Zahra is an American and Swedish dual-citizen that has been teaching in Madrid for 5 academic years. She was working in the US as a non profit employee in teaching and social work when she decided that the timing was right for her to move to Spain. As a UCETAM auxiliar, she earns 1300 euros a month.
Can you tell us a bit about how you ended up in Madrid?
When I was first considering a move to Spain I wanted to move each year to a different city. My top criteria were diversity – of people, food, and experiences – and public transit. During my first year in Madrid, I visited the other cities that I thought could be potentially good fits, but Madrid always came out on top.
There are many fantastic places worth visiting often, but for me Madrid will be my base. Madrid feels like a Spanish Boston. It is quite small for a city, it’s walkable, and has decent public transit – not only within the city, but also to surrounding suburbs and villages. Boston was the last US city I had lived in prior to moving to Spain.
What is your living situation?
I live in a studio in Chamberi. It costs just under 500 euros – except for in the winter when I use the heating more often and the utilities go up. Food: that’s my weak spot, as I am vegetarian. I can spend maybe 20 euros a week on fresh produce with dry staples already in my apartment, but I also like to eat out. Surely I have spent 100s “just because” since I can’t travel; I like to delve into gastronomic tourism.
My rent and utilities are lower than average, because most of what I have is eco set. The transit cost is fixed. Due to me being over 25, it’s 54.60 euros a month, just for Zone A.
Where do you recommend someone go for a drink?
I don’t drink alcohol or coffee, but can recommend some nice cafes in my neighborhood: La Colectiva and Naji. As I usually buy a tea and a pastry of sorts, I’m typically looking at about 6-7 euros. La Colectiva is all vegan and Naji has a mix of hot and cold beverages typical of a café. Other cafes I visit often are Cafe Comercial, Agrado, Toma, Miga, Rodilla, Manolo Bakes, Aroma and Bread. Each place has its charm and their go-to desserts. Rodilla stays open late, and you can be there uninterrupted for awhile.
Does your regular aux income allow you to live comfortably?
Solely living on an Aux salary wouldn’t allow for much going out, savings, or travel. I have worked in academies, as I have the right to work in Spain. I also have given private classes to all ages, and I start at 20 euros an hour. Occasionally, I take on assorted jobs and get creative with side gigs.
The aux position is 26 hours with UCETAM. How have you used your free time differently than back home?
The city of Madrid has so many cultural offerings to enjoy! I have been able to travel more due to working fewer hours than I did back in the States. It has also given me the opportunity to help friends with startups, do voice over work, and get paid to travel Spain while leading educational tours. I also enjoy having the freedom to do nothing and just let my day flow, as opposed to always being obligated to go to another meeting or attending to whatever issue has come up, like in previous work experiences.
What are some must-sees in the Madrid?
When I show my friends around Madrid, I explain to them the history of the Templo de Debod, Parque del Oeste, Plaza de España, Gran Via/Callao/Sol, the area around Cibeles, Paseo de la Castellana, Retiro, and Salamanca/Chamberi as major landmark-heavy areas. However for culture and food, I also show Lavapies, La Latina, Usera, Carabanchel, and places that are farther South where one can eat well and authentically. I also find the cafes of many museums quite nice, as well as house museums, of which Madrid has many that are free.
What about travel outside of Madrid?
Madrid is quite well-connected given that much transportation goes through Madrid. I don’t venture outside of my community often due to working every day, but on weekends, I do try check out new villages, especially for hiking if the weather is nice. It may be a long bus ride, but it is nice to get to other villages and towns without owning a car. My coworker says I have seen more of Spain than she has, and she has lived here her whole life!
How has Covid affected life in Madrid?
This particular school year has been interesting, to say the least. Last year we were hit with Covid, and no one was prepared for that. Now we are in the midst of a snowstorm fallout, and the schools are also in a position that is unprecedented. Mainly the constant handwashing, ventilation of classrooms, and mask wearing have been the most noticeable changes with regard to in-classroom activities. Since my school had implemented digital classroom protocols due to Covid, my work itself hasn’t changed so much. This year we are in person again, but with smaller class sizes.
Travel has been restricted to only within Spain, but the rules change regularly, such as whether or not you need a PCR, to quarantine or not to quarantine. I hope to be able to travel more freely in the future, but that may be a few years out. I suppose that I could travel within Europe, but the cost of the PCR is often more than the flight, and so in the end I probably will stick to in-Spain travel once the communities allow for more freedom of movement.
What were your schools like?
At my schools, I have worked with students from 2 years old to 12 years old, but I have also taught from 6 months to adults. I think the most important factor in working with preschool and elementary is having a structure, but also having fun. In both groups, students love to be creative. Depending on the age, you can have them sing a song and do a dance related to themes that they are learning or do a matching game with single use cards or paper puppets on sticks. With older students, one can do role plays with more complex grammar or take a popular song in English and have them guess what the word is that is being said and decode the song.
What are some reasons people should or shouldn’t chose Madrid?
If you like living in cities and want to have home base, Madrid is the place for you. There is so much to do! Although it may not be as fast paced as Chicago or London, it is international and filled with culture. After having lived here for 4 years, I couldn’t really see myself living anywhere else in Spain, although there’s always more to explore. If you prefer a slower-paced life, fewer people, and are annoyed by the pollution, then Madrid may not be the best fit.
Anything else you would like to include?
I would say that if anyone is considering being an Aux for whatever reason, that person should come. Maybe you see your time as a break from the “real world” or maybe you pivot into something where you have a better work-life balance. I strongly encourage everyone to come, as living in a place that isn’t your own country will always be fruitful.