Look, no program is perfect, even the ones we dream about doing for a change. NALCAP has some serious perks, but let’s be real: there are some cons you need to know before you jump in. Here are some drawbacks to consider:
Let’s start with the elephant in the (very small, underheated) piso: you are not paid a livable wage. Depending on your region, your monthly stipend ranges from 700 to 1,000 euros, and that’s before rent, groceries, transportation, phone bills, and basic survival.
This isn’t a “build your savings” type of job; it’s a “budget like your life depends on it” situation. And while it’s possible to get by (especially in smaller towns), you will feel it.
There’s no onboarding team waiting to hold your hand when you land. NALCAP is a very DIY program; you’re responsible for finding your own housing, roommates, phone plan, bank account, and every other tiny piece of adulting in a foreign country.
There’s no housing assistance, no relocation stipend, and no one to call when your landlord only speaks Spanish and your SIM card doesn’t work. You figure it out, or you find someone who’s already figured it out and hope they’re nice.
I wish I could tell you that the program is organized, efficient, and responsive. But no, you’ll likely wait weeks (or months) for email replies, especially during the application and placement process.
Whether it’s waiting to find out where you’re placed or asking for help with visa documents, prepare for long delays, vague answers, or no answers at all. It’s not personal, it’s just Spain.
This one hits hard. Depending on your region, your first paycheck might not show up until November, or even later. That means you’ll be living off savings for your first month or two, and there’s not much you can do to speed it up.
Add to that the fact that you’re on a student visa and legally “not authorized to work,” and it becomes very tricky to supplement your income while you wait. Many assistants turn to private tutoring (which is technically under the table), but it’s not guaranteed, and you’re on your own to find students.
Sometimes you get lucky and your school welcomes you like family. Other times, you’re treated like a temporary visitor who’s “just here for a few months.” You might not have much say in what you teach, and some days you’ll just be standing awkwardly at the back of the classroom. The experience really varies by placement, and that inconsistency can be frustrating.
NALCAP comes with its own set of visa restrictions, often leaving you with a visa that isn’t “authorized” for additional work. This limitation can make it a real headache when you’re juggling late payments or planning to pick up a side hustle just to make ends meet. You’re stuck between having the chance to expand your income and the legal limitations that hold you
Even though you’re technically eligible to do NALCAP for up to 5 years, each year requires reapplying, waiting again, and possibly getting placed in a different region. There’s no guarantee of continuity, and it’s not a permanent work visa.
If you’re looking to build a long-term life in Spain, you’ll eventually need another plan, whether that’s a master’s program, a self-employment visa, or applying for a different job entirely.
Living abroad sounds amazing until you hit the inevitable cultural and language barriers. Whether it’s dealing with local bureaucracy, trying to negotiate a lease in Spanish, or simply figuring out how things work around town, the experience can be as frustrating as it is eye-opening. It’s a crash course in resilience, but not everyone’s cup of tea.
Depending on where you’re placed, you might be the only assistant in your town or school. It can feel isolating, especially in the beginning when you’re figuring things out. Making friends takes effort, and there’s no built-in support network; you have to go out and create it.
Doing NALCAP is a lesson in patience, flexibility, and radical independence. It’s not a luxury expat experience, and it’s definitely not always easy. But it is an incredible opportunity if you go in with clear eyes, realistic expectations, and a bit of savings.
Spain won’t roll out the red carpet, but if you roll with the punches, you just might find yourself living a version of life you never thought possible.
Love always,
American Girl Meets World
