I moved to spain!
I’d like to dedicate this blog post to Madison Spyak, as I owe her my life, so this will have to do!
Some common questions on my international travels:
How did I find opportunities to work abroad?
I aligned with my host family in Italy through Workaway. I ran my plan to nomadically travel around Europe afterwards by Madison, and she said “you have a visa, right?” … to which I replied no, and she told me about NALCAP (North American Language and Cultural Assistants Program)! The application was only open for about five more days, so it was a perfect alignment! Getting a recommendation letter in that timing was a push, but my gracious professors made it happen.
What is the process of getting an EU visa?
The European Union caps tourist visas at 90 days for US citizens who have not obtained an extended visa. I used 88/90 days while I traveled in Italy, France, Monaco and Croatia throughout the summer. Originally, I thought that the 90 day rule pertained to each country, not the entirety of the EU. NALCAP became the perfect way to obtain a visa for Spain, as they offer student visas in exchange for 16 hours working as an English language assistant. Visa appointments are quite a hassle, requiring many documents, such as a lengthy application form, passport photos, a document from your school explaining your job, a disclaimer form, photocopy of my passport, a notarized photocopy of my state ID, proof of additional health insurance (even though the program gives us health insurance), a medical form with very specific stamp requirements, fingerprints, an FBI background check, and a government apostille. Phewww. I went a little crazy and drove back and forth to Chicago from Cleveland in one day for the appointment. The consulate requires in person pick up as well, so three weeks later I was back in Chicago! I was able to spend some time with my friend Ty, so it was a much more enjoyable experience. I really love Chicago; I think it’s in my top three favorite cities in the USA.
Do I still have my van?
To rewind a bit, in the midst of this transition between Italy, the USA and Spain, my van sold (another common question - yes, I was able to profit off of my build)! I sold it to such a sweet woman, and we’ve kept in touch during her first few trips. I’m so grateful to have my travel funded without financial stress and to have handed my beautiful van off to someone who truly appreciates it.
Have I made international friends?
Luckily there are often community group messages on Whatsapp. Imperia, Italy had a group message of 20+ local au pairs. I made friends and planned weekend trips using this group! Valencia has almost a thousand members in their auxiliary (English language assistant) group chat; I was even fortunate enough to find roommates through this group. They moved to VLC ahead of me, so I rolled right into our apartment from the airport. Of course the inevitable travel challenges arose, such as Delta poisoning me with the scariest plane food I’ve ever seen. Did I throw up on a train from Madrid to Valencia? Yes. Did I make my first friend in an uber driver from the train to my flat, also yes! Long travel days are always chaotic and there’s some inescapable struggle, but I was soooo happy to put my head down on MY new pillow.
How’s Spain?
I’ve been getting to know my roommates for the past month, and they are such lovely women. It’s amazing to live with considerate, compassionate people. We really lucked out with our apartment as well, as it’s a charming spot with quite a bit of space. We pay 400 euros per month, which is about $464. Our apartment was previously owned by a grandmother, and we are the first tenants in her space! She set us up to have lovely dinner parties with her collection of tableware. 🥹
So far in Spain I’ve explored Valencia, visited the local beaches, and taken trips to Cala Moraig and Zaragoza. Working with the primary students at school is so fulfilling. They are so sweet and kind to me. High school students can be a handful, but I’m up for the challenge. Regardless of the challenges that come with international travel, teaching, and pushing yourself outside of your comfort zone, I am so grateful to be where I am and feel so lucky. Thanks for reading, I can’t wait to share more of my adventures with you <3 Take care!
