The document provides advice for auxiliaries preparing to work in Murcia, Spain, including joining Facebook groups to connect with others, traveling to Murcia after the orientation in Madrid, finding short-term accommodation like pensions, searching online for long-term housing, and adjusting to the cost of living while exploring activities like visiting local markets.

1. Sarahann McGrory (Academic year 2011-2012)
If you would like to start networking and understand more of what’s
ahead of you when you arrive in Spain, the best thing you can do is
to join the relevant facebook group for Auxiliaries de
Conversacion in the Murcia Region. In 2011-12 there were 2
facebook groups going. Also there is probably a facebook group for
your country, for example there is a Spain-wide group for Australian
and New Zealand auxiliaries where questions can be asked.
Another thing you could do is ask your country contact once you’ve
submitted your application for the contact details of any other people
who are going to the Murcia region. In my case, I was able to
discover that there were 3 other Australians coming here so we all
joined up when we first arrived and it was helpful while you settle in
as you can all help each other to find somewhere to live etc.
If you like you could also Google online blogs as these will give
people’s overview of their experiences in the program, be aware that
people’s experiences in their schools vary widely! Don’t worry you are
going to a good school!
ARRIVALS
You’ve probably got to attend the official orientation in Madrid, after
that you will need to plan how you’re going to get to Murcia.
Remember flying domestically may not be a good idea as you’re
luggage probably weighs a tonne and you may face some full-on
overweight fees. So you’re left with two options- catch a train or bus.
I bought my train ticket online when I was still in Australia.
If you are not staying with a teacher until you find accommodation
then there are of course many hotels, there are some backpackers
too. For one night before staying with a teacher I stayed at a
pension- something that I think may only exist here in Spain, it is
something in-between a backpacker and a hotel. I can recommend a
clean one that is in a good location and is just across the river from
the school you’ll be working in, called Pension Segura. I recall that
the price was comparable to the backpackers and as I visited people
staying in the backpackers I can say Pension Segura was the better
choice.
FINDING ACCOMODATION
I started looking online before I came to Murcia, I found this useful,
as you get to start to see the style of houses, familiarise yourself with
the prices and it exposes you to relevant vocabulary. The website I
utilised most was www.easypiso.com, but there are others.

2. By using that site I came to Spain with a list of possibilities and
phone numbers for flats to look at, as you have some competition!
And many units have already been filled because the university
semester has already started by the time you arrive, however don’t
worry you will be able to find somewhere to live! Also when you
arrive you can go and visit the university as there are leaflets stuck
up around the place with numbers you can call. You will be able to
find somewhere to live for 200 euros or less.
Murcia is a safe city and it’s easy to navigate, but of course ask one
of teachers if the area you are considering living in is ok, as the
around the train station could be a bit dodgy for instance. I chose to
live in the suburb of Espinardo as I was able to live in a beautiful big
apartment, whereas if you live in town you’ll live somewhere a lot
uglier and smaller, though you’ll probably pay around the same… but
if you’re planning to go out partying every week-end then living in
town is the better option.
OTHER STUFF
Murcia is famous for the quality of the fresh fruit and veggies that are
grown locally. One thing I love to do is go to the market to buy my
fruit and veggies for the week, sure you could buy it in a supermarket
but its cheaper at the markets and lets face it did you really come to
Spain to do things the same way that you did back home? It’s far
more fun to go to the market! For instance in Espinardo, one street
back from the tram stop called El Puntal, there is a market every
Friday morning.
If you are wanting to take Spanish classes here then you can look at
the official school of languages, also there is another called Instituto
Hispanico (they also offer help in finding accommodation, I won’t go
into details as to why but I’d suggest avoid using this service and
finding accommodation on your own).
Regarding the cost of living, it’s quite difficult to live on 700 euros a
month… Luckily the cost of living is lower here than in other parts of
Spain. Most auxiliaries give private English tutoring classes (called
clases particulares here). I’d suggest waiting until you settle in before
taking on private classes as you may burn out.
Prepare yourself for bureaucracy. Bank issues can take time. I’d
advise learning relevant vocabulary for opening a bank account,
questions about SIM cards etc. before coming.
If you fall in love with Spain, and it’s easy to do, and want to
renew to do the program for a second year, do so early! A lot
of people choose to stay for a second year.