Any Advice for applying for 2012-2013

[Natori]

did it assign you the holy inscrita number?

No, because the window isn't even open yet....I'm wondering if filling out the general information is okay since the window isn't open. 

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[broca23]

The website's been updated with links to the NEW BROCHURE and the NEW MANUAL.  Unfortunately the link for the manual just takes you to the old manual so somebody who's freaking out about this can let them know to fix it

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[thisiskyle11]

I just went though the process following the directions in Annex 8 of the 2011-2012 manual and I am stuck.  I created my CV but in the first step of the actual application process when I try to select "2011 - Auxiliares de conversacion extranjeros en Espana" it tells me "En este momento no existe una convocatoria abierta para este programa." 

After thinking for a minute I thought maybe the manual hasn't been updated from last year and the "2012 - Auxiliares de conversacion extranjeros en Espana" option just hasn't been added yet to the site and will appear sometime in November.  According to the guide, this means I have yet to select my preferred city of placement, and thus have most likely not been given this magic number everyone talks about.  Can anyone help me out?  I'm confused and would hate to miss out on this opportunity.


Here is a link to the guide I've been following: http://www.expatriatecafe.com/manual_20101229.pdf

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[sweetest_strawberry]

The 2011-2012 manual is the newest manual out there. The application period for the 2012-2013 school year doesn't open for another month, more or less, so you won't be able to do more than create your CV for now. This means you need to wait to pick out your regional preferences and wait to get your inscrita number. You should just relax and start researching the various comunidades so that you're sure what you want once the application period rolls around. You should start checking the website to see if the application is available towards the end of October. Good luck!

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[dcatalan]

i know that there are endless variables to this question, but what are the odds of my being assigned to Cadiz or Andalucia if I apply once the applications go onto the internet? I check this forum pretty religiously because it's my goal to contribute to this program in either of those locations after I graduate from college in May. I really do appreciate the experienced Auxiliares taking the time to answer questions for prospective ones.

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[NicoleMarie]

hello,

how do you register and get a confirmation email or number or whatever you need? And when the application opens up will there be a link to it on the site?

thanks!

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[beachp]

i know that there are endless variables to this question, but what are the odds of my being assigned to Cadiz or Andalucia if I apply once the applications go onto the internet? I check this forum pretty religiously because it's my goal to contribute to this program in either of those locations after I graduate from college in May. I really do appreciate the experienced Auxiliares taking the time to answer questions for prospective ones.

Your odds should be excellent for getting into Andalucia if you apply early. After your officially accepted then send a message to the Andalucian contact telling them you would like Cadiz and write something about why you would like to work in Cadiz in your essay.

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[abcoburn]

I noticed in the handbook that the application gives space to upload the recommendation and a doctor's note.  Should I scan those in or send them in the mail. 

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[strwberryfields]

¡Hola a todos!

New to this board, but the help has been invaluable so far.  I'm interested in applying for next year, however, my passport expires in January (of course, I'll be renewing it).  Does anyone know if this is going to cause any initial problems for my application (I'd like to apply, obviously, as soon as I'm allowed...not as soon as my passport decides to come back). 

I only ask because I went through 2 years of the French assistant program red tape and this seems like the type of thing that would make someone's life a living hell.

Gracias for the help!

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[evams]

What are the odds of getting into Valencia if you apply early?

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[WindyCity]

¡Hola a todos!

New to this board, but the help has been invaluable so far.  I'm interested in applying for next year, however, my passport expires in January (of course, I'll be renewing it).  Does anyone know if this is going to cause any initial problems for my application (I'd like to apply, obviously, as soon as I'm allowed...not as soon as my passport decides to come back). 

I only ask because I went through 2 years of the French assistant program red tape and this seems like the type of thing that would make someone's life a living hell.

Gracias for the help!

I'd just get the new passport now and save yourself any potential hassle because you use you passport number in your application from the beginning.  If you can't apply for a renewal yet because the passport doesn't expire until January (although I can't think that'd be too much of a problem) just say you lost your old passport and apply. 

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[enekus]

hello everyone, i wish you could help me to go through this... can you put the links? and step by step what should we do in order to apply to this program? i've been looking for it but looks like its out of date and websites dont work properly... thank you in advance 

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[acat247]

I feel like I have a pretty good grip on the application process and requirements thanks to everyone on this board so thank you!

The one thing I'm a little hazy about is the background check. As a US Citizen, do I need the State Police Background Check AND the FBI Background Check?

Eneka - The manual for the program is an excellent resource, along with the chat boards, for a step by step guide to applying for the program.  Go to http://www.educacion.gob.es/aux1/eeuu/convocatorias-programas/convocatorias-eeuu/auxiliares-conversacion-eeuu.html  and print the manual. The more you read about the process and people's experience, the more comfortable you will feel. These chat boards have been a blessing to me!

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[Natori]

I don't use Facebook.  If anyone is on Twitter, hit me up via private message.

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[oxymacron]

I've been looking into ESL programs for a while now, and this one really caught my eye. I have some buddies who just started their global treks in Prague and Shanghai so I'm looking to follow suit. This might have been answered, but I was wondering what can/should I have set up by the time applications start? I went on the official site earlier and I checked out the 2012-2013 the manual, and set up my profex account. I'm just trying to make sure I stay on top of things because I've heard acceptance is more of a first come first serve basis.

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[Odin]

Hey everyone,

Lots of great stuff in here, I think so far for me the most confusing part of this application process is the fbi background check.  I see it says we can send a copy of our application since it can take 12 weeks to get processed.  So when should I apply for the fbi background check, because isn't there something about how it can't be more than 3 months old when you get your visa?  Thanks!

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[Natori]

The manual also states that you can get state police background check too...I looked it on my own state's government site and it was a bit confusing.  I just want to know how does one go about getting the Apostle thing....I think there was a link posted?  I'll have to dig in more old threads I guess....

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[Odin]

The manual also states that you can get state police background check too...I looked it on my own state's government site and it was a bit confusing.  I just want to know how does one go about getting the Apostle thing....I think there was a link posted?  I'll have to dig in more old threads I guess....

http://www.pueblotheseries.com/2011/01/how-to-get-the-fbi-background-check-and-apostille-for-auxiliares-program/
Here is a link I found that goes through it very well... it goes with the fbi background check, but I imagine it would work the same for the state one as well?

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[dcatalan]

the website says that the application goes on the internet november 1st, but the manual gives contradicting information saying that it goes up november 13th. Which one is the truth?

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[Odin]

the website says that the application goes on the internet november 1st, but the manual gives contradicting information saying that it goes up november 13th. Which one is the truth?

I saw that too and emailed one of the people in the manual for my region, but that was a few days ago and still nothing.

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[Natori]

http://www.pueblotheseries.com/2011/01/how-to-get-the-fbi-background-check-and-apostille-for-auxiliares-program/
Here is a link I found that goes through it very well... it goes with the fbi background check, but I imagine it would work the same for the state one as well?

Thanks...that website was helpful.  I wonder if it will work for the state police check. We have to get our fingerprints from the police station anyway right?  I'm going to research this more.  To change the subject a little...I am having a hard time starting my essay. I watched From Spain with Love for inspiration earlier today.

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[Natori]

Okay just did a quick google search and found an "official" site that does the apostille for my state documents.  It is supposedly quicker than the FBI check.  With the FBI check you have to send a copy of your application...I am wondering if it the same applies with the state check or not.

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[Natori]

Okay now I'm getting a 404 Error on the website.

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[WorldTraveler]

Okay now I'm getting a 404 Error on the website.

I noticed that :-/ I wonder if they are making more changes to the site. The November application isn't too far way.

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[dcatalan]

yikes about the website. let's keep our eyes on the prize, comrades.

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[Odin]

Just wondering, for those of you who are graduating and have student loans, do they still not have to be paid during this program because it's kind of considered "higher education" since it's a grant?

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[Natori]

The website is back up now....[/color][/font]

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[evams]

Just wondering, for those of you who are graduating and have student loans, do they still not have to be paid during this program because it's kind of considered "higher education" since it's a grant?

I graduated in 2010, but after my 6th month grace period I asked for a forbearance for another 4 months before I had a job where I was able to pay my loans off. It was a pretty easy process. I'm not sure that this program will be considered "higher education" but it is still likely you could ask for a forbearance since it is just a grant and not a very large one. That's what I'm hoping for 

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[seamair90]

The website is back up now....[/color][/font]

Could you send me the link?  Because i'm still getting the "Error 404" page.  Also, I might just be missing it completely but how do I get to the Profex registration?

Thanks!

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[Natori]

Could you send me the link?  Because i'm still getting the "Error 404" page.  Also, I might just be missing it completely but how do I get to the Profex registration?

Thanks!

Unfortunately, the link is down again.  When it comes back up you would click on the Apply button.

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[broca23]

The site's not exactly down, it's just acting weird.  Try the link multiple times, the first few times i get the 404 message then i try it again and the page opens
http://www.educacion.gob.es/aux1/eeuu/convocatorias-programas/convocatorias-eeuu/auxiliares-conversacion-eeuu.html

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[broca23]

Just wondering, for those of you who are graduating and have student loans, do they still not have to be paid during this program because it's kind of considered "higher education" since it's a grant?

Here's a thread about that
http://www.expatriatecafe.com/forums/index.php/topic,2729.0.html

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[kellidoscope]

¡Hola a todos!

New to this board, but the help has been invaluable so far.  I'm interested in applying for next year, however, my passport expires in January (of course, I'll be renewing it).  Does anyone know if this is going to cause any initial problems for my application (I'd like to apply, obviously, as soon as I'm allowed...not as soon as my passport decides to come back). 

I only ask because I went through 2 years of the French assistant program red tape and this seems like the type of thing that would make someone's life a living hell.

Gracias for the help!

Hi, I am in my 2nd year of the program. When I applied the first time I ended up renewing my passport halfway through the process. It wasn't a biggie, I just emailed Profex suppport to have them change my passport # stored in Profex so that when I received my acceptance letter it had the right passport number on it. Hope this helps! If anyone else has a question, from someone who has done this several times now, just let me know!!

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[Natori]

The site's not exactly down, it's just acting weird.  Try the link multiple times, the first few times i get the 404 message then i try it again and the page opens
http://www.educacion.gob.es/aux1/eeuu/convocatorias-programas/convocatorias-eeuu/auxiliares-conversacion-eeuu.html

I've tried that..clicking on the link multiple times=no dice. Still 404 error. It can be a hit or miss. It's working for me now. I have all the info I need just want to make sure it work when I actually *apply* to the program since I've done/or in the process of doing everything else.

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[Natori]

So I was reading old posts and peeps were saying to send in your hard copies in Jan/Feb?March.  Um I was getting ready to send in everything in November.  Then I read that the medical certificate has to be within 3 months of your visa application along with fbi/police check. I'm so confused.  I sent an email for further clarification.

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[NicoleMarie]

Hey!

Thank you for all the great advice on this thread. I am trying to create my Profex account, and I am having trouble with the Documento section. On the manual it says to choose "otro" but there is not option for otro... I have tried a few different things and can't get it to work. What did you guys do??

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[wanderlust1988]

Quick question: Are most positions in cities or in rural areas?

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[pittel]

Placements are random, and can be anywhere from a huge city to a tiny pueblo.

Quick question: Are most positions in cities or in rural areas?

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[Odin]

So I was reading old posts and peeps were saying to send in your hard copies in Jan/Feb?March.  Um I was getting ready to send in everything in November.  Then I read that the medical certificate has to be within 3 months of your visa application along with fbi/police check. I'm so confused.  I sent an email for further clarification.

I was getting ready to do the same thing as well.  A friend of mine is there now, and she said you have to get the medical certificate twice.  Once for this application process, then once you get accepted and everything you have to go back within three months of getting your visa.  Also, it would be a good idea to find out exactly what the consulate around you wants in terms of a medical certificate, because some are kind of picky.  Hope this helps!

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[wanderlust1988]

@pittel: Thanks for answering my question.

Do you guys think they will accept my application if I select 'Basico' under the language section of the CV? I know I currently do not have a medium level understanding. But I am doing self study and I plan to take a formal course this January.

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[WindyCity]

@pittel: Thanks for answering my question.

Do you guys think they will accept my application if I select 'Basico' under the language section of the CV? I know I currently do not have a medium level understanding. But I am doing self study and I plan to take a formal course this January.

Just put intermediate.  They don't have any sort of cut off or standard or any way to really check for spanish ability.  From what I've found so far (1 month into 1st year) you need enough spanish to be comfortable renting an apartment from/with spanish-speakers, open bank accounts, get a phone, a gym membership etc...basically enough to function.  And remember, there will be English speakers at your school, so if there's something really tricky/complicated that comes up you can talk with them in English and they should be able (and happy) to help you. 
Whatever of level of Spanish you are at, just know that you will (most likely, unless you are in Madrid) have to carry out normal functions of your life in Spanish and prep to be able to do that.  Also, you can probably find opportunities in Spain to do an intercambio or take formal lessons if you feel you need more formal Spanish. 

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[Rahel]

Hey everyone, my first post here and of course it's a question I hope someone can answer. I'm currently trying to register with profex, but the only active link is Acceso Gestores which is not working and the manual says to register through Acceso Profesores, but that link in not active. Am I looking in the wrong place? Any advice?

Thanks in advance!

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[emilyomay]

Hello there,

I am applying for the 2012-2013 season. I registered and applied last year as well, but was a bit too late with some of my hard documents. Now I see on this forum that some people can already access Profex and start the CVs, etc.? When I go to the Profex site, I can't click on "Acceso a Profesores"...it leads me to an error page telling me there are technical problems with the site. Help??

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[dcatalan]

The main page of the website says the application goes on profex on November 1, and the manual contradicts this by saying that it goes up on November 13.

Has anyone solved this mystery?

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[Rahel]

The main page of the website says the application goes on profex on November 1, and the manual contradicts this by saying that it goes up on November 13.

Has anyone solved this mystery?

The manual appears to be dated for the 2011-2012 year, so I'm guessing the applications opened on November 13 last year and will open November 1 this year.

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[abcoburn]

So, I've been seeing some contradictory advice on when to send in hard copies.  If I send them in a couple weeks later than my online is that too late? Also, should I send in my essay as a hard copy or as an attachment? Thanks!

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[Harikkala]

My advice is to focus on your job application form.Employers use application forms to assess your motivation and skills (and your spelling, grammar and punctuation). Questions are designed to assess specific attributes, so applicants can be compared systematically.

Before putting pen to paper, carefully research the organisation, the industry and the role to determine:

the skills you need to promote;
what attracts you to the job (your specific motivations).
You can usually find vacant positions and application procedures in the ‘About us’ or ‘Careers’ section of company websites.

Remember - this is a chance for you to promote your relevant qualities so clearly state what you have to offer and why you should be considered.
CV example

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[pittel]

Honestly, all that they really go by is inscrita number. They don't really care about how qualified you are or why you want to go. You could have a million degrees in education and have the best CV in the world, but if you don't apply til March, you might not get a placement. Likewise, you could be fresh out of uni or still in uni, never interacted with a kid in your life, but if you have that #1 number, you're 100% getting a placement, and probably your first choice.

This sounds kind of bad, but as long as you meet the bare minimums and send in the correct documents, they don't care about much else. The most important thing is the order you apply, so don't stress out trying to have the best CV or letter of motivation, because I'm not sure how much they actually look at it.

My advice is to focus on your job application form.Employers use application forms to assess your motivation and skills (and your spelling, grammar and punctuation). Questions are designed to assess specific attributes, so applicants can be compared systematically.

Before putting pen to paper, carefully research the organisation, the industry and the role to determine:

the skills you need to promote;
what attracts you to the job (your specific motivations).
You can usually find vacant positions and application procedures in the ‘About us’ or ‘Careers’ section of company websites.

Remember - this is a chance for you to promote your relevant qualities so clearly state what you have to offer and why you should be considered.
CV example

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[Odin]

Just did a little check on the manual and did anyone else notice they changed a lot for the documents! Here's what it says now:


1.3 Required Documents:
1.3.1 Hard copies
1. .The PDF printout (signed and dated) available after you submit your application
online (See Annex A on our Web page)
2. A one page letter of recommendation, in English or Spanish, from any current or
former professor or, if you have been out of school for over five years, from your
supervisor at work. This document can be mailed separately, should your
professor wish to send it to us personally. Nevertheless, it can be send together
with the pdf printout (point 3). The letter must be on letterhead and signed.
1.3.2 Documents to be uploaded
3. A copy of the photo and information page of your valid passport
4. An official college transcript OR a copy of your college diploma
5. A one page statement of purpose for participation in the program in either
English or Spanish, addressed to the person responsible for the office you will be
sending your required documents to (See Annex 7)
6. If you are a EU citizen or you already have a residence card (TIE), a medical
certificate of good mental and physical health issued by your doctor. This should
be on the doctor’s letterhead on standard sized paper, verifying you are free of
drug addiction, mental illness and any disease that could cause serious
repercussions to public health, according to the specifications of the international
sanitary regulation of 2005.


So this means no more background check or good health certificate?

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[tobias305]

I noticed that they changed a lot of documents too. I don't know about the medical form.. I would assume they still need some sort of medical examination but they don't mention anything other than EU citizens. Did you happen to email the contact to figure this out?

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