BEDA FAQ
What is BEDA?
According to their site, BEDA (Bilingual English Development & Assessment) is a program that “offers the opportunity to live in Spain as a Language & Culture Assistant, get valuable experience working in a classroom, learn about the rich and enticing culture of Spain and have an eye-opening, unforgettable experience while providing an enriching addition to your resume.”
Is BEDA very competitive?
I would say BEDA is more selective than competitive in terms of their participants. There are certain things that will give you an advantage:
- Knowing Spanish
- Experience living abroad (especially in Spain)
- TEFL certificate
- Education degree
- Experience working with children
Having any of the things above will give you a GREAT advantage. It’s not like BEDA gets a TON of applications. Generally, for each opening, they have 2 candidates. At least, that’s what the coordinator told me during my interview last year when I asked her about the odds of being accepted/rejected. However, the program has gotten a lot more fame so that ratio may have increased this year.
Also, it doesn’t matter when you submit your application. BEDA is not like the Ministry program where preference is given to those who apply earlier.
What is the Skype interview like and when did you find out about yours?
I received an email about a week after I submitted my application informing me of the date and time of my Skype interview. I know things are different this year, however, because the application period ends in January as oppose to March like last year. So I don’t know if the coordinator has already sent out emails letting people know when their interview is for or if she will start to do that after the application period ends.
As far as the interview, it’s nothing to stress over. First of all, the interview is in ENGLISH. The only question the coordinator asked me was my preference regarding what age group I wanted to teach and the number of hours I wanted to work. The rest of the interview was me asking her all of the questions I had about the program and living in Spain in general. Think of the interview as your opportunity to highlight any experience you have that makes you a good candidate and to show how enthusiastic you are about the program. My interview lasted a grand total of 7 minutes and I think that was the average time for most of them.
What exactly do you do at your school?
This question really depends on your school and the coordinators for the BEDA program there. At the school I am at now, I only work with the English teachers. I teach 1 and 2 ESO (so the equivalent of 7th and 8th graders) and 1 Bachillerato (equivalent of juniors in HS). With my ESO kids, I take half of the class for 25 minutes and do whatever activity the teacher and I have decided on, then I switch and take the other half of the class for 25 minutes and do the same thing. I take my half of the class to a laboratory so I am on my own with them during that time. With my Bachillerato students, I teach them on my own for 55 minutes. I do the listening and speaking section of their English book for whatever unit they’re on and then whatever activity I would like for the remainder of the class time.
Each auxiliar will tell you they do something different. Also, it depends greatly on the age group you teach. I enjoy having the older kids because I find that I can do more activities with them that I enjoy and are a bit more challenging.
Can you live off of the monthly stipend?
First off, your stipend will depend on how many hours you work. So you could earn anywhere from 900-1200€. Most auxiliares will tell you that you’re going to have to supplement the stipend by giving private classes…and that’s true. I don’t, but that’s only because I live with a family so I don’t pay for rent or food. It’s always toughest the first few months, but once you learn how to manage your money and start to get a good grip on private classes, you’ll see the stipend is plenty.
Has BEDA ever had payment issues like the Ministry program?
No, BEDA has never had payment issues. The auxiliares are always paid on-time via direct deposit at the end of every month.
Do we get to decide when we take the mandatory course with Comillas and how long is it?
No, you have no say when you take this course. You will be assigned a group and once that happens you will be given a day and time for the course. This year, most of the classes are on Fridays, either in the morning or evening depending on how many hours you work.
The class generally lasts about 3 hours. Somedays it’s not that bad and others you can’t wait for it to be over, but I would say I have definitely found the courses to be helpful.
How much assistance does the program give with getting all your paperwork/cards/bank/apt when you get there?
BEDA is EXTREMELY helpful in getting you all set up. During orientation, we filled out all the paperwork in order to get our NIEs. This was such a relief for me. They provided all the documents we needed and let us know exactly how we needed to proceed. BEDA handles making the NIE appointment for you and sends you an email letting you know when your appointment is. You go with a group of other auxiliares and a worker from BEDA to your appointment at the police station when it’s time for you to file all the paperwork to get your NIE. I really can’t express enough how helpful BEDA is with that whole process.
BEDA also sets up your bank account for you. At orientation, we received our account information and debit card. All you have to do is make sure to go to the bank again once you have your NIE to switch your account over from extranjero to residente.
During orientation, you also fill out all the paperwork regarding your contract and your enrollment with Comillas for the course. The only thing BEDA does not help you with is finding an apartment. But I’m sure they could give you some tips/advice if you emailed them.
Do you enjoy being an Au Pair? Can you really do this while participating in BEDA?
Yes, I really love being an au pair. Granted, I don’t really see myself that way. It really feels more like I was adopted into this family. I loveeeeee the family I live with. I refer to the parents as my Spain Mom and Spain Dad and I love the kids as if they were my siblings. Obviously it’s possible to do something like this while participating in BEDA since I’m doing it 🙂 I would HIGHLY recommend it because I feel like you gain a whole new experience by living with a family rather than on your own or with roommates. It really is a matter of finding a family that you feel is a good fit for you. Don’t make the decision lightly, however, because it is a big commitment.
I think that covers most of the questions I get about the program. If I missed any or if you have another, please leave it in a comment below. I would also recommend joining the BEDA facebook group. It’s a great place to ask questions to BEDA auxiliares.
Lady in Spain 
Mar 18, 2013 @ 00:37:53
Are you doing BEDA again next year?
Mar 18, 2013 @ 00:44:19
Yup! I just purchased my round trip flight to visit home today 🙂
Mar 18, 2013 @ 00:58:21
Congrats!! Did they Tell you when they would be accepting new applicants?
Mar 18, 2013 @ 01:38:58
They mentioned that they would start informing people in the first weeks of April. People may find out later though because a lot depends on the current people in BEDA deciding to renew or not. Once they know for sure who isn’t renewing, they can be confident in giving out new acceptances. So even if you get put on the wait-list, don’t dispair! There is still a good chance that you could get in 🙂
Apr 10, 2013 @ 16:35:35
Thx so much for the insightful info! 😀 I have my BEDA interview manana
Apr 10, 2013 @ 17:59:22
Glad I could be of help! Definitely contact me if you have any questions or doubts 🙂
P.S. I just went through your page really quickly and you take gorgeous photos!! Can’t wait to see the amazing pics you’d take in Spain!
Apr 11, 2013 @ 18:40:55
Thx so much!! And most definitely i’ll forward you any questions. 🙂
Pray I get the job too. 🙂
And im glad u love the pics! Can’t wait to bring my camera to Spain.
Apr 15, 2013 @ 19:26:03
I was put on the wait-list today 😦 crossing my fingers that there is still a chance! P.S I love your blog!
Apr 15, 2013 @ 19:28:40
Definitely still a chance! I know a few people who were wait listed and got in. Not everyone accepts their placement and some renewals drop out so there are always spots opening up during this time.
Apr 15, 2013 @ 19:50:12
Thanks for the quick reply Yari! I feel a little better now knowing that:)
Apr 19, 2013 @ 00:30:28
I also got wait-listed from Beda, and with an education major and lots of teaching experience. It made me even more disappointed when one of my friends with very little teaching experience, but a Spanish major and better Spanish, was chosen because I thought the program was based more on the teaching experience 😦 Maybe it has something to do with the areas we requested (her anywhere and me just Madrid) I do feel better though knowing that there’s still hope! Thanks for being positive!! 🙂
Apr 22, 2013 @ 22:54:45
BEDA does look highly on people with a decent Spanish level because it makes dealing with your school and students 1000x easier. While you should only speak to your students in English, I find that the best way for me to handle classroom behavioral problems is by disciplining them in Spanish. It doesn’t do me any good to reprimand them in English if they don’t know what I’m saying. But, if you have teaching experience and you’re on the waitlist, I wouldn’t lose hope! And you’ll pick up Spanish pretty well once your here 🙂
Apr 21, 2013 @ 01:18:13
Hi! I found out this week that I got accepted into the BEDA program and I am so excited! I spent a semester in Granada, Spain last year, and I’m so excited to go back to Spain!
I have been assigned to work in Cordoba. Do you know about how many people from your group were assigned to Cordoba?
Also, I would LOVE to be an aupair, but I have been having trouble finding families in Cordoba on the free aupair sites. On aupair.com I found a family that looks great and that lives near where I would be working. But aupair.com requires a fee to see family contact information. Do you know anything about that site, and do you think it is worth it to pay the fee to potentially stay with a great family? Did you move in with your family before the program started and do you do housework along with take care of the kids? How many hours were you assigned for the program? I only ended up with 17hrs/wk.
Sorry to send so many questions your way, but I couldn’t help it when I came across your blog! 🙂
Apr 22, 2013 @ 23:00:47
Hey! Congrats on your placement!! The south of Spain is beautiful! I, personally, don’t know of anyone placed there but I’m sure if you asked in the BEDA Facebook group, you’d find someone.
As far as au pairing, I used aupairworld.net. It’s free and you can contact the families with no fee. The family I live with actually contacted me on the site. I moved in with them as soon as I arrived to Spain, 2 weeks before starting the program. I don’t have to do any housework with my family. I honestly don’t even feel like an au pair, I feel like I’m an adopted member of the family, which is amazing 🙂
Apr 21, 2013 @ 19:55:46
Feliz Domingo!
I had my BEDA interview last week! Samantha sounds so nice =]
I really do thank you Yari for being so informing and resourceful in regards to the program, I hadn’t even heard of it until I came across your blog. Now I’m anxiously awaiting what could be a life-changing experience. :0]
Apr 22, 2013 @ 23:02:42
I’m so glad that my blog helped you discover the program! Hopefully, I’ll be seeing you around Spain the next school year 🙂
Apr 26, 2013 @ 01:34:32
All of your information on BEDA is amazing! I’m wait-listed right now and have a ton of teaching experience so I guess I still have a shot, but I also have a really low number with Auxiliares so I’m going to Spain one way or another! 🙂 And there’s always next year if I don’t get BEDA now. Thanks for all your great information on life abroad, and your positivity!
Apr 27, 2013 @ 21:36:56
How did you find a family to live with? I’m doing BEDA this year and think it would be so cool to live with a family!
Apr 27, 2013 @ 21:42:01
I used the website aupairworld.net. It’s free and all you have to do it make a profile on the page. You can contact families you’re interested in and they can contact you.
May 07, 2013 @ 23:29:17
Thank you for all of your help! I am definitely doing BEDA in the fall and I was wondering if you had trouble paying your deposit to accept the program offer? I have to make an international transfer to pay the deposit, but no matter how many times I try, I cannot get my bank to accept Spain’s IBAN number. Did you ever deal with this?
May 08, 2013 @ 18:00:32
This is the first year that BEDA has done a fee so I’m not familiar with how to do it from the States. It was easy for the ones already in the program because we could just do a transfer from our bank here since it’s the same one that BEDA has. I can ask around and let you know what I find out though. I think someone mentioned using a site instead.
May 17, 2013 @ 05:38:21
i noticed the pay is listed as “gross”. how much do you take home after taxes? i got accepted and offered 1200.
May 18, 2013 @ 15:49:53
They take out 9% of your pay so you just have to calculate 9% of 1200.
May 23, 2013 @ 19:27:51
Hello! I have been accepted into the BEDA from for this coming year, and I know that you decided to be an Au Pair so you didn’t have to go apartment shopping while you were there, but in your opinion and from your observations of other BEDA participants, how easy is it to find an apartment in September if you decide to wait till your there to search for one your first couple of weeks there?
May 23, 2013 @ 19:44:12
Honestly, it’s not hard at all. That’s what most people end up doing. As long as you research a little beforehand and have an idea of the area you want and your cap on rent, it’s pretty easy. Idealista is a great site to use to look at apartments and get an idea of the price range in different areas.
Jun 06, 2013 @ 16:36:00
Hello! So interesting, thank you for posting! I’m doing to government program starting in september, but I feel like this is a great alternative to the complicated renewal process. What about the visa situation for BEDA? Is it a long term student visa like in the government program?
Jun 06, 2013 @ 19:20:03
You get the exact same visa as the ministry program. And if you decide to swtich programs, you would have to return home and get another visa rather than being able to stay in Spain for the summer. Just something to keep in mind.
Jun 06, 2013 @ 22:03:32
hey so i have a couple questions im hoping you can answer!
about the 9% tax.. do you get a portion of that back eventually? I’m not too familiar with taxes.
what else is taken out each month? I heard someone mention 25e to make sure you’re going to the classes or something and you get it back at the end?
Idk why I’m having so much trouble finding this answer, but is the class at comillas 2 times a month or 1 time a month?
Finally, does everyone teach 5 days a week, or is it possible to discuss it with your school and get 4 days per week? i have 24 hrs but considering switching down to 18. I still want to be able to go places on the weekends without feeling like i only have one full day there.
thanks for your help Yari!
Jun 06, 2013 @ 22:34:08
Yes, you get that tax back around May during tax season here. You fill out a form online and the money is deposited into your bank account.
And yes, 25€ is taken out every month, but you get that back in June if you attended the Comillas courses. The class is twice a month, generally. If you test out of the Spanish classes, you have even less class. And pretty much everyone was done with classes around April.
Most people teach 5 days a week. I have 18 hours, but I work 5 days. I could have negotiated 4 days, but that meant having to come in at 8 am on one of the days, and I opted out of that because I love sleep haha
I hope I was able to answer all of your questions, if you have any others, feel free to write me again 🙂
Jun 06, 2013 @ 23:08:53
awesome!! thanks so much for the quick reply!
a few follow up questions:
Do you know if everyone gets 100% of the taxes back, or do different BEDA-ers qualify for different tax brackets?
was the test-out test difficult? im a spanish major but that doesn’t mean my spanish is that great haha
do you think i would be able to negotiate 4 days a week working 24 hrs, or is that highly unlikely?
thanks so much!! this is a huge help
Jun 06, 2013 @ 23:14:25
I’m not quite sure how the tax back thing goes exactly. Obviously it’s based on your income so someone working 18 hours won’t be getting the same amount as someone with 24.
I’m not the best person to ask regarding the Spanish test since I’m bilingual so I found it very easy. But I think you should be more than okay as a Spanish major. It really tested having a basic knowledge and grasp on the language.
The coordinators at the schools are really nice (at least the ones at mine are) and if say that you’d like to work your hours within 4 days, I’m sure many would try to accommodate you if it’s possible. No harm in asking them once you get the contact information (they usually send that out around July or so).
Jun 10, 2013 @ 03:12:29
Thanks Yari!! I appreciate your help! Good luck with everything, and maybe I’ll meet you at some point next year!
Jun 10, 2013 @ 18:32:43
Firstly, I would like to say that this is an awesome blog! I am so glad that I found it! You’re living it up and doing it right! haha
I do have a question about the BEDA program (perhaps it’s silly but I can’t seem to find info. about it). Does BEDA accept rolling applications or is there a specific deadline for each year? I’m assuming BEDA isn’t accepting applications for the upcoming 2013 school year, so I was hoping to try for next year. I would really appreciate any help or input! Thanks so much!
Jun 10, 2013 @ 18:37:40
There is a specific deadline every year. This year, they started at the beginning of November and went through the first week of February.
Be on the look out on here around November, I’ll be sure to make a post letting people know when the application period is.
Jun 10, 2013 @ 19:15:22
Hi Yari, thank you so much for the quick reply! I’ll definitely be on the look out. All the best to you =)
Jun 15, 2013 @ 21:26:02
Hi Yari! When you were working on your VISA application, did you get a state background check or an FBI one? I was going to use the FBI, but at this point I’m scared it will take too long. I went to college outside of my home state; did you go to school out of state, and if so did you have to get two state background checks? Thanks so much! I’m in communication with my consulate but they take such a long time to reply.
Jun 17, 2013 @ 20:23:28
I got the state background check, but that was because my consulate accepted both state and FBI background checks. Check to make sure that your consulate accepts state background checks before you do all the paperwork so you don’t end up paying for it for nothing and having to cough up more money again for the FBI background check is that’s the only one your consulate accepts. My consulate was the one in DC and they definitely accept state background checks.
Jun 17, 2013 @ 23:52:41
Thanks so much! My consulate does take state background checks and it seems to be a faster process. Now I just need to figure out if I need two state background checks bc I went to college in a different state than my home. I asked the consulate but they weren’t helpful haha.
Jul 01, 2013 @ 02:08:58
this blog is a god-send! thank you so much for your detailed explanations and opinions! i’m also a fellow Marylander 🙂
Jul 17, 2013 @ 22:47:47
Hi Yari – Maybe this is a dumb question, but is the BEDA stipend per month or per the entire school year?
Jul 17, 2013 @ 22:52:17
The stipend is per month. We were paid at the end of each month this past year.
Jul 22, 2013 @ 13:27:13
Hi!! I just wanted to thank you so much for the information you have provided here, it is extremely helpful! I’m also sorry to bug you, but I have a few lingering questions as my husband and I prepare to apply for BEDA. Firstly, we are a couple! Did you know of any couples in your intake, and how their process went? Secondly, when it comes to the visa process, what documents were necessary and did you get those documents AFTER you were accepted or start gathering them beforehand? Thirdly, what is the starting date of BEDA applicants? You mentioned an orientation so I presume everyone starts together.
My husband and I are currently teaching in South Korea through the EPIK program for our second year so we have been through ALLLLLL of this document stuff a million times over! But, besides being in a different county, we are an international couple (NZ and USA) so it makes getting background checks and stuff really complicated. Therefore I want to get an early start. We’d so appreciate your advice, THANKS A TON!
Aug 19, 2013 @ 02:21:27
Wow, so sorry for my super late reply! I know a few other married couples who have done BEDA, so the process should be fairly simple. Just make sure to notify them when you apply that your spouse is also applying.
As far as visa requirements, it differs depending on your consulate. Mine was DC, which one would you all be using? And since you’ve been abroad, you would need background checks from South Korea. Some of the other documents are your medical certificate and acceptance letter to the program.
I started getting my documents together early so that when I got accepted all I had to do was get the Apostille on them.
Aug 09, 2013 @ 06:22:37
Hola! I’ve really enjoy reading your blog. I’m really hoping to apply to BEDA and Auxiliares programs whenever the application period opens. I’ve started my own blog to document my experiences. I’m a Spanish teacher, and I’ve traveled abroad some, so I’m hoping that these things will help my qualifications for BEDA!
Aug 17, 2013 @ 17:19:16
This is such a helpful blog! Yari, my boyfriend and I want to teach Spanish by the end of 2014 and have been looking into the Cultural assistantship through the Spanish ministry and BEDA. For BEDA, what kind of TEFL certification do they accept? And which ones would you recommend? Online or in-person? Also, any chance that you know if it is easy or difficult that my boyfriend and I, if accepted, could be placed in the same region? And the last question that I can think of right now, what is the specific link to the application? I’ve googled and have found a couple but if you can direct me to the correct one that would be great!
Thanks in advance! 🙂
Aug 19, 2013 @ 02:15:42
I’m glad my blog has been helpful for you. BEDA does not require any TEFL certificate. So no worries about that 🙂 The coordinators of BEDA are very accommodating, so I’m sure that if you both got accepted and emailed them requesting to be placed near each other, it wouldn’t be an issue. The application link can be found here, but it’s not up yet since the application period hasn’t started yet.
Aug 30, 2013 @ 22:12:24
I love your blog. Thank you for all of the inspirational and helpful information. I am wanting to teach english in Spain but only for the summer. I do not want to be a camp councilor, but teach in a school or for a company. Do you have any recommendations?
Thanks so much!
Sep 19, 2013 @ 19:18:26
A program like TTMadrid might be a good thing for you to look into if you’re only interested in the summer. And you get the added bonus of getting TEFL certified 🙂
http://www.ttmadrid.com/index.php
Aug 31, 2013 @ 22:40:06
Thanks for all of the information! When does the application period start? What documents should I have ready? I’m a 3rd year Spanish teacher and my degree was in Spanish/Education. I’m really hoping that I have a good chance of getting in the program. I would really like to live with a family even if I have to pay rent. I’m just not sure about having time to be an aupair. Any suggestions of how to find a family with a room available? How else can I be preparing? Do you have any suggestions for the best camera and computer to take abroad? I’m want to invest in those soon.
Sep 19, 2013 @ 19:16:37
Generally, the application period starts around the end of December. They haven’t announced the dates yet. Just keep your eyes on the website to check and see when it’s up. You don’t need much for the application. Most times they’ll ask for you CV and a statement letter (no longer than a page) stating why you want to do the program and what makes you a good candidate.
My au pair family found me on aupairworld.net I would highly recommend that site if you’re interested in au pairing.
I just used a plain old point and shoot camera, but I’m not a huge photography buff so that so fine with me. As far as computers, I brought my macbook and had no issues whatsoever. Most computers are already built to be able to handle the european voltage, so you should be good with any computer.
Sep 01, 2013 @ 16:42:39
Hola! Great blog with tons of great info! I saw a question above about a married couple who are both applying for the program. What are the chances that a married applicant with a non-teaching partner would be accepted? I am a Spanish teacher with a husband who is very willing to learn, travel and do anything. We’re always seeking out opportunities for us to live in a Spanish-speaking country, but realize that our situation is unique. Any insight from your perspective would be appreciated! Mil gracias!
Sep 19, 2013 @ 19:13:12
I mean, he could come along, but he wouldn’t be legal in the country if he doesn’t have a visa. Even if he has no background in teaching, he could still apply to BEDA and that way you could both do the program together. That would likely be your best bet.
Sep 06, 2013 @ 15:48:34
My friend and I are wanting to apply together. What are the odds that we are placed at the same school??
Sep 19, 2013 @ 19:11:52
I’ve never heard of friends getting placed in the same school before. Some schools don’t even have more than 1 auxiliar. You could always ask and see if they could accommodate you two together, or at least, near each other’s schools.
Sep 20, 2013 @ 18:59:16
Hi!
Great blog!
I really hope I’m not repeating another question, but for the application, did they ask for a recommendation? What exactly does the application entail? Thanks so much!!
Sep 21, 2013 @ 03:43:03
BEDA doesn’t require a recommendation. The application changed from when I applied, but you fill out a very simple form online and submit your CV along with a short statement (no longer than a page) saying why you want to do the program and why you’re a good candidate.
Oct 10, 2013 @ 20:40:17
Hi Yari,
How did you find a family to live with? Do you know how a teaching assistant could find a family situation like yours, or a host family? Also, did living with a family limit your ability to travel or keep friends may be visiting from the US from staying with you?
Thanks!
Ashley
Oct 10, 2013 @ 21:51:52
HI Ashley,
I found my family (actually they found me) on aupairworld.net. They messaged me saying they were interested in me staying with them. WE exchanged info and arranged to talk on skype. As soon as I spoke with the mom, I knew they were the family for me. The main thing you want to do when searching for an au pair family is to be very upfront about your expectations of what your responsibilities would entail. I wanted a family that would allow me to have my weekends for me and knew form the beginning that a big part of my being in Spain was so that I could travel Europe. My family was supremely encouraging in all my travels. I traveled during every holiday break and quite a few of the long weekends. I was able to travel so much because of the fact that I was living with a family and didn’t have to worry about rent and groceries. My Spain family also made it very clear that if any friends wanted to visit me, they were more than welcome.
Being an au pair is definitely possible and can be a great experience as long as you find a family that you feel is the right fit for you. Another thing that I really liked about my setup was that my room was in the basement so it was separate from everyone else’s rooms. I also had my own bathroom. It’s the little things like this that can make all the difference when being an au pair.
Oct 11, 2013 @ 03:34:32
Thank you, Yari!
This information is very helpful. I have fallen in love with the idea of teaching in Spain and am working through all the logistics in my head. So, thank you for answering my questions.
I was considering the different living options: working as an aupair, living with different roommates, having a host family, or living alone. I am a little worried about the aupair position in that some may require housework and maybe other tasks that don’t necessary involve working with children. I was wondering if you knew about people who found home stays, or just families to live with, where rent wasn’t as expensive and they were also somewhat part of the family?
Thanks again!
Ashley
Dec 11, 2013 @ 19:58:26
Hey Yari!
Just wondering if you knew anyone who ever had to go home for a family emergency for a week or so and what BEDA did about it? Do you know if they cut your pay or what the protocol is (making it much harder to afford getting there and back again)? I may need to go home for an impending family situation but don’t want to bring it up unless it turns out to be completely necessary!
Thank youu!
Dec 11, 2013 @ 23:50:32
I never had a situation like that where I needed to go home. The main thing would be to discuss it with your school first and make sure they would be okay with it and then once you have their approval, contact BEDA. I’m sure if you explain what your situation is you’ll find that they’ll be very kind and accommodating.
Dec 30, 2013 @ 02:30:48
I found out about BEDA from your writeup on Young Adventuress’ blog, and I’ve been reading so much about the program since! Your blog, Young Adventuress and Traveling Natural are the three I’ve been cross-referencing religiously for all questions on BEDA/UCETAM, along with the program websites. I would prefer BEDA though, because of the courses at Comillas! I’m working on my application right now to apply. Unfortunately though, I don’t have any of the things you listed that give you an advantage. I do have a university degree though, and I did live in Greece and Italy but only for a summer each, if that’s any help for me? 😦 …. Hopefully I get into the program though, my mind is already racing with excitement at the idea! It sounds like a truly amazing experience. I don’t speak Spanish but I’m going to try to learn as much as I can (knowing Italian certainly makes it much easier!) to prepare just in case. I also saw that you need to speak Spanish to be in the aupair program, and it’s something I would really love to do. Thank you so much for providing so much information on the program, it’s been extremely helpful for me and I’m sure many others 🙂
Jan 01, 2014 @ 01:20:29
Don’t worry about not having the things I listed that give you an advantage. Plenty of people get into the program with no experience with kids and with a near to nonexistent spanish level. Just make sure you really sell yourself during the interview process. And you definitely don’t need to speak Spanish to be an au pair. In fact, a lot of families prefer people who don’t so they are forced to use English only.
Dec 30, 2013 @ 02:37:18
I found out about BEDA from your writeup on Young Adventuress’ blog, and I’ve been reading so much about the program since. Your blog, Young Adventuress and Traveling Natural are the three I’ve been cross-referencing religiously for all questions on BEDA/UCETAM, along with the program websites (I would prefer BEDA though, because of the courses at Comillas!) I’m working on my application right now to apply, but I don’t have any of the things you listed that give you an advantage, except a university degree. No Spanish, no TESOL, no experience with children and no experience living abroad (unless living with family in Greece and Italy for a summer each count, lol). Hopefully I get into the program though, my mind is already racing with excitement at the idea. It sounds like a truly amazing experience. Another thing, I am going to try and learn as much Spanish as I can (and knowing Italian definitely makes it a lot easier!) to prepare just in case. I would love to participate in the Aurpair program, but I took a peek at their website and you do need to speak Spanish to qualify. I can’t thank you enough for providing so much information on the program, it’s been extremely helpful for me and I hope I have a chance!
Feb 04, 2014 @ 15:03:02
Hi! Thanks for your blog, it’s got some really useful info. I’m currently in my third year as a language assistant but as i’m not guaranteed a place next time round i;m now thinking of applying for this program. My question is, are you able to choose a city? I really couldn’t imagine myself living in Madrid. When do they usually tell you that you have a place?
Feb 17, 2014 @ 20:19:45
You don’t get to choose a city, but definitely let them know your preference. The BEDA coordinators try to be a accommodating as possible. I didn’t know my location until the beginning of May, I believe. And then they emailed me a few days later with my colegio.
Nov 18, 2020 @ 00:15:41
Hello! This is a great blog!
I have a question: Do you still get paid during the summer school holidays? I mean, do you still receive the BEDA stipend while the schools are closed for the summer holidays?
Thank you very much in advance.
Flor.
Nov 18, 2020 @ 03:35:58
Not to my knowledge. You are only paid the months you actively work. This is partly why so many auxiliares offer clases particulares for extra cash.