So you’ve decided that moving to Spain is something you want to do. You enrol in EBC’s Road2Spain programme with a Trinity CertTESOL course and a one-year Spanish language programme in Spain. Then you gather your paperwork and book a flight. You finally arrive in Spain and get to breathe in the Spanish air. As you take in the sights and sounds of the city, you think to yourself, Okay…now what? In this article, we review a few things you can do to settle in nicely once you’ve moved to Spain.
So you’ve decided that moving to Spain is something you want to do. You enrol in EBC’s Road2Spain programme with a Trinity CertTESOL course and a one-year Spanish language programme in Spain. Then you gather your paperwork and book a flight. You finally arrive in Spain and get to breathe in the Spanish air. As you take in the sights and sounds of the city, you think to yourself, Okay…now what? In this article, we review a few things you can do to settle in nicely once you’ve moved to Spain.
Moving to Spain: First things first
If you’re thinking about moving to Spain, first things first. You need to find a programme that suits you. The EBC Road2Spain programme is an excellent option because it will allow you to teach English in Spain while studying the Spanish language for a year.
Moving to Spain: The Road2Spain programme
The Road2Spain programme includes an online Trinity CertTESOL course and a one-year Spanish language programme with a Cervantes Institute-accredited school. The four-week online Trinity CertTESOL course is designed for newbies and experienced teachers alike.
The 200-hour Ofqual level 5 course is a Trinity College London-accredited TESOL certification course. And the certification graduates receive is accepted and recognised by the British Council, which works worldwide. The Trinity CertTESOL course graduates also get access to EBC’s lifetime, worldwide job placement programme.
After taking the online Trinity CertTESOL course, you tell EBC when you want to start your Spanish language classes in Spain. The Road2Spain programme is designed so that by the time you start your classes with your Spanish school, you will already have received your Trinity CertTESOL certification.
This certification is what will allow you to teach English in Spain. If you have no prior teaching experience, there’s no need to worry. The EBC Trinity CertTESOL course will give you a solid foundation in TEFL and will teach you everything you need to become an effective English teacher.
Moving to Spain: Study Spanish and Teach English
Also, if you’re wondering about the legality of such a setup, Spanish immigration allows anyone with a Spanish student visa to work up to 30 hours a week. You are good to go as long as your work schedule does not interfere with your Spanish class schedule. Everything is legal, and you are safe. This means that when you are not learning Spanish, you can be teaching English. For example, you could go to your Spanish classes in the morning and then teach in the afternoon.
And, since teaching isn’t for everyone, you can also take the Spanish-only programme of the Road2Spain package. However, remember that it’s the same price as the Road2Spain package with the Spanish language programme and the EBC Trinity CertTESOL. Course. So, you may want to consider taking the course.
After all, you have nothing to lose! Plus, you can fall back on the lifetime, worldwide job placement programme at any point in your life. Many of our graduates have cited this safety net as one of the reasons they decided to take the EBC Trinity CertTESOL course. Every course applicant, however, will have to meet the minimum requirements to get into the course. You can read more about these requirements here.
Moving to Spain: So you’ve arrived. Now what?
Anyone who has experienced moving to another country understands that it takes a lot of courage to do so. Not only that, but it also requires a lot of focus and planning. Though many people understand that they must prepare many things beforehand, it’s common to feel a bit lost once they get to their destination. After all, this is where the jet lag starts to kick in, and all the new sights and sounds can feel overwhelming.
But EBC has got you covered. In the following few sections, we will review a list of practical steps you can take once you get to Spain. With this plan of action, moving to Spain won’t feel so difficult.
Moving to Spain: Communication is key
Once you get to the airport, you want to look for a Spanish SIM card. Expect for the SIM card seller to ask you for your identification number. In Spain, this is called your NIE. It is a foreigner’s identification number. Once you have a SIM card, you want a plan to give you data. You can worry about getting a wifi plan later on. What’s more important is getting access to a Spanish number that gives you access to data connection.
Moving to Spain: Settle down before going apartment hunting
You can use many online platforms to find an apartment for rent in Spain before your actual flight date. However, seeing the place in person is always better before signing anything or sending a payment.
One thing you can do is contact several renters before moving to Spain and schedule in-person visits. Some people book a short-term stay at an apartment, so they have a place to camp in while looking for an apartment. Remember that apartments can go by quickly, depending on where you are. Prices also vary greatly depending on the region you are in. In the south, for example, you can rent a room in a shared apartment for €200. In Madrid, rooms can cost €600.
Moving to Spain: Set up a bank account
Moving to Spain will require you to set up a Spanish bank account. Having one will make your transactions much more accessible.
Though some people find the process stressful, it is simple. Just remember that banks need you to provide them with an identity number. The most common identification document they ask for in Spain is your TIE. Your TIE is your foreigner’s identity card. You can present this to any bank.
You may also want to let them know you are a student and present a copy of your official letter of invitation from your school. Many banks have free account options for students.
Access to a Spanish bank account also gives you access to Bizum, which allows you to connect transfers to your Spanish number and that of other users with Bizum linked to their Spanish phone numbers.
Moving to Spain: Get familiar with the place
It’s common to get lost in a new place. Some people do it on purpose, while others don’t. You can use the first few days to get accustomed to the place you are in. Go for a walk and find nearby supermarkets, pharmacies, bus stations, and hospitals.
It’s also a great idea to try to familiarise yourself with the schedules of the different modes of transport and how much each trip costs. Don’t forget that you can save more by buying a transport card instead of paying in cash for every trip. For example, a package of 10 trips can cost you much less than paying for 10 trips separately each time.
Moving to Spain: Take it easy on yourself
One thing many people forget to do when they move to a different country is to give themselves room to feel. It may sound a bit sappy, but it’s essential to acknowledge all the different emotions you experience when you are in a new place alone. Some people immediately feel homesick, while others quickly find distractions to keep them busy. Only for homesickness to hit them hard later on.
Remember to be kind to yourself and cheer yourself on, like you would to a friend. Moving to Spain is fun and exciting, but it also comes with a learning curve. Do things that make you happy and remember to be patient with yourself. In no time, you will have adjusted smoothly.
Moving to Spain: Say yes to the adventure of a lifetime
Moving to Spain is one of the best decisions you will ever make. A whole new world is waiting for you. Just keep these practical steps in mind, so you can easily adjust to your new life. Welcome! Enjoy the ride. And remember, EBC is just an email away.
