ENGLISH LANGUAGE ASSISTANTS PROGRAMME - SPAIN 2019/20
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ENGLISH LANGUAGE
ASSISTANTS
PROGRAMME
SPAIN 2019/20
www.britishcouncil.org 1
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 105. 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 11In 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 125. 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 146. 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 15arrival. 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 16problems 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 17explained 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 18Apart 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 19You can also read
