Totally new and need a starting point
 

Although I came here with a job offer in an International Dept in a large company (I don't speak good Spanis at all), it seems that the "firm" offer was not as "firm" as they finally offered lesser position and nearly half salary as originally expected. So still waiting for negotiations, but in the meantime, we decided to stay here near Valencia coast and need to find an apartment (at present in a holiday apartment which is costly of course) get the child to school before Sept (we want to put him to an English school near Valencia) etc.

If I don't get this originally planned job, we will go to a smaller place close to school and so I will try to apply for teaching at the actual school where I hope my child will go to. But we don't have a place yet as we don't have an address etc etc.

Is there a step by step guide somewhere, something like what to do first...An "idiot" guide I guess. I got by somehow and got a pay as you go phone, got a vodafone mobile internet and so have some communication facilities, but this is all temporary and costly. Not to mention that nobody speaks English here (it is their country, why should they, but to sort out legalities, banks etc I hope there is some place that we can go to) and it is a little tiring especially over the phone, which is impossible. In person one can use legs and hands and bit of Italian, Spanish, English and French...and drawing if needed. :).

Don't dare hiring a car yet as in this place nobody speaks English even in Information Tourist counter, so really lost. But love a place and would like to stay.

Thank you for any help.

Re: Totally new and need a starting point
 

Where exactly are you

Re: Totally new and need a starting point
 

First, as jdr would say, read the 'Free Beer' thread, lots of useful info on there, and then if you have some specific questions not covered there, just come and ask. There is plenty of expertese about.

Re: Totally new and need a starting point
 

Mitzyboy I am in Valencia area on the coast Port Saplaya

Re: Totally new and need a starting point
 

Micelnks, thanks. I have a problem that this place doesn't have internet connection so I am using vodafone mobile dialup on my laptop which is grossly expenssive, so trying to save some minutes. I guess I could copy info on a notepad.

Ok, so my first question wouold be, is there any place in Valencia area, any information paper, office, person, anyone who could talk to me on the phone as to which areas are "good" etc as far as kids are concerned. Everything looks nice when one is on "holiday" time, but so does London to most visitors till they live there for a period of time. Depending where of course, but nowdays I can't think of a nice area as far as the kids are concerned and this is from someone who was livin in St JOhn's wood.

Re: Totally new and need a starting point
 

Yes there is.
PM Derek500 on here, he lives just outside Valencia and did a lot of research on the schools around there.
Do you play Golf, I'll be playing another round with him soon

Re: Totally new and need a starting point
 

Thank you so much for that. I will do. Golf? I wish...Let me get settled and will get on with "la vida loca"..again...I do remember the days though;)

Re: Totally new and need a starting point
 

internet cafe would be cheaper, is there not one near you ?

get yourself a dictionary and a phrase book - they will help with the necessities like hiring a car

Im sure there will be a translator around who you can pay per hour to go and sort stuff out for you but why not just try and get stuff sorted yourself ?

fingers crossed for you the jobs comes off

Re: Totally new and need a starting point
 

yes, trying to do it all myself at present. I don't have internet cafe here, also I need internet at home as have a lot of stuff going on from my previous "life", bills all on the net, family and also can't take a small child with me...So this seems to be option for now. Would look for a long term apartment this week, just trying to sort out the school first.