To give you a clearer picture of the BEDA process, plus a bit of background on me: I completed NALCAP in Valencia for two years before deciding to switch to BEDA in Madrid. That decision was very intentional. I started thinking long-term and asked myself which city made the most sense for stability and future opportunities. I would have loved to stay in Valencia, but during my first year, NALCAP changed the rules and capped the maximum number of years (2) auxiliares can stay in that region. That meant I didn’t really have a choice but to move to a different region.
On top of that, there was always the risk of being left in limbo if I didn’t receive a third-year placement, since priority tends to drop after your first and second years in the program. While I genuinely enjoyed my time in NALCAP, the uncertainty made long-term planning difficult. That said, I wouldn’t rule out switching back in the future, because let’s be honest, who doesn’t love a three-day weekend? Anyways, Madrid felt like the obvious choice. Many programs are based there, and being in Madrid gives you flexibility if you ever need to pivot or switch programs down the line.
I was loving my life in Spain and knew I wanted to extend my time there, so before applying, I reached out to former participants from both BEDA and UCETAM. Both programs had great feedback overall, but I leaned more toward BEDA for a few key reasons: long-term stability, structure, and the emphasis on Spanish coursework. I really liked the idea of taking my Spanish more seriously rather than just passively improving it through daily life.
Application Timeline & Ease
I applied for the 2026–2027 school year, and the application window ran from January 12, 2026, to March 31, 2026.
Honestly, the application itself was incredibly easy. I completed it in under five minutes. Compared to NALCAP, which requires creating a full profile on PROFEX and navigating multiple sections, this felt refreshingly straightforward.
All you needed to upload was basic information: a copy of your CV, a professional photo, possibly a copy of your passport, and personal details like your name, NIE, and contact information. No jumping through hoops, no endless forms, and no confusing platform. It felt efficient and respectful of your time, which really set the tone for the rest of the program.
I applied on January 14, heard back about an interview on January 22, and had my interview on January 27. I was originally scheduled for the 26th, but the interviewer was incredibly accommodating and allowed me to reschedule, which already said a lot about the program’s overall tone.
The Interview Experience
The interview itself stood out immediately because it was very personal. I was speaking to a real person, not just emailing into the void. He was friendly, conversational, and genuinely interested in getting to know us as individuals. Compared to NALCAP, it felt much more human.
Before the interview, he actually sent us a PDF with the potential questions he might ask. This was super helpful because it gave us a chance to prepare in advance and think through how we would answer each one. What was even better, though, was that within the list, there were some questions where we could choose which one we wanted to answer. My interview was a group interview with four other applicants and lasted about an hour and fifteen minutes. He walked us through the program, had us introduce ourselves and share our backgrounds, and then explained what to expect moving forward.
What I appreciated most was the transparency. He explained that sometime before May, likely late April or early May, we would receive one of three outcomes:
- A confirmed school placement
- A conditional offer (accepted but without a school yet)
- A waitlist position, meaning you’d move up if others declined
He also emphasized that “no news is good news.” Rejection emails would be sent out by that Friday at 2 p.m., so if you didn’t hear anything by then, it likely meant you were moving forward. That level of clarity was refreshing compared to waiting endlessly with no communication.
Another major difference was support. He encouraged us to reach out directly if we ever had questions or issues. BEDA is also known for responding within 48 hours, so there’s no ghosting and no emails disappearing into the abyss.
University Coursework & Spanish Placement
At the beginning of the program, everyone takes a Spanish level placement test. This test does not determine acceptance or rejection. Its sole purpose is to place you in the appropriate university coursework.
If your Spanish level is lower, you’ll be placed in Spanish language learning courses. If your level is higher, you’ll take content-based classes taught in Spanish, usually focused on Spanish culture, history, or related topics. There’s no way to “fail” this test. The goal is simply to ensure that everyone is enrolled in accredited university coursework suited to their level.
The system is designed to support you, not penalize you, which makes the process feel practical and far less intimidating.
Visa, Coursework & Workload
BEDA operates on a higher studies visa, which means that if you’re switching from a program like NALCAP, you’ll most likely need to return home and apply for a new visa. You’re technically a student at Comillas University in Madrid first, and then an auxiliar.
The program includes 58 university credits total (spread across up to four years). If you’re based in Madrid, you typically attend classes one to two times per month, usually in the evenings from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. There is also an “intensive weekend” in October, which is something people often ask about.
In terms of work hours, BEDA placements range from 18 to 24 hours per week, depending on the school, and those hours can sometimes be negotiated. What really stood out to me was that he actively asked about our preferences: location, hours, and comfort level with the kids. (infantil, primary, secondary, etc.) It genuinely felt like they care about placing people in situations that work for them, not just filling positions.
Arrival Timeline & Orientation
With BEDA, you’re expected to arrive in early September, since classes typically begin mid-September. There is also a mandatory orientation at the beginning of the month for all auxiliares. Mandatory really does mean mandatory, but if you’re dealing with visa delays and communicate proactively with the BEDA team, they’re generally understanding and willing to work with you. Communication truly matters here.
That said, BEDA usually provides placements early enough that you have sufficient time to gather paperwork and apply for the correct visa without rushing at the last minute. Compared to other programs, the timeline feels more realistic and allows you to arrive prepared and on time.
All of this is based solely on the application and interview experience, but even at this stage, the program felt more structured, communicative, and personal than what I had experienced before. That alone made a strong impression.
If you have any questions, comments, or concerns, be sure to check out the BEDA FAQ for the 2026–2027 school year.
Love always,
American Girl Meets World
