Spain and CIEE are AMAZING!

I've loved moving to Spain. It's a challenge and a gift, and you have to be ready for some surprises. For example, my placement changed unexpectedly before I moved, and I was SO nervous to live inside the city of Madrid! But now I'm settled in a flat in the oldest part of the city, and can walk to art museums, cathedrals, Christmas markets, and the ballet. If you want to shake up your life and learn a new language, this is both a fun and practical way to do it!

Basic info: Auxiliares assist an english teacher in a bilingual school for 16 working hours a week. That includes tutoring groups of kids, conducting their weekly oral exams, or preparing information about America to spark their interest. I work from 9-2 MTW, with a 30 minute break, and 9-12 on Thursday. The cost of living is lower than in many US cities, so you can cover expenses (rent, food, doctor, going out to eat, metro pass, bills), plus some travel with the monthly stipend of E1000.

Thoughts on CIEE: On the front end, it is more expensive to apply via CIEE, but the insights and assistance are worth the cost. Months before the move, Maxine, and later Samantha, were there to field my (numerous) questions about everything from applying for a visa, to school placements, to the delays caused by the 2017 hurricanes. They also have an in-country course that provides details on housing, managing finances, the metro system, banking, getting a permanent residency, health care, cultural differences and on and on. An in-country staff is also available by email or office hours to help with difficult questions or in case of emergency. Big thanks to CIEE for all their help!!