RVF International is an extremely helpful company and truly worth every penny. While there is a lot to consider, RVF does everything in their control to be helpful and punctual with handling issues. They basically held my hand every step of the way and they are extremely organized. For example, applying for the visa is a very daunting task but if you follow RVF's guidelines they you shouldn't run into many problems.
RVF also offers help with giving resources to find housing. They have webinars where they focus on the food, culture, school setting, Spanish bureaucracy. RVF even offered a small Spanish course where they teach you the basics of Spanish slang, housing reference words, greetings, etc. With RVF there is no wrong question, honestly, they will answer any questions that you have a try their best to relax any fears. Shout out to Lourdes and Harrison!!
I think it is important to keep in mind that RVF doesn't have much say on where you are placed, what school you are at, or what grade level. This is all based on the ministry. I remember mentioning to Harrison that I'd like Alicante and I was placed here. I wasn't expecting to work with adults, but it's been great. Please note, some people are placed in areas they didn't want or far away schools. Not RVF's fault, however, they will try their best to help you. Also, please note... the Valencian community DOES NOT pay on time. Unless you have endless money in the bank you will struggle here until January.
One thing I wish I knew before starting this program is the large community of Auxes who are already teaching in Spain. And I mean LARGE. I am apart of 7 different group chats some with over 200 people. People from all over the world, 1st, 2nd, 3rd, year Auxes (I'm talking support!!) Here in Alicante, I can ask if anyone wants to go for a drink at any given moment and there will be someone willing. I am also apart of a sports group chat that meets once a week for soccer. The Aux community in Spain is absolutely amazing! I've already met life long friends.
Entonces, I don't think RVF gives themselves enough credit for what they actually do. Once you're in Spain, they still offer a lot of support. I guess the best way I'd describe this company is supportive. Highly recommend!! 10/10 Stars!
Response from RVF International LLC
Hi there,
Thank you for your feedback, and we are sorry to hear you were disappointed with some aspects of the program. Please send us an email at hello@rvfinternational.com as we would love to learn more about specific concerns and what you wish could have been different (we don’t see an email otherwise we should shoot you one, sorry!). Hopefully we can clear up any miscommunications or misunderstandings about the program since joining last year!
The difference with RVF International is that we are not a job or a recruitment agency, but a teach abroad program offering a cultural exchange experience. Our program is perfect for the first-time-traveler who not only wants to teach, but also is wanting to have an adventurous year in another country, like Spain, arrive on Day One with a community of like-minded travelers and teachers, have access to cultural exchange opportunities they wouldn’t otherwise, and transition having the assurance that they personally know the program advisors guiding them.
If you have traveled extensively before, transitioning to life in a new country like Spain might seem like a breeze. But if you don’t speak Spanish, and have never traveled alone to a foreign country, that can understandably be a very intimidating and scary experience.
In our experience, people that join a teach abroad program just want to come to Spain to teach and enjoy their time, and don’t want to deal with the unique hassle and craziness of finding a place to live, opening a bank account, among other things. They are wanting to get connected with a community in a new country, and have a program experience, very much in the same way that many people prefer to travel in groups rather than by themselves. In many ways, it’s like the difference between fixing your car yourself, or hiring a mechanic!
We hope your last months in the program before the school year finishes are enjoyable! As always, we are available to speak over email or Zoom if you need anything or would like to share more feedback. Thank you!
Best regards,
Harrison Fowler (Owner)