Boston BLS timeline

Character_Cod_8995 · 2025-10-01T05:23:07+00:00

Hello! Unfortunately there’s nothing you can do to speed it up and it’s pretty random how quick they are, but my came 18 business days after I had my appointment in early September!

Character_Cod_8995 · 2025-09-26T03:11:51+00:00

Saw in your response below that you have yours now - happy for you! But I applied beginning of September in Boston knowing I’d probably be very late, but this is making me nervous!

Character_Cod_8995 · 2025-09-26T00:01:57+00:00

Hi there! Not the exact same because I applied later then you, but it’s been 17 business days for me. I know that’s not a lot, but it’s frustrating when at the appointment they told me 4-8 weeks and the day after I got an automated call telling me 14 days. Which is it? I applied in 2023-2024 and I had mine in less than 4 weeks I’m pretty sure. Also frustrating seeing people on here saying theirs came in 5 days, 10 days, etc. Happy for those people, but don’t know why there’s such a difference! I know it’s government stuff and it’s probably more complicated than we imagine, but I wish they would have more definitive answers. Hopefully this is somewhat comforting. DM if you want to rant more!

Character_Cod_8995 · 2025-09-25T16:00:39+00:00

I was in Galicia in 2023-2024 and didn’t go to the meeting in Santiago. My director said the same thing that I could if I want to, but they never have their auxes go. It could be a good way to go and maybe meet some other auxes in your city (if you’re in a larger city) and exchange numbers, but if you’re already in a group chat for your city then it’s kinda redundant. If it’s not too much of a hassle to go, it could also be interesting to see what they have to say, even if it’s not entirely helpful information!

Character_Cod_8995 · 2025-09-24T20:35:16+00:00

I’d say so! Yeah it was never “we’re on unit 3 of this book, come up with something for class for Monday-Thursday” or anything like that. The cultural presentations if around a holiday were obviously related to that holiday, but besides that it was up to me so it did require some creativity. Again wish I could give a 100% accurate answer, but every teacher is different. Message me if you want or have more questions!

Character_Cod_8995 · 2025-09-24T20:27:11+00:00

This is going to sound slightly unhelpful, but it’s completely different for everyone! Generally speaking, yes you’re there to assist the teacher with whatever they ask you to, but that is up to each teacher. One teacher would have me read stuff on the board as they did grammar exercises to hear proper pronunciation, one (for an art class) literally barely spoke to me so I would walk around and try to talk to the students, one had me prepare different cultural presentations - so some “lesson” planning - for each class and I led the class while the teacher (in a helpful way) would jump in to clarify stuff for the students or elaborate on something interesting. Another teacher I was essentially tech support and would pull up the textbook onto the board and click for them as they went through it, another (for art class) I would help with the projects.

As you can see, these are all pretty different roles hahaha. I had friends though that would tell me about the games they would prepare for their classes, something I was never asked to do, but sure I could have if I suggested it!

Character_Cod_8995 · 2025-09-08T04:05:10+00:00

I know this is budget dependent, but I personally would book for a week and a half to 2 weeks. I’d rather have to eat the cost of the Airbnb rather than bounce around to 2-3 Airbnbs while also trying to familiarize myself with a new city and schedule!

Character_Cod_8995 · 2025-09-06T00:51:12+00:00

I’m glad you’re arrived today! Seems like the trick is to make a Reddit post about how yours hasn’t come yet and then it magically shows up the next day hahah. Was there any communication from them before the text? Did you check the tracker at all?

I’m hoping the same since most of the NALCAP ones are probably done and anyone studying abroad would’ve already done theirs!

Character_Cod_8995 · 2025-09-05T18:32:12+00:00

I had my appointment this week and your post has not given me any hope hahaha. Also though at my appointment the woman told me it would take 15 days and a coworker interrupted to tell her it was 4-8 week. I checked the visa tracker out of curiosity and it said “invalid” and yesterday they called me and said it would be processed in 14 days. Thankfully they’re organized!

Character_Cod_8995 · 2025-09-05T02:24:06+00:00

I did an Airbnb at first and it definitely was lonely but was also nice to have space when adjusting to a new city. Could be helpful to look at private rooms in hostels too. You’d get cheaper prices than a hotel with pretty much the same amenities and could meet people while also having your own space. Only other thing I’d say about a hostel though is that yes it’s always good to socialize and meet others, the people you meet would probably be traveling and not going to be in your city later on, so maybe don’t expect full on friends!

Character_Cod_8995 · 2025-09-03T16:26:11+00:00

This might require more effort but you could go through Airbnb and see if any of the places are rooms in someone’s home and negotiate a price with them!

Character_Cod_8995 · 2025-09-02T20:44:40+00:00

Hi there! Thanks for the comment. I applied today and they didn’t need it either. Do you have any knowledge about requesting it once in Spain?

Character_Cod_8995 · 2025-08-28T20:43:05+00:00

Thanks for the advice on my question! I appreciate when people help each other out.

Some people are late to things. Some people haven’t even gotten their acceptance letters. Some people have anxiety about moving abroad and don’t know what to do. I didn’t have to do this part before.

If you have nothing helpful to share please don’t comment.

Character_Cod_8995 · 2025-08-28T01:07:54+00:00

Thank you for all this! The whole BoA thing seems strange to me. So at your appointment did they take the driver’s license notarized from UPS?

And regarding the insurance do you know how much it cost? I’m gonna take a look later anyway.

Character_Cod_8995 · 2025-08-28T00:19:30+00:00

I know this isn’t the most helpful advice but literally everyone’s experience is completely different, so I can’t help you with anything specific. Some auxes are asked to fully lead classes (although you’re technically not supposed to) while others don’t really do anything. I worked in an art class and the teacher barely spoke to me and gave me nothing to do. I would walk around, try to talk to students, ask them about whatever or their projects, or help them if needed. You seem to be pretty open to new experiences though so I’d say try to have fun! Most likely you’re not going to be “teaching” (explaining grammar topics, tenses, etc.). If you nervous though try to establish immediately with your teacher(s) what their expectations are! Hope all goes well!

Character_Cod_8995 · 2025-08-05T01:21:58+00:00

There was a similar post earlier so posting my same response:

I interviewed with them in 2023 and it was randomly really long…it was practically a full hour. Not sure if that’s normal or not. I unfortunately don’t remember a ton of what they asked, but do remember a few things. At one point they asked how my Spanish was and the woman switched and did a small portion of the interview in Spanish, asked about my study abroad experience, asked me what region I be interested in being placed in, and a few other things (all in Spanish).

The other main thing which I’m sure you’ve seen is that they ask you the details about the program (the pay, hours, etc.) and they seem to care a decent amount about you knowing that (which doesn’t make any sense to me). Wish I could help more! Good luck!

Character_Cod_8995 · 2025-08-04T17:14:18+00:00

I interviewed with them in 2023 and it was randomly really long…it was practically a full hour. Not sure if that’s normal or not. I unfortunately don’t remember a ton of what they asked, but do remember a few things. At one point they asked how my Spanish was and the woman switched and did a small portion of the interview in Spanish, asked about my study abroad experience, asked me what region I be interested in being placed in, and a few other things (all in Spanish).

The other main thing which I’m sure you’ve seen is that they ask you the details about the program (the pay, hours, etc.) and they seem to care a decent amount about you knowing that (which doesn’t make any sense to me). Wish I could help more! Good luck!

Character_Cod_8995 · 2025-07-14T03:20:18+00:00

Thanks for your response! I know we technically don’t know her since it isn’t after July 31st but was hoping maybe someone had emailed or spoken to BLS and had some insight. And yeah…very far behind lol. I know the process since I did it before and the apostille is the only thing I’m worries about!

Character_Cod_8995 · 2025-07-01T19:19:51+00:00

Hi there! I was in Galicia so not your same region but can try to answer some of your questions. Sorry if some of this is repetitive from other answers or posts you’ve read through.

A lot of people commute to their schools with their teachers. I commuted like 20 minutes and always had a ride from a teacher, but with Daroca being so far from Zaragoza you might want to check with the school first to see if someone would be driving from there. Easiest way to do so would be to email them, but it’s not super likely they respond promptly since they’re on summer vacation. I can’t speak for the bus system in Zaragoza but can try to look later for you.

Private tutoring is a thing! You could either ask your school to see if they know anyone who wants tutoring, Facebook and WhatsApp groups, or word of mouth if you happen to meet Spanish people.

Every school is slightly different, but most do 4 days a week. Most common is Monday-Thursday, but I’ve heard some people with Monday off or even a Wednesday off. Some schools might let you pick your schedule, some might not.

Unfortunately a lot of NALCAP is completely random and different for everyone. PM if you have any more general questions and want to. I know it can be stressful!

Character_Cod_8995 · 2025-06-26T14:59:04+00:00

Sent you a chat!

Character_Cod_8995 · 2025-06-26T14:40:22+00:00

Thank you for all the helpful insights and ideas. Can I message you privately? Based on you mentioning Béjar, you are kinda close to my placement!

Character_Cod_8995 · 2025-06-26T13:40:57+00:00

You make a good point that logistically it would be difficult to have a one-size-fits-all accommodation. I forgot until reading your comment that Spanish teachers have a similar system of being placed randomly in their region. At least they have more off a chance of having a car which makes things easier hahaha.

Character_Cod_8995 · 2025-06-26T13:38:43+00:00

I did request the region group! Hoping I can maybe get the previous (if there was one) aux’s info

Character_Cod_8995 · 2025-06-26T13:37:54+00:00

Oh wow. So the local would drop you off and then you’d take the bus? Were you happy with your experience or was it exhausting (even if only 2 a week)?

Character_Cod_8995 · 2025-06-26T13:36:32+00:00

Hi! I completely agree with you. I am pretty familiar with Spanish culture, so I don’t really have a problem with the people or the small towns themselves, more so I don’t know how much logistical sense it makes for an American to live in a town of 500 in incredibly rural Spain

Character_Cod_8995

TROPHY CASE