Author Topic: How do I go about relocating to SPAIN? (Read 2875 times)

The Fake Shemp · « **on:** August 20, 2009, 03:04:32 PM »

I've decided that if this project I'm working on falls through, I'm going to Spain. If it works, I'd still like to go to Spain in the next couple of years.

So my earliest timeline is 1.5 years and my latest is like 3 years (although, if things work out for me, money won't be too much of a problem).

... How the fuck do I even approach this?

(And no, it wouldn't be permanent, but I would want to do it for awhile)

lennedsay · « **Reply #1 on:** August 20, 2009, 03:15:51 PM »

Can I come too?

Flannel Boy · « **Reply #2 on:** August 20, 2009, 03:17:48 PM »

Quote from: lennedsay on August 20, 2009, 03:15:51 PM

Can I come too?

You can with a little patience and the right man.

The Fake Shemp · « **Reply #3 on:** August 20, 2009, 03:17:54 PM »

Quote from: Green Shinobi on August 20, 2009, 03:14:26 PM

How much Spanish do you speak?

Very basic amount. I can ask for necessities, say my name, ask for main things (groceries, police, etc.), etc.

I'd obviously Rosetta Stone it up before I travel.

Flannel Boy · « **Reply #4 on:** August 20, 2009, 03:19:46 PM »

Do you really want to move there? Wrika isn't that pretty.

The Fake Shemp · « **Reply #5 on:** August 20, 2009, 03:19:58 PM »

Quote from: lennedsay on August 20, 2009, 03:15:51 PM

Can I come too?

Only if we can travel together as a duo of mysterious carnival folk. Nightshade and Dark! Dark and Nightshade!

Quote from: Borys on August 20, 2009, 03:17:30 PM

Que passa Willco?

Nothing, I just have never been to Europe and I want to go Spain.

The Fake Shemp · « **Reply #6 on:** August 20, 2009, 03:20:35 PM »

Also, preferably, I'd like to go to a town in the country - not one of the main cities.

The Fake Shemp · « **Reply #7 on:** August 20, 2009, 03:23:24 PM »

What if I just wanted to live off my bank account and write? Why can't I do that?

The Fake Shemp · « **Reply #8 on:** August 20, 2009, 03:30:10 PM »

Boo.

So I have to get someone to sponsor? More specifically, a business?

Brehvolution · « **Reply #9 on:** August 20, 2009, 03:33:43 PM »

My dad said there are a lot of mexicans in spain.

bork · « **Reply #10 on:** August 20, 2009, 03:36:36 PM »

Quote from: Willco on August 20, 2009, 03:30:10 PM

Boo.

So I have to get someone to sponsor? More specifically, a business?

Get a job as an English teacher, it's easy as shit and then you can fuck around doing whatever it is you want to do.

The Fake Shemp · « **Reply #11 on:** August 20, 2009, 03:37:09 PM »

Green Shinobi claims this will require a mastery of the Spanish language, which unfortunately, I do not have. I'm hoping with some practice, I'll have a basic grasp and be able to communicate with the people, but that I will truly pick up a lot when I go there.

bork · « **Reply #12 on:** August 20, 2009, 03:38:14 PM »

Very doubtful. In fact I think I remember reading about a program very similar to JET (in Japan) that required only a degree and no fluency in Spanish. Could be mistaken though.

I can tell you right now though, if you just want to go there for a year or two and fuck around, you won't need Spanish, but if you actually want to be successful, of course you'd need to be fluent, and Rosetta Stone ain't gonna do that.

bork · « **Reply #13 on:** August 20, 2009, 03:41:54 PM »

Quote

Teaching English in Spain can be hazardous to your health. If you’re expecting open arms and a fabulous lifestyle on the Mediterranean or la mesita, then think again. Although Spain has one of the least foreign language speaking populations in the EU (only the UK, Ireland and Greece are further behind) and according to the EU, only 18% of Spaniards speak English with a “conversational ability”, there remain plenty of barriers to cross; teachers from non-EU countries are often said to be among the most effective teachers but find it nearly impossible to find work in a language school, making teachers from the UK in high demand, despite qualifications (of course many of them are excellent teachers). The English teaching market won’t find itself saturated any time soon and Spain will likely remain behind due to this lack of opportunity.

This may be a discouraging but realistic perspective on TEFL/TESOL English teaching in Spain, but this series of articles will be specifically targeted to the non-EU expat heading out for an English teaching position in Spain. Through the cynicism and resentment (having been an English teacher in Spain), I’ll try to provide what help, lessons learnt and resources found as I’ve managed to collect during my time teaching to ensure your experience, or at least your decision whether or not to teach in Spain, is easier.

Then again, if you’re just out for the adventure of *wow* teaching English in Spain *how romantic*, move along, and get with the adventuring already!

The Fake Shemp · « **Reply #14 on:** August 20, 2009, 03:44:41 PM »

Why wouldn't I speak Spanish, Kosma? That'd be kind of dumb.

The Fake Shemp · « **Reply #15 on:** August 20, 2009, 03:47:06 PM »

I don't even want a fabulous lifestyle on the Mediterranean. I want to live in some old town with minimal amenities. I suck at romanticizing Spain, apparently!

The Fake Shemp · « **Reply #16 on:** August 20, 2009, 03:49:20 PM »

Quote from: Kosma on August 20, 2009, 03:44:07 PM

Why Spain btw?

I like the culture and the language, and would be intrigued to tough it out, away from my American comforts for awhile. But in a place that I really want to visit - the countryside - since from what I've seen from film, pictures and documentaries, it is pretty awesome.

The Fake Shemp · « **Reply #17 on:** August 20, 2009, 03:50:42 PM »

I've done the outdoors thing in some extremely humid places in America for prolonged periods of time. I'm prepared.

twerd · « **Reply #18 on:** August 20, 2009, 03:51:42 PM »

Quote from: The Business on August 20, 2009, 03:49:44 PM

Madrid is pretty awful.

Fixed.

Barcelona

Or, for a smaller area near the countryside, Villanova y la Geltru

I'll be studying abroad in Spain, I've already done a few summer programs there and visited with my family.

The Fake Shemp · « **Reply #19 on:** August 20, 2009, 03:52:22 PM »

Quote from: Kosma on August 20, 2009, 03:51:17 PM

Spain isnt that humid though. Its dry as fuck.

I've dealt with that too. I lived in the San Fernando valley for years.

The Fake Shemp · « **Reply #20 on:** August 20, 2009, 03:52:51 PM »

twerd, is the countryside as cool as it looks?

... Also, can you take me with you?

The Fake Shemp · « **Reply #21 on:** August 20, 2009, 03:57:51 PM »

I do want to visit Italy, and preferably as a tourist while I'm on that side of the pond, but I just don't have the fascination to live there for awhile (say a year or two) that I do with Spain.

It's not the same, Borys!

... That's pretty awesome, Green Shinobi. I definitely would try to dive in. Also, traveling usually sparks creativity in my writing, and I think this could be a great opportunity. You're only young once, y'know?

Plus, I'm very confident in my abilities to socialize on this continent. I've been able to get along and make friends with people regardless of cultural differences or backgrounds. And not just in America. But I'd like to see if I could make friends with people overseas too.

twerd · « **Reply #22 on:** August 20, 2009, 03:58:13 PM »

Quote from: Willco on August 20, 2009, 03:52:51 PM

twerd, is the countryside as cool as it looks?

... Also, can you take me with you?

yes. spain is rich in excellent wine and pork, so it's pretty close to heaven. i did a few vineyard tours and just driving around (or walking) the countryside is great because most anywhere you stop is guaranteed to offer either some unique history (vistas, ruins, museum) or just some great food. it's a win-win.

spoiler (click to show/hide)

if you can fit in my luggage

[close]

The Fake Shemp · « **Reply #23 on:** August 20, 2009, 03:58:53 PM »

twerd is making me jealous now.

The Fake Shemp · « **Reply #24 on:** August 20, 2009, 04:03:18 PM »

Let's all go to Spain!

The Fake Shemp · « **Reply #25 on:** August 20, 2009, 04:08:43 PM »

So, pretty much if I want to stay in Spain for over three months, I have to teach English? Which apparently sucks?

demi · « **Reply #26 on:** August 20, 2009, 04:17:53 PM »

I got this part covered, daddy slime is 100% purebread spanish delicassy. And it's all mine.

Tauntaun · « **Reply #27 on:** August 20, 2009, 04:51:41 PM »

Quote from: Malek on August 20, 2009, 03:17:48 PM

Quote from: lennedsay on August 20, 2009, 03:15:51 PM
Can I come too?

You can with a little patience and the right man.

Phoenix Dark · « **Reply #28 on:** August 20, 2009, 05:40:24 PM »

What's this secret project you keep hinting at

Tauntaun · « **Reply #29 on:** August 20, 2009, 05:41:41 PM »

Quote from: Phoenix Dark on August 20, 2009, 05:40:24 PM

What's this secret project you keep hinting at

Hostile Jew takeover.

The Fake Shemp · « **Reply #30 on:** August 20, 2009, 05:44:27 PM »

Indeed.

A few of the Icons have seen stills - I'm just a writer on it. I don't want to jeopardize it by proliferating material until it's sold and such. They've got their first concrete meeting at the beginning of September, and a few tentative meetings with the "bigs".

Make no mistake, I won't be rich. Or famous. But I will have a decent chunk of change and a good credit on my imdb profile (which I've refused to setup with the crappy movies I've worked on, annoying my social circle

)

The Fake Shemp · « **Reply #31 on:** August 20, 2009, 05:45:55 PM »

I've met a few in real-life, so I can trust them!

Tauntaun · « **Reply #32 on:** August 20, 2009, 05:48:10 PM »

Quote from: Willco on August 20, 2009, 05:45:55 PM

I've met a few in real-life, so I can trust them!

Plus they didn't try to steal his jew gold.

Edit:

spoiler (click to show/hide)

or rape him

[close]

Boogie · « **Reply #33 on:** August 20, 2009, 06:08:59 PM »

Quote from: Green Shinobi on August 20, 2009, 03:28:51 PM

The biggest issue is the visa. If I'm not mistaken, you can only stay in the EU on a tourist visa for 90 days every six months. I'm not sure if there are ways around that, but you might be able to just stay illegally. I doubt the penalties would be very severe. You could always consider "losing" your passport at the end of your stay and having another one, which wouldn't have your entry date, made at the embassy.

Soo, it's not just drugs with you, huh?

And Kosma, it's "your".

The Fake Shemp · « **Reply #34 on:** August 20, 2009, 06:14:43 PM »

So, back on topic:

My solution is to go to Spain for three months or basically teach English?

bork · « **Reply #35 on:** August 20, 2009, 06:15:10 PM »

Quote from: Willco on August 20, 2009, 03:49:20 PM

Quote from: Kosma on August 20, 2009, 03:44:07 PM
Why Spain btw?

I like the culture and the language, and would be intrigued to tough it out, away from my American comforts for awhile. But in a place that I really want to visit - the countryside - since from what I've seen from film, pictures and documentaries, it is pretty awesome.

I'd probably go and visit first before up and moving there. I would never have gone to Japan if I hadn't been there a few times prior.

twerd · « **Reply #36 on:** August 20, 2009, 06:15:33 PM »

other things i love about spain:

- they roll their own tobacco

- they're night owls

- siesta!

- lots of history, puts into perspective how young USA is

- beaches...women don't wear tops

- hot ladies

willco, do you know anyone in spain? it'd be nice to dip your feet in the water and live with someone to get acclimated to life there, and then start working out how to stay thar.

The Fake Shemp · « **Reply #37 on:** August 20, 2009, 06:16:39 PM »

Quote from: the lyte edge on August 20, 2009, 06:15:10 PM

I'd probably go and visit first before up and moving there. I would never have gone to Japan if I hadn't been there a few times prior.

That's expensive and counter-productive. I want to test my mettle and if I hate it, it's just another adventure! I've been to places I hate, and I've learned things from that. Plus, from what I've learned, most places in Spain are monthly rentals, so it's not like I couldn't just pack up and go home.

The Fake Shemp · « **Reply #38 on:** August 20, 2009, 06:17:49 PM »

I don't know anyone in Spain.

I know on my father's side, there were a ton of Federman Jews (my grandma's family is all Spanish) that lived there, but a lot of contact got cut after World War II for obvious reasons. My grandparents are going to see if I still have family left, but it's a total shot in the dark.

demi · « **Reply #39 on:** August 20, 2009, 06:18:09 PM »

i herd spain has sum nice baers. grrrowl

The Fake Shemp · « **Reply #40 on:** August 20, 2009, 06:18:37 PM »

Quote from: a slime appears on August 20, 2009, 06:17:39 PM

Arrrrg Spain has enough problems with vagrants!

I'm not vagrant! Spain would be lucky to have me as a temporary resident. I'm television and film's Jonah Hill!

brawndolicious · « **Reply #41 on:** August 20, 2009, 06:32:40 PM »

I think you'd probably prefer Italy. The countryside looked nicer imo, better weather, and they speak a lot more English.

Plus there's absolutely no night life in Spain. Everywhere is closed by 9 other than bars.

Flannel Boy · « **Reply #42 on:** August 20, 2009, 06:35:03 PM »

The Fake Shemp · « **Reply #43 on:** August 20, 2009, 06:59:51 PM »

Quote from: Kosma on August 20, 2009, 06:21:15 PM

http://www.donquijote.org/

Granada:

12 weeks
10 language lessons p/w and 5 culture classes
Single Student Room

2900 euro

Can I stay in the country afterwards?

twerd · « **Reply #44 on:** August 20, 2009, 07:02:30 PM »

a white man can be an illegal in a spanish-speaking country for once.

The Fake Shemp · « **Reply #45 on:** August 20, 2009, 07:17:10 PM »

I don't know what that means!

I just want to stay in Spain for six months. I don't even really want a job necessarily! Let me spend money in your damn country!

Bildi · « **Reply #46 on:** August 20, 2009, 07:53:09 PM »

Spain is THE BOMB. It's made for smart people like us because the dumb people blow themselves up with the readily-available fireworks or walk off a cliff because there's no handrails.

My family in Sweden has a house in Xabia on the east coast that they rent out to holidaying families and use themselves for holidays. I've only been there once for a couple of months around May-June 2005 and it was truly awesome. The weather at that time of year is great and people in Spain are awesome because they're insane. I really like their timetable what with having a siesta in the afternoon and then staying up late. Plus there's lots of great stuff to see. I'd be fairly surprised if you didn't like it.

The Fake Shemp · « **Reply #47 on:** August 20, 2009, 09:20:31 PM »

Would it be expensive to rent from your family, Bildi?

... My friend and cohort are giving serious consideration to staying in Spain for the full 90 days after we finish our project together. We'd really like to explore the country and do a fair bit of writing. I'm hoping that the change of scenery will spark some creativity. I work best when intrigued by new environments.

Bildi · « **Reply #48 on:** August 20, 2009, 09:32:00 PM »

I don't know even at a guess what it costs but I can find out. Relatively speaking I think they rent it out quite cheap because the families that use it are regulars and look after it well.

My grandma in Sweden died just a week ago so they're busy with that, but when my dad comes back to Australia in three weeks I can ask.

The Fake Shemp · « **Reply #49 on:** August 20, 2009, 09:36:05 PM »

No rush, and just inquire on the costs, because we're a long way out. If this thing goes in production, I'll be in Canada or the Carolinas this time next year.

Bildi · « **Reply #50 on:** August 20, 2009, 09:40:13 PM »

Sure thing.

Cormacaroni · « **Reply #51 on:** August 20, 2009, 09:46:04 PM »

90 days is half of 6 months; just head over to France or Italy after your 90 days is up, spent 90 days there, then back to Spain. It's going to be a broadly similar experience. You might even enjoy it more than Spain.

I have a EU passport so I don't need to do this kind of thing so I haven't actually researched it. Just going off Green Shinobi's post.

My sister majored in Spanish and spent a lot of time living there btw. Some things drove her crazy (shitty infrastructure, theft) but she basically had a great time.

The Fake Shemp · « **Reply #52 on:** August 20, 2009, 10:18:56 PM »

I just called my uncle who has traveled to Spain a lot - he says there is a place you can stay at for two weeks for free, as long as you don't speak any Spanish. Basically, Spanish go to this city full of English speaking people to learn English.

I might do that, Cormacaroni.

If this project sells, I think I'll have enough in the bank account to do that.

brawndolicious · « **Reply #53 on:** August 20, 2009, 10:22:47 PM »

A car is worthless in spain (if you're a foreigner) without a gps. Even madrid is hard to navigate.

Mr. Gundam · « **Reply #54 on:** August 21, 2009, 01:46:56 AM »

I'd move to Spain just so I could see Almodovar movies when they come out... stupid Sony Pictures waiting until "Oscar season."

twerd · « **Reply #55 on:** August 21, 2009, 03:44:14 PM »

Quote from: am nintenho on August 20, 2009, 10:22:47 PM

A car is worthless in spain (if you're a foreigner) without a gps. Even madrid is hard to navigate.

A car is worthless in the city, is what you meant to say. it's great for countryside driving.

twerd · « **Reply #56 on:** August 21, 2009, 06:19:28 PM »

use an sharpened icicle, the police can't find a weapon that melts away.

Barry Egan · « **Reply #57 on:** August 21, 2009, 06:28:12 PM »

use words.

twerd · « **Reply #58 on:** August 21, 2009, 06:55:46 PM »

she's probably trying to axe you too for the spanish boys.

brawndolicious · « **Reply #59 on:** August 21, 2009, 10:33:34 PM »

Quote from: twerd on August 21, 2009, 03:44:14 PM

Quote from: am nintenho on August 20, 2009, 10:22:47 PM
A car is worthless in spain (if you're a foreigner) without a gps. Even madrid is hard to navigate.
A car is worthless in the city, is what you meant to say. it's great for countryside driving.

No, the problem is that a lot of the city roads weren't originally designed for cars and so they seemed to be largely one ways and the biggest annoyance was that nothing ever was in a grid. Even when I was in Ourense (a decent sized city) the roads could not be navigated by a novice. I actually thought city driving in Italy was a little easier and they're insane over there.

The highways are fun though, mainly because of how courteous the driver are. You can go a constant 140 kph on a two lane road and people will pull to the right if you're going faster than them.

News:

Author Topic: How do I go about relocating to SPAIN? (Read 2875 times)