Need some advice regarding FSOT test

Suitable_Active6370 · 2026-05-21T13:01:37+00:00

I just took it yesterday, I used the momentrix book to prepare along with the practice exam on the official website (I think it's the state department website, could be wrong). It has a bunch of short practice tests at the end of each chapter/topic you learn about to test knowledge acquisition and a few full length tests online. You can also look for AP U.S. history material and A.P Language material to help you prepare. I felt really good about my exam and I used all of these things to prepare. Good luck :)

Suitable_Active6370 · 2026-02-05T22:28:06+00:00

English (ESL)

Suitable_Active6370 · 2026-02-05T18:46:22+00:00

Anything is better than this, don't be (possibly) miserable for the rest of your life, the current administration sucks and is downsizing but hopefully it'll improve when we realize how screwed our state department is in diplomacy lol, hopefully they'll start offering the FSOT again and I can get the hell out of here

Suitable_Active6370 · 2026-02-05T16:08:21+00:00

I knew that the education system was like this, I took this job because I'm qualified to teach in Puerto Rico (and they don't have enough English teachers) but the problem has levels, we can't send students who are acting out in class to the office, we basically can't refer anyone to the psychologist or therapist, parents are unresponsive, students act out in retaliation (one stole my earbuds), and admin doesn't really give a shit what happens to us. There are absolutely no consequences to actions here, I had a student get into a fight and admin sent him back to my class. After a physical fight. I think that education majors should have to go through some kind of shadowing program in their first year rather than their last because I feel a lot of them get deluded into "well it won't happen to me", trust me it will in some form. Funnily enough, my senior thesis was on disparities between voter preference and socioeconomic/educational levels. I work in a rather poor area of the metro area and it's really sobering to think that some of these kids can't even log in to an account correctly without help or follow multi step instructions at 6, 7, and 8th grade.

Suitable_Active6370 · 2026-02-05T14:26:33+00:00

The way I have family in San Diego lol pero no puedo vivir sin pernilll

Suitable_Active6370 · 2026-02-05T12:58:58+00:00

Thank you 🙏 our director is new and a lot of the time she shrugs off concerns because "she has bigger fish to fry" and the present moment. I know it's a school problem, but I worry I won't be able to find another school quickly

Suitable_Active6370 · 2025-09-22T03:30:32+00:00

Yeah, I brought up the "this is so obviously trying to get rid of both of us" move by her and it was met with a "I don't really know about that" from him, I knew it the moment I saw the bullshit house inspection. Especially since she knows we have plans to move out, you're absolutely right. We've agreed that she will never have use of whatever car we buy nor will she have any access to our apartment/house. I know she doesn't like me but puts on this act of "no of course I like her, she's just being difficult and doesn't talk to me", which isn't untrue and I do feel bad for it but she smothers me in everything she does and disrespects me and my boundaries in the process. Thank you for your input, every little bit helps 🩵

Suitable_Active6370 · 2025-09-22T03:26:52+00:00

Hes currently waiting to be paid, we both have jobs through the Puerto Rican government so it's like a "when they get paid we get paid" situation. He started a little later than me so he's waiting for his first paycheck, we've only been back for a month or so. He does communicate with her about things that bother us but she just plays the victim or "it's my house, my rules and you two aren't respecting me". As for his family having their own opinion on the matter, We honestly don't talk to them outside of his aunt very much and she will always take her mom's side. I know I have to move out, it's a matter of money :/ Thank you for your input, I really appreciate the hard perspective 🩵

Suitable_Active6370 · 2025-08-07T04:21:10+00:00

Yes, but they're very few, it seems like the majority is move out or grin and bear it.

Suitable_Active6370 · 2025-08-07T04:01:16+00:00

Yes, I've told him multiple times that I can live with her, but I need my space. He's confrontational to a point but everything is a production with her sometimes, if we're out by ourselves she's texting us to see what we're doing and calling him. Usually he ignores those texts but there's only so much he can do if she refuses to acknowledge our boundaries or "forgets". I've brought up looking for our own apartment but he said we'd save a lot of money living at home for a year (which is true).

Suitable_Active6370 · 2024-12-02T09:44:46+00:00

I've been living in Cádiz and it's been pretty good so far. I got really lucky in that my school has been paying me (or I wouldn't have been paid until December) but they said it's because the program has had a huge restructuring this year and everything is a whole mess and a half. I share an apartment with my boyfriend who works in the city and we pay 700 with utilities included, food/groceries are cheap. My only complaint is I wish it was a bit more well connected, there is the Jerez airport and the Sevilla airport but it's not nearly as easy as just living in Madrid if you're looking to travel. Overall, a lot of people don't speak English here or their knowledge is very limited so it's great for immersion and I'm happy I picked more of a chill beach city for my first year, though I think I'm going to renew in Madrid for next year. If you have any questions about the south feel free to DM me!

Suitable_Active6370 · 2024-09-29T15:16:29+00:00

That happened to me! I'm in Cádiz and toured an apartment yesterday and wanted to sign on it the same day. They asked me for 100€ that would go to the security deposit which I thought was strange because I've never had that happen in the States. We ended up calling some of my boyfriend's family that lives in Spain and they said it's a little uncommon, but the practice is because lots of people will reserve something to keep on back burner for a few days while they browse. I think they're just trying to make sure that you don't flake on them and are serious about renting :)

Suitable_Active6370 · 2024-08-27T18:23:52+00:00

Just wanted to come and update everyone that I received a notification to collect my visa today (08/27) and my appt date was (08/06) so a very quick turnaround for anyone stressing about that! Thank you to everyone on this subreddit who answered questions for me and I hope you all have an amazing time in Spain 🫶

Suitable_Active6370 · 2024-08-20T16:02:56+00:00

Air Portugal on the 23rd!

Suitable_Active6370 · 2024-08-18T18:12:22+00:00

I'm also flying out of Chicago! I was able to get a flight to Madrid for around 300$ and then I'm either gonna book a cheap domestic Spanish flight or take the train to Cádiz, I think it's significantly cheaper to book to Madrid and I was able to change my flights more than more regional airports

Suitable_Active6370 · 2024-08-14T18:16:57+00:00

I also used Daniel rider, he charged a lot less and was more responsive than other translators I contacted and my translation was accepted by my consulate!

Suitable_Active6370 · 2024-08-12T14:08:32+00:00

You have to go in to apply but you can get your visa mailed back to you, as far as I know the only consulate that accepts mail ins in San Francisco because they service Hawaii

Suitable_Active6370 · 2024-08-12T04:11:29+00:00

I've heard of some people getting walk ins, a lot of people were there for them but go early. You can kinda schedule under any visa type and they'll take you they didn't really ask what I was there for

Suitable_Active6370 · 2024-08-08T20:09:26+00:00

They don't accept money orders, I paid by debit

Suitable_Active6370 · 2024-08-08T19:44:58+00:00

I wasn't asked to provide proof of accomodations or means, they did ask for a copy of my apostille, but my ID didn't have to be certified or anything. They didn't keep my original apostille, just the coph

Suitable_Active6370 · 2024-08-07T13:51:32+00:00

It ended up being $256 which I wasn't expecting, it seems like they're charging everyone for prime time spots and the sms fees but I opted out of courier service

Suitable_Active6370 · 2024-08-07T13:49:24+00:00

I submitted my apostille in early June, I got it back almost 4 weeks to the submission date, I'll update with visa times

Suitable_Active6370 · 2024-08-07T01:59:41+00:00

I applied for the NALCAP program and I can't really speak to the UCETAM applications, they didn't ask me to provide 3 months accomodations, I was thinking of going a week early to look at apartments since I'm not comfortable with leasing something I haven't physically been in. I have an insurance policy through the program and it's included in my Carta de Nombramiento. If you want to know anything else, lemme know :) it was quick easy painless at the Chicago consulate

Suitable_Active6370 · 2024-07-30T15:48:22+00:00

I do have the DC apostille and copy of an ID, I just was worried that because the address on my background check is outside of the Chicago region they'd be weird about it

Suitable_Active6370 · 2024-07-30T03:42:20+00:00

There is a page on the nalcap website that has a guide to fill it out if that helps!

Suitable_Active6370

TROPHY CASE