After much worrying and thinking and considering and reconsidering and praying and asking for advice for three whole months, my options came down to these during these past two days: go to New Zealand on a one-year BUNAC visa, or go to Spain and take the EBC course in January. Happily, I decided this very evening to come to Madrid with EBC in January (provided they accept my application!).
So, my sense of release from this prison that is small-town America, my peace and contentment is overwhelming - I am exhilirated now that I know I am leaving. I feel like dancing, knowing that I'll return to Madrid (spent a week there last year - a week's all it takes, I think).
Still have lots of questions and fears about accomodation, jobs, enough money, the language, like any normal person. But I have friends in Madrid in Barcelona, and since I have been lurking on this website for many weeks now and have finally posted, maybe I'll have more once I arrive....? Hope so.
Thanks to all who posted encouraging others to take the chance; it affected me, too. And don't worry about New Zealand; I have that option until I'm 35 years old, so I can always take it later, right?
Finally, I would like to mention that 'the Heart vs. the Wallet' thread finally pushed me over the edge: I realized that if I waited for the day when I felt I had enough money, that day would never come, that if I waited long enough, I would miss my opportunity. Now I've seized it; carpe diem.
Besos to all!
Posts: 37 | Location: Indiana, USA | Registered: 23 September 2005
Hello, lady jade. I'm also from Indiana =) I live in Chicago, though. I, too, will be moving to Madrid in January. Sooo...we'll have to be in touch as far as planning and the such and keep each other excited! And, of course, we'll have to let each other know how things go after we arrive.
Chad
Posts: 16 | Location: Chicago | Registered: 25 July 2005
Hi ladyjade. It's nice to see your post. Like you, I have also considered the Bunac program in NZ. It looks like an amazing opportunity. But for now I think that Madrid would work better for me.
So I just wanted to know how things are going for you there with regards to teaching, etc. Also, have you made attempts to get new stamps on your passport? I think that's my biggest concern.
I'm 30 years old and currently live in Miami.
Well I hope to hear from you.
Posts: 7 | Location: USA | Registered: 09 June 2005
Hi, sorry it took me so long to reply; don't come to the forums as often as I used to now that I know Madrid much better.
I haven't put any more interesting stamps in my passport other than a normal one for England, which oddly enough I only had strange entry ones - BUNAC, Eurostar, etc. I have been off to Lisbon and southern France as well as bits of Spain which has all been very enjoyable.
Actually teaching English has been rather satisfying. You get to watch the students use the very grammar and vocab you taught them as they try to make conversation. You learn a lot, about yourself, patience, how to explain things, to listen to yourself, to speak properly, all to finance living in a great place.
Alas I am going home after what will have been one year in Madrid, mostly for family reasons. Maybe in 5 years I'll be on my way to New Zealand; we have to see about the situation of world politics, don't we?
Don't let that be discouraging, though. Madrid is a great city: fun, full of life, great weather, nightlife, safe, beautiful, good food, cheap and efficient transportation, centrally located in Spain. There are some drawbacks, and they deal primarily with getting papers sorted out as well as the schedules teachers must construct to earn enough Euros - can cause burnout - it's not particularly daunting teaching English nor living in Madrid. I'd recommend it to anyone who had the guts to stay the course when things got tough and wants it enough. I do intend to return, after all, just not necessarily to Spain.
Hope that helps. Let me know what happens. By the way, I am trying to put a Morocco stamp in the passport as well...will update if I do.
Posts: 37 | Location: Indiana, USA | Registered: 23 September 2005
