Packing Tips for Incoming Auxiliares de Conversación

When I first moved to Spain, I was so excited I probably started packing a month before my flight. As someone who is a hyper-organizer, I loved arranging and re-arranging my suitcases, but that is NOT something I would recommend for incoming auxiliares, since it may lead to more headaches than anything else. This habit quickly disappeared as I continually moved both around and outside of Spain.

So, here are the top lessons I learned from my countless moves around and between countries.

1. Figure out what is essential and what you can buy here. I’ve never been a major shopper, but if you are and you know that you will want to update your wardrobe while here, re-consider before you pack your entire closet. Depending on your home country and currency, shopping can be more affordable here, so if you plan to buy clothes, pack less.

Things like bed linens, towels, etc., you will definitely want to buy here. They take up way too much space in suitcases, not to mention things like mattress sizes are different in Spain. You can find affordable linens and towels in places like Primark once you are here.

2. Pack for the seasons you’re in Spain. What I mean by this is, if you plan on heading back to your home country for the holiday break, which is generally two weeks here, you can fly back with an empty suitcase and bring back your spring and summer clothes later on. This way you can use that extra space for your bulky winter clothing and shoes.

3. Look for your favorite products in Spain. There are certain things made in the US that I can’t live without. Like my mushroom coffee mixes. Before coming over, I checked to see if they shipped international and I also looked for alternative local brands. When I didn’t find any, I knew that I had to buy a few bags and bring them over with me. Same for my makeup and skincare products. It’s not ideal, but if it’s something you know you simply can’t live without, plan ahead.

A lot of auxiliares bring cooking spices from their home countries. This also, obviously, applies to medicine. Make sure you are bringing enough of your prescription medicine over. As for over-the-counter meds, you may want to bring your go-tos as well. I find certain Spanish medicines to be more effective, but a lot of US auxiliares often bring over things like Nyquil or their go-to anti-histamines.

4. Make copies and scan important documents. Somewhat related to packing. Outside of paperwork for your TIE, there may not be much that you need. However, it’s always a good practice to scan and/or keep extra copies of important documents. For instance, when applying for apartments, you may need to provide a scanned copy of your passport.

And you will definitely want to pack your original and a copy of your background check that you needed to apply for your visa.

5. Bring some initial teaching items. This mainly applies to auxiliares who are working in primary schools. While you can find stickers, stamps, etc., here, they may be easier to find, and cheaper, in your home country.

Some good, small easy to pack things you can bring are stickers, stamps, and if you have space, small card game or flashcard sets. Just enough to get you through the first month of the school year, then you can find some more items once you’re here.

Buena suerte with the packing! You will be here in beautiful España before you know it! Are you ready?

¡Hasta la próxima!

Nina