Job Discussion Forums

lizb · Joined: 17 Jul 2004 Posts: 5

Hi everyone!
I'm thinking about taking the EBC course in Madrid in October or November. From what I've noticed, rent seems pretty high, especially seeing that the month of the course I won't be earning any money! Anyone out there thinking of sharing an apartment or know if the school can help arrange for shared accommodation?
Any information would be a big help.
Thanks,
Liz

frijolita · Joined: 06 May 2004 Posts: 35 Location: Madrid

Hi,

I am going to be in the Oct. class with EBC. I have been looking at in-madrid.com and expatriate.com to find apartments. I don't plan on actually really look for housing till I get to Spain because I want to meet the people and see where I will actually be living. Right now I pay through the roof in rent so the rents in Madrid don't seem too outrageous to me.

Buena Suerte

Frijolita

Karl Borja · Joined: 26 May 2004 Posts: 12

EBC has some housing agents on their website, what most of us did was to arrange for 4 weeks housing for the course and then later on find more permanent arrangements. Once you�re in Madrid it�s not that difficult as it seemed when I was looking from the States.

What you�ll find out is that most of the people in your course will decide to share an apartment and that really makes a difference. Sharing between 3 people will get you a good place, paying around 350 - 375/month per person .

Karl

christopherjames67 · Joined: 03 Nov 2003 Posts: 15

Just wanted to say hello, Liz! & Frijolita. I'm going to be at EBC in October, too. Guess we're going to be classmates. I'm going to start looking for apartments over the next couple of weeks. I'll let you know what I find.

Christopher

Ysabel Hayward · Joined: 01 Jun 2004 Posts: 7

Towards the end of August there are lots of flats starting to be advertised. September is always a good time to do a course in Madrid as the landlords are coming back from their holidays and they usually start looking for new people to let their flats around the end of August start of September.

ysabel

ladywonder · Joined: 28 Jul 2004 Posts: 2 Location: Toronto, Canada

I'm also going to be taking the EBC course in October. If anyone has some info on where to find cheap accomodation that would be greatly appreciated!

Joan Mitchell · Joined: 01 Jun 2004 Posts: 21

There is a newspaper called Segundamano, lots of accomodtions are listed there. How�s your Spanish? It will be hard to find an English speaking landlord renting apartments via this local paper. Also I�ve seen a lot of advice about sorting out the month�s accomodations first then finding more permanent housing when you�re already in Madrid. Most of us did it this way, a lot easier than finding flats from abroad. Most TEFL schools will have agents listed on their sites.

All the best,

Joan

shevek · Joined: 29 Jul 2003 Posts: 17

I just applied for one of the last 2 spots for the October EBC so if I get in, maybe I'll room with someone on this thread. How long ago did you all apply? Did you get acceptance pretty quickly? It said 2 days to receive a result so I hope that means a yes or no. Will anyone be in Madrid much before the class? I'm going over in September to take some Spanish in Valencia.

Memily · Joined: 23 Aug 2004 Posts: 1 Location: Oregon USA (for now)

Hello everyone!
I am taking the October EBC course as well and considering my housing options. I agree with Frijolita that looking for housing once I'm in Madrid will be easier. Does anyone know anything about the area where EBC is located? I've been looking at maps and trying to get a feel for the city's layout, but I know I'll be hopelessly lost once I arrive.
Good luck with your preparations and I'll see you all in October!
Emily

Joan Mitchell · Joined: 01 Jun 2004 Posts: 21

Hello everyone,

1) They get back to applicants quite quickly, I got my acceptance in 3 days, although I heard that spaces go so fast now. I�ll tell you exactly why, its the job placement help and the quality of teaching. It�s an excellent school, but unfortunately a lot of people know about this now so the places get booked months in advance. A friend of mine wanted to go to the August course, it was fully booked way back in April, shes hoping to get the last spot in either Sept or Oct, but I don�t know. At least she�s only coming from London! Oh well, thats what you get for leaving it to the last hour, which is by the way very Spanish! Great people but they don�t believe too much in planning ahead.

2) Area of the school, located in the financial district, well placed, actually very close to the famous stadium called Santiago Bernabeu, right next to the biggest chain in Spain, El Corte Ingles. The school is on Orense 26. They are located in an area called AZCA which is the center of the financial district of Madrid, main bus lines and metro stations in the area and although it is in the business center you find affordable shops, fast food all around. Forget about finding an apartment in this area though unless you�re willing to pay business rental rates.

Regards,

joan