So BEDA sent out emails with group numbers and contact information for our schools. I’m in Group 4. What groups are my fellow BEDA people in? Hopefully, I’m in the same group as some of you!!
I’m planning to email my school contact person tomorrow to touch base and see if she could tell me what age group I’ll be working with. I’m sure it’s still much too early to know my schedule, but I’m hoping they have an idea of the ages since I’d like to be able to bring supplies and such accordingly.
I’m still in PR until mid-July so my updates will continue to be pretty sporadic. I am, however, very diligent about checking and responding to comments since the wordpress app on my iphone makes it super easy so I’ll definitely reply pretty quickly. I’m also replying to my emails (which I’ve gotten a few of in the past week) so feel free to email me as well to the email that is linked on the side of the blog 🙂
Lady in Spain 
Jul 04, 2012 @ 19:54:31
Group 6 here 🙂
Jul 05, 2012 @ 21:26:30
Also in group 4. I’m kind of bummed by the timing – it’ll definitely limit any travel on those weekends, but I think Samantha said it was only a few times per year?
I wish the schools would give us a breakdown of the hours too.
Jul 05, 2012 @ 21:55:12
Yeah, I was a little bummed at first about the time. But I’d prefer the afternoon to the morning, honestly. And I also think that it won’t be every Friday based on Samantha’s email so that’s nice.
I actually am planning on emailing my school contact to see if she can even give me a tentative idea of what my schedule might be like and the age group that I’ll be working with. My inner control freak is having issues with not having all the information I would like to have by now haha
Jul 05, 2012 @ 22:07:56
I thought I had emailed my school but apparently not! It’d be a good idea to do that, especially since they go on break soon.
Haha I think it’s normal to want to know a few details about what your life will be like for 9 months! Did you decide on staying with a family? I’ve looked into it as you suggested, and I have that option now.. but I kind of wonder how feasible/good it’d be with our schedules, especially for families with really young children!
Jul 05, 2012 @ 22:15:16
Yes, I finally decided on a family! I was lucky enough to have found families that were completely flexible with me regarding BEDA and the course at Comillas. On top of that, my weekends are free to do whatever I like. If you’re interested in being an au pair, the best thing is to be completely upfront regarding your obligations and expectations. I made sure the families knew that BEDA is a serious commitment and what they would require from me. Most of the families I spoke with were very understanding in that regard. I also made sure to look for families where the youngest child was already in school because I really don’t have the time to be a nanny. Luckily, most families just wanted me to help the kids with their homework and improve their English, which I am more than happy to help with 🙂
Jul 05, 2012 @ 22:17:45
That’s great! I found some really understanding families too, but I almost feel bad making the commitment when I don’t know my schedule (and also because I know I’ll want to travel a lot and generally just be my age lol). It’s a hard decision to make.
Jul 05, 2012 @ 22:22:10
I totally understand. It took me months to finally make the decision to commit to being an au pair. I had to make sure the family I picked only wanted me in the afternoons,too, since I’m working the maximum hours for BEDA so I figure that I’ll be at my school for the majority of the day. And I wanted a family that would let me be free on the weekends as well. It took me awhile, but I was able to find a few families that were really great.
It’s definitely not for everyone, though.
Jul 05, 2012 @ 22:30:27
I think if the kids around 6-12, it’ll be easy! Otherwise, it takes some extra effort. More power to you for being up to the task.
Jul 06, 2012 @ 07:19:13
Hi Yari! I just discovered your blog looking for the name of Plaza de Cervantes in Alcalá de Henares for my own site! Alcalá is GORGEOUS you are so lucky to have been placed there. I worked as an auxiliar for 2.5 years, and a few months of that were working for BEDA. If you have any questions feel free to reach out, and I also have lots of info. on my site SpanishSabores.com and teachandtravelspain.com. Good luck!