{"id":52441,"date":"2023-05-14T02:56:28","date_gmt":"2023-05-14T01:56:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/gogoespana.com\/?p=52441"},"modified":"2023-12-14T14:22:01","modified_gmt":"2023-12-14T13:22:01","slug":"nalcap-spain","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gogoespana.com\/en\/blog\/nalcap-spain\/","title":{"rendered":"NALCAP in Spain (North American Language and Culture Assistants Program)"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>One of the most widely used public diplomacy programs available to interested language assistants is the <strong>North American Language and Culture Assistants Program (NALCAP).<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>This program was built as a means to promote educational outreach and collaborative programs between Spain and some of North America (the United States and Canada).<\/p>\n<p>This cultural exchange program is widely available to those particularly interested in advancing language skills for others.<\/p>\n<p>Interested in joining this program that facilitates <strong>language assistance in Spain<\/strong>?<\/p>\n<p>We\u2019ll go over everything you need to know about the NALCAP, including where to apply, when to do so, and more!<\/p>\n<h2><strong>NALCAP for Spain<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>The basic premise of this program is simple: it brings English speakers from the United States and Canada into classrooms across Spain.<\/p>\n<p>For Canadian applicants, native-like French speakers have the option to apply as well.<\/p>\n<p>Ultimately, the program aims to foster cultural awareness and advance the language skills of students in the classroom.<\/p>\n<p>The program allows college students from the U.S. and Canada to teach English or French in Spain.<\/p>\n<p>All while being able to experience life in a new country!<\/p>\n<p>A participant of the program is typically referred to as an <strong>auxiliar de conversaci<em>\u00f3<\/em>n<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p>Which roughly translates to conversation assistant.<\/p>\n<p>Your overall role as a program member is to be there for Spanish students as a linguistic role model for English or French languages.<\/p>\n<p>As a program member, you work up to 16 hours per week during the school year, receiving a weekly stipend for your work.<\/p>\n<p>With the time left over after teaching, you\u2019ll undeniably have plenty of opportunities to <a href=\"https:\/\/gogoespana.com\/en\/blog\/best-things-to-do-in-barcelona\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">explore the area<\/a> around you.<\/p>\n<p>In addition, many people are able to pick up extra work with their free time to facilitate expenses such as <a href=\"https:\/\/gogoespana.com\/en\/blog\/spanish-food-markets\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">travel or food<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-40453 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/gogoespana.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/almendros-en-flor-1.jpg\" alt=\"almendros en flor\" width=\"912\" height=\"608\" \/><\/p>\n<h2><strong>NALCAP \u2013 Eligibility<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>In order to be a <strong>program participant<\/strong>, you must be able to meet a few specific requirements.<\/p>\n<p>Applicants can qualify to be a part of the program if the following requirements are met:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Must hold a valid passport as a U.S. citizen<\/li>\n<li>For Canadian citizens, you must hold a valid Canadian passport<\/li>\n<li>Pass the various visa requirements such as a background check<\/li>\n<li>You must be at least 18 years of age<\/li>\n<li>You must be able to speak English as a native language<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>For additional information on visa requirements when living and working in Spain, check out some of Go! Go! Espa\u00f1a\u2019s <a href=\"https:\/\/gogoespana.com\/en\/?s=Visa\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">visa guides<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Do you fit the eligibility requirements above?<\/p>\n<p>In that case, let\u2019s take a look at what you can do to get started on the path to <strong>teach English<\/strong> in a <strong>public school in Spain<\/strong>!<\/p>\n<h2><strong>NALCAP \u2013 Application Steps<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>The application steps to apply for the NALCAP are fairly detailed.<\/p>\n<p>However, this section will provide you with a basic rundown of what the process will look like altogether.<\/p>\n<p>To begin, you\u2019ll want to have the following documents ready to submit during your application cycle.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>Documents Needed<\/strong><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>A valid passport copy<\/li>\n<li>Copy of your university diploma or transcript<\/li>\n<li>Letter of recommendation<\/li>\n<li>Signed statement of purpose<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>For Canadian citizens applying for a French position, keep in mind that your <strong>statement of purpose<\/strong> needs to be completed in French.<\/p>\n<h2><strong>Getting Started<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>When you\u2019re ready to get started, applications get submitted electronically through a specific portal known as <strong>PROFEX<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p>The Ministry of Education of Spain runs this portal.<\/p>\n<p>Additional information for this portal can be <a href=\"https:\/\/www.educacionyfp.gob.es\/eeuu\/en_US\/dam\/jcr:6aa3b727-f468-4e67-8dab-3be003180aa4\/2023-2024-profex-handbook.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">found here<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Be sure to have your documents ready from the bulleted list above before the application window opens.<\/p>\n<p>The 2023 application cycle runs through February 9<sup>th<\/sup> to April 4<sup>th<\/sup>.<\/p>\n<p>For more detailed instructions, you can refer to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.educacionyfp.gob.es\/eeuu\/dam\/jcr:2729c319-ac7c-4d67-b3f8-bd5ca2c313b4\/2023-2024-nalcap-application-guidelines.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">these Application Guidelines<\/a> from the official NALCAP website.<\/p>\n<p>For Canadian applicants, you can reference the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.educacionyfp.gob.es\/canada\/dam\/jcr:5a757ed4-a79f-48f3-8ba9-1c06a74d0c90\/2023-2024-nalcap-application-guidelines-eng.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Application Guidelines here<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>Placements<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>During your application, you\u2019ll fill out your preferred placements on where you\u2019d like to work as a <strong>language assistant<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p>This means that you\u2019re able to request which of the different Spanish regions you\u2019d like to work in.<\/p>\n<p>While specific placements aren\u2019t guaranteed, there are <strong>endless opportunities<\/strong> to teach and give back in all of the different communities in Spain!<\/p>\n<h3><strong>After Submission<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>After you\u2019ve gathered your documentation and created your account on the PROFEX portal, you\u2019re ready to submit!<\/p>\n<p>What happens after you\u2019ve entered the necessary information?<\/p>\n<p>Double check that your application status reads: <strong>INSCRITA<\/strong> (registered).<\/p>\n<p>Your application gets reviewed, and you will be assigned a position upon acceptance.<\/p>\n<p>From there, you\u2019ll receive your regional placement via email.<\/p>\n<p>Upon receipt of that email, you have a <strong>three-day window<\/strong> upon which to accept the offered position.<\/p>\n<p>Acceptance <em>must be completed<\/em> on the PROFEX portal.<\/p>\n<p>If you so choose to decline, simply don\u2019t reply to the email.<\/p>\n<p>You\u2019ll automatically be removed from the system after three days of no response.<\/p>\n<p>If you <em>do <\/em>choose to accept, congratulations! Your status should now read: <strong>PLAZA ACEPTADA. <\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Or simply, accepted placement.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>Don\u2019t Forget\u2026<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>After acceptance, you\u2019ll want to ensure you have the appropriate documentation needed to live abroad in Spain!<\/p>\n<p>Lastly, you can begin gathering the necessary application documents for a Spanish visa and your <a href=\"https:\/\/gogoespana.com\/en\/blog\/spanish-residence-card-tie\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">residency card (TIE)<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-40460 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/gogoespana.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Buchfavo-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"Buchfavo\" width=\"798\" height=\"532\" \/><\/p>\n<h2><strong>NALCAP in Spain \u2013 What to Expect<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>Serving as a linguistic role model in a classroom setting will look different for each instructor.<\/p>\n<p>Each <em>auxiliar<\/em> gets assigned a mentor while working under the program.<\/p>\n<p>This mentor will create your schedule for work and teaching.<\/p>\n<p>This will be who you assist in the classroom!<\/p>\n<p>Examples of what your time during class might look like include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Listening activities<\/li>\n<li>Speaking activities<\/li>\n<li>Games<\/li>\n<li>Icebreakers<\/li>\n<li>Films<\/li>\n<li>Presentations<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Depending on your mentor, the experience will vary.<\/p>\n<p>Some auxiliars will be asked to speak about things like specific traditions where you come from.<\/p>\n<h2><strong>NALCAP \u2013 Timelines<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>Above all, <strong>the NALCAP<\/strong> aims to bring the United States and Spain closer together through encouraging a broader knowledge of language and culture.<\/p>\n<p>To be a part of this, it\u2019s important to remember the timelines for <strong>program application and acceptance<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p>It\u2019s helpful to break the process down into seasons: fall, winter, spring, and summer.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>Fall<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>In the fall, you\u2019ll want to:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Ensure passport is up to date<\/li>\n<li>Request transcripts or diploma copy<\/li>\n<li>Request your letter of recommendation<\/li>\n<li>Create your account on PROFEX<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Additionally, this is also a good time to start researching which region you\u2019d prefer to be placed in.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>Winter<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>From January onward, you\u2019ll start to submit your application:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Application window is February 9<sup>th<\/sup> to April 4<sup>th<\/sup><\/li>\n<li>Gather your passport copy and the documentation copies as shown above\n<ul>\n<li>Transcripts, statement of purpose, and letter of recommendation<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li>Submit!<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><strong>Spring and Summer<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>In the spring (April) is when placement notices begin to go out.<\/p>\n<p>Another key point to remember is that you <em>must <\/em>accept your placement. Specifically <strong>within three days<\/strong> of receiving your placement email.<\/p>\n<p>After that, you\u2019ll receive your official letter of acceptance to the program!<\/p>\n<p>In June you\u2019ll want to begin preparing your visa application before your arrival in Spain.<\/p>\n<p>From there, you\u2019ll be living in Spain in no time.<\/p>\n<h2><strong>NALCAP in Spain \u2013 Fast Facts<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>Over 30 different countries take part in the program!<\/p>\n<p>You do receive paid vacations for holidays like Christmas and Easter.<\/p>\n<p>You can renew your placement each year for up to five years.<\/p>\n<p>The program length lasts for eight months (one school year).<\/p>\n<p>Remember that you will need to <a href=\"https:\/\/gogoespana.com\/en\/accommodation-in-spain\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">find your own accommodation<\/a> when working as a program member.<\/p>\n<p>In addition, program members should have a basic proficiency level of the Spanish language to take part.<\/p>\n<p>However, keep in mind that you will only be teaching in English or French while in the classroom!<\/p>\n<p>Finally, recall the application step where you\u2019re able to select a preferred region?<\/p>\n<p>There are <strong>17 different regions in Spain<\/strong> in which you can be placed! I.e.:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Galicia<\/li>\n<li>Cantabria<\/li>\n<li>Navarra<\/li>\n<li>Extremadura<\/li>\n<li>La Rioja<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>These <strong>Comunidades Aut\u00f3nomas<\/strong> all provide wonderful opportunities to explore while taking part in the program.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-37692 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/gogoespana.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/\u1109\u1173\u1111\u1166\u110b\u1175\u11ab-\u110b\u1165\u1102\u1173-\u110c\u1175\u110b\u1167\u11a8\u110b\u1166\u1109\u1165\u1103\u1169-\u1100\u1161\u1102\u1173\u11bc-1.jpg\" alt=\"NALCAP\" width=\"640\" height=\"640\" \/><\/p>\n<h2><strong>NALCAP \u2013 Building Ties<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>So, are you ready to be a part of the <strong>North American Language and Culture Assistants Program in Spain?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>If traveling to teach English in a school in Spain sounds like the right fit for you, don\u2019t hesitate to start the process today!<\/p>\n<p>Don\u2019t forget to familiarize yourself with any of the guidelines provided above.<\/p>\n<p>In addition, our team at Go! Go! Espa\u00f1a would be thrilled to <a href=\"https:\/\/gogoespana.com\/en\/#form\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">answer questions<\/a> you might have.<\/p>\n<p>As a cultural ambassador under the program, you will get the chance to teach English or French in one of the most exciting countries in the world.<\/p>\n<p>Placements are offered in all areas of Spain, allowing you to immerse yourself in the culture all while sharing your own.<\/p>\n<p>Being a part of NALCAP is surely an experience of a lifetime and one that\u2019s not to be missed.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>One of the most widely used public diplomacy programs available to interested language assistants is the North American Language and Culture Assistants Program (NALCAP). This program was built as a means to promote educational outreach and collaborative programs between Spain and some of North America (the United States and Canada). This cultural exchange program is [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":127,"featured_media":52450,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2050],"tags":[1525,1547,1730],"class_list":["post-52441","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-life-in-spain","tag-life-in-spain","tag-nalcap","tag-teach-in-spain"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/gogoespana.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/52441","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/gogoespana.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/gogoespana.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gogoespana.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/127"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gogoespana.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=52441"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/gogoespana.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/52441\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":52455,"href":"https:\/\/gogoespana.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/52441\/revisions\/52455"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gogoespana.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/52450"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/gogoespana.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=52441"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gogoespana.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=52441"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gogoespana.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=52441"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}