Do you want to live an exciting experience teaching in a Spanish School?
Recruitment for 2023-2024 is now open!
UCETAM ELA APPLICATION PERIOD
UCETAM will open the application period for the academic year 2023-2024 as from January 31st 2023.
All candidates must be native English speakers, have experience with children, hold a university degree and a clean criminal record. Please note that many of the positions include PRESCHOOL children and most are located outside the city of Madrid.
UCETAM periodically has openings for language assistants through the school year. If you fulfill the above requirements and have a valid NIE, please send your CV to auxiliares@ucetam.es. Carolina Sagardía will contact you for an interview if your experience matches an open position.
GENERAL INFORMATION
The UCETAM program offers 18 or 26 hour English Language Assistant positions at UCETAM-affiliated schools located within the Community of Madrid. Integrated within the English Language Assistant’s schedule is one hour exclusively for planning & organization time.
English Language Assistants can commute by metro, bus, and/or train to their schools, and for this reason many take advantage of the wonderful opportunities and the amazing experiences that living in the city of Madrid offers.
The UCETAM English Language Assistant program provides health insurance and free lunch at schools if this service is available to students. Please note that the 2023/2024 UCETAM Language Assistant Program will run from the 29th of September 2023 until 14th of June 2024. Orientation will take place during September 27th-29th, 2023. Orientation is mandatory. UCETAM provides the proper documentation to those who need to apply for their Visa or renew their NIE as well as help in soliciting the NIE (first-time applicants only) upon arrival to Spain.
IMPORTANT
As of the 2023-2024 academic year, all UCETAM ELAs will participate in a tailor-made UAM-UCETAM training program. The UNIVERSIDAD AUTONOMA DE MADRID is one of the most important Universities in Spain.
The course will consist of an intensive 2-day orientation at the end of September as well as a monthly in-person workshop between October and May for a total of 44 hours. These sessions will be complemented by a total of 106 online hours during the academic year to support each person’s development as an educator. Workshops will be held at the UAM’s premises in the center of Madrid.
ELAs will receive 6 ECTS (European university credits), and a certificate of completion at the end of the academic year provided they comply with all requirements. Official certificates will be available for a moderate fee.
The course is free. If an ELA needs an official certificate the cost will then be of 100€ paid by the ELA. THIS COURSE IS MANDATORY FOR ALL ELAS. It will run from October till May.
INFORMATION ON HOW APPLY ↓
Applications must be sent not earlier than 31st of January, 2023 to be considered. Only completed applications that have followed the below instructions correctly will be reviewed. The deadline to submit application materials will be on the 25th of March 2023 at 23:00 Central European Time (CET).
Applications will only be accepted during the application period.
Completed applications consist of: an English Language Assistant Profile, an ELA application, a letter of recommendation and a current CV/résumé.
STEP 1: DOWNLOAD DOCUMENTS
English Language Assistant Profile
English Language Assistant Application
STEP 2: HOW TO ORGANIZE APPLICATION
When sending the e-mail make sure to clearly state in the subject of the e-mail: First Name, Last Name Application 2022-23, for example, John Smith Application 2022-23.
Please state in the body of your e-mail, if you would be interested in working at a school in a picturesque, quaint town surrounded by stunning nature scenic views. These lovely towns are right outside of the capital of Madrid such as Buitrago de Lozoya, Escorial and Guadarrama. Search google images to see how lovely these towns really are.
If you are applying as a couple, please state in the body of the e-mail when you submit your application. Make sure to write your partner’s full name and explain if you would only like to be accepted if your partner is accepted also.
CVs/résumés should highlight your academic credentials and all experience working with children (teaching, assisting, working in a camp or after school program, volunteer work, etc.). Please, include a photo in the CV because if accepted the school would like to know what his/her future ELA looks like.
Letters of Recommendation should be written by someone who has known you for at least one year and who can attest to your personal, professional, and/or academic achievements and accomplishments. Recommendations should highlight your experience working with children and your ability to adapt to new situations or any achievements pertinent to the position. The letter should not be from a friend or relative. The letter can be in English or Spanish and must be in PDF format.
Instructions for the recommender, save the official letter of recommendation as first name, last name Recommendation, for example JohnSmithRecommendation.
TESTIMONIALS
STEP 3: HOW TO SEND APPLICATION
The third step is to send your application to one of the two following groups: Group 1 or Group 2. You will choose the group depending on your paperwork status. Read carefully the two groups to determine, which e-mail address you should send your application.
GROUP 1: send your application here, if you meet one or more of the criteria below:
- Is traveling to Spain from the USA or Canada and needs to apply for a visa
- Does not have an European passport
- Does not have a Spanish residency or working permit (June 2022 expiration date)
- Does not have a NIE/TIE through the Program of Auxiliares de Conversacíon de Comunidad de Madrid or the Ministry of Educación en España (May 2023 expiration date)
*For your information, a N.I.E.(Número de Identificación de Extranjero) is the Foreigner Identification Number given to you within Spain. The T.I.E. (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero) is the Foreigner Identification Card that has your N.I.E number on it, which is given to you within Spain.
Send current CV/Resume + profile + ELA Application form (applications1@colegiosbilinguescooperativos.com)
SEND RECOMMENDATION LETTER:
Only the recommender can directly submit the letter of recommendation. Recommender, please click here or send the letter of recommendation to applications1@colegiosbilinguescooperativos.com. Save the official letter of recommendation as first name, last name of the applicant Recommendation, for example JohnSmithRecommendation.
GROUP 2: send your application here, if you meet one or more of the following criteria:
- Has an European passport
- Has a valid Spanish residency or work permit (June 2023 expiration date)
- Has a valid NIE/TIE from the program of Auxiliares de Conversación de Comunidad de Madrid or the Ministry of Educación en España (May 2023 expiration date)
Send current CV/Resume + profile + ELA Application form (applications2@colegiosbilinguescooperativos.com)
SEND RECOMMENDATION LETTER:
Only the recommender can directly submit the letter of recommendation. Recommender, please click here or send the letter of recommendation to applications2@colegiosbilinguescooperativos.com. Save the official letter of recommendation as first name, last name of the applicant Recommendation, for example JohnSmithRecommendation.
REQUIREMENTS
The UCETAM English Language Assistant is a dynamic professional with a passion for working with young people.
The UCETAM Language Assistant program does not have an age limit and encourages all interested applicants to apply to the program. You can apply if you are a native English speaker.
Please consult the following requirements before applying:
Bachelor´s degree in ANY subject prior to the end of June 2022
Hold a current passport and be eligible to apply for a visa in country of origin
Be a Native English speaker
Be positive, proactive, dynamic, hard-working and a team player
Be punctual and professional
Be able to work on your own and with others
Have confidence and the ability to be able to adapt to new situations quickly
Provide proof that you have NO criminal record (state or FBI report, or “Certificado de Delitos Sexuales” if you have been in Spain for more than six months
It is recommended that program applicants have:
- Degree in education or bilingual education
- Prior classroom teaching experience in Spain and/or other countries
- Have experience working with children of different ages.
- Knowledge of the Spanish language (will help in daily activities).
INTERVIEW
You will be notified via email ONLY if you have been selected for an interview. Interviews will be conducted via video-chat.
PROGRAM ACCEPTANCE
Program decisions will be made in late April until early June. Only Candidates that have been accepted will be notified via email after decisions have been made.
Once accepted in May and June, UCETAM will send you all the necessary documents to sign.
Please, no phone calls or emails to inquire about the status of your application.
CONTACT INFORMATION BELOW ↓
Applications must be sent not earlier than 31st of January, 2023 to be considered. Only completed applications that have followed the below instructions correctly will be reviewed. The deadline to submit application materials will be on the 25th of March 2023 at 23:00 Central European Time (CET).
Please contact Carolina Sagardía with any questions or doubts.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)
If you are accepted to the program:
- Make sure you have a current passport, valid through June 14th, 2023. It is recommended that your passport have at least two blank pages in the Visa section and other blank pages to allow for entry and exit stamps.
- Apply for your Visa immediately after acceptance for the program (if applicable). The Visa process may take up to six months depending on your consulate/embassy. UCETAM will provide you with the proper documentation.
- US citizens should register with the US State Department.
- Book your plane ticket early to prepare your trip.
- Information about finding housing will be provided in the Program Handbook.
- It is mandatory to attend orientation in September during the week of the 7th-11th of September 2023.
- Be prepared to arrive at your assigned school at 9 a.m. on September 14, 2023.
- Apply/renew your NIE after you arrive in Spain.
- If you are a first-year participant without a current NIE, UCETAM has special permission to apply for your NIE.
- If you are a first-year participant and already have a valid NIE, you are responsible for renewing your NIE.
Spain requires that citizens from non-Schagen countries solicit a three month Visa prior to arrival in Spain if their stay exceeds more than 90 days. The Schengen states are: Austria, Belgium, Czech Repulish, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Litvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovack Republic, Slovenia, Spain and Sweden.
Do no delay in collecting the necessary documentation in order to secure your visa, as requirements and processing time may vary per country and consulate.
UCETAM will facilitate the supporting documents necessary to solicit the Visa (unless you are completing a Master’s degree with a collaborating university). Securing the Visa is your responsibility. After the Visa is granted, assistants will be given a 90-day student visa so that they may enter Spain. Once in Spain, UCETAM (by special permission) will submit documentation for first-time NIE applicants.
The following information pertains to Assistants from the United States. UCETAM has Language Assistants from many English speaking countries, though the majority are from the United States.
For the most recently updated information, please check the Spanish Consulate webpage (enlace www.exteriores.gob.es)
U.S. Language Assistants must apply at the Spanish Consulate or Embassy that serves their state of permanent residence. Most Visa requirements are similar from consulate to consulate, but it is necessary to check your consulate’s website for exact requirements.
As of May 2017 the requirements were:
- Application for Visado Nacional
- Valid passport during the stay in Spain with at least one blank page for the Visa
- Proof of migratory status in the US (for non-north Americans). If necessary you must show your “Alien Registration Card” or “US Visa with I-20/IAP-66”
- 1 passport picture with a white background
- Acceptance letter from UCETAM
- Proof of Health Insurance during time in Spain with a minimum of 30,000€ (or the equivalent in dollars)
- Means of support (one or more of the following):
- Proof of financial aid or support of at least $1,000 per month of stay.
- Letter from parents or guardians assuming financial responsibility of at least $1,000 per month of stay.
- Personal savings of at least $1,000 per month of stay
- Background check (“Certificado de antecedentes penales”).
- FBI background check (this is still the preferred documentation). As with all federal documents, the FBI background check must be submitted to the Secretary of State to secure the Apostille of the Hague stamp.
- State-level background check from the state of residence (generally these are issued by the State Bureau of Investigation). The State background check must have the Apostille of the Hague from the Secretary of State’s office of the issuing state.
- If you have resided in Spain for more than three months, you will be required to have a “Certificado de Delitos Sexuales”
- Medical certificate. Declaration from a medical doctor indicating that you are in good physical and mental health, that you do not have any contagious diseases and are not a drug addict.
- The cost of the Visa is $160 for North American citizens and $64 for citizens of other countries and is non-refundable. Fees should be paid in cash.
Processing Time
Processing time varies by consulate. In general, it can take two to three months to process the visa and applicants can apply for their visa a minimum of three months prior to departure; it may also take a while to get an appointment. Thus, we strongly recommend that you contact your Consulate as soon as you are accepted for a more specific time-frame. It is imperative that you apply for your Visa as soon as possible. There is currently no rush processing service.
Changing Visas Once Abroad
Visas are not awarded once a person is abroad so you would need to return to the U.S. in order to apply for or renew any Visa. It is generally necessary to appear in person in order to pick up your Visa. Check with your consulate for more information.
Problems with the Visa
If you have a problem securing your Visa, please contact your consulate. If the problem persists, contact Carolina Sagardía or Juan Carlos Rodriguez (enlace a email).
Procedure
UCETAM has special permission to apply for the NIE/certificate of residency for first-time applicants and will arrange the appointment with the Comisaría General de Extranjería for all first-time applicants without a NIE/certificate of residency. The appointment will take place in September-October and the ELA coordinator, Julie Maney, will inform assistants of the date and time they will need to attend any appointments.
EU assistants will be granted a NIE certificate of residency. Non-EU assistants will be granted a NIE card that allows them to remain in Spain legally for the duration of the program.
Supporting documents
You will need to provide the following documents (original and one copy) in order to apply for the NIE/certificate of residency. Without these documents, it will be impossible to solicit the NIE/certificate of residency.
- Passport picture page
- Student visa page (non-EU citizens only)
- Stamped date of arrival in Spain (non-EU citizens: if your passport is not stamped with date of arrival because of entry from another Schengen country, then you must bring a copy of the reservation or the actual airline ticket)
- EX 17 (non-EU citizens)
- EX 18 (EU citizens)
- Carta de nombramiento (provided by UCETAM)
- UCETAM Nombramiento de auxiliar (provided by UCETAM)
- Three recent passport photos with a white background (can take at kiosks in certain metro stations)
- Modelo 790 for payment: (U.S. citizens and EU citizens).
Fingerprinting and pick-up
After the aforementioned documents are submitted, the Comisaría will notify UCETAM of the date and time when assistants must go to the Comisaría and have their fingerprints taken. Assistants must be present at this appointment. During this appointment, EU citizens will also pay the fee and receive their certificate of residency.
Non-EU assistants will be required to return a second time to the Comisaría when their card is ready. During this time, they will pay the fee and pick up their card. UCETAM will notify assistants of this appointment; attendance is mandatory