Finally, I'm going

[Alan]

18th Sept I'll be heading to Valencia until Christmas at least. I can't wait! I've booked the flights and need to sort out somewhere to stay. In the meantime, I know of a few hostels and I'll book in there. Don't yet have a job: I suppose it will be easier when I'm there, but the first stop will be the Irish bars :) So, I need to practice my Spanish I suppose and hope that I can make myself understood.

If there are any Valencianos on the forum who I could speak to, I would be very grateful for your advice about the city.

I really wish I could go sooner, but I have some business I need to finish in Scotland before I go. Ah well :)

[Steve W]

Well done on a decision. and goodluck. I was in Valencia for 6 months last year, but wasn´t officially documented or anything so I may not have much to tell you. But feel free to ask about the city if you want to.

[Alan]

Thanks Steve :D

I do have a few questions - were you able to work or find a place to stay without being "officially documented"? Where in the city should I look to stay and where should I avoid? Where are the cheap hostels so I can live for a few days before finding somewhere a bit more permanent? Where am I most likely to find work as a qualified, but Spanish-less Scot? Thanks :D

[Steve W]

Well, I didn´t work at all that time, and I´m just starting to look now here in Barcelona. Even with my better than before Spanish, it´s still making me nervous.

No idea about hostels, but if you don't mind taking a bit of a chance, get a flat organised from the UK, and just turn up. Cheaper. Good oportunity to practice the Spanish too.

I found a flat through Loquo.com (http://valencia.loquo.com/?fix=1) and just paid my flatmate in cash each month. I had no contract or anything. It was more of a sublet by him. A lot of this seems to go on here, but I just ploughed on ahead and trusted everyone. No problems so far.

If you´re going to be there for under 6 months, I´m pretty sure you don´t have to register as resident, but if you´re going to be working that will mean lots more official paperwork (see my thread on moving to BCN).

[Alan]

Yeah, i remember reading that :confused:

Well, it has to be done. The more I can get done here the better. I wonder if I could have paperwork pre-filled ready to take to an office . . .

I'm going to look at loquo now.

[celia s]

Hi Alan,
That's great news!Was it an easy decision to make?Also,did you manage to persuade your girlfriend to go with you?
Valencia seems to be a very trendy place at the moment.Make sure you tell us how you are getting on.
Good luck!

[intrepida1981]

Speaking of Valencia, this is one of the turistic places you shouldn't miss ;)



http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/1610/3673/320/FOTO_2006_Jul_D21_01h_34m_28s.0.jpg

http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/1610/3673/320/FOTO_2006_Jul_D21_01h_44m_23s.1.jpg



http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/1610/3673/320/FOTO_2006_Jul_D21_01h_43m_02s.jpg

[Alan]

thanks cecilia and intrepida! Cecilia for her thoughts and intrepida for the message that he sent to me.

Cecilia, no, my girlfriend is not coming. She can't get holidays from work and is very busy advancing her own career. I've decided only to go for 3 months as a compromise (I hope it works: i.e. I hate the place). I will definitely tell you how I am getting on and try to send pics.

Intrepida, why do you think I want to go to Valencia? :D

[intrepida1981]

Intrepida, why do you think I want to go to Valencia?

and what's wrong with Valencia City, listo?

BTW debí imaginar q no es el típico sitio al q vienen a vivir los guiris no? :P

bueno, vamos a ver, en qué ciudad (o pueblo) de Valencia planeas quedarte en primer lugar?

de todas formas, pregunta en las Torist Info... q ya están acostumbrados a tratar con extrangeros descarrilados como tú... :P

ya nos cuentas... :D

pd: y soy chica!!

[Ben]

Great news Alan. I definitely agree with Steve, you should try and organise a flat share before you arrive. If you like it, try and squeeze in another 3 months at least, then you get to see Las Fallas in March, the greatest fiesta on earth :)

[Marbella]

That's great Alan. If you aim for Valencia centre then you've got an excellent chance of a flat share, Valencia being a thriving student city. The area where many of the university buildings are along Blasco Ibáñez is a good example of a busy residential area. Valencia is a really good choice, I really liked living there too. All the very best.

[Marina]

Great news Alan!!!
I hope that your Spanish adventure will turn out even better than you have planned.;) Good luck in Valencia :D

[Brian]

Excellent choice of city, Listo! I'm certain that you'll find work soon given your credentials and recent university degree.

[ValenciaSon]

Good luck Listo! Drink an horchata for me with fartons!



I haven't been in years Alan, but be sure to check out el puerto as it gets ready for the Americas Cup in 2008 and el mercado central (http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://es.geocities.com/cuentaviajes/valenc1.jpg&imgrefurl=http://es.geocities.com/cuentaviajes/MERCAVAL.htm&h=276&w=397&sz=41&hl=en&sig2=s9p7Vyl4YdEH-eX1M-PnIw&start=48&tbnid=pHUtVuA_lzz9AM:&tbnh=83&tbnw=120&ei=fNTyRIvJOKnyiQGFvM2sBA&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dmercado%2Bcentral%2BValencia%26start% 3D36%26ndsp%3D18%26svnum%3D10%26hl%3Den%26lr%3D%26 safe%3Doff%26client%3Dfirefox-a%26rls%3Dorg.mozilla:en-US:official_s%26sa%3DN), one of the best markets in Europe!

[jdoe]

I wonder if I could have paperwork pre-filled ready to take to an office . . .
i'd say no, except when having a job offer from Spain in advance (yes, i'm a pessimist ;) ). anyway you can ask at the nearest spanish ambassy/consulate. you can also take a look at http://www.mir.es/SGACAVT/extranje/. it's only in the 4 Spain official languages :hammer: so, you can pratice your spanish! anyway, if you have troubles with those bureaucratic language crap just yell and we'll try to help

I'm going to look at loquo now.
i agree with Steve, really good place to start. a lot of offers & it's also in English. just 2 advices:
1. if you're going to rent a flat (>= 500 Eur/month), choose the option by owner because agencies, as every intermediate, will charge an extra
2. renting a room is cheapier (around 250-300 here in BCN, probably less in Valencia)
as Steve pointed out, usually there's no contract because most of the times people rent a flat and then sub-lease some rooms. however, ask for a signed receipt anytime you pay your allowance. remember, "hay mucho picaro suelto" and guiris are the perfect target!

good luck!

[greytop]

Another site that may be of use or at least give you a baseline when looking around
http://www.expatriates.com/classifieds/val/hs/

The home page also links to jobs but I've not looked at them
http://www.expatriates.com/

Also an article (http://www.lasprovincias.es/valencia/pg060828/prensa/noticias/Valencia/200608/28/VAL-VAL-005.html)in the paper today on the theme of students needing flats
Julio, agosto y septiembre son los meses en los que las distintas agencias e inmobiliarias reciben gran cantidad de visitas de este tipo de clientela.


Good luck & enjoy it whichever way it turns out!

[Steve W]

Last year I paid 200 including all bills in Valencia, and the flat was small but modern and I had a fair sized room with a small balcony on the street. This was just outside the very centre in the Botaníc area, so I could walk anywhere interesting in 20 minutes max.

As well as being cheaper, renting a room with Spanish speakers means lots of practice. Try and avoid foreigners and Spaniards who just want to practice their English! It´s always going to be a bit of a gamble, but if it´s only for 3 months, what have you got to lose?

A lot of the paperwork, you will need a Spanish address, so it´s impossible to process before then. Once you have one though, I´ve read that you can apply for the NIE number (for work) at the nearets Spanish consulate in the UK. They charge you for it, and all they do is post the form to Madrid, but it might be worth it to save a few days waiting. Remember, being an EU person you are allowed to work without this number, but I don´t know the practicalities of getting paid, tax deducted etc etc.

[gary]

Congratulations on making the decision... and good luck!!

[guapo]

and of course, it goes without saying, keep us informed so that we can follow your progress from the safety of our web browsers. :)

¡Buena suerte!

[greytop]

Alan - at the risk of repeating any previous post I reccomend you follow some links in the "UKinSpain" (http://www.ukinspain.com/english/) consular site, in particular "living in spain" which has lots of info and links to Spanish government sites (that'll improve your Spanish).
Most things only become compulsory if you stay for more than about 6 months or get a job, but having an NIE number for example is needed once you get into any dealings with the Spanish authorities, a bit like an NI number at home when dealing with tax, social services etc. If you do start applying for things have lots of passport style photos (computer printed ones often not allowed) and spare copies of relevant documents together with originals. You'll recognise guiris at the comisaría by the thick files they carry around!

Be wary of "advice" from people you meet as they often deal in wishful thinking rather than facts. Some of my acquaintances still won't register for tax as they pay it in UK yet never leave Spain & are convinced the rules don't apply to them. They don't until you're caught!

I still think a gestor is worth paying, especially if you are in a hurry, and can save you a lot of legwork. They will give you a quote up front.

[Hernández Fiendish]

Haven't heard any bad reports of the various city centre hostels (home, nest, pilar etc) so you should be alright there.

There will be lots of people looking for flats and rooms (and offering same) when you arrive. Most students live out by Blasco Ibanez where the univ is or Benimaclet (for the poli). They are decent areas but a little away from the centre (by Spanish standards). You will probably fancy living in the old town (el Carmen), there is accommodation available but it goes quickly and you mightnt get to live in a Spanish-speaking household as easily. As someone said above, there is little red tape when paying rent (compared to uk). I dont think its necessary to arrange a flatshare before arriving (unless you know the city) as you might end up with a real stinker. You will pay approx 150- 200 euros for a good room.

I imagine you are looking for TEFL and bar/restaurant work. Irish pubs (finnegans and St Patricks are the best) are good for meeting other foreigners and perhaps hearing about jobs but there is no noticeboard as far as I know. You will have to do it the old fashioned way and slog around the schools/bars. I advise you to get a pay as you go mobile before job hunting.

Valencia is a great city, good luck.

[Brian]

Haven't heard any bad reports of the various city centre hostels (home, nest, pilar etc) so you should be alright there.


I spent one of the most hellishly hot nights, ever, in a hostel on the Avenida del Puerto when I was a student in Spain. I wouldn't ever care to repeat that experience. :eek:

[gary]

I spent one of the most hellishly hot nights, ever, in a hostel on the Avenida del Puerto when I was a student in Spain. I wouldn't ever care to repeat that experience. :eek:

alan has made a good choice to g oat this time of year - if he decides to stay he can acclimatise (thats acclimate for our US bretheren) slowly through the spring.

We usually go for a week at a time four to six times a year and if it aint got air con in August I aint goin!!

[Alan]

Thanks for the links greytop! Have been trying to get a room before going, but have not had any luck. It's not because there are no flats or rooms available - more that they are being rented out very quickly. I have been told twice today not to bother calling from Scotland and to look for a flat when I arrive. Sorry for wasting your time guys! Don't think I'd want to rent from them anyway, eh? :)

There are plenty of rooms available for €200 - a very fair price in my opinion. I have booked the hostel for a week, so I'll have plenty of time to find one that suits me when I arrive. I'm not worried.

Work, on the other hand, does worry me :) TEFL is a definite - and you could help me by putting up a couple of flyers for tutors Hernández, if it's no trouble. Send a PM if you could help me.

The time of year, yeah. I hate it when it's unbearably hot. I'll catch the end of the summer but it'll soon cool down to a reasonable temperature. Still hot compared to here though!

[Hernández Fiendish]

To be honest Alan there is no point in looking for teaching work unless you are already here in Valencia ready to respond. September is when the language academies enroll students (classes begin at start of October) and work out how many teachers they need. If you are leaving at Xmas do NOT mention this to academies!

Still prerry hot in Valencia, shorts weather 25 degrees plus Atleti 0-1 Valencia! :)

[greytop]

Thanks for the links greytop!
Here's another one - The Expatriate Café (http://www.expatriatecafe.com/)

Expatriate Café
Your life in Spain teaching English begins here..

Seems to sum up your situation!

[ValenciaSon]

Atleti 0-1 Valencia! :)


What was up with that ref yesterday? I thought he was giving out too many red cards!. Torres didn't trip the goalie, and I was rooting for Valencia!

[Brian]

To be honest Alan there is no point in looking for teaching work unless you are already here in Valencia ready to respond. September is when the language academies enroll students (classes begin at start of October) and work out how many teachers they need. If you are leaving at Xmas do NOT mention this to academies!


I was going to say the same thing. My suegra, who runs an English academy close to Valencia, has already set her teachers for the fall, as the course begins in a few weeks.