Hotel where I had orientation
Part of the reason that I chose to go through CIEE to teach here in Madrid is that they act as a support system throughout the entirety of my time here in Spain. Initially I was worried I chose too expensive of a program, but the week long orientation made me realize how hard this would have been on my own. That being said, I learned a ton about the logistics of living and working here as well as some tips and tricks from the orientation leaders who had been there and done that.
Things I learned:
1. Dealing with Spanish Bureaucracy is a lot like being at the DMV. It's like you walk in and pull tab number 189 and the ancient woman at the desk just called 24. Then you realize the air conditioning is broken in the waiting room and you are hard core PMSing so response to the five different forms you need to fill out jumps between the edge of tears and downright anger.
Luckily on the second day of orientation CIEE walked us through how to fill out all of the necessary forms and even made us all appointments to get our Spanish IDs. Though the process has still been a pain, navigating it with help was a lot better than the prospect of trying to understand a pile of forms in Spanish all by myself.
2. House hunting is always going to be a long, annoying process but it's easier when you know where to look.
The most daunting task for me in the next month (other than learning Spanish!) is to find an apartment to rent for the rest of the year. Talking with people who live here and who have gone through the same things I am currently thinking and feeling was incredibly reassuring. I got great advice on where to live in relation to my school, took walking tours of several neighborhoods I am considering, and learned what is normal pricing for a piso (flat) in Madrid. I also got a whole list of questions and answers in Spanish about topics that might come up in conversation when I go to view apartments.
3. I have good health insurance!!!
For the first time in my adult life I won't be paying ridiculous amounts if (heaven forbid) anything were to happen to me here. Apparently the reimbursement posses takes some work but ultimately I'm covered for nearly anything. They even include mental health care. Several guest speakers came in to speak with us about how to go to a doctor here and who we can go to that speaks English.
4. I have people.
A large part of orientation was making sure that we know we are not alone in a foreign country. There were just over 70 people at our orientation all doing exactly what I will be doing for the next year. This doesn't even count the two-week immersion group or the regular teach in Spain group, so basically there are a lot of us. Between the people I have met who are in my same boat and the wonderful orientation leaders who offered us their time and in one case even her home for an evening, if I have questions I know where to go.
In summation, my first week in Spain involved lots of presentations, paperwork, and walking around the city. I met a whole group of like-minded people from all over the US (including another Alaskan!) and the CIEE support staff, both of which will be there if I need them. I may not be 100% confident in my ability to maneuver life here solo, but luckily I don't have to.
August 8th-12th 2016
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