Zachary spent a semester in Madrid in 2012. Years later, while working in a bakery in San Antonio, Texas, he decided it was time to go back. He spent 3 years as an auxiliar in Madrid before transferring to the Valencian Community.
Can you tell us a bit about how you ended up in Requena?
After living in Madrid for three years, I decided I needed to make a change and experience other parts of Spain. In the preferences section of the Profex application, I placed Castilla-La Mancha and la Comunidad Valenciana as my top choices. For Castilla-La Mancha I requested to be close to Madrid, for the simple fact that I could be close to Madrid. I chose la Comunidad Valenciana in order to be closer to my boyfriend. Although I knew that I would most likely be placed in a village, I was okay with that. In the end, I was placed in Requena, Comunidad Valenciana.
At first, I had absolutely no clue where Requena was, and neither did my boyfriend. As soon as I could, I got in touch with my school’s contact person, who happens to be the Head of Studies, and I asked her if she could help me find a place to live. She was very helpful in finding me numbers and contacts for finding a place. I also searched on Idealista. After setting up meetings with a few landlords, I made a trip to Requena to look at places, meet the school staff, and see Requena. It seemed like a quiet, tranquil village.
What is your living situation?
I live alone in a 90m², 2 bedroom flat next to my school. Rent is 400€, and utilities are around 40€ per month. Normally, I cook at home, and I spend around 45€ per week on food. I don’t have transportation costs, as I live right next to the school and the village, with about 20,000 people, is relatively small. From what I understand, there are a few other auxiliares in Requena, but to date I have not been able to meet with them. Travelling to Valencia city costs around 5.50€ by bus or cercanias train.
Where do you recommend someone go for a drink?
Anhelo is a nice, casual place to have a drink.
El Yantar castillo – a pricier option for modern, fusion cuisine.
El Yantar Plaza is similar in price to Yantar Castillo, but more traditional food rather than modern.
La Miguelita – traditional food for a good price. Traditional tapas, salads, grilled meats, fish. Located in El Pontón.
Does your regular aux income of 1000 euros allow you to live comfortably?
Yes, I live comfortably financially, mostly because I don’t have transportation costs and there are, in general, fewer things to do. I don’t really travel that much. Instead, I usually do outdoor activities in Requena.
What about outside work opportunities?
I give English classes for supplemental income. My rates are 12€/h.
The aux position is 16 hours in the Valencian Community. How have you used your free time differently than back home?
I occupy my time reading, learning, learning Valencian, hiking, and going to the gym.
What are some must-sees near Requena?
Hiking is a must in the Requena area. My favorite places are Buseo Reservoir, the cave near Chera, Río Buñol, and la cueva de Turche. There are many archeological sites from Roman and Moorish times, too.
How do you travel outside of Requena?
Transportation is scarce in my village. There is a train station with a few trains per day to Valencia. There is a bus to Valencia and to Madrid a few times a day. However, there is an AVE train station located a few minutes outside of Requena that can take you to Valencia in 20 minutes and to Madrid in an hour and a half.
How has Covid affected life in Requena?
The one big thing that the situation has caused is that we are unable to work in groups. I really value group work as a learning tool.
What grades or ages did you teach? Any advice for someone who has never worked with this age group before?
Currently, I teach primary 3rd-6th. In Madrid, I taught primary 3rd and 4th only. My advice is to have a lot of patience. I find Spanish students to be more talkative and disruptive.
Would you live in Requena again?
I plan on renewing in Requena for another year. For other people, if you’re looking for a quiet place, with lots of Roman, Moorish, and Medieval history, and outdoor activities, I highly suggest Requena. If you want a big city, or a town that’s well connected with no need for a vehicle, Requena is probably not for you.