"Amazing"
How I did it: Unable to take up the study abroad opportunities available through my university, I decided that in order to get to Europe, I had to work through it. So, I lived in Barcelona for 3 months working as an au pair.
Using a google search, I found numerous opportunities to live and work in Barcelona - often only receiving a stipend and housing costs for your time. But, its still Barcelona and you're still living there with the great opportunity to experience REAL Catalunyan culture.
Lessons & tips:
Some notes on picking an international job agency:
1. Obviously, make sure the agency seems legit. There are many agencies or online programs where you can post a profile and wait for someone to inquire with you. I used InterExchange Work Abroad in NY; and while it will cost you, its definitely worth it to know that you will be placed with a safe family and that you will have a support system while there.
2. Make sure that the agency will not force you to dish out extra for supplementary language training. If that is something that interests you, then great. But realistically, the stipend you will be receiving will not cover their cost.
3. Whether or not you are living with a family or working for a company in Barcelona, the stipend should not be any less than 2 euro/an hour. Also, exploitation is very popular in Spain, so make sure the family knows the specific payment information, including stipulations on overtime pay and free days. --Do not be afraid to approach the family about any issues you may have. You have to live with them, yes. But a decent agency will also act as support for your claims to them.
Resources: www.interexchangeworkabroad.com
Nov 17, 01:38PM PST
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