FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

 

Content

1      How many documents will I receive?. 1

2      Should I attend the Training Sessions?. 2

3      Which Initial Training Sessions should I attend?. 2

4      When should I contact my school?. 2

5      Can I be placed at more than one school?. 3

6      When should I arrive in Madrid?. 3

7      Where and when should I look for accommodation?. 3

8      Why does the school not answer my e-mails?. 3

9      How can I contact the Consejería de Educación?. 3

10        How will we contact you?. 3

11        What can you expect from our programme?. 3

12        What do we expect from our language assistants?. 4

13        What should I do prior to my arrival?. 4

14        Will I know my schedule in advance?. 4

15        When will I receive my first payment?. 4

16        Can I open a Spanish bank account?. 5

17        Can I choose or change school?. 5

18        What type of health insurance will I have?. 5

19        Is there a difference between the NIE and a Student’s Identity Card. 5

20        How do I renew my TIE  Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjeros / Estudiantes?. 6

21        Holidays and Absences. 6

 

 

 

1      How many documents will I receive?

 

Non European Citizens

 

You will receive 2 documents:

 1) A letter of acceptance ( carta de nombramiento) and

 2) A letter of reference for your visa (carta de apoyo al visado).

 

You will need these pdf documents to apply for your visa. The documents have been signed digitally. Print them out in colour and take them with you on the day of your appointment at the consulate.

 

You will not receive a hard copy of these documents.

 

European Union Citizens

 

You will receive 1 document:

 

1) a letter of acceptance (carta de nombramiento)

 

You will not receive a hard copy of this document.

 

 USEFUL ADVICE: Please save all documents and have copies readily available.

2      Should I attend the Training Sessions?

 

 Attendance to the training sessions is compulsory.

 There are three Training Sessions in September, January and May / June.

 

The exact dates can be consulted every term on our web page.

3      Which Initial Training Sessions should I attend?

 

You should attend the Comunidad de Madrid Orientation Sessions ONLY. These will take place between the 15^th and 30^th of September and usually last a day and a half. They will be held at the CRIF "LAS ACACIAS" C/ General Ricardos, 179 MADRID. We advise you not to buy your plane tickets until you know the dates of these sessions.

 

Assistants working in other comunidades will attend a different orientation session organized by the Ministerio de Educación. You do not need to go to this meeting.

 

The exact dates can be consulted every term on our web page.

4      When should I contact my school?

Once you know which school you have been assigned to you should contact the school as soon as possible.

The details of the coordinator and the school will be provided on your letter of appointment.

5      Can I be placed at more than one school?

Some assistants may be placed at two schools. You will go to each school twice a week. Please contact both schools for further information.

6      When should I arrive in Madrid?

You should arrive in Madrid in time to attend the first Orientation Session .We will advise you of the dates on our web- site so that you can book your flights accordingly.

7      Where and when should I look for accommodation?

As mentioned in your letter of appointment it is the school which can best advise you and orientate you as far as accommodation is concerned. They might even put you in touch with the other language assistants in your school.

Living in the centre of Madrid has its advantages but very often closeness to the school avoids travelling and prices vary considerably. You will find useful addresses in the “Guía del Auxiliar” in our web page www.educa.madrid.org/portal/web/auxiliares

8      Why does the school not answer my e-mails?

Schools are closed from mid July to the end of August but the coordinator usually continues to update her / his mail.

9       How can I contact the Consejería de Educación?

You can contact the Consejería de Educación at auxiliares.conversacion@educa.madrid.org

10  How will we contact you?

We will contact you:

By phone - a Spanish mobile is advisable.

By e mail - you will be provided with a personal mail account as a member of the educational community in Madrid.

11  What can you expect from our programme?

 We offer

ü    16 assistant teaching hours 4 days a week and some extra time to prepare the classes, will allow you to travel or study.

ü    From 1^st October to 30^th June.

ü    Madrid is a fascinating city. Living in Madrid, the capital of the country, offers a lot of advantages as it is located in the center of Spain. Its cultural and social life is very rich and it offers easy access to other European towns.

ü    You will receive a scholarship of 1,000 €, tax free, per month.

ü    Your job will involve offering support and help to teachers.

ü    You will receive specific training throughout the year.

ü    A special web page will allow you to communicate with other language assistants and to be informed at all times.

 

12  What do we expect from our language assistants?

 

    The basic duties of the assistant are:

• To assist the regular staff  at class
• To conduct conversation classes in the foreign language
• To supplement the classes with exercises in reading, dictation and oral composition
• To give pupils an insight to the way of life in his/her country.
• Assistants may also be asked to participate in extra-curricular activities such as workshops, field trips, music and theatre performances, or sports events.

 

13  What should I do prior to my arrival?

 

DON´T forget to contact your appointed schools.

• If possible, BRING VISUAL MATERIALS concerning your home town, background …it might be very useful in your school.
• PLEASE, LET YOUR APPOINTED SCHOOL KNOW THE DATE OF YOUR ARRIVAL AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.
• PLEASE, It is absolutely vital for the Consejería de Educación that you notify any resignations as soon as possible.

14  Will I know my schedule in advance?

In most cases Primary schools are run between 09.30 and 16.30. Classes in Secondary schools are normally between 8:30 and 15:30, 4 days a week. Fridays or Mondays will usually be your day off, depending on the school. Contact the school on this issue, but be aware that they will not know your definite schedule until the beginning of the term.

15  When will I receive my first payment?

 Payments are received at the end of each month. However initial payments may take   a little longer and therefore financial provisions should be made during this period.

It depends on the school whether you will be paid by check or by bank transfer.

16  Can I open a Spanish bank account?

Yes, you may open a Spanish bank account. Advice on this matter will be given at the Orientation Sessions.

17  Can I choose or change school?

 

You cannot choose or change your appointed school. The Comunidad de Madrid boasts an excellent public transport network and all schools are easily accessible from the town centre. Preferences of location or changes cannot be considered.

18  What type of health insurance will I have?

If you are a non European citizen you will be provided with a health insurance that will cover you from September 15^th to June 30^th.

If you are a citizen of the European Union: you need to come provided with your S1 or   your European Health Card only if the first cannot be obtained.This document / card is valid in all the “Seguridad Social “( the Spanish National Health System) .You are entitled to medical attention at any “centro de salud”( local surgery ) or Seguridad Social Hospital.

*Those European citizens who are not entitled to a European Health Card should purchase their own private insurance.

19  Is there a difference between the NIE and a Student’s Identity Card

Non European Citizens The NIE is a number all non Spanish citizens need when operating any financial transaction in Spain.

The Student’s Identity Card authorises legal residence in Spain following the expiry date of your visa. If you apply for this card the NIE number will be automatically allocated to you and will figure on the Student’s Residence Card 

All instructions concerning your student’s residence card and NIE will be given at the Orientation Sessions. It is very important for you to be there.

If you are unable to attend, please read the instructions in the “Guía del Auxiliar”

New assistants have two months (as from the date of their arrival) to apply for their Student’s Residence Card.

Further instructions will be issued on line nearer the time.

European Citizens The NIE is a number all non Spanish citizens need when operating any financial transaction in Spain.

As a European Citizen you are entitled to live in Spain without any special permission but you need to register officially if you plan to live in the country for longer than three months. You will have to apply for a “Certificado de Registro” which includes the NIE number.

All instructions concerning your “Certificado de Registro” and NIE will be given at the Orientation Sessions. It is very important for you to be there.

20  How do I renew my TIE  Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjeros / Estudiantes?  

 Non European Assistants who are renewing their position within the COMUNIDAD DE MADRID and those coming from OTHER AUTONOMOUS REGIONS must apply to renew their TIE  Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjeros / Estudiantes on  THEIR OWN,  two months prior to the expiry date.

These are the steps to follow and documents to present:

1. Make an appointment at the following number of cita previa 902565701 within two months prior to the expiry date. Make sure you are in Madrid on the appointed day.  If you are abroad, ask a friend to make the call from Spain. Don´t worry if you are given an appointment after the expiry date. It is when you made the appointment that is important.You will need your passport number and a mobile phone number.

Print out the appointment www.justificantecita.es

2. Download 2 application forms (Model EX11)(www.mpr.es). Don’t forget to sign.

3. Previous tarjeta de identidad extranjero/estudiante.

4. Valid passport.

5. Certificate of accomplishment 2010/2011 OR “carta nombramiento” 2010/2011.

6. “Carta de nombramiento” 2011/2012.

7. Proof of financial means. The amount received as a scholarship is stated in your “carta de nombramiento”.

8. Medical Insurance and body repatriation. It is stated in the “carta de nombramiento”.

9.” Certificado de empadronamiento”. This is a census register. You need to provide an address and go to the “Junta Municipal de Distrito” and get a certificate. VERY IMPORTANT.

10. 3 “Spanish carnet” size colour photographs (white background).

11. FEES: Pay “TASA 790(código 012)” = 16,32 euros “por tramitación”.

Pay “TASA 790(código 012)” 10, 20 euros when collecting the card “por expedición”.

                                 ALWAYS PRESENT ORIGINALS AND PHOTOCOPIES

OFICINA DE EXTRANJEROS /ESTUDIANTES

C/Padre Piquer nº 18

Metro:Campamento

Cita Previa tlfno: 902565701

The Consejería de Educación is not responsible for any changes in the requirements that may occur . For any further information please consult the Oficina de Extranjeros and www.mpr.es 

Your NIE number will always remain the same. It is your card that will change.

REMEMBER: All assistants must renew their TIE cards personally at the appointed Police Station within the established time limit. Failure to do so will mean having to apply for a new visa back in the USA with all the inconveniences this implies.Make sure you are in Madrid on the date of your appointment.

If you are in a different Comunidad Autonoma consult the local police station as to whether you should renew the card in Madrid.

 

European assistants do not need to renew the Certificado de Registro as it is valid for five years.

21  Holidays and Absences

Language Assistants are entitled to the same holidays at Christmas and Easter as the school staff. Furthermore your grant ends on the 30^th of June.

You must comply with this calendar unless for unforeseen circumstances which have to be clearly justified and authorized previously in writing by the Principal.

Absences from the centre for medical reasons must be justified in writing by the doctor.

Any other unauthorized absences from the centre will imply the loss of your position.

Please arrange your travelling accordingly.

The school year calendar will be available on our website as from June 2011.

IF YOU HAVE ANY FURTHER QUESTIONS

 DO NOT HESITATE TO CONTACT US.

 

We look forward to meeting you in September!