ENGLISH LANGUAGE ASSISTANTS PROGRAMME - SPAIN 2019/20
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NOTES FOR ENGLISH LANGUAGE ASSISTANTS APPOINTED TO SPAIN IN 2019/20 This document is version 1 Spain Country Notes for the 2019/20 English Language Assistants Programme. Any previous country notes relating to previous years should be ignored for the 2019/20 academic year. FOREWORD Congratulations on your recent allocation to a post as an English Language Assistant in Spain. Every year, around 2,500 Language Assistants from the UK support the teaching of English in 14 countries around the world. Every Language Assistant is taking part in a programme that traces its heritage back to 1905. It began as an exchange programme to allow graduates from France to help English students learn French, with 'young Masters in English secondary schools' heading to France to perform a similar role. Shortly afterwards, a similar agreement was reached with the government of Prussia. Since those early days, the programme has endured major global events, two World Wars, and the Great Depression to name a few. But while the global political, social and economic landscapes may have changed over the years, the Language Assistants initiative has remained committed to increasing language skills across the world. This document contains important information and advice regarding a variety of practical and administrative matters affecting UK assistants in Spain. This document should be read carefully, retained for reference and considered in conjunction with any papers issued by the Spanish authorities. It is important that you have access to this information whilst in Spain in order to be able to consult it at all times when problems/questions arise. If your permanent (UK) home address, personal e-mail or phone number changes, please inform us immediately by sending an e-mail to languageassistants.uk@britishcouncil.org. We may need to contact you during the year with urgent messages, invitations to events or to add updates to these notes, so please ensure that you have given us the correct contact details. We hope that you find the following information useful and that you enjoy the year ahead. Best wishes, Bethan, Ceana and Olivia www.britishcouncil.org 2
CONTENTS Foreword.................................................................................................................................................................... 2 1. Co-operating partners .................................................................................................................................. 5 1.1. British council............................................................................................................................................ 5 1.2. Partners in spain ....................................................................................................................................... 5 2. Role of the language assistant................................................................................................................... 6 2.1. Teaching english ....................................................................................................................................... 6 3. Posting information ....................................................................................................................................... 7 3.1. School allocation ...................................................................................................................................... 7 3.2. Dates of appointment .............................................................................................................................. 7 3.3. Holidays ...................................................................................................................................................... 7 3.4. Predecessors ............................................................................................................................................ 7 4. Pre-departure information .......................................................................................................................... 8 4.1. Foreign & commonwealth office............................................................................................................ 8 4.2. Passports and visas.................................................................................................................................. 8 4.3. Travel to spain........................................................................................................................................... 8 4.4. Taking a car abroad ................................................................................................................................. 9 4.5. Taking pets abroad .................................................................................................................................. 9 4.6. Graduates with student loans ................................................................................................................ 9 4.7. Insurance .................................................................................................................................................10 5. Health and wellbeing ...................................................................................................................................11 4.8. Ehic card ..................................................................................................................................................11 4.9. Medication ...............................................................................................................................................11 4.10. Mental health ...........................................................................................................................................12 5. Arrival ..............................................................................................................................................................13 5.1. Induction meeting ..................................................................................................................................13 5.2. Travel onwards from the induction courses......................................................................................13 6. Settling in ........................................................................................................................................................15 6.1. Accommodation......................................................................................................................................15 6.2. Número de identidad de extranjero (nie) ..........................................................................................17 6.3. Creating social networks.......................................................................................................................18 6.4. Study opportunities ................................................................................................................................20 6.5. Settling into school life ..........................................................................................................................20 7. Money matters ..............................................................................................................................................21 7.1. Monthly allowance..................................................................................................................................21 7.2. Additional income ...................................................................................................................................21 7.3. Erasmus+ grants .....................................................................................................................................22 7.4. Currency and banks ...............................................................................................................................22 www.britishcouncil.org 3
7.5. Lost or stolen credit cards ...................................................................................................................22 7.6. Income tax ...............................................................................................................................................22 8. Administrative matters...............................................................................................................................23 8.1. Absence from school .............................................................................................................................23 8.2. Solving problems & lines of referal ....................................................................................................24 8.3. Consecutive years ..................................................................................................................................24 9. In country advice .........................................................................................................................................25 9.1. Personal safety .......................................................................................................................................25 9.2. Travelling around spain .........................................................................................................................25 9.3. Isic cards ..................................................................................................................................................25 9.4. Internet .....................................................................................................................................................25 9.5. Phoning home & mobiles ......................................................................................................................26 9.6. Lost or stolen mobile phones...............................................................................................................26 10. Teaching tips and resources ....................................................................................................................27 10.1. Observation period ................................................................................................................................27 10.2. Teaching materials .................................................................................................................................27 10.3. British council teaching resources......................................................................................................27 10.4. Language assistants manual ................................................................................................................28 10.5. School linking ..........................................................................................................................................28 10.6. Bilingual programs .................................................................................................................................29 10.7. Book list ....................................................................................................................................................29 11. Spotlight on spain ........................................................................................................................................30 11.1. Regions.....................................................................................................................................................30 11.2. National holidays ....................................................................................................................................30 11.3. Emergency services in spain................................................................................................................31 11.4. British embassy and consulate ............................................................................................................31 11.5. British council in spain ...........................................................................................................................32 12. Other information ........................................................................................................................................34 12.1. Drugs ........................................................................................................................................................34 12.2. Political demonstrations ........................................................................................................................34 12.3. Spouces / partners/dependants .........................................................................................................34 12.4. References ..............................................................................................................................................34 12.5. Social media ............................................................................................................................................34 12.6. Useful websites .......................................................................................................................................34 www.britishcouncil.org 4
1. CO-OPERATING PARTNERS 1.1. BRITISH COUNCIL Our work in the arts involves the very best British The British Council is the United Kingdom's and international artistic talent. We help increase international organisation for cultural relations audiences for international work in the UK and and educational opportunities. We create for UK work globally. We bring artists together friendly knowledge and understanding between and support the development of skills and policy the people of the UK and other countries. We do in the arts and creative industries. Through this this by making a positive contribution to the UK work, we ensure that culture in its broadest and the countries we work with – changing lives sense plays a vital role in connecting with others by creating opportunities, building connections and promoting friendly understanding. and engendering trust. 1.2. PARTNERS IN SPAIN We work with over 100 countries across the Language assistants are either employed by the world in the fields of arts and culture, English Ministerio de Educacion y Formacion Profesional language, education and civil society. Each year (MEFP) or directly through the local education we reach over 20 million people face-to-face authorities (Comunidad Autónoma). It is and more than 500 million people online, via important that you understand if you belong to broadcasts and publications. Founded in 1934, the Ministry group or the Comunidad group so we are a UK charity governed by Royal Charter you know who to address for information or and a UK public body. queries. You can find out in your regional allocation email if you are part of the Ministry or Our work in English aims to bring high-quality the Comunidad group. language materials to every learners and teachers across the world. In developing and post-conflict countries, we teach Ministry Posts English and train teachers through radio, web E-mail: auxiliares.conv@educacion.gob.es and TV broadcasts. We offer more than three million UK examinations worldwide, helping Subdirección General de Promoción Exterior people gain access to trusted qualifications to Educativa Ministerio de Educación y Formación Profesional support their career and study prospects. Calle de Alcalá, 34, 28014 Madrid, Spain Our work in education and society helps transform national education systems, builds Tel: +34 91 506 5594 more inclusive and open societies and www.educacionyfp.gob.es/servicios-al- increases opportunities for young people . We ciudadano/catalogo.html encourage international students to come and study in the UK and help British students to gain Comunidad Posts experience abroad. We bring schools around the Please note that all those posted to cupo comunidad posts should contact whoever has world together, so young people and teachers from different countries can learn from each contacted them from the local education other. department in relation to the post. www.britishcouncil.org 5
2. ROLE OF THE LANGUAGE ASSISTANT The role of a language assistant is a very to help you incorporate cultural content into important one and one that we hope you will your lessons in chapter 10 of this document. enjoy. Please remember that you are considered a member of staff with the “It would also not be a bad idea to responsibilities and required professionalism that prepare some presentations/activities this entails. Please refer to our website for more about your home country before information on your role as an English Language leaving.” Assistant:. 2.1. TEACHING ENGLISH As a language assistant you are also an ambassador for the UK and its culture. The way It is important to be resourceful and use your you behave will influence how those around you initiative. If you do not think that you are being view the UK and you should endeavor to set a used sufficiently, make suggestions of topics that positive example. If you set a bad example, you you could discuss with the students or activities could damage the reputation of the programme that you could get involved with. This document and adversely affect the experience of future contains a whole chapter about teaching English assistants. but to get started the following links are useful. “Realise that you are going to work, • www.teachingenglish.org.uk/sites/teacheng/fil and not be on holiday. Certainly some es/whole_manual.pdf tourism is understandable but often • www.teachingenglish.org.uk/language- school years run from autumn to spring assistant/essential-uk when your neighbours and peers will not be sightseers but rather ordinary It is also important to familiarize yourself with the working people and not tour guides.” education system in Spain as it will help you know what to expect when you start teaching at Your first-hand experience of life in the UK is an your school(s). Please see the Eurydice webpage excellent resource and you should draw on this for specific information: during your lessons. We provide a lot of advice © Mat Wright www.britishcouncil.org 6
3. POSTING INFORMATION 3.2. DATES OF APPOINTMENT Each region differs as to when they organise The period of appointment for UK assistants in appointments and send out information. The Spain will be 01 October 2019 – 31 May 2020. British Council is involved in allocating assistants The only exceptions are appointments to cupo to a region and sometimes age group, but has Comunidad posts in Madrid and some postings no control over choice of town, size of town, in Valencia which run from 01 October 2019 – school environment or when information is sent 30 June 2020., You should check the details in out. We encourage each region to send your own Nombramiento. information out as early as possible. You should also write immediately to your school(s) The majority of assistants are expected to work confirming acceptance of the post. If you do not 12 hours a week. Some, but not all, posts in receive a reply by mid-September it is a good Madrid, Galicia and Valencia are 16 hours, and idea to ring the school(s) to discuss your some posts in Murcia 15 hours. placement and give them an idea of your anticipated arrival date. Those who have been appointed to more than one school will be asked to divide their time You should ask them for information about the between the schools concerned. You can school(s) that you will be working in. For request information regarding how your example, it may be useful to know the age range timetable will be arranged from the head of the of pupils, the average class size, the general host school which is usually the first one level of ability, the social background of pupils, mentioned when you are sent details of your the facilities available and if you should bring any posting in the Nombramiento. If you have been specific materials from home. It is also important appointed to two or three schools you should to enquire about the dress code for teachers write to all of them confirming your acceptance and any other general school information. of the post. 3.1. SCHOOL ALLOCATION 3.3. HOLIDAYS The maximum number of schools to which you Assistants are entitled to the usual school can be appointed is three. Please contact us if holidays. You should be able to obtain the dates you have been appointed to more than three from the school secretary or your mentor schools. If the different schools are several miles teacher. You should not be absent on other apart and you must travel between two on the occasions without prior permission. Attending same day, you are entitled to ask for help the induction course does not give assistants the towards travel expenses. Under no right to take leave at a later date. circumstances should an assistant be required to buy a car just to get to their schools. If following contact with your school you establish that there 3.4. PREDECESSORS is no regular public transport serves your An online map of ELAs from 2018/19 is available school(s) and there are no lifts available to your in the country information pack. This list also school(s) please inform us of the situation. contains Modern Language Assistants returning Please do not contact us without contacting home to Spain from their year working in the UK. your school first. You may wish to look for previous / future assistants in the many unofficial Facebook groups online. Search ‘Auxiliar de Conversación (name of location)’. www.britishcouncil.org 7
4. PRE-DEPARTURE INFORMATION 4.1. FOREIGN & COMMONWEALTH OFFICE Before travelling to Spain you should ensure that This does not apply if one of your passports is you check the Foreign and Commonwealth Spanish. Assistants should always carry (FCO) travel advice pages: www.gov.uk/foreign- photocopies of their passport as a form of travel-advice and ensure that you have identification but ensure that this information is subscribed to updates so that you receive any kept safe and out of sight. important changes to the FCO’s advice. During a crisis, advice for British nationals will be 4.3. TRAVEL TO SPAIN published on the travel advice website and updated regularly, so by subscribing you will “Travel around Spain is cheap - buses ensure that you are aware of any updates. You and trains all good price, but some can register for emails using this link: timetables are not frequent. Avoid www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/spain/email- travel on a Sunday.” signup. We also recommend that assistants read the You are responsible for the cost of your own ‘Advice for Travelers’ documentation provided travel and any travel to and from your place of by the FCO, which can be found here: appointment during the year. Booking in www.gov.uk/government/policies/supporting- advance for all forms of transport is highly british-nationals-overseas/supporting- recommended. Past assistants have warned to pages/advice-for-travellers. check the baggage allowance for outward and return journeys when travelling by plane as sometimes the cheaper airlines have quite a low 4.2. PASSPORTS AND VISAS baggage allowance. The following websites may help you when booking your travel. Assistants must be in possession of a standard 10-year passport before leaving the UK and are • www.skyscanner.net advised to ensure that it will not need to be • www.eurostar.com renewed before October 2020. Those who are • www.raileurope.co.uk not in possession of a passport, or need a new • www.directferries.co.uk one, should complete the application procedure • www.eurolines.co.uk as soon as possible either through a regional • www.britishairways.com Passport Office or online at: • www.easyjet.co.uk www.gov.uk/browse/abroad/passports. • www.flybe.com • www.thomsonfly.com © Mat Wright Holders of a UK passport and nationals of other • www.opodo.co.uk EU countries do not require a visa to enter Spain. • www.expedia.co.uk If you have dual nationality (UK/other) you • www.ryanair.co.uk should ensure that your UK passport is valid and • www.interrailnet.com you should use this one to travel while in Spain. • www.iberia.com/gb This will save you considerable complications with the local authorities (Social Security etc.). www.britishcouncil.org 8
4.4. TAKING A CAR ABROAD 4.5. TAKING PETS ABROAD You will need to research the laws on driving in There are a variety of rules assistants must Spain, including adapting your head lights for follow to ensure that they are compliant when driving on the right. The website taking pets abroad / returning them to the UK. www.gov.uk/driving-abroad provides useful Please check the FCO and Spanish Government information about motoring abroad. website for more information. You may also wish to consider pet travel insurance to ensure that If you plan to take a car to Spain for the period any pets are covered for emergency treatment of your assistantship, please ensure that you whilst in Spain. take out adequate insurance for the full period and be aware that many insurance companies • www.gov.uk/take-pet-abroad/pet-passport will only insure you for periods of up to 90 days. • www.mapama.gob.es/en/ Past assistants have advised looking into • www.mapama.gob.es/es/ganaderia/legislaci insurance well in advance in order to have the on/animales-compania-normativa- time to shop around for a suitable policy. All UK zoosanitaria.aspx motor insurance policies offer the minimum legal protection required by EU countries and 4.6. GRADUATES WITH STUDENT Switzerland. This gives third party cover for bodily injury or damage to property. The British LOANS Council is unable to recommend specific insurance companies. If you will be overseas for more than 3 months, you will need to let student finance know. Many insurers offer 24-hour UK telephone Complete an Overseas Income Assessment Form numbers in case you need help in an to enable the Student Loans Company to emergency. Make sure you have these details calculate how much you need to repay. On the with you when you travel abroad. Overseas Income Assessment Form you should provide them with details of your circumstances The website of the Association of British Insurers and prospective income. www.abi.org.uk has general information on driving abroad, including the document Whilst in Spain the money you receive is ‘Motoring Abroad’ which has useful information considered a monthly allowance or grant, rather on Motor Insurance cover and Green Cards. A than a salary. This means you are officially taking Green Card is an internationally recognised part in a grant funded mobility programme rather document that provides evidence that the than formal employment. Last year assistants policyholder has minimum insurance cover. who declared their Language Assistant role as formal employment rather than a grant funded If you require information on driver licensing you mobility programme faced challenges with the should contact Drivers Customer Services (DCS), student loans company, who requested copies of Correspondence Team DVLA, Swansea SA6 7JL employment contracts. Your Nombramiento is a Tel: 0300 790 6801. Information on vehicle contract of enrolment in the programme, not an licensing or registration can be obtained from employment contract. Vehicle Customer Services (VCS), DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1AR (Tel: 0300 790 6802). There You will be required to provide evidence of is also information on the website at income or means of support. They will then send www.dvla.gov.uk. UK licenses are recognised in you a repayment schedule showing how much all EU countries plus Switzerland, for as long as you need to pay each month. Your monthly they remain valid. payments will be based upon the earnings threshold for your destination country. More information can be found online here. Please note that the British Council cannot advise further on student loans matters. www.britishcouncil.org 9
4.7. INSURANCE Many policies also have legal expenses cover, which is recommended in case you need legal The British Council will not be responsible for assistance while overseas. you while you are in Spain, although we will offer support when necessary. You are therefore The British Council is unable to advise on private required to take out comprehensive insurance to insurance packages. You are recommended to cover you during your whole time abroad. We consult an insurance broker for professional recommend you research the various options advice and to check whether you are covered available and consult other/ former assistants by your parents’ or family insurance policy. before purchasing a suitable policy. However Undergraduate assistants may find that a "study any insurance you purchase should include© Mat Wright abroad" policy purchased online is an option. cover for emergency treatment and repatriation. Please be aware that some insurance policies, Please note that it is unlikely that insurance usually ‘backpackers’ insurance, do not allow for companies will cover you in the event of a trips home during the year and it is important to natural disaster or the outbreak of war. check the small print of your policy to make sure that you are covered. Whilst it may seem like an inconvenient cost at this stage, it is highly recommended to take out Personal Accident Travel policies are readily appropriate insurance for your time abroad. You available on price comparison websites, or by will not be insured under the Spanish National using a search engine to search for ‘travel Health system because you will not be paying insurance’. The UK Foreign & Commonwealth contributions from your monthly allowance. website offers additional advice on taking out When choosing cover, please think carefully Travel Insurance: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel- about what you would like to happen in the insurance. event of sickness / accident / death. It is also advised to discuss insurance options with Any package should cover medical expenses, air partners, family members or a close friend. ambulance, repatriation, personal accident & civil liability, luggage & valuable items, and Insurance whilst in post cancellation in extreme cases. Please note that You are strongly recommended to take out you should organise your insurance before you Personal Accident Travel insurance for the leave the UK. period between leaving home and taking up your appointment, time during your Insurance for travel outside of Spain appointment, and also the period between ending your appointment and your return to the “Remember that normally your health UK. This should include the following standard insurance only covers you within your elements of cover: host country during your allocated time there therefore if you travel outside • Medical costs for treatment in case of illness that country during or after that or accidental injury period, you may need additional • Benefits for permanent disabling injuries, e.g. insurance” (ELA Spain 2015- 16) rehabilitation and living costs • Benefits for death and costs of repatriation Experience from Previous language assistants • Cover for loss or damage to your personal has told us that holidays provide the possibility belongings for travel around or outside of Spain. If you do • Cover for cancelled flights, e.g. if the airline leave Spain at any point, it is highly advised to goes out of business or on strike take out insurance for the country / countries • Personal Liability cover. This provides legal that you visit. support and covers financial costs if you cause injury or property damage to others and are found personally liable. • 24hr emergency assistance helpline. www.britishcouncil.org 10
5. HEALTH AND WELLBEING Please see the Foreign Commonwealth Office ambulance) before travelling to another country. website for more information regarding Applicants from Guernsey should contact the healthcare in Spain: www.gov.uk/healthcare-in- Health and Social Services Department for spain. advice. Applicants from Jersey should contact the Employment and Social Security Department There is a short video highlighting the for advice. importance of thinking about healthcare before moving to Spain and further information is “A simple thing like carrying your EU available on the FCO healthcare in Spain health card with you at all times. I was website. away one weekend and sprained my ankle and luckily had my health card For information in insurance please see section with me but if not it could have caused 4.7 of this document. some complications.” 4.8. EHIC CARD Be aware that each country’s healthcare system is different. Services that cost you nothing at For the time before, during and after your official home might not be free in Spain (for example, period of appointment as an assistant, you will prescriptions). need a UK-issued European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). The EHIC card will also be useful for The EHIC is not an alternative to travel insurance. any trips to other EU countries. To apply for a It does not cover any private healthcare or costs card please use the following link: such as a return flight to your home country or www.ehic.org.uk. You can also obtain an lost/stolen property. application form from the post office. If you're planning to go abroad as part of your university 4.9. MEDICATION degree, you can apply for a time limited student EHIC. More information is available online here. If you take regular medication, please ensure that you have a supply before you leave. It is The EHIC gives you access to medically also important to find out where your nearest necessary, state-provided healthcare during a doctor, dentist and hospital are as soon as you temporary stay in Spain. When you show arrive. You should ask your school for your EHIC, you will receive treatment under the information about the facilities in your area and same conditions and at the same cost as people always advise staff and your landlord of any insured in Spain. There is a short video medical conditions. explaining how to use the EHIC card in Spain and further information is available on the Healthcare “Bring medicines that are hard to get in in Spain website. the place you're going to (E.g. your specific contraceptive pill, branded Residents of the Isle of Man and the Channel things like day nurse / your preferred Islands are not eligible for the European Health hay fever tablets - the brands I wanted Insurance Card. Residents of the Isle of Man were unavailable)” (ELA Spain 2014- need to take out fully-comprehensive insurance 2015) (which should include repatriation by air www.britishcouncil.org 11
In addition to health insurance, it would be wise The Foreign Commonwealth Office provides to consider insuring your personal possessions. information about mental health and travel via You should also check your parents’ household the following links. insurance as this sometimes covers possessions away from home. Furthermore, cover for • www.gov.uk/government/publications/me personal liability is often overlooked but it is ntal-health extremely important. If you were the cause of • www.gov.uk/guidance/foreign-travel- an accident of any kind – e.g. cycling on the advice-for-people-with-mental-health- road – the resulting costs, practical and legal, issues could be prohibitively high. You will need to take your National Insurance The leaflets hyperlinked below contain guidance Number. Language Assistants in Spain have on travelling abroad and mental health, and student status and the money you receive each information about how the Foreign & month is referred to as a grant or beca, rather Commonwealth Office (FCO) is able to assist than a salary. British nationals with mental health needs abroad. The leaflets detail the type of assistance you may find in the country. The leaflet also 4.10. MENTAL HEALTH explains some of the differences between English law and practice and that of other Although working abroad can be enjoyable, it countries. can also be challenging. Lack of familiar support systems, disrupted daily routines, language Mental Health: Travelling Abroad barriers, culture shock and unexpected situations can intensify stress levels rather than www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/upload alleviate them. s/attachment_data/file/584029/FCO_MentalHeal th_web_130117.pdf Your mental health is just as important as your physical health. It is advisable to read this Mental Health: Travelling Abroad Checklist information even if you are not currently www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/upload suffering from mental health problems. s/attachment_data/file/466425/Mental_Health_C hecklist_-_Final.pdf www.britishcouncil.org 12
5. ARRIVAL 5.1. INDUCTION MEETING 5.2. TRAVEL ONWARDS FROM THE “In Spain the Ministry of Education sets INDUCTION COURSES up an orientation event in Madrid at the beginning of the placement. I didn't We recommend planning your onward journey meet anyone from my area there but from the induction course to your placement made some good friends who I then prior to leaving the UK, as time during the went to visit during the year - I wouldn't induction course is limited. Please remember have travelled out to Gran Canaria that we only pass on the following information. It otherwise.” is up to you to carefully research and compare each company before booking travel. Induction courses are organised by the Buses Ministerio de Educacion y Formacion Profesional or the local education authorities at the Different bus stations within Madrid cater for comunidades autónomas. The induction you are different parts of the country. A useful website is invited to will depend on who your post is www.alsa.es which offers a national coach funded by. If you are unsure, please check to service where tickets can be purchased online in see which organization issued your advance. If you create an account and are Nombramiento to you. under 26 years old, you can also get a discount on most ALSA bus bookings. Please follow any information/advice that is given from the Comunidad/Ministry about your The bus company “Bilman Bus” induction course. Please follow their instructions www.bilmanbus.es operates within the regions of on how to confirm your place. If you do not Cantabria, Vizcaya, Álava, La Rioja, Guipúzcoa y confirm your place before the date stated, you Navarra, la Comunidad Valenciana and Murcia. may not be able to attend. Please do not send your confirmation to the British Council. For long distance journeys please see www.movelia.es and www.avanzabus.com. While these courses are not obligatory you are www.damas-sa.es has also been recommended strongly advised to attend. You will receive by former ELAs as a bus company in the South essential information regarding your of Spain. Other assistants have recommended assistantship and also meet previous assistants www.tmb.cat/ca/home/ for transport in and language assistants of other nationalities. If Barcelona and surrounding area. you choose not to attend the briefing you should inform the relevant contact for your region’s Trains Cap de formentor. Photo by Esther Driehaus on Unsplash induction course once you arrive in Spain so that RENFE is the national railway company and runs arrangements can be made for any important several types of trains, but fares and journey documents to be posted to you. times can vary. MEFP is not usually able to arrange separate • Cercanías provide regular services from courses for assistants in the Canarias, Baleares major cities to surrounding suburbs Ceuta or Melilla. You are welcome to attend the • Regionales are trains that stop at all stations course in Madrid, but it is understandable if you • InterCity, Alvia, Euromed and AVE (high are not able to attend considering the travel speed) trains stop at most major cities costs involved. www.britishcouncil.org 13
• Carnet joven: Invest in this young person’s rail card equivalent for cheap rail fares Booking train travel in advance online can also sometimes be cheaper. Assistants in the past have recommended bus travel over train as train travel can be slow with the exception of the high-speed links, which usually cost more. Bla Bla Car Bla bla car is a website which offers car sharing for people travelling throughout Spain. A great way to affordably see more of the country and practice your Spanish on the journey. Please exercise caution when travelling with people you don’t know. www.britishcouncil.org 14
6. SETTLING IN “Stay positive through any adversity at assistants have emphasised the need to look for the beginning. It may be tough to accommodation as early as possible. The first initially adapt but it soon gets easier!” weeks of your assistantship will be busy as you will be finding your way around an unfamiliar town, dealing with bureaucracy and trying to 6.1. ACCOMMODATION make a good impression at school. Remember that you will need your passport to check into The British Council is not in a position to help to hotels/hostels. Do not take out a contract on find nor to provide accommodation. Equally your your accommodation until you know the location school(s) are not obliged to provide or find you of your schools. accommodation, but they may be able to offer you somewhere temporary to stay for the first “I know of people who organised few days or weeks, thus giving you some time to accommodation without seeing it look for permanent accommodation. You should before they arrived in their placement however not assume that your school will do this country and sometimes it did fall and should discuss your arrival and initial through - in one instance the flat didn't accommodation arrangements with them in even exist! Before you leave the UK I'd advance. Please note that if your school does recommend you to book a week in a offer you accommodation you are not obliged to hostel (ideally before your placement accept it but remember, if you do accept it, you starts) to give you time to view will have to abide by the school’s rules. accommodation and get used to the area.” “Be ready for anything and ask local people for advice - even if it's when you Useful websites arrive! Something will come up, and don't be afraid to introduce yourself to www.segundamano.es people in cafes, schools, churches etc. www.idealista.es and ask for help, to pin up notices.” www.loquo.es www.easypiso.com www.lingobongo.com It is advisable to book temporary accommodation before you arrive. Staying in a Assistants in the past have had relatively few local hostel or airbnb will give you the problems finding suitable accommodation but be opportunity to get to know the area and go to prepared to spend about a week looking after flat viewings before arranging permanent accommodation. You can ask your mentor teacher for advice on where to find accommodation. They may know a local family with a room to rent, or already have somewhere in mind for you to stay. If your school cannot help, there are some popular websites where rooms and flats are advertised. Consider going to your teaching location to arrange accommodation in advance of the induction course or of starting your job. Past www.britishcouncil.org 15
arrival. For this reason, you may wish to pre- We recommend that you take photos of your book a hostel or hotel before you arrive. Some room and the flat when you move into your long- previous assistants recommend going out to term accommodation and when you leave to your region a week earlier in order to find help you get back any deposit you may have to accommodation, get settled and sort out getting pay, which is usually dependent on the your NIE (Número de Identidad de Extranjero). accommodation being in the same condition as when you first arrived. When you leave your Once you get to Spain the following suggestions accommodation, remember to cancel any may be of interest: personal contracts e.g. internet or utilities. Ensure that you have checked health and safety • advertise on the school/staff notice board issues in your accommodation (temporary and and ask other teachers long term) such as fire alarms and exits, gas • buy the local newspapers early in the leaks, electrics, water etc. morning and telephone likely numbers immediately For assistants assigned to Madrid, Barcelona, • ring the local university halls of residence or Málaga, Seville and Mallorca, looking for check their flat share adverts and notices, or accommodation with Spanish families you can advertise on their notice board that you are find the following programme useful: looking for a room www.babelbridges.org/programme/. Please note • ask local friends'/acquaintances' landlords if that the British Council is in no way they have any further accommodation to let recommending or endorsing this offer, we are • accommodation agencies may be able to simply passing on the information. You should help but you should be very wary of paying research the following before agreeing to large fees and deposits, and always read the anything: small print in any leases or agreements to be signed; look for small agencies as often their • Location; fees are lower • Suitability; and • search for a room or flat on the internet • Contractual arrangements. If you are living in a large town or city, you are When looking for accommodation please follow likely to have to sign a contract. In case you the advice given in our Personal Safety leaflet. decide to change your accommodation during When you have found somewhere to live, even if the year, you are advised not to sign a contract it has been arranged for you, do not live for the duration of your contract unless there is anywhere or sign any agreement you are not a notice period included in the contract. If you comfortable with and make sure that there is a are in a smaller town, landlords may not bother period of notice written in the contract to avoid with contracts. However, we strongly recommend that you ask for one. Assistants in Barcelona are advised that finding accommodation can be difficult. They are recommended to look at www.bcn-housing- students.com/ or www.loquo.com for assistance. Please make sure you are aware of notice periods for moving out, or any fees you may need to pay before you sign any agreement. Former assistants have recommended www.kalea.es/fotokaleacasa/n for accommodation for ELAs appointed to Alava, Vitoria, Vizcaya, Guipuzcoa, Cantabria and Burgos. www.britishcouncil.org 16
problems should you decide to change your and you will be able to open a bank accommodation during the year. account easier.” N.I.Es can be obtained at the Directorate-General 6.2. NÚMERO DE IDENTIDAD DE of the Police, either directly or through Spain's EXTRANJERO (NIE) Consular Posts abroad. Feedback from previous assistants has highlighted the difference in “The process to gain the legal processes across Spain. Some areas operate an documents varies greatly in Spain, on the day que system, other regions allow what happens in one town will be totally online appointment booking in advance. It is different to another. If you are in a worth trying to research this before departure or smaller town you may have to travel asking your school as there can sometimes be a the neighbouring larger town to obtain wait for bookable appointments. such document, this is not always an easy process, but don't worry once it's It is highly likely that you will need the following done it's done.” (and potentially additional) items when applying. You may wish to prepare some of these items N.I.E. is an abbreviation for Número de Identidad before leaving the UK so that you have them de Extranjero, which translates as Identification available should they be needed. Number for Foreigners. Foreigners having a relation with Spain for economic, professional or • Passport and photocopies social interests are required to obtain a personal, • Completed EX-15 formula unique and exclusive sequential number, for (English instructions for completing the identification purposes. Without an NIE number form are available here) the Spanish authorities will be unable to pay • Recent Passport photos your ‘ayuda mensual’ / ‘beca’. • Document proving why you need a Spanish NIE number e.g your Nombramiento. “The process varies from region to region, so just stick to what you are told “When registering for the NIE (in Spain) from the officials and not what be sure to have EVERYTHING with you - somebody else has said in another part passport, accommodation contract, of the country.” nombramiento etc. Each office seems to handle the NIE differently and at It’s very difficult for the British Council to provide different speeds so it's handy to have comprehensive advice as every region / city has all documentation with you when different processes for obtaining a NIE, however applying.” we hope that the information below can assist you to prepare somewhat before departure to Aside from accommodation, obtaining the NIE Spain. Useful information can be found on the could be one of the first challenges you face Spanish Government website here: when relocating to Spain. We do advice that you www.exteriores.gob.es/Portal/en/ServiciosAlCiud try to start the process of obtaining a NIE as adano/InformacionParaExtranjeros/Paginas/NIE.a quickly as possible once you arrive in Spain. spx Some assistants will find obtaining the NIE easier than others, however at all stages we advise you “In Spain, apply for your NIE to be proactive (don’t leave things until the last appointment a month before you leave minute), patient (things might not be processed … I booked mine at the end of as quickly as you hope) and persistent (don’t September when I arrived in Spain and give up!). did not get an appointment until November, making it harder to set up a “In Spain, persistence is key. The bank account, therefore if you book catch-22 of needing an NIE to set up a early you might be able to book an bank account and vice-versa was made appointment for the week you arrive clear to me, but I found when I www.britishcouncil.org 17
explained my situation and pointed out As a golden rule, try to say yes to every social the difficulty of it, I could receive my opportunity presented to you that does not NIE without a bank account.” compromise your personal safety. Accept invitations to places and activities even if they do not sound interesting as you might meet 6.3. CREATING SOCIAL NETWORKS other people there who do share your interests Even if you have been to Spain before it is however at all times, please follow the advice possible that you will find some things strange at given in our Personal Safety leaflet. first and will need a little time to settle in. On arrival, the thought of making friends and mixing Start at school with the locals can seem like a daunting task, but It is important to make a good impression on as long as you are prepared to put yourself out your colleagues at school. Be positive, there; it is a part of the experience which enthusiastic and willing to learn and help out previous assistants have found the most where you can. You never know when you might enriching. Give yourself some time to adjust – need help from your colleagues. Socialise as you don’t need to feel like a local within a week much as you can with them as it can give you a and in the beginning you will have a lot of bigger support network for the duration of your administrative matters to deal with. placement. It is also a great chance to improve and practice your Spanish, they might also want “Get involved with youth groups, to practice their English with you so help them churches, local activities, sports, the where you can. Tell people what your interests gym etc. so that you're able to meet are and ask them to let you know what’s going locals as well as other ELAs doing on in the local area. Do keep in mind that similar things to you. But try to target teachers can be very busy, especially during locals rather than fellow English- exam periods. speakers, otherwise you could easily get comfortable and stuck speaking English most of the time” Here are some other ways to meet people within the area: • Live with native speakers • Attend language exchanges • Enrol for an evening class, join a sports club, music group, choir etc. • Enquire about joining the local university and attending lectures • Get involved in the local culture and join clubs that you can’t join in the UK; and • Volunteer for a charity, society, festival, etc. Former assistants have recommended that you don’t spend all your free time with other assistants, as you will not be able to integrate into your community and life in Spain. On the other hand, don’t feel that you must cut yourself off from them – assistants can provide a very good support network for each other, as you understand each other’s experiences. Don’t forget that there may be language assistants from other countries in your area. www.britishcouncil.org 18
Apart from your work in the classroom you may languages in many areas). You could join be able to attend other classes in subjects which Erasmus societies (at a local university), offer interest you. You will find that you become much English lessons to colleagues/locals, join a club more integrated into school life and gain and join assistant groups on social networks considerably more from your stay if you become such as Facebook. www.educa-system.com involved in activities organised by the school, offers opportunities for teaching extra English such as sports days, theatre or music classes. Often language exchanges are called productions or modern language societies. Go tandems or intercambios, so it’s worth keeping to school ‘open days’ or parent evenings as an eye out for adverts. these are also a good way of meeting people. If you hear about something happening which ESN interests you, ask if you can become involved. Erasmus Student Network (ESN) is a non-profit Don’t wait to be invited as people may assume international student organisation. Their mission that you’re not interested. is to represent international students, thus provide opportunities for cultural understanding “My fellow teachers at IES Canarias and self-development under the principle have really gone above and beyond in of Students Helping Students. ESN can making me feel welcome and showing sometimes assist with finding accommodation in me around the island. They are truly university towns and cities. Assistants making the experience as easy and completing their third year abroad can often enjoyable as possible for me” affiliate to local ESN groups and register for an ESN student discount card. Often ESN groups Previous Assistants and Modern Language run events and trips throughout the year which Assistants provide a great way to meet new people and explore Spain on a budget. It is also a good idea to get in touch with other people in the area before you leave. One useful Social media way to do this is to get in contact with a previous assistant in your region and ask them to give you There are often Facebook groups for people any e-mail addresses or numbers of contacts who are new to the city/town, which organise they made. A map of contacts is available online different events to help people make new friends here. - just search for ‘new in “city name”’ Previous assistants have also suggested joining a local Languages Couchsurfing group as they often organise “Language exchanges are a perfect social activities. way of meeting local people and improving your language skills. There Madrid are groups that meet in bars in the Assistants in Madrid may be interested in evening in most big towns and cities MadridMas (see www.disfrutamadridmas.es), a (check facebook and watch out for student organisation which offers opportunities flyers when you're out in your area). to meet people, travel, go to bars and clubs, Arranging exchanges with the teachers fiestas, dance classes, etc. at discounted prices. in your area is also a good way to integrate, they tend to have a wealth of knowledge about the area and can be a lot of help when first settling in” Another excellent way to meet new people is to set up language exchanges with local people who want to practice their English. You could also enroll at a local language school (There are inexpensive government Official Language Schools that offer Spanish lessons and other www.britishcouncil.org 19
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