Want a practically guaranteed 12-hour a week job that lets you live in Spain?
That’s what the Auxiliares Language & Culture Assistants program promises. It’s geared towards young Americans who want to go to Spain for a year. They get jobs teaching English in Spain, and it’s pretty impossible to get a visa for that otherwise. So I probably don’t have to spell it out for you – it’s a golden ticket for a lot of people.
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But I didn’t want that golden ticket. I applied to the program twice, and both times turned it down.
Now’s the time when all the people who applied to the program are getting their acceptances and placements, so I wanted to share why I chose not to do the Auxiliares program.
Location, location, location
When I left Barcelona after study abroad, I knew the only thing I was interested in was coming back as soon as possible. I was not as interested in coming to Spain in general. And guess what? Catalunya no longer offers the Auxiliares program (along with Castilla-La Mancha, the Canary Islands, Navarra, and Valencia).
Instead, the program gave me a place in Madrid. Madrid is cool, but I wanted to be in Barcelona, where my friends, job, and life were. I didn’t want to move again so soon either. Once I got to Barcelona, it was going to take a lot to dislodge me, and the Auxiliares program didn’t quite convince me.
I Was Having a Beyoncé Moment
When I graduated college (two years ago this week!), I had one major goal: to be independent. Come on, sing the Destiny’s Child song with me – “All the women who are independent, throw your hands up at me!”
I wanted to be a proper grown-up and prove that I could do things on my own. It was kind of stubborn (okay, very stubborn), but I resisted doing a program. I didn’t want to rely on anybody’s help, and I wanted to have more control over my situation.
Now that I’ve proven I can go it alone and be independent, I’m much more relaxed about things. Even though I would definitely consider a program that lets me travel now, at the time I had major doubts about programs in general.
I Got Lucky With My Job-Hunt
I’ve had really, really good luck finding jobs in Barcelona (fingers crossed, knock on wood and all that). I wasn’t sure how it was going to be before I got here, so I accepted the Auxiliares position in Madrid. When I got a secure job in Barcelona, I officially backed out of the program.Â
As luck would have it (bad luck), the secure job turned out to be pretty awful. I quit the last week of October…just around when I would have been starting the Auxiliares program, so I could have done it anyway. It’s funny how things turn out sometimes!
But in the end, I found a job that’s much more fun than the program. I translate a teen celebrity gossip website (ask me anything about Justin Bieber!), which means I get to practice my Spanish. They even let me start writing some things in Spanish! Occasionally, I freelance for travel magazines. Both of those jobs are way better than teaching English to kids, which isn’t really my passion. Let’s be clear – neither is Justin Bieber, but at least he doesn’t scream at me!
The Program’s Terrible ReputationÂ
Okay, getting a job abroad is pretty cool, no matter what. HOWEVER. The Auxiliares program doesn’t have the best reputation. I’ve read complaints about it on multiple blogs, like Liz from Young Adventuress’s angry post.
From payment issues to general extreme disorganization, there are definitely a few issues with the program. I did not want to have a job that didn’t pay me for months on end, which is what happens to some auxiliares.
And I saw first-hand how poor the organization was. They didn’t answer emails. When they did, they only partially answered my question or answered something  completely different.
When I notified them I wasn’t doing the program, they didn’t respond at all. I got emails for months reminding me of missed paperwork. Two years later, I still get messages from them about virtual classrooms and newsletters and stuff – and I never even did the program!
Just a quick look at their website shows how disorganized they are. Most of the links don’t work, and even Spanish friends I asked said the site was really confusing and generally terrible.
The Biggest Reason? I Don’t Need Auxiliares to Live in Spain
I can’t tell you how many people have emailed me or asked me in person how I get to work in Spain. But that’s not really their question. They actually want to know how they can move to Spain, and if I’ll help them make it happen.
And my answer is always disappointing – I’m a dual citizen, U.K. and U.S.
(If you’re thinking of e-mailing me with that question, keep this in mind. I will not find you a job in Spain or magically land you a visa. I don’t know how to do it, I can’t do it,  and I probably wouldn’t do it for a complete stranger who e-mailed me once even if I could.  I’ve been open about how I got my job. I cannot help you, and my advice is probably not useful for you. Okay, mini-rant over! 🙂 )
Of course, my British passport means I can legally work anywhere I want in the E.U., no problem.
This is  the biggest reason I was able to turn down the program, and I know that I’m lucky! If it had been my only way to land a job in Spain, I definitely would have done the program, even with all of its downsides.
A side-note here: I’m qualified for jobs in Spain too – I speak good Spanish and have a solid resumé. If you don’t speak the language well, your job opportunities are really going to be limited, no matter what kind of paperwork situation you’ve got going on. And if your resumé isn’t too hot, good luck landing a job during la crisis.
Do I Feel Bad About My Decision?Â
Absolutely not!
Look, I know some people might think I was stealing a spot from somebody, or that it was dishonest to apply for the program if wasn’t really going to do it.
But…my place went to somebody who I’m sure wanted and needed the program much more than I did. They do have a wait-list.
I would have felt bad about turning it down if it was a more competitive, prestigious program. While it is an awesome opportunity, Auxiliares is really open and easy to get into, and I can get the same professional opportunities it offers by myself. Actually, I have access to better ones (again, I know how lucky I am about the passports!).
I would have felt bad if the program officials had been nicer. But everyone I got in touch with didn’t really seem to care that much. That’s fine, but it definitely meant I had no qualms about ditching the program.
And I would have felt bad if I’d heard amazing things about the program. Instead, I keep hearing more and more bad stuff about Auxiliares.
I’m really lucky to have the paperwork that lets me choose things, and I know that some people are probably frustrated and envious. I’ll say it again – I would have done Auxiliares if there was no other way to get to Spain. But with all the problems with the program plus the chance to do something different, I know that I definitely made the right choice not to participate.
Have you done the Auxiliares program? What was your experience like? Would you do it again?Â
Besos!
-Jess
I did the Auxiliares program in Madrid for a year. I agree with what you said about organization for the most part, but I found that most things in Spain in general were pretty disorganized. A lot of the payment issues varied based on each individual school. I never had problems, but my school was also on top of it.
I thought it was a good program and I would do it again – but, like everything, it has its flaws.
I agree that things in Spain are pretty disorganized in general! I had more problems with them than I have with other official things in Spain, but I’m betting that temporary foreign residents aren’t their first priority (they wouldn’t be mine if I was running the department either).
Good to know you had a positive experience!
You pinpointed the exact truth–it’s basically the only way for an American to work in Spain! I’m currently in my second year with the program. The good thing about the program is that you can find yourself in tiny towns that few outsiders see, but the bad thing can be exactly that. This year in Madrid has been up and down, but ultimately as an American I’m glad I did it. Plus, I’m moving on to Peru next year, so a new challenge in a different Spanish speaking country lies ahead!
Yep, it’s a great way to get to Spain if you can’t do it otherwise! I totally would have done it.
“The good thing about the program is that you can find yourself in tiny towns that few outsiders see, but the bad thing can be exactly that.”
LOL, that’s one of the reasons I wanted to do the program in Madrid — no matter where you’re placed, you’re not too far from the city of Madrid itself. I’m also applying to positions at multinational companies that are based in the U.S. and have offices in Spain, since I speak Spanish and have a pretty solid resume, but chances are the Auxiliares program is my best/only bet in any case :-p
Yeah, I definitely wanted to be near a big city too when I applied! Even though Spain’s small towns are beautiful, living in one for almost a year sounds tough.
Good luck with your job applications!
I tried for several months to land something like that and then just gave up! However, I realized I wasn’t that committed to Spain. I personally love South America; I did my study abroad in Santiago de Chile. So, I’m happy to move on. The best of luck to you! Use an American advantage you can (if you can’t have the both of both worlds, in an almost literal sense;).
I have to say that a small town would be tough, but towns like Salamanca, or Santiago de Compostela, or Oviedo are “small,” but I would rather live in any of them than in Madrid or Barcelona, but then again it’s my personality. I like smaller-town living. (Now mind you, I do NOT wish to live in a teeny tiny pueblo either.)
I think if I could have specified a city to live in rather than a region, I might have chosen differently. Madrid also appealed to me because it’s so well-connected/easily accessible, so I could commute through the region and travel within Spain/Europe easily, but I used to live in Seville and would love to live in an Andalusian city again if given the chance.
I agree, I am living in Sevilla this year, and I am kicking myself for not living in my pueblo. I prefer towns to cities, so I really should have, considering the metro goes directly from Mairena to Sevilla in like, 15 minutes. Still, the government took my preferences EXTREMELY seriously and now, I am placed in one of the teeniest, tiniest pueblos in Córdoba. I am psyched, except for the fact that I won´t be able to get anywhere in under two hours haha.
Haha at least they listened to your preferences! Which pueblo did you get?
Well…they kind of listened to my preferences. CIEE said they´d work with the government to keep me in my pueblo outside of Sevilla, which obviously didn´t happen.
I got Priego de Córdoba, which I am actually happy about, as it is gorgeous, but it is one of those tiny towns that is super isolated.
Wow, that place IS tiny (I just looked it up)! Too bad you couldn’t stay in the same place though, but hopefully you’ll enjoy the change.
Teaching kids who don’t want to learn combined with chaotic administration – surely that’s the perfect recipe for disaster! I occasionally come in contact with auxiliaries here in Toledo, and the reviews are mixed…
Still, I bet it’s a good learning opportunity for someone who’s 21-ish, and who’s maybe never had a job before, or lived abroad.
Yeah, with that combination it’s no surprise that there are some big problems with the program. But it still offers a really cool opportunity, because new American college grads basically can’t get a visa to live in Spain otherwise. I’d have rather taken it than not traveled at all!
I’m doing this programma. I’m starting in January. I elected to teach at Bachillerato level as I figured that those kids would be there because they are serious about it. So hopefully I get to do that. It was pretty easy to get the location I wanted – MADRID! I’m a madridista so there’s no where else for me. And I’ll have lived in Alicante for 4 months prior. I hope I have a good experience regards organisation. I’m also a dual citizen (UK New Zealand) so I’m thinking I’ll get a second job too. I’m already a language teacher (teach Spanish here in NZ) so I hope to transfer that experience and my papers on language learning and English teaching to make it a good experience
I’m doing this programme. I’m starting in January. I elected to teach at Bachillerato level as I figured that those kids would be there because they are serious about it. So hopefully I get to do that. It was pretty easy to get the location I wanted – MADRID! I’m a madridista so there’s no where else for me. Can’t wait to see Real Madrid play at home. And I’ll have lived in Alicante for 4 months prior. I hope I have a good experience regards organisation. I’m also a dual citizen (UK New Zealand) so I’m thinking I’ll get a second job too. I’m already a language teacher (teach Spanish here in NZ) so I hope to transfer that experience and my papers on language learning and English teaching to make it a good experience
Yeah, I chose the same option when I was applying. I didn’t know New Zealand had it too!
I’ve generally heard good things about Madrid’s organization. But because you’re a dual citizen, you definitely have more options when it comes to jobs in case they aren’t so great.
Good luck with the program! When do you start?
I have to start in Jan instead of September because I’ll be finishing my degree in Alicante until Dec. Yeah the Spanish Embassy in New Zealand sends about 30 something students and heaps of them reapply. I’ve been in touch people who are doing their second year and love it. So I’m pretty confident.
Ooh very cool! Can’t wait to hear about your experiences.
I’ll be doing the auxiliar program this upcoming October. You hit the nail on the head, in that I’m doing it as a way to live and work in Spain legally. I’m also considering going into education, and I thought the program would give me a glimpse into the field, even though experiences greatly vary by school and I may be doing more babysitting than teaching. I know the disorganization and payment issues, but I am prepared for that going in.
Yeah, it’s a good option but you should definitely know what you’re getting into so you’re prepared. If you’re going into education, I think it’s a great program to get relevant experience. Good luck with the program!
Thank you! I’m completely open to the possibility of doing other programs in Spain or other countries after this next year, but am going in with an open mind that I may want to do another year or two as a auxiliar too.
What part of the country are you going to?
I’ll be going to Andalucia. Within the next few weeks, I should be finding out what specific city I’ll be in.
Such a good post! I applied to the program last year, but ultimately decided to turn it down. In your words, I too was having a Beyonce moment. My best friend applied to the program this year and is waiting for her placement. She also has duel-citizenship, so I’ve just emailed her this post in an attempt to persuade her out of committing to the program and instead to do what you’ve done. Where’s the fun if there’s no risk?
Thanks!! Keep the blog posts coming!!
Thanks Kara! If your friend has dual citizenship, she could always do what I did – go to Spain anyway and keep the program placement as a backup in case nothing else works out. I’d always rather travel than not, but I do think going on your own is more fun and rewarding. 🙂
hey girl this may be a dumb question but did u have to get a visa? I question what happens to folks that get the student visa then quit halfway through the year or whatever.
BTW I’m most likely choosing to work through BEDA since it’s organized and I’d be minutes from madrid center in a private school. I can’t stand being miserable in my work! thanks for reminding me why i shouldn’t do nalcap lol
That’s not a dumb question – I had to ask them myself! 🙂 No, they didn’t make me get a visa for the program. As far as the people who quit the program go…I’m not sure it’s organized enough that people would track them down afterwards (but I have no idea).
I’d pick BEDA too, I think. No matter how cool the country you’re in is, your job can make a big difference. I had an awful job in Barcelona and it really made me question why I was here at all because I was too stressed to enjoy anything.
Also, btw, if you’re still thinking about coming to Barcelona in July, I may have something you could do. E-mail me if you’re interested!
I wish I had the option to not do it, but I didn’t. In my opinion, it’s a crapshoot and I’ve gotten the short end of the stick manyyy times. I’m done with the program, thank God.
However, it has its positives, especially since (like you said) it’s one way for Americans to legally work in Spain.
Yeah, I remember reading a bit about your frustrations too! It seems pretty hit-or-miss.
I’ve been an auxiliar for two years and had a damn good time. Galicia is fairly well organized and never had issues with paying us on time, luckily.
The classrooms are a bit chaotic and honestly I feel like I don’t do enough work for what I’m being paid–but my teachers always act delighted whenever I do the simplest activity or lesson plan, ayyy.
Also, the fact that I’m an American and need a visa to hang out in Spain definitely influenced my decision to apply for a second year.
It sounds like when it works like it should, with getting paid on time and better organization, it’s a great program! Plus, an easy way to get a visa is a fantastic opportunity.
That’s exactly it – YOU have the golden ticket yourself. I was an auxiliar at a school that paid me on time, treated me as an equal and allowed me to teach. I was one of the few who had an exceedingly positive experience as an auxiliar and stayed for three years – and I even like teaching!
PS you have 1,234 followers bahahaha
Hmm, I’m not sure I’d think of the passport situation in quite that way. It’s a nice ticket and I definitely appreciate how lucky I am, but the whole Auxiliares package is really valuable and attractive (ability to work abroad + a job + a fixed location). It’s also comforting to have the security of a program, and I think that may be why other people with dual passports choose to do the program. I definitely felt nervous officially rejecting my placement, even though I knew it was a backup all along. Maybe it’s more like a silver ticket with the potential to become a golden one? 🙂
Ha, and thanks for the 1234 thing – that made me smile! I totally hadn’t noticed haha.
I have a “golden ticket” and I still moved back to the US. And I think I made the right decision for myself-I found a full time paying job with benefits and I am using my (French) language skills in a non-teaching position (not possible AT ALL in Spain right now). I think you were very lucky (and very persistent) Jess to have the job that you do (translator for a gossip website–sounds like something I would enjoy!!). Just because you have a dual passport doesn’t mean it’s any easier for us. I didn’t want to teach and well–let’s face it, even with my dual citizenship teaching English seemed like the only position available to me. So I made what I thought was a smart–yet agonizing–decision and left Spain.
Exactly, the coming over part is easier, but the job situations can be really, really tough (as I’m sure anyone living in Spain found out pretty fast!). It’s nice to have the security of the Auxiliares if you’re going to teach English. The combination of a visa and fixed job is a nice package.
I didn’t do the auxiliares program either. My grad progam had a partnership with a private program (very similar to BEDA) that placed participants only in Madrid. I wanted to stay in Madrid and I went with that program. Not to mention it paid a TON more than Auxiliares. However there were many problems with it too-I got fired from my first school and I may one day write a post about it but it deeply stung at the time. So much disorganization, lack of communication, and also like someone said above, trying to motivate students who don’t want to learn English… Yeah no thanks! One year was enough for me (plus the maximum amount of times you could renew with this program was twice). I’m glad I didn’t do Auxiliares and I think you were right in not doing it.
It’s cool that your grad program offered something like that, but a lot of these programs sound good in theory, then don’t seem to work quite as well in practice.
I’m glad I didn’t do Auxiliares too, but it’s a good opportunity if you can’t get to Spain otherwise.
What was your grad degree in, by the way?
I did NYU in Madrid’s program and got my Master’s in Spanish and Latin American Language and Literature with a concentration in the Translation and Linguistics track (newly renamed Applied Linguistics). That’s how I ended up in Madrid in the first place. 🙂 There was also a literature track but I had a feeling I wouldn’t want to be writing papers analyzing plays and books. After my Master’s, I stayed a year and did the program NYU introduced me to–it’s not reserved strictly for NYU students, anybody can apply but the program and NYU have some kind of “acuerdo.”
Oooh that sounds like quite a cool setup actually!
can I ask you a totally random question? did you ever teach in alcorcon?
I did not, but I had a friend who did (but she ended up switching schools). I was first placed in Majadahonda outside of Madrid and then ended up switching to a school within the Madrid city limits.
I definitely get jealous of people with dual passports…I have lived in Europe for five years, and I shudder to think of how many trees I have killed making photocopies for foreigner´s offices. At least a rainforest or two.
It makes me kind of sad that the only way most of us can get a visa to work here is so disorganized and stress-inducing. This program has the ability to be a great opportunity for a lot of young people, and most of us have had a lot negative experiences….
That being said….I signed up for another year. Who can say no to a place where wine is so cheap, and ham is so revered? 😉
Ugh, all that paperwork is such a pain! I haven’t even had to do the worst of it, but every time I have to file something official in Spain it’s a mini-forest of papers.
I think there’s hope for the program though. Quite a few people had great things to say about it in the earlier comments (like Cat), so I’m hoping it improves. Still, it’s definitely a risk to take a job that doesn’t pay you for months on end, and I just couldn’t do it when there was another choice.
Absolutely, I am not slamming the program, I have had some really great experiences here, but I think it can be improved a lot! I know they just dont have the funds or manpower, but it seems like a little organization could go a long way.
The organization factor definitely made me a little wary of the program. Back in September I would have done ANYTHING to get back to Spain, and that looked like the best option, and all the bad stuff I heard about it made me really anxious. I’m so glad I chose to go with grad school in Madrid, but that’s not to say I may not apply to NALCAP if I decide I’m not ready to leave Spain in 2014 🙂
Haha I think that’s a good call. I wonder if the program will get more organized as it gets better known and as they cut out regions that really can’t support it.
Either way, grad school is a safe bet! What grad program are you doing in Madrid?
You made the right decision! If I had a European passport (only a Canadian one for me!) I would have come to Spain the way you did, too, and probably would have chosen Barcelona too. I didn’t come here through auxiliares, but did come here through BEDA which is similar. It’s a much better program in terms of organization, safety, and help… but we work more and get paid less, which blows.
I totally think people who can come to Spain through different means should do so. Teaching is NOT for everyone – I know I struggled with it, much less now that I work with little kids than I did with teens, but still.
I had the same problem with teaching (I started as an English teacher in Barcelona) – kids were SO difficult for me to connect with too!
That definitely sucks about BEDA’s pay rates and hours. But if it saves you a few headaches dealing with Spanish bureaucracy, maybe it’s almost a fair trade? 🙂
I love kids so at my new placement, everything is good! But I had that problem with the teens – I have NEVER connected with teens as well… even when I was a teenager myself, so I had to put up with a lot of bullshit.
Yeah, I actually agree, it’s worth it. BEDA sets us up really nicely, although our job is way more demanding, so it’s definitely done for a reason. The schools we work at fund us through the parents of the students, so it’s not like the government program where money gets thrown at foreign vacationers (although I know there are people in that program that work hard too… but most of my friends and acquaintances I’ve met in that program do absolutely nothing compared to us!).
I had a relatively positive experience with the auxiliars program but if I had dual EU/USA citizenship (I’ve got Chile/USA, but don’t even know all my possibilities… yet), I would have done the same as you. You knew what you wanted and where you wanted to be and you made it happen. Good on you! Sometimes we just have to prove to ourselves what we truly are capable of.
I’ve been grateful for the program for what it’s offered me- opp to live in Spain, travel in Europe, work minimal hours etc… but sometimes I wonder what I’d have to do to stay longer or try to find other work in Spain if later on I decide I want to come back…thankfully until I hit that fork in the road I don’t have to really think about it!
Exactly! I definitely wanted to prove something to myself. I also don’t want to knock the program too much, as it is a good opportunity (even if it doesn’t work quite as well in practice).
When are you leaving Spain? You’re always welcome to show up here!
Yep, I’m also looking into my options for staying longer.. not sure I’d want to teach any more, it’s not for me at all, but I would love to find something here too!
I completely understand why you didn’t do the Auxiliares program and wanted to move to Spain independently, it seems like you’ve set yourself up well and you have a stable job, not one that only lasts 8-9 months.
After my Uni exchange to Spain I looked into the program but decided to do my own thing with a Working-Holiday visa (where 20-30 year olds can live and work in certain countries for up to a year and you organize everything yourself) in Italy and then Germany. Then I did the exact opposite and taught English in South Korea where they organize almost everything for you – my colleagues and boss were shocked when I opened a bank account on my own!
Now though, I’ve decided to take the golden ticket for a Spanish visa and will be joining the Auxiliares program in Madrid in September. I’ve read a lot of both good and bad reviews of the program but so far my dealings with the program organizers in New Zealand have been fast and helpful. In the end I’ll hope for the best and I’ll be happy just to be back in Spain again!
YOU’RE FROM NZ! I’M FROM NZ! Were you a Massey student? It’s true the embassy is super helpful with the whole Process. I AM GOING TO DO IT IN MADRID TOO!! Only I don’t start until January because I finish my final semester in Alicante (yay!!) in December.
I studied at the University of Auckland and did my study abroad the la Universidad de Salamanca, it’s a beautiful city if you get the chance to visit it (it’s so close to Madrid).
The embassy in NZ are so helpful, it’s a shame I won’t make it to the meeting in Auckland at the end of June because I’m still travelling but they seem to be very helpful with the info I’ll be missing anyway.
I hope you enjoy studying in Alicante!
Ooh good luck in Spain! It must be interesting having both experiences (unstructured work and a structured program).
I’ve got to say, I haven’t heard nearly as much bad stuff about the program from non-North American participants. I don’t know if that’s just a numbers thing because there are fewer people, or if the other consulates are actually more helpful. Let me know if you come to a conclusion! 🙂
Thank you, I’m really looking forward to it 🙂 hopefully I’m prepared for whatever way it goes, but I’ll let you know. Enjoy Northern Spain, Avilés looks beautiful!
you’ve really lucked out, but sounds like you’ve made all the right decisions for yourself here in spain!
cheers!
katie
Wish I were 23 again!
Haha I’m not 23 anymore either. 🙂
Yea, 23 was a very good year … lol
Your entire post is invalid. You have dual citizenship so your only issue was finding a job which most of us DON’T have, its the permission. Why take the time to write this, do you not have any of the aforementioned friends?
Are you aware that the program also exists for British people? Yep, people just like me who have permission to work and only have to find a job. 🙂 Plenty of people still value and enjoy things that a program like this brings, so I just wanted to share my perspective on personal experiences on my blog.
Hi, I really enjoyed your post. I am wondering if I should get my Italian dual-citizenship before Ia placed in the program. I applied and have a good feeling that I will Be accepted but maybe it would be a good backup plan to have my EU citizenship. What do you think? Also, if I do have dual citizenship, would I still need to apply for a visa? Thank you.
Hi Vincent! With an EU citizenship, I didn’t have to apply for a visa for the program (that was a bit ago, but I’d imagine it’s the same today, as it still gives you the right to live and work anywhere in the EU).
I’d get the Italian citizenship just because it gives you more options. You could decide to look for other jobs if you didn’t like the program or to stay longer.
Good luck! 🙂
Thanks a lot!Glad I stumbled upon your page.
Wow this is an old post, I hope you still check comments from it!
I recently received a placement from MEDDEAS in Montgat, a pueblo just outside of the city of Barcelona. I am very apprehensive about Catalunya in general, mainly because of all the Catalan and I really want to improve my Spanish. Do you have any thoughts on if you think I’ll be able to speak Spanish in and around Barcelona?
Also, is the cost of living very high?
Thank you!!!!
Charis
Hey Charis! I do check the comments. 🙂 Let me see if I can answer your questions.
1) Yes, you can definitely speak Spanish in and around Barcelona! The bigger problem I have is that people automatically see me and want to speak English, rather than Spanish. There are also free Catalan classes with the local government if you wanted to learn the basics.
2) The cost of living isn’t high compared to lots of places in the U.S. Compared to L.A., the biggest city near my hometown, it’s really cheap. The website Numbeo has a great price comparison tool between cities.
I also recently wrote a piece about cost of living in Spain for this website (not sure if the piece is up yet, but if it’s not, it will be soon): https://gogoespana.com/en/blog/
Let me know if you have any more questions!
That’s interesting about the Catalan classes, I’ll look into them! I accepted the position 🙂 I will make an effort to get people to speak Spanish, I’ve done that before haha. thank you for your reply, it’s very helpful!
Best,
Charis
Hi Charis! I just received placement from Meddeas for the 19/20 year! Would you be willing to tell me a bit about your experience?
Hi Charis! I just received placement in Montgat through Meddeas for this coming year. Would you be willing to tell me more about your experience?
Nice post! I just turned down a carta in a small Galician town. I’m thinking of applying again next year and hoping for a more populated area. Does turning down a carta affect applying the next year? Thanks – Thomas