered this site.. very excitedd

AiRiKAH · « **Reply #70 on:** April 23, 2011, 01:50:27 AM »

Alright, I figured I visit this site enough that I might as well join it....haha

Looking forward to when we get our school placements soon! Its gonna be a good year

Nomadlife · « **Reply #71 on:** April 24, 2011, 10:05:40 PM »

Quote from: AiRiKAH on April 23, 2011, 01:50:27 AM

Alright, I figured I visit this site enough that I might as well join it....haha

Looking forward to when we get our school placements soon! Its gonna be a good year

Me too I've been reading posts from the site since I was assigned to Madrid in March. I am soo excited to embark on this new chapter.
I think I'm going to go a bit early to visit family and friends all over Europe and make some euros working at my friends club in Rome. Can't wait to meet up with you guys since we all want to have fun.

jess.d.rob · « **Reply #72 on:** April 24, 2011, 11:02:57 PM »

WOW I need to get that letter soooooon! Last night I had a nightmare I was assigned to an Adult Language School specifically for Chinese people trying to learn English...in Spain! First off, I don't think I could ever grasp Chinese language and second off I want to be placed in an elementary school, not a language school! I know a school of this kind doesn't exist (one specifically for Chinese people), but man, I was still freaked out!

Rubiaco · « **Reply #73 on:** April 24, 2011, 11:54:54 PM »

Quote from: jess.d.rob on April 24, 2011, 11:02:57 PM

WOW I need to get that letter soooooon! Last night I had a nightmare I was assigned to an Adult Language School specifically for Chinese people trying to learn English...in Spain! First off, I don't think I could ever grasp Chinese language and second off I want to be placed in an elementary school, not a language school! I know a school of this kind doesn't exist (one specifically for Chinese people), but man, I was still freaked out!

The funny thing is that there are tons of Chinese people in Madrid. Don't worry though, I heard that only like 80% of us get assigned to Chinese oriented (bad choice of words?) languages schools.

Packback · « **Reply #74 on:** April 25, 2011, 12:11:24 AM »

Quote from: Rubiaco on April 24, 2011, 11:54:54 PM

I heard that only like 80% of us get assigned to Chinese oriented (bad choice of words?) languages schools.

that was terrible.
jajajaja

jess.d.rob · « **Reply #75 on:** April 25, 2011, 12:32:23 AM »

Quote from: Rubiaco on April 24, 2011, 11:54:54 PM

The funny thing is that there are tons of Chinese people in Madrid. Don't worry though, I heard that only like 80% of us get assigned to Chinese oriented (bad choice of words?) languages schools.

wait, 80%.....is that an over-exaggeration/joke? Did I predict my future via my dreams?!

JMartinez · « **Reply #76 on:** April 25, 2011, 05:45:00 AM »

Have any of yall started thinking about the whole living situation? Are yall planning on staying in a hostel while piso shopping or are yall starting to look now? Also are yall wanting to live with other auxiliares or with other Spaniards?

Xsteene88 · « **Reply #77 on:** April 25, 2011, 06:37:48 PM »

Quote from: JMartinez on April 25, 2011, 05:45:00 AM

Have any of yall started thinking about the whole living situation? Are yall planning on staying in a hostel while piso shopping or are yall starting to look now? Also are yall wanting to live with other auxiliares or with other Spaniards?

I've been looking at some sites that a friend recommended, but I think I'm gonna hold off on making ant decisions til I can see places in person. As far as who to live with, I'm open to either. I'm thinking more about what neighborhood to live in. Are you guys gonna base where you look for places on your school placement, or are you gonna live wherever you want regardless and potentially have more of a commute?

jyagerstone · « **Reply #78 on:** April 25, 2011, 11:38:10 PM »

hi everyone! just thought I would jump on here and say hello as well, as my husband and I will be joining you all in Madrid this fall! we are super excited, and a little nervous about finding a place to live. does anyone know if it's possible to get a furnished apartment? what about contacting an outgoing language assistant to take over his/her apartment?

Packback · « **Reply #79 on:** April 26, 2011, 01:18:43 AM »

Quote from: jyagerstone on April 25, 2011, 11:38:10 PM

hi everyone! just thought I would jump on here and say hello as well, as my husband and I will be joining you all in Madrid this fall! we are super excited, and a little nervous about finding a place to live. does anyone know if it's possible to get a furnished apartment? what about contacting an outgoing language assistant to take over his/her apartment?

This is the board to start with: http://www.expatriatecafe.com/forums/index.php/topic,2620.0.html

There are some furnished places...but until we get our letters, I don't know how much help there is until you know where you're working (and possibly contacting a former auxiliar from your school?) but at least you can find a good amount of info on average prices/locations.

JMartinez · « **Reply #80 on:** April 26, 2011, 01:50:26 AM »

Quote from: Xsteene88 on April 25, 2011, 06:37:48 PM

I've been looking at some sites that a friend recommended, but I think I'm gonna hold off on making ant decisions til I can see places in person. As far as who to live with, I'm open to either. I'm thinking more about what neighborhood to live in. Are you guys gonna base where you look for places on your school placement, or are you gonna live wherever you want regardless and potentially have more of a commute?

I plan on living in Madrid regardless of where I am placed. I have read on fb that auxiliares that got placed in the towns outside of the city still opted to live in the city and just commuted. I agree with you about waiting until I am in Madrid to actually scout for places to live. I honestly don't even know what areas I would want to live in yet I guess it just depends on what area I am placed in. The only thing is that I am not too excited about having to stay in a hostel for a few days while I look for a place. $:-\$

Packback · « **Reply #81 on:** April 26, 2011, 07:04:46 AM »

Quote from: JMartinez on April 26, 2011, 01:50:26 AM

The only thing is that I am not too excited about having to stay in a hostel for a few days while I look for a place. $:-\$

Hostel life isn't too hostile.

(Disculpame. Couldn't resist.)

Check out couchsurfing.com, too. I'm excited to be living in Madrid, regardless of the piso search, barrio or commute...

Xsteene88 · « **Reply #82 on:** April 26, 2011, 04:53:20 PM »

Yeah, sounds like we're on the same page, I definitely wanna live in the city too. I took summer classes in Madrid a few weeks in 09 and I stayed in the Moncloa/Arguelles area, I wouldn't mind heading back there. Hopefully the commute won't end up being too rough.

THEBEACH · « **Reply #83 on:** April 26, 2011, 06:31:33 PM »

Thats Crazy! I also satyed in the same area in 2009. I studied with European council and was there for 6 weeks.

Xsteene88 · « **Reply #84 on:** April 26, 2011, 07:04:51 PM »

Wow, that's funny, lol. I took classes at Complutense for 6 weeks.

laur · « **Reply #85 on:** April 27, 2011, 05:11:36 AM »

hi all,

so any word yet or any way to find out when our orientation is going to be? also, is it only a day long?

TanjaV · « **Reply #86 on:** April 27, 2011, 05:32:34 PM »

I was wondering the same thing bc my best friend is getting married on Sept. 17 and I absolutely cannot miss it so I sent an email asking what the dates are and this is the response I got:

We are sorry to tell you that we cannot confirm the dates until next June, so please check our web http://www.educa.madrid.org/portal/web/auxiliares in which the orientation dates will be published as soon as we know them.
Sorry for the inconveniences that this could cause you.

I just hope it's toward the end of September...

morado · « **Reply #87 on:** April 28, 2011, 05:27:23 PM »

Hi everyone,

I will be in Madrid with you this fall! I am moving with my hubby...he's going to be getting his MBA in Madrid. I am so anxious for that email with our school placements! I think we will stay in a hostel or couch-surf and then look for a furnished apartment. One of my friends who did the program said she used these websites to find an apartment:

http://www.enalquiler.com/
http://www.habitamos.com
http://www.fotocasa.es/
http://www.idealista.com/pagina/portada
http://www.casaspain.com/
http://www.spainhouses.net/
http://www.mundoanuncio.com/zona/espana_2/categoria/piso_en_alquiler_2.html

For those of you who feel like you are behind with the whole visa process, don't worry, there is someone even farther behind than you! I just got married and am changing my last name so I'm currently trying to figure out if I have to get my FBI clearance and medical letter again under my new name. $:-\$

If anyone lives in NYC and wants to get together, let me know! I'd love to meet up before the big move!

jyagerstone · « **Reply #88 on:** April 29, 2011, 01:06:49 AM »

Quote from: Packback on April 26, 2011, 01:18:43 AM

This is the board to start with: http://www.expatriatecafe.com/forums/index.php/topic,2620.0.html

There are some furnished places...but until we get our letters, I don't know how much help there is until you know where you're working (and possibly contacting a former auxiliar from your school?) but at least you can find a good amount of info on average prices/locations.

thank you!! I will definitely check that out.

flembroo · « **Reply #89 on:** April 29, 2011, 04:53:54 AM »

Okay...I'm getting super anxious! Didn't the email say we'd hear something with in a few weeks? Well, as of tomorrow, that will be 14 days. That's a "few weeks," right?

Packback · « **Reply #90 on:** April 29, 2011, 06:46:05 AM »

Quote from: flembroo on April 29, 2011, 04:53:54 AM

Okay...I'm getting super anxious! Didn't the email say we'd hear something with in a few weeks? Well, as of tomorrow, that will be 14 days. That's a "few weeks," right?

That's a couple weeks. But it also shouldn't take several weeks. Just a few weeks.

...just playing.

I'm starting to twitch a little bit, too.

I'm checking my spam filters and everything, because I have to compensate for worrying if the letter got lost in the post...

JMartinez · « **Reply #91 on:** April 29, 2011, 07:31:37 AM »

Quote from: Packback on April 29, 2011, 06:46:05 AM

That's a couple weeks. But it also shouldn't take several weeks. Just a few weeks.

...just playing.

I'm starting to twitch a little bit, too.

I'm checking my spam filters and everything, because I have to compensate for worrying if the letter got lost in the post...

I'm doing the same thing. I am checking my email multiple times a day tambien. Me estoy volviendo loco!

holdynb · « **Reply #92 on:** May 01, 2011, 06:25:52 PM »

Hello All! I just found this forum site and thought I'd join and start chatting with others going to Madrid. I am very excited about doing this program as I can see all of you are too! If you guys want to reach out feel free, any in NYC let me know we can share stories and plan together for this new adventure!

Reportinglove · « **Reply #93 on:** May 02, 2011, 03:12:35 AM »

Did anyone else get this email?

"Dear Language Assistants[/size]It is the policy of the Consejería de Educación of the Comunidad de Madrid to allocate Language Assistants at random to the different schools in the Madrid Region.
The Comunidad de Madrid boasts an excellent public transport service.
It is advisable not to consider accomodation until you have received your letter of appointment in order to avoid unnecessary travelling.
Be also advised that personal preferences cannot be considered.
The Language Assistants team in Madrid"
I never emailed them...

holdynb · « **Reply #94 on:** May 02, 2011, 03:53:40 AM »

Quote from: Rubiaco on April 08, 2011, 04:25:01 PM

from the moment we get our school assignments, we can start the visa process right? Any idea on how long it takes? I'm sure like everything else, it varies from consulate to consulate. I want to move to MAD as soon possible.

Yeah, that is pretty much the key to it all. I know what you mean, I want to work here and save money but at the same time I am ready to move to Madrid. It does vary from consulate to consulate tho.

hb

Packback · « **Reply #95 on:** May 02, 2011, 06:22:14 AM »

Quote from: Reportinglove on May 02, 2011, 03:12:35 AM

Did anyone else get this email?

...

I did. Maybe they've gotten a ton of emails about locales, etc.

...or maybe they just monitor the Expatriate Cafe and have noted the number of piso-related threads...

Xsteene88 · « **Reply #96 on:** May 02, 2011, 06:51:57 AM »

Quote from: Reportinglove on May 02, 2011, 03:12:35 AM

Did anyone else get this email?

"Dear Language Assistants[/size]It is the policy of the Consejería de Educación of the Comunidad de Madrid to allocate Language Assistants at random to the different schools in the Madrid Region.
The Comunidad de Madrid boasts an excellent public transport service.
It is advisable not to consider accomodation until you have received your letter of appointment in order to avoid unnecessary travelling.
Be also advised that personal preferences cannot be considered.
The Language Assistants team in Madrid"
I never emailed them...

I got this too! I think they sent it out because in the April newsletter it said that we could put in requests for school...guess they're trying to fix that mistake, lol.

lrose · « **Reply #97 on:** May 02, 2011, 05:32:26 PM »

hey all--

Going to be in Madrid next year as well, so thought I'd say hello! I'm currently doing the program in Bilbao and loving it, so I'm excited to see what next year will be like. Last year I didn't receive my acceptance into the program until the end of July, and received my placement in September, so to who are worried...it's going to be ok! anyway, can't wait to meet you all

Reportinglove · « **Reply #98 on:** May 02, 2011, 06:00:41 PM »

Anyone get the email today asking you to confirm your information?

It looks like they will be sending the letters soon...

morado · « **Reply #99 on:** May 02, 2011, 06:46:56 PM »

Reportinglove, can you tell those of us who didn't get the email what it said? I got one about our placements being at random a couple of days ago but nothing new today.

Thanks!

News:

Author Topic: 2011-2012 North American Language and Culture Assistants in MADRID (Read 35094 times)