Congrats on being accepted as an auxiliar de conversación!
Now, if you’re anything like me, you are feeling all the feels – excited, nervous, maybe a little scared, and wondering what steps you can start taking for your next adventure.
While you’re big move is still a whiles away, there are some things you can do to start getting ready before coming over to España. So, without further ado, here are my:
Top 5 Tips for New Auxiliares de Conversación
Tip # 1: Money, money, money.
Truth be told this tends to be a primary concern for auxiliares in Spain. While you will to be able to supplement your stipend with private classes, you want to come over here with a good chunk of savings in your account. I’d recommend having a minimum of $3,000. You will need it for things like temporary housing, rent, security deposit, food, etc., plus backup savings just in case you don’t get your first auxiliar payment on time. (This happened to me my first year. I wasn’t paid until December).
So, get on a budget plan now. Pick up extra work if you can now. You’ll be thankful for it when you’re here!
Tip #2: Packing
No, I’m not suggesting you start packing months before you leave. But it’s a good idea to start thinking about what you absolutely need to bring over (and maybe try to avoid those spring and summer sales :)). Flying to Spain with 3 to 4 large suitcases, hauling them around while you’re trying to look for your hostel, then moving with them once you find an apartment – yea, it’s not ideal. Trust me. I’ve done it. If you can, try to pare it down to one large suitcase and one medium sized suitcase.
Though you might not be able to start packing, start narrowing down what you definitely want to bring over. Think about if you’re going back home for the holidays. If that’s the case, you may be able to just bring some fall/winter clothes to Spain, then bring over the rest when you come back.
Keep in mind you can find everything you need here in terms of clothing, linens, toiletries, etc. But you’ll want to plan ahead in terms of any medication or supplements you may need.
Tip #3: Documentation
If you’re reading this, chances are you’ve already started the visa process. (By the way, I’ve got a free video on the visa process for US citizens here). If you’ve started, great! You’ll also have to go through some processes here in terms of residency. You can’t make most appointments until you are here in Spain and have a Spanish phone number. But, if you like to get ahead of the game in terms of prepping what documents, appointments, etc., start to get familiar with the processes.
If you’re asking yourself, but what processes are those? I got you covered. In my Aux in Spain Online Course (on sale June 1st), I go through everything you need to know about applying for your residency card here in Spain.
Tip #4: Apartment Hunting
There’s nothing I love more than looking through apartment listings and imaging what it’d be like to live in them. It’s also great to know price ranges and what type of place I can afford on an auxilar budget.
While I don’t think there’s any harm in this, if you do this, keep in mind one very important thing. DO NOT, under any circumstance, pay any money until you are here and have seen the apartment in person. There are plenty of scammers out there with gorgeous stock photos, or photos from other listings, who are happy to take your money then disappear.
The apartment hunt can be stressful, especially in big cities like Madrid. In the Aux in Spain Online Course, I have two modules specifically dedicated to apartment hunting – from where to find listings, how to schedule viewings, what to look for in the lease, and common scams to avoid.
Tip #5: Be Present
Daydreaming about my life in Spain while I was still stateside was my favorite thing to do. Each year I just couldn’t wait to be in a plaza, drinking a caña with tapas in the sun, and enjoying great conversation for hours on end. My excitement and anticipation sometimes took over my ability to be fully present.
So, as thrilling as this new chapter is going to be, I hope you can be fully present where you are. Enjoy your time with your friends and family. If you start to feel nervous or anxious about the big move, ground yourself in your present relationships. You are bound to miss them once you’re over here, so be sure to enjoy them now.
Well, there you have it. I hope that these tips are helpful for you as you continue to prep for your exciting move. I really am thrilled for you. My first year as an auxiliar de conversación, I came over completely on my own, with little information and figured it out as I went. What an adventure. Even today I continue to gain skills and have experiences that are unique to living abroad, and I have zero regrets. You’re in for an amazing time!
¡Hasta la próxima!
Nina