There’s this moment every auxiliar hits, whether you admit it or not. It’s not at the beginning of the year when everything feels new and exciting. And it’s not quite at the end either. It’s somewhere in the middle, when the routine has settled in, and Spain starts to feel a little more like real life than a dream. And then the question creeps in: What am I doing after this?
Do I stay? Do I go home? Do I pivot completely? Here’s the honest answer no one really tells you: you don’t need to have your entire life figured out, not even close, but you do need a direction. And the best time to start figuring that out? January through mid-February, no later.
I’m serious about that window. Because if there’s one thing you’ll learn about living in Spain, it’s that things don’t always go as planned. Especially when it comes to programs, timelines, and anything involving paperwork. There are delays, changes, unexpected announcements, and sometimes a whole lot of uncertainty. Just look at what happened with the language assistants program in 2025/2026.
There was so much up in the air that a lot of people were left scrambling, hoping things would work out, only to realize they had put all their trust into one option. And by the time they started looking elsewhere, deadlines had already passed, and that’s the part that stings.
It’s not that there weren’t other opportunities. It’s that people didn’t move soon enough to secure them. NALCAP has had its fair share of unpredictability, and it’s something people don’t always talk about until it directly affects them. There were instances where placements were initially offered in Andalucía, only to be revoked and reassigned to applicants who had been displaced after the region pulled out of the program. That alone created a ripple effect, leaving thousands of people either stuck at home or suddenly adjusting to completely different regions in Spain.
Then the following year, the Valencia region also stepped away due to the ongoing investigation that began in Andalucía. And when you really think about it, those are two of the biggest and most popular regions. When they’re no longer options, it doesn’t just shift things slightly; it completely changes the landscape. Fewer placements, more competition, and a lot more uncertainty for everyone involved.
It’s a reminder that even the most established programs aren’t guaranteed. Things can change quickly, and sometimes without much warning. For me, going into my second year, I already knew I couldn’t rely on my current path. So the moment applications opened for another program, I applied within days. And thank God I did!
Because shortly after, there was a surge of applicants. People were reacting to the uncertainty, trying to find backup plans. Applications closed earlier than expected, and suddenly, options were limited. That could’ve easily been me, and that’s exactly why I’m saying this to you now.
You don’t need to know every detail of your future, but by January, you should at least know the direction you’re leaning toward. If you’re ready to go home, that’s simple. Finish your year, enjoy your time, soak it all in, and leave on a high note. But if you even think you might want to stay, whether it’s another year or something longer, that’s your sign to start moving.
Research your options. Look into different programs. Pay attention to deadlines and application openings. Start preparing your documents. Ask questions. Get ahead of it. The reality is, you can apply to multiple programs. And honestly, you probably should. Think of it as building a safety net while you’re still going after your Plan A. Nothing says you have to put all your hopes into one option and just hope it works out. Having backups gives you flexibility and, more importantly, peace of mind.
Now, here’s the one part you need to be aware of. With some programs, once you officially accept a placement or confirm your participation, it can count as a year in the program, even if you later decide not to go through with it. So you do want to be mindful about when you’re saying “yes” versus just keeping your options open.
That said, there’s still room to move smart. If your Plan A comes through and you get accepted somewhere else, you can absolutely decline other offers; the key is timing. As long as you communicate early and respectfully, programs can usually offer your spot to someone else without any issue. So the goal isn’t to lock yourself into everything, it’s to keep doors open until you’re sure which one you actually want to walk through.
But what you don’t want is to be in a position where you have no options at all. Because that’s when it stops feeling like a choice and starts feeling like you’re being forced into one. And no one moves across the world for an experience like this just to feel stuck at the end of it.
So if there’s anything you take from this, let it be this: Start thinking about your next step in January. Give yourself until mid-February at the absolute latest. Not to have everything perfectly planned, but to create options for yourself. Because having options? That’s freedom. And in a life like this, that’s everything.
To find more information on what your next step could be, check out these blogs -> Auxiliar Programs in Spain: What They Are, What They Cost, and What They Actually Cost, and Auxiliar Avenues in Spain: Real Ways to Legally Stay After Your Program
Love always,
American Girl Meets World
