09 Nov 2010 8:40 PM:

 Interesting thread.

I first came to Spain with 2 young kids (3.5 and 5) in 1995. Once they entered school I always had to pay for the books - the only parent s who didnt pay were ones on the dole.

You didnt get a list of what you needed until a week into the term (madness!!) But I learned that you can pre-order the years books for the following years if you know what year your child is in - and the name of the school!! This means also you can prepay in installments too.

I believe now that the books are provided by the schools but that came in a couple of years ago.

In Bachillerato, you pay for the books and I handed Chris's 1st year books to the school to use for the new years kids as he wasnt using them anymore.

Daughter now in Uni and I dont think she has had to buy any books!!! The lecture notes are all accessed via internet direct to the laptops they provided for a deposit of 100 euros - after 4 years you either keep the machine or give it back and get your deposit back.

Still loving Spain!! :) 

Forum thread: School books - a rip off?

--------------------------------------

04 Oct 2010 5:04 PM:

 Hi Joanmalaga,

Yes it can be more difficult here, but nearly all cities have a university in them.

Vickys course is 750 euros per year. We have moved into smaller accommodation so the excess pays her 240 euros per month rent and bills, then its food. No transport needed as she lives within walking distance of the uni.

Being a student she gets discounts on so much as well. The uni offered new laptops for first students for a deposit of 100 euros - at the end of the course you either keep it or give it back and get the money back.

I wanted her to go to Seville as she had studied hard and earned it - otherwise it would have been Malaga with all the hassle that would have entailed and it probably still would have been cheaper and easier for her to live there.

I dont know about the Beca system as we applied but were turned down - I had to take on extra work to help pay for it, luckily now my business is able to cover all our costs but for a couple of years it was very hard going.

I know in the UK the loans are loans and have to be paid back putting many into severe debt at an early age.

I cant comment comparing systems as I have no knowledge of the Uni's in the UK but both my kids level of comprehension, grammar in both languages plus a third and forth (french and german) means to me they have more doors and opportunities open to them. 

Forum thread: Spanish Universities

--------------------------------------

04 Oct 2010 11:49 AM:

 Hi Barbie! Lovely to read your post and yes I will update with pleasure and pride!

Where to start??

Ok, first - Vicky. She has just started 3rd year in Uni - its the old system and a 5 year course in Biology. Through both summers she worked in a local restaurant here which has helped fund her and her position is open every summer. She is an Honorary student and with the credits she earned last year and with the top results achieved, she got 400 euros deducted from the Uni fees this year! The way it works is the top 6 students in the uni in the year in that subject get the credits so well done her for having such top results!

She is in Seville and loving where she is - has a share in a beautiful apartment and she has developed so well. Its great to have her back now and again but not now until Xmas , that took me a while to get used to but Im very used to it now!! This and next year she can apply for work experience which could lead to a position in a spanish company - one is a biotechnology company in Seville which she is quite interested in and having Spanish/English fluently, means the USA is also a top spot for her in her field. This year she is also studying Japanese!!!

Second is son Chris. I hadnt mentioned much about him as at the time Vicky is 2 years in front and he was at school, but he started 1st year Bachillerato last year and didnt get on with it! He got very into sports and via Marbella Rugby club was selected to represent Spain in the under 18s group in an international tournament in Italy! Spain came 2nd to Portugal, a very worthy result.

He decided he wanted to study in Sports and also to pursue his rugby career - its obviously more advanced in the UK - so the decision was made for him to go to UK to study and follow his rugby dream (watch this space as who knows!!!) He just started a 2 year sports science course at a college in Hartlepool, where his father lives (staying with Dad) which could lead to University degree or at least qualify him to teach and coach. He has just been asked to go to Madrid (next week the 6th to 10th oct) to try out for the U19 Spanish side and if selected, will represent Spain in the European tournament at the end of october in Brussels! (Trip totally paid for by the rugby federation!). It looks like there has been interest from the Newcastle Falcons but I havent got any more info on that - he will have to go and try out.

Its taken me a few weeks to get used to not having any kids around and to be able to be as selfish and lazy as I was as a teen is marvellous!

I will try and remember to keep this updated as to how Chris gets on. Have a great day everyone! :)

Forum thread: Spanish Universities

--------------------------------------

09 Feb 2010 6:54 PM:

Its still busier than I remember it when I first came to Spain. There is work around, you just have to be creative and adapt. Many have gone back and that is a shame, but when its leaner times people will go to where they feel they can eek a living.

 

Forum thread: Wow it is quiet!!

--------------------------------------

01 Jan 2010 1:46 AM:

Mine too! Happy New Year everyone!!

Forum thread: Happy New Year!........again

--------------------------------------