Moving to Spain

The logistics of moving to another continent can be tricky. However, with research and patience, living abroad is achievable. I’ve already touched on the process for applying with the Ministry and receiving a visa. Once these are accomplished, it’s time to understand the basic logistics of how to live.

Flights

First, I needed to find a flight. I use websites like Skyscanner or Google Flights to find best deals. Sometimes it’s easiest to go through the airline itself or find a site tailored to travelers. It helps to do this months in advance, but since I had to wait to receive my visa, my one-way ticket was more costly than usual. I used the site Student Universe, which allows you to receive discounts if you are a student, educator or under the age of 26.

Phone

To work in Spain, I really needed to get a Spanish phone number. First, you should make sure you have a phone that is unlocked. This way you can buy a Spanish SIM card to use without any trouble. If you aren’t sure if your phone is unlocked, call your provider. You can also use apps like WhatsApp if you will be near consistent Wifi. However, I needed a Spanish number to open a bank account.

Apartment 

This can take time or go smoothly depending on where you live in the country. My cousin Layla used to live in Murcia so she is reaching out to friends to see about availability. It is also good to look online through Idealista and reach out to other teachers or assistants at your school. You can also ask other assistants through your region’s Facebook page.

Bank account and travel cards

First, you must alert your bank to let them know you will be using your debit or credit card out of the country. I decided to get a card specifically for Spain to tide me over until I received payment from the Ministry into my Spanish bank account. It’s recommended to have backup savings because you will often not be paid on time. I went with the Schwab Bank High Yield Investor Checking Account which allows me to open an online account, use ATMs all over the world and not pay any fees. This card is specifically a debit card, but if you want a credit card, two recommended cards are the Capital One Quicksilver card from Visa and the Barclaycard Arrival from Mastercard. Note: it is recommended to pay for things in Spain with a credit card in order to accrue points but not to withdraw cash from ATMs with credit cards. They charge interest on cash advances from the moment you withdraw at the ATM. That’s partially why I chose to go with the Schwab bank account, so I could withdraw money without worrying about fees or interest. Also, make sure you always pay in Euros. Don’t choose your home currency or you will receive a worse exchange rate.

TIE card 

Getting the TIE card is a process I’m still working on. The requirements can change each year, so like the visa, make sure you do your research and check the Ministry and your school to be sure what you need. I am making copies of the required documents online and making sure I have extra passport-type photos.

Why I chose this order

Get phone. Make TIE appointment. Find apartment. Open bank account. Get TIE card.

To open a bank account, you need a Spanish phone number as well as address. If you don’t have an address you can use your school’s but it needs to be changed which can be a hassle.

To get a TIE card, you need a bank account. Therefore, I decided to get the Spanish SIM card which was easiest, then look for an apartment (since I really needed somewhere to stay), then open a bank account. Set up your TIE appointment as soon as possible since those appointments can fill up quickly. You have about a month but want to get it done ASAP.

Packing 

Paring down your life to fit in suitcases and backpacks can be a challenge and relief. I often find it easier to have less things and therefore less to worry about. However, for Spain, I wanted to make sure to at least have the essentials.

My rough packing list:

• Comfy pants for sleeping
• Pair of jeans
• Leggings/ tights
• Two pairs of shorts
• Two pairs of athletic shorts
• Two skirts

Tops

• Four blouses
• Long sleeve shirts
• Cardigans
• Dresses
• Light jacket
• Winter coat

Shoes:

• Tevas
• Boots
• Flats
• Sandals
• Running shoes

Documents

• Passport and visa/ TIE (resident card) requirements/  Multiple copies of all documents

Electronics

• Laptop + charger
• DSLR + charger
• Adapter for plugs

Books

• Three books for grad school
• Kindle +charger
• Don Quixote de la Mancha

Toiletries +glassses, contacts, etc.

Other things to consider

Internet access

I needed internet ASAP because I’m enrolled in an online grad school program and needed to turn in my assignments. Most places have WIFI, so you should be fine, but in some rural areas this can be an important factor to consider if you’re working online.

Transportation 

You need to find out how to get to your school or language center. Will you need a car? Can you take the bus? Do other teachers carpool? Thankfully, my school is right on the local bus line, allowing me to live in the larger city of Murcia and take public transit to my school.

Extending your stay

There are possibilities to extend your stay past the initial nine months of teaching. I will more than likely try this route in order to go to my friend Lea’s wedding in June which is in Germany. I’ll write more about this process as it comes up.

Although moving to a new place can be scary, it is worth it. Remember something will go wrong, but that’s OK. It’s just another part of growing up and exploring new contexts. Thanks for reading and happy travels. 🙂