Destinations » Europe

Europe

Austria

Belgium

Denmark

France

Italy

Netherlands

Portugal

Slovakia

Spain

Spain

United Kingdom

How to Get Your Spanish Criminal Background Check: (Certificado de Antecedentes Penales)

My Spain Visa Application Documents: NALCAP & BEDA

Finding My Lifeline in Spain: My Experience With Phone Plans Abroad

Finding Community: In Madrid, Spain

How to Network in Spain (and Europe in General): Without Making It Awkward

The Houston Consulate Hack: A “Hidden” Advantage

Spain Student Visa Application: A Step-by-Step Guide for Auxiliares

Finding a Job in Spain: Without Automatically Becoming an English Teacher

American Companies in Spain: Why You Should Know About AmCham Spain

Remote Work Resources for Spain & Europe: How to Actually Find Remote Jobs Abroad

How to Make the Most of Your Commute: (Especially If You’re an Auxiliar in Spain)

Paid Programs & Global Opportunities: in Spain and Across Europe

Free & Volunteer-Based Programs in Spain and Europe: Travel for Less

How to Get an Autorización de Regreso in Spain: (Without Spiraling)

What is a Certificado de Aprovechamiento: (Certificate of Completion) for Auxiliares?

How to Maximize Your Student Visa in Spain: Student Visa Benefits Guide

How to Empadronarse in Spain: A Guide to the Padrón Process

How to Apply for NALCAP: Auxiliar en España

How to Register on Profex 2: for NALCAP

Future & Current BEDA Auxiliares: Frequently Asked Questions + What to Expect

The BEDA Timeline: What the Process Actually Looked Like for Me

How to Have a Pool Day in Spain: Without Booking a Hotel

Spain’s Weather: Why I No Longer Trust the Forecast

What No One Tells You About Electricity in Spain: Until Your Bill Humbles You

Why Your Phone Still Feels American After Moving to Spain: (And What to Do About It)

From Auxiliar to Asset: How to Position Your Experience for Any Career

How to Get Your FBI Fingerprints in Spain: (Without Losing Your Mind)

Payment Delays as an Auxiliar: (What to Expect and What to Do)

Choosing a Placement Service as a Future Auxiliar: (Read This Before You Pay Anything)

Amsterdam in Bloom: A Dream I Didn’t Realize Could Be This Good

Lisboa: Sunlight, Hills, and the Sweetest Weekender

Copenhagen Charm: A Weekend of Cafés, Cold Weather, and Cozy Streets

Lofton in London Has a Nice Ring to It: (Ask Big Ben)

How to Be a Weekend Warrior: Perfect for Weekend Trips Across Europe

Top Day Trips in the Valencia & Alicante Provinces

Expiring Passport in Spain: Timing Your Renewal Around Your Visa

Lost or Stolen Personal Items in Spain: What to Do (Without Spiraling)

Lost Your Passport Abroad: Here’s Exactly What to Do (Without Panicking)

Lost Your TIE Card in Spain: Guide + Checklist

Auxiliar Programs in Spain: What They Are, What They Offer, and What They Actually Cost

Auxiliar Life: When (and How) to Decide What’s Next During Your 1st Year

My Second Year Abroad: Learning Independence and Finding My Voice

The Medication Talk No One Prepares You For: Living Abroad Edition

The U.S. vs. Spain: What Living Abroad Taught Me About the Economy

The Bottle Cap Debate: Spain vs. the U.S.

Seasonal Living: Eating Fresh in Spain

From Layover to Lost Signal: My First Rookie Mistake in Spain

Financial Advice for Americans Moving to Spain: (Learn from My Mistakes)

Call Me Maybe… Just Not on My iPhone: A €90 Lesson in Spain

Auxiliar Avenues in Spain: Real Ways to Legally Stay After Your Program

A Real Breakdown of Auxiliar Programs in Spain: (So You Can Choose What Actually Works for You)

Carpool Culture: The Reality of Getting to School as an Auxiliar

What to Pack: Before Moving to Spain

What I Actually Bring From the U.S. to Spain: (Now That I’ve Calmed Down)

The 3 Cheapest Ways to Learn Spanish: (That Actually Work)

Saving in Spain: Opening a Savings Account with N26

How to Survive Your First Falles in Valencia: A Literal Smokeshow

Sauce is a Lifestyle: Why I Miss Free Condiments in the U.S.

How to Apply for an Autorización de Regreso in Valencia: By Email

When Is the Best Time to Do NALCAP: Spoiler, It’s Not That Simple

What to Do When You Receive Your School Placement: As an Auxiliar

The Do’s and Don’ts of Being an Auxiliar: (aka how to have a smooth year and actually enjoy it)

Reinventing Myself in Spain: The Day I Became Valentina

Finding Friends Abroad Is Great: But Sometimes You Have to Create the Community Yourself

My Top 5 Favorite Tapas in Spain: From a Recovering Picky Eater

Economically Appreciated: Understanding the American Dream

Not Ignorant, Just Insulated: Understanding Americans Beyond the Stereotype

What My First Year Abroad Taught Me: Lessons From Taking the Leap

Before You Move to Spain: Read This First

Spain, Month by Month: Where to Go and When

Spain by Region: Events Worth Traveling For

The $20 Language Hack: How to Use Duolingo All Year for Less

Finding Community: In Valencia, Spain

Subscription Services in Spain: Save Money or Keep Your Comfort Shows?

How to Europe-Proof Your Shoes: A Survival Guide for Walking in Spain

How to Live More Eco-Friendly in Spain: Holistic Edition

The 90s Girl Guide to: Surviving a Spanish Winter

Staying Informed Abroad: Where to Read News in Spain in English

Finding Community: In Alicante, Spain

Small Pueblo, Big Experience: Making the Most of Your Auxiliar Placement

Classroom Fun: Easy Games and Activities That Auxiliares Can Do With Students

Auxiliar Budgeting: What to Expect Living in Spain

Auxiliar Problems at School: Who to Talk to First (And When to Escalate)

Why Moving to Spain Made Me Switch Banks: From BofA to Charles Schwab

The Auxiliar Experience Will Make You Cry: But in the Best Way

A Typical Day as an Auxiliar: en España

The Spanish Language Assistant Program: Why Not Everyone Is in the Same Program

NALCAP Renewal Guide: How to Renew as an Auxiliar in Spain

The Two-Account Problem: What I Learned About Using U.S. Apps While Living in Spain

How to Install Your Spanish Digital Certificate on Your iPhone: A Simple Step-by-Step Guide

The Art of Complaining Without Losing Perspective: Life as an Auxiliar

Auxiliares: This Is Your Cue to Speak Up

Spanish Brands

How to Track Your Payment in the Valencia Region: Espenta Explanation Guide

How to Fill Out Tasa 790 012 in Spain: For TIE + TIE Renewal

Navigating The Prórroga in Spain: What You Need to Know

BEDA Madrid: The Application Process + Interview

blog image

Living in Spain… But Not Spain-Spain: A Reality Check for Auxiliares

Las Rebajas: Spain’s January Shopping Frenzy (and How to Actually Win)

Fideuà and Family: A Valencian Holiday Experience

Vienna: According to My Twenties

Bratislava: Small City, Big Charm

Edinburgh: Cold Weather, Warm Hearts, and Cozy Everything

Bruges: The Fairy-Tale Detour I Didn’t Know I Needed

Brussels: The Solo Trip That Didn’t Feel Solo at All

My First Trip to Italy: A Solo Story I’ll Never Forget

Lost in Translation: (Sometimes Literally)

Gentrificación en España: Dos verdades pueden coexistir

Gentrification in Spain: Two Truths Can Exist at the Same Time

The 12 Grapes of Spain: How Spaniards Ring in the New Year (One Grape at a Time)

April Fools… but Make It Spanish: El Día de los Santos Inocentes

Your Library Card Did That: Free Spanish Courses Before You Move to Spain

The Lesson Planning Mistake I Made My First Year: (And How I’m Fixing It Now)

The One Thing I Wish I’d Done Before Moving to Spain: My Biggest Regret

The Storage Mistake I Made My First Year in Spain: (So You Don’t Have To)

How I Use Wise (And Why You Should Too): A Step-by-Step Guide

Getting a Cita Previa: The Least Romantic Part of Living in Spain

Cultural Awareness: The Grocery Store Glow-Up We Don’t Talk About

McDonald’s Abroad: Why Do I Always End Up Here?

Ryanair: Chaos, Cheap Tickets, and Low-Key Private Jet Vibes

Scissors For Pizza: Yes, Really

The Digital Certificate (Certificado Digital) and Autofirma: A Step-by-Step Guide

The First Three Months as an Auxiliar: The Chaos You Don’t Hear About

Opening an N26 Account in Spain: The 15-Minute Guide You Actually Need

Transferring Money for Your First Apartment in Spain: A Simple Guide

How to Check the Status of Your TIE Card: (Lote Number Guide)

Certificado de Delitos de Naturaleza Sexual y Trata de Seres Humanos: Step-by-Step Guide

How to Get Your TIE Card in Spain: Without Losing Your Mind (Guide + Checklist)

What to Bring to Your “Regreso” Appointment: Guide + checklist (If applicable)

(RENEWAL) Toma de Huellas: Print & Bring to Appointment Checklist

VLC PROPER Guide for Auxiliares: (no drama, just steps)

TIE Renewal: (Prórroga de Estancia por Estudios) — Step-by-Step Guide

A Guide to Spain’s Regions: (NALCAP breakdown)

A Wholesome Weekend: Let’s Catch Up in Calpe

Text Me in Three Weeks: The Struggle of Staying Connected in the U.S.

When Your Netflix Queue Has Culture Shock Too: Life Between Spain and US

When Packages Take Over Your Life: (Why I’m Scared in Spain)

So… Am I American, or am I “Estadounidense”: Why Not Both?

From Passenger Princess to Parking Nightmare: Why I Hate Driving Now

From Curbside to Cart: Rediscovering U.S. Grocery Culture

Standards and Mannerisms: Spain vs. the U.S.

Community in Spain vs. the U.S.: Why Spain Wins Every Time

Beaches in the U.S. vs. Beaches in Spain: Why I’m Officially Spoiled

Mondays Off vs. Fridays Off: The Auxiliar Life Debate

Expat or Immigrant? My Take After Moving Abroad

Function Over Fancy: My Accidental Spanish Evolution

Moving Abroad Is Not for the Weak: The Rollercoaster of Growth, Homesickness, and Joy

The Day I Missed My First ALSA Bus: My Spanish Travel Lesson

The 5 Stages of Being an Auxiliar in Spain: aka Emotional Olympics Abroad

Respecting Our Elders: What Spain Gets Right

Planes, Trains, and Buses: My Honest Thoughts on Getting Around Spain

Life in Spain: Living in One Big House (Apartment)

Apple Maps vs. Google Maps: The Great European Navigation Debate

From Cobblestones to Critters: A Homecoming Story

A Different Kind of Tired: Why Coming Home Feels Like Rest on Repeat

From Tapas to Traffic: What I’m Missing About Spain

Wait… I Have a Culture?: An American Girl’s Identity Crisis

Day-Tripping in Denia: The Spanish Coastal City That Surprised Me in the Best Way

A Day in Jávea: Pebble Beaches, Pickle Sides & Goodbyes

Mallorca: Where the Beaches Are Spanish but the Parties Are German

Bonjour, Paris: My First Date With the City of Love

When The North Calls: A Weekend in San Sebastián

No Plans, Just People: The Magic of Running Into Someone

New City, Same Region: What It’s Like Starting Over (Again) as an Auxiliar

Bureaucracy in Spain: A Test of Patience, Pens, and Personal Growth

Spain Said: Season Lightly, Love Deeply

Food Is Just… Food: Why Spain Doesn’t Obsess Over Diets Like the U.S. Does

My First Impression of the Food in Spain: Guilt-Free, Full, and Actually Loved

Let’s Talk Farmacia Magic: My Favorite Kind of Culture Shock

Doctor’s Orders: What Getting Sick in Spain Taught Me About Healthcare, Pharmacies, and Chill Diagnoses

Crack an Egg on Your Forehead: Welcome to Easter Monday in Valencia

Semana Santa in Spain: No Eggs, Just Drama, Drums, and Days Off

Bravas & The City: How Valencia Won My Heart (and My Stomach) One Potato at a Time

Wait for It: Life Moves Differently and Slowly Here

How I Lived in Spain and Forgot to Actually Live in Spain: My Mistake

Forecast Fail: What I Didn’t Know About Spanish Weather

Before You Pack Your Bags: NALCAP Cons, Unfiltered

The “Pros” of Packing Up: All About NALCAP

Spain’s Way or the Highway: Learning to Let Go of Control

Stars, Stripes, and Second Thoughts: What I Miss About America

Sirens and Sips: A Culture Shock in Policing

Scooters, Smiles, and So Much Love: Gracias, CEIP Sant Pere Apòstol

Dear Future Auxiliar: This Could Be One of the Best Things You Ever Do

Working for Free: The Real Price of Moving Abroad with NALCAP

From Hustle to Hola, Siesta Time: The Pace of Life in Spain vs. the U.S.

No Co-Pay, No Problem: Living My Best Patient Life in Spain

The Food Fight: Spain vs. The U.S. and Why I Can enjoy Cheese Boards again

One Forecast, Two Worlds: Spain’s Sunshine and My Seasonal Nostalgia

From Nike Dunks to Ballet Flats: How Comfort Became My New Confidence

Softer Now: Spain Taught Me to Slow Down (and Breathe)

Less is Más: How Spain Changed the Way I Consume

Not Your Average “American” Field Trip: My First Experience with Musiècola X

Paella With Pilar: Teaching “Lessons” Through Taste

A Park Day, Pasqua Style: Sun, Cake, and Kid Quests in the Mountains

Holidays Abroad: The Magic, the Mayhem, and the Missing Pieces

Fashion Across the Pond: How Spain Softened My Style (and My Soul)

Rent Pains or Rent Gains: Who’s Winning — Spain or the States

Lost in Translation: Communication Across Cultures

From Uber Rides to Renfe Tickets: My Life in Transit

Safe & Sound: Life Between Spain and the States

My First Fallas Experience: A Fiery Introduction to Valencian Culture

From Santa to the Three Kings: Holiday Traditions Across the Atlantic

The Spanish Tooth Fairy: Ratoncito Pérez

Classroom Chaos: A Front-Row Seat to the Madness

Spain After Dark: Where the Night Comes Alive

Amigas vs. Friends: The Art of Friendships

Work to live or live to work: A Tale of Two Work Cultures

Groceries in Spain: The Good, The Bad, and The Labels

Living La Vida Local: Why Everyday Life in Spain Feels Like a Dream

Discovering the Flavors of Spain: A Personal Journey Through Spanish Cuisine

Chalkboards & Culture Shocks: A Tale of Two Schools

The Bureaucratic Maze of Spain: A Personal Take

All Saints’ Day in Spain: A Glimpse into Tradition, Togetherness, and Tender Remembrance

Siesta, Sunday, or a Holiday: The Unwritten Rules of Getting Things Done in Spain

When Inches Don’t Measure Up: Adapting to Spain’s Metric System

Currency Crossroads: Navigating Finances from the US to Spain

Embracing Spain’s Charm: Cheek Kisses, Siestas, and the Art of Slowing Down

Exploring October 9th: The Day of the Valencian Community

Spain on the Horizon: Month-by-Month Preparation

Ready, Set, Spain: The Day Before Leaving

Packing Light, Living Large: Essentials for a New Life in Spain

Home is Where the Suitcase Is: Handling the Feels of Relocation

From Chaos to Comunidad: Challenges I Faced While Preparing for the Move

Moving Abroad Made Easy: A Guide to Settling in Spain

Moving to Spain with NALCAP: A Diplomatic Adventure

Sunshine and Siestas: Why I Want to Move To Spain

Spanish Stumbles

Why España?: The Unexpected Inspiration Behind My Move

Hola España

Knights & Kingdoms: An Escape To Carcassonne

First Steps in Barcelona: A Story of Sights and Not So Many Smiles

Herbs, Vibes, and Sweet Potato Fries: The Honest Truth About Honest Greens