e-WELCOME PACK for LANGUAGE ASSISTANTS

LA ARBOLEDA HIGH SCHOOL, Lepe,

HUELVA (SPAIN)

Welcome to our school!! We have prepared a lot of useful information before you arrive here so that you know more about the place where you are going to work and live. Remember that the more you know about the school, the education system, etc., before you come, the better. From previous Language Assistants we know that anxiety is the most common feeling for auxiliaries" before their actual arrival. But dont worry, your anxiety level can be lowered with information so we hope that you find most of the answers to your questions here. And once you get here we will hand you a folder with more specific and updated information including maps, useful telephones, tourist brochures, timetables, etc. If you think we skipped something important, let us know for future updating! OUR TOWN. Lepe (population over 24,000 inhabitants) is a large town in the province of Huelva (in the region of
Andalusia). It has had a recent boom over the past few years thanks to agriculture and tourism; that is why there are so many nationalities and immigrants here (especially from South America, Northern Africa and Eastern Europe). It is located in the southwestern part of Spain near the Portuguese border. The beaches are really good and there is a seaside resort called Islantilla in the same municipality. Want to know more about places to visit, restaurants, shopping, etc.? Locate Lepe on a map Lepe's Town Hall's official website, only Spanish version available!! Tourism in Islantilla Lepe from the a bird's eye Lepe in pictures

HISTORICAL BACKGROUND. The history of Lepe goes back to before Roman times, but the origins
of layout of the town are from this period. During the Arabic domination, when the town was administratively dependent on the kingdom of Niebla, Lepe experienced a period of great development, becoming the center of the coastal zone. After the expulsion of the Arabs, the zone passed to the hands of the Knights Templar. Once this dissolved Lepe was acquired by the House of the Guzmanes, in whose jurisdiction it remained until the middle of the 15th century. Later, after a period of family disputes, Lepe was ceded by Don Juan Alonso de Guzmn to his daughter Doa Teresa de Guzmn upon her marriage to Don Pedro de Ziga. Thereby Lepe became part of the Marquisate of Ayamonte, with which it remained united until the early 19th century. The importance of Lepes sailors in the discovery voyages of the African coasts, as well as in the voyages of Columbus, must be emphasized. A man from Lepe, Rodrigo Prez de Acevedo, better known as Rodrigo de Triana, was the first sailor to see American soil from the ship Santa Mara. Another important role in these expeditions was played by Juan Daz de Sols, who discovered Ro de la Plata in Argentina. Among other important characters of Lepe is lvaro Alonso Barba, the illustrious metalworker. His book The Art of Metals, in which he wrote about the gold trade, silver for mercy, and the smelting, refining, and separating of metals, came to be considered central to the subjects of mining and metallurgy in the 17th century.

OUR SCHOOL.
School Website School Address School Phone School Fax School Email Bilingual project blog Language Assistant Coordinator http://www.ieslaarboleda.net/ Avda La Arboleda S/N, 21440 Lepe, (Huelva) ESPAA Locate it on a map 00 34 958 489904 00 34 959 384570 ieslaarboleda.averroes@juntadeandalucia.es

http://arboledapluri.weebly.com/
Juan Jos Moreno juanjoteacher@gmail.com

Follow this link for a Slideshare presentation on our school with basic information (also available in Spanish). If you want to know more about the kind of International Activities we have been involved since our school opened, click here. Finally, here is a multimedia document, Introducing La Arboleda, to let you know more about our school. Our town, Lepe, has got several Primary Schools and two Secondary Schools with a third one on the way. Ours is quite a big public Secondary School (in fact its the biggest in the province) with over 1,000 students and around 100 teachers. Here we have a wide range of studies (Compulsory Secondary Education most of our students-, A levels, Professional Training Courses, Adult Education, Further Education, Teacher Training courses, etc). Apart from the morning lessons, some adult groups only come in the evening. Our school is also in the TIC program (Tecnologas de la Informacin y Comunicacin) so computers are present everywhere for teacher and student use. Lessons start at 8:15 and finish at 14:45. Each period is 60 minutes and there is a break of 30 minutes after the third period. The school year is divided into three terms: First term is from September 15th to Christmas holidays (around December 22nd) Second term is from January 7th to Easter Third term is from Easter to the end of June (around the 22nd)

Apart from traditional holidays (Christmas, Easter, summertime, etc.) there are some days off scattered over the course of the year with national, regional and local festivities. We highlight: October 12th Da de la Hispanidad November 1st Da de todos los santos December 6th Da de la Constitucin December 8th Da de la Inmaculada February 28th Da de Andaluca May 1st Da del trabajador

THE BILINGUAL PROGRAMME.

This is the reason why you are coming to our school! It is a relatively new program in public Primary and Secondary schools in Andalusia. These are the very first years and we will have to work longer to see the early results. The idea is to teach part of the curriculum in a foreign language (English in our case). The subjects involved (depending on the school) offer 30%-50% of their classes in English. There is also a second foreign language offered--French at our school. This methodology is best-known as CLIL (Content and Language Integrated Learning). If you want to know more about it click here. You will help with the English lessons and other subjects lessons taught partly in English. So far we have been working bilingually in Geography, History, Mathematics, Music, etc. Along with this classroom teaching, bilingual groups are always involved in international exchanges or trips. We ran a blog (La Arboleda Bilinge) for three years with all the information and on-going development of the program. Follow the link to know more about it. And since 2011 we moved to a website La Arboleda Plurilinge. See what it is about.

Here is a link to the Guide for Bilingual Schools in Andaluca (only in Spanish) THE EDUCATION SYSTEM. Today there seems to be international agreement regarding years and basic contents in education but if you feel like knowing more about this, here are some relevant links for you to discover: Education system in Andaluca (Slideshare presentation) Spanish Ministry of Education Education Department in Andaluca

YOUR JOB.
Language assistants are of great importance in raising students' curiosity and motivation towards English. As a native speaker, you are a role model in communicative contexts and represent a fresh and direct vision of your country and language. Language assistants belong to the English Department and fall under the responsibility of the Bilingual Program Coordinator. The roles of a language assistant are as varied as the people who fill them. There is no set way to be an assistant, which can be frustrating for some participants, especially as most assistants are recent college graduates who now have to make the sudden change from student to teacher. The important thing is to form clear expectations with your coordinator right from the beginning so that everyone is on the same page about your responsibilities. In addition, never hesitate to talk with your coordinator and other teachers you work with if you have any doubts about their expectations of you. A general tip is to take initiative and be proactive towards your duties: keep yourself organized and plan ahead. We really appreciate your suggestions, comments, ideas, etc. Your coworkers are there to guide you, but seeking out their help rather than expecting them to tell you what to do is a nice show of responsibility and professionalism. Your position begins on October 1st and finishes on May 31st. You will have the same holidays as ordinary teachers. As a language assistant, your working hours will be just 12 a week spread over 4 days. Every year we agree on a flexible timetable that can please both you and us as much as possible. The making and control of your schedule is responsibility of the principal and the coordinator. As with any job, it is important to notify us of any foreseeable absences as soon as possible. When you meet your coordinator, he will also inform you about the procedure for calling in sick. We recommend that you contact the coordinator as soon as you find out about your placement. Feel free to ask him any questions that will help you plan for your stay here. That way you can start to get an idea of the subjects, groups, and ages you will be helping to teach, your probable timetable, levels of English, facilities and equipment, etc. Its also a nice gesture to ask if there are any materials you could bring from your country that might be hard to find here. Here is a list of the BASIC FUNCTIONS you will carry out: Development of oral skills (listening and speaking) with the bilingual groups of students. Youll find that most of the time youll be asked to prepare oral activities versus written activities, as the oral component is where its especially helpful to have a native speaker! Decoration of the bilingual classroom and bulletin board (this is where it might be handy to bring maps, brochures, posters, etc. from your home area) Creation of materials and activities for bilingual lessons in various subjects Improvement of teachers competence in spoken English Preparation of activities and materials (especially PowerPoint presentations) related to society and culture in your country Participation in out-of-school activities like field trips, multicultural week, trivia competition, school exchanges, etc. There are a couple of Powerpoint presentations that can give more insight into this topic: 1) Click here 2) Click here There are plenty of materials available to work with. You will have access to the Internet, printers, and photocopying, laminating, etc. Bilingual classrooms are multimedia classrooms equipped with a projector and interactive whiteboard. We also have portable CD players that you are welcome to use. There are activity books, books in English on different subjects and other texts available related to English grammar and vocabulary. Teachers will generally be able to

tell you what you can prepare for their classes if you consult them a few days in advance. A good thing is to plan a month ahead so you have time to prepare materials and teachers dont have to tell you every week what to do. It is also advisable to ask teachers to give you the goals, minimum contents, the textbook, etc., they have set for specific groups. When May comes it will be time for evaluation. You will self-evaluate your work and the school and likewise, the school will evaluate your contribution. Remember that if the experience was fruitful and you want to apply for a second year, it is possible to do so. Finally, here is another link to the Ministry of Education website that includes all the information, FAQs, experiences of past participants, how to get your visa and more.

NEW IN TEACHING?
We suggest that you spend the first week watching what is going on around here (types of learning, potential difficulties, classroom management, types of activities carried out, group dynamics, etc). In short, see the class from the teacher's point of view. You could even use a checklist that we can provide you with to help you in your observation. This way you get used to some routines and goings-on that may help you later. Although you will always be with another teacher in the classroom, it is advisable that you brush up on your teaching techniques. However, if this is your first time in teaching, we can suggest a few sites to pave the way: Working with teachers (Spanish and English) Working with students (Spanish and English) Presentation on different ideas to teach languages The British Councils language assistant website has teaching tips, ideas for classroom activities, and links to excellent online materials This website from Scholastic contains resources, tools, and tips specifically for new teachers

You will be required to work as a team with the teachers and we expect you to show willingness to collaborate. Youll find that even within the bilingual project there are widely different teaching styles, so its important to be open and flexible. Nevertheless, you may come across some teachers who are insecure about their own English competence when talking with a native speaker. Try to be understanding and encouragingwere all hoping to learn from you, both teachers and students! Also take into account that, as this is a secondary school, some of your students will only be a few years younger than you. Remember that you are not a mate in the eyes of the students, but a teacher. At the beginning of your stay there will be a regional orientation meeting with other language assistants to inform you on different issues. It is a good moment to get in touch with other people who may be working in nearby towns. The content of this meeting may vary from year to year and we are trying to make it useful and not just once but two or three times along the year. There is a recent website for Language Assistants in Andaluca which tries to bring together all the information, events, activities that may interest you. If you feel like knowing more about it, click Auxiliares de Conversacin en Andaluca.

YOUR SPANISH.
Probably one of the main reasons you chose to come to Spain was to improve your Spanish language abilities. Remember that in Andaluca we speak a dialect of Spanish with some peculiarities. If you are really into languages, take a look at this Wikipedia article which contains some basic hints about the kind of Spanish you are going to hear down here. Anyway, dont feel stressed about the Andalusian dialectyou will find plenty of people here who will be thrilled (and proud!) to explain it to you and help you adjust. For those of you who would like to start or continue your Spanish education, or for those who would just like to brush up on some grammar and vocabulary here are a few sites that you can work on before coming here: Links to improve your Spanish on the Internet Spanish Language & Culture -- great exercises to review grammar The BBC's interactive site for students of Spanish StudySpanish.com -- vocabulary and grammar lessons and exercises

Dictionary of the Real Academia Espaola

Once you are here, you can consider these options for improving your Spanish skills: Take an official class in Spanish as a foreign language o Universidad de Huelva -- Servicio de Lenguas Modernas o Universidad de Sevilla -- Instituto de Idiomas o Search for Spanish courses in Spain o Information about DELE, the official Spanish language diploma Go to classes offered here in the vicinity. Find a textbook either from home or from our school or local library. Set up an exchange a few hours a week with someone (older students, teachers, etc.) who wants to learn English. That way you can both help each other out and benefit without ever having to pay a thing! Watch TV, listen to the radio, read newspapers and magazines (also available at school) Use the local library in Lepe. The library card is freeall you need to do is go to the library and talk with the person working at the reception desk. The librarian will give you an application that you need to fill out and return with a photo (carnet size) and a copy of your passport. Browse the school library. We have newspapers, magazines, books, DVDs, etc. Listen and talk to local people. Although their speech may be hard to understand at the beginning, they are nice to foreigners and will help you a lot.

LIVING IN SPAIN.

Living in a different country is a great opportunity to prove many things to yourself. However, it can be challenging at first and you may experience mood swings along your stay. That is why you need time to adjust yourself to a new context with different people, customs, habits, etc. We strongly recommend reading Culture Shock! Spain: A Survival Guide to Custom and Etiquette by Marie Louise Graff, especially if this is your first time ever in Spain. For some information it can be a bit old-fashioned. The settling-in process will take some time but remember that there is no hurry as you will be with us for eight months. If for some reason you need to contact your embassy, click here to find the nearest one.

STUDYING HERE.
As your language assistant position is only 12 hours a week, youll want to find ways to occupy the rest of your time. Doing some more training could be good for your CV and prices are usually cheaper as you will notice. In addition to the opportunities listed under Your Spanish section, here are some options you might like to consider, although some language assistants expressed their intention to have a quiet year in Spain : Classes at the Universidad de Huelva: This web page in English explains the options available for international students who would like to take classes at this university (30 kms from Lepe). Masters Degree at the Universidad de Huelva: This university offers over 25 masters degrees covering a variety of disciplines. The cost is very low compared to American schools, and the degree can be completed during your months as a language assistant. If youre interested in this option, be sure to start the process early; registration for foreigners is from mid-May to mid-June. Servicio de Lenguas Modernas at the Universidad de Huelva: In addition to Spanish, the Servicio de Lenguas Modernas also offers classes in German, French, Portuguese, and Russian.

NIE (Nmero de Identificacin para Extranjeros) .

Once you are here, be ready to spend the first few days doing some paperwork. First of all, you will need your NIE card which is an ID for foreigners living in Spain. You will not be able to obtain the actual card right away, but you will be given an I.D. number on a stamped and signed piece of paper. It is

advisable to keep this paper or a copy of it in your wallet. Banks and companies will ask for it when you need any service (telephone, bank account, etc.). To get your NIE you have to go to Huelva, more precisely: Oficina de Extranjeros en Huelva 14, Fernando el Catlico St. 21071 - HUELVA Telephones: 959 759 068 / 099 / 091 / 092 Fax: 959 251 924 Opening times: from 9,00 to 14,00 Monday to Friday. It is best to get to the office as soon as it opens or even earlier. As for the necessary documents... 1. Letters: You will need to bring with you the letters that you will receive at orientation meeting and the letter that you received in the mail in your country that told you which school you would be placed at here in Spain. You should make two photocopies of each of these letters. 2. Passport Pictures: You will need two passport size pictures. I suggest that you get them done here in Spain at just about any photo store or booth. For about 5 you can get a sheet of twelve pictures. Dont worry, theyll probably come in handy sometime later. 3. Application: You need to fill out an application for the N.I.E. that will be given to you at the orientation meeting or at the Oficina de Extranjeros. Its not complicated at all and you only have to fill out half of it. It really only asks for some really basic information like where you live, passport information, etc. 4. Miscellaneous Photocopies: You will need to make at least two photocopies of all the pages in your passport. Make sure that when you land in Europe they stamp your passport well and when you go and make copies be sure to circle the stamp on the photocopy. 5. Bank Information: Once you finally get to sit down and talk with the person behind the desk at the Oficina, the person will fill out a form with three copies (blue, yellow and green). You have to take this to the nearest bank and pay the fee in cash and have them stamp each copy. The nearest bank is Caja Rural, theyll tell you how to get there. The bank keeps one of the copies, you keep another and you return the third copy to the Oficina de Extranjeros. 6. Miscellaneous Useful Information The appointment that youre given at the orientation meeting isnt necessarily important. You can go and get your number before the date as long as you have everything with you (the letters, passport, application, money, pictures and copies of the aforementioned passport pages). It is absolutely worth it to bring just about all the letters/information/anything official that youre given about this process with you. You should bring about two copies of everything and the original copy. When you have to hand over anything, give them the copy, its much better for you to keep the original if you need it later for something else. BRING YOUR PATIENCE!!!!! If youre an American reading this, the best way that this can be described is like the DMV thats located in Satans rear-end. Everything seems to lack order, there doesnt seem to be any line, people are going to cut in front of you, and the workers are sometimes very unprofessional. This information was updated November 2011.

ACCOMMODATION. Most language assistants opt for living in Huelva (the capital and biggest
town around and 30 kms from Lepe or a 30 min. ride), just a few of them choose Lepe. If you choose Huelva, be prepared for daily bus rides or you can ask teachers coming from Huelva for a lift. Living in Huelva has its advantages too as there are many more free time activities than in Lepe. If you prefer Lepe, there are a number of apartments available at any given moment. Most run from about 400 euros per month for 2 bedrooms; some include utilities and others dont. If you arrive here without having an accommodation already set up, you can walk into any Inmobiliaria (a real estate agency) and they will be happy to set you up for a small fee. You will be asked for a security deposit the first month (usually a month's rent). Every year we have plenty of information at school for apartments to rent, so this will not be a problem. Since Lepe is such a small town in the corner of Spain, there may not be many listings on the websites, but there should be options for Huelva:

. Idealista Piso compartido Segunda mano Loquo Easy piso

There is a third option for housing. As you will stay from October to May, this is low season at the seaside ( La Antilla and Islantilla) and prices are quite reasonable for really beautiful places. Only thing is, you will need a car (the beach is about 5 Km from the town and buses are very rare in low season, just one a day) and the place is really quiet. All in all, we recommend renting in Huelva if you like bigger cities or prefer to share an apartment with other language assistants (every bilingual school has got one of them) or university students. Try to get in contact with other language assistants as soon as possible so you can try to coordinate these plans and share an apartment to try to keep rent and other costs down. If you get to share with Spanish natives, it will do wonders for your Spanish skills!! Some local teachers may also share accommodation in order to improve their English at the same time you improve your Spanish. Also, most teachers from the school will be willing to help you if you just ask! Try to find these things out before you get here but never agree to rent an apartment you have not seen!

MONEY.
Money makes the world go round goes the saying. Bear in mind a few things regarding money to make your life here easier. Since this is a new program, the Junta de Andaluca still has some bugs to work out with the way they transfer money to the schools. There can be some delay with the first payment so it is advisable to bring some money for the first couple months and the first and most expensive purchases. How payment works is the Junta de Andaluca transfers all of the money for the year to the school at one time and the school will pay you your monthly wages at the start of the following month. But if the money doesnt come for the first few months, we will try to front you the money and then deduct that amount from the money when it comes from the Junta de Andaluca. Your monthly salary (700) will be transferred to your local bank account or alternatively the school can give you a cheque but never cash. Therefore it is a good idea to open a local bank account as soon as possible. There is a caveat here though; most banks wont let you open an account until you have your NIE card or at least the number. So, you have two options. The first is to attempt to get your card as soon as you receive your letters at the orientation meeting. This way you have the option of choosing any bank that you want. The only other option is to open an account at CajaSol; they generally dont require your NIE card. There is a branch in the center of Lepe and the people there are generally quite helpful. Once you enter, go to the desks on the left and wait in that line. Dont wait in line where the majority of the people are waiting for their number to be called. These people are waiting to do daily bank tasks; you open accounts at the desks to the left. This may take a few attempts. A credit or debit card with the same bank is also advisable as you can use it virtually anywhere: stores, restaurants, ATMS, etc. This is very convenient if you plan to do some traveling around Spain and Europe. Check their commission rates and see if you can get a cheaper or free student card with your student visa or NIE. Some major Spanish bank branches are included below: Cajasol BBVA Caja Rural Banco Popular Banesto Santander

SHOPPING.
For everyday shopping you can go to local supermarkets like El Jamn (only in Andalusia) and Mercadona. Also in Lepe there are some hard discount stores like Da, Aldi, and Lidl. If you need something a little harder to find, try hypermarkets like Eroski and Carrefour Express and if youre looking for imports go to El Corte Ingls department store in Huelva. Big sales (rebajas) come

twice a year, in January and August. Second-hand shops are not very popular in Spain. For extremely cheap buys go to Tiendas de 1 euro, Chinos, etc. They sell cheap import products although the quality isnt very high. HEALTH CARE. Spain has an excellent healthcare system. At orientation you will receive information regarding your insurance and a temporary piece of paper should you need to go to the doctor before your insurance card arrives. As you probably know E-111 is the European health card for EU citizens members living temporarily in Spain. If you are Belgian or American as your stay here is covered by a private insurance company so you do not have to worry about this. In case of a minor health problem, there is a good clinic called Urgencias San Roque Lepe located on Calle Mayor 96. There is normally little to no line and youre virtually in and out (we can help with the translation if necessary). If it is something more serious, then there are some clinics and hospitals in Huelva.

SAFETY.
This is a matter of probability rather than a true science. Lepe is a quiet town and violent episodes are very infrequent. There is a local police service in case of an emergency. Common sense is the most useful way to prevent crime. Click here for police information.

TRANSPORT & TRAVELLING.

We assume that you will get the most of public transport as renting a car will lead you straight to bankruptcy. First of all, airports: the nearest one is actually not in Spain but in Portugal. Faro airport is really convenient as there are a lot of low-cost companies that fly there. Once in Faro there is a bus service to Huelva several times a day (except on Sundays and holidays) or alternatively you can take a taxi (the ride is about 80). Then in Spain we have the Seville airport which is less popular but it is OK if you want to move around Spain. For local transport you will have to rely on DAMAS S.A., the bus company that runs from Lepe to Huelva, the whole province, Seville, etc. Trains are not really good in this corner of Spain (until the High Speed one arrives in the future) but there is a train station in Huelva that has a good connection with Madrid (check the website). Finally, in our school we have teachers from many different places that will take you almost anywhere by car given the chance.

SPORT.
Although Lepe is quite a small town, it does have quite a bit to offer in the way of sports. Most of the activities are centered around and practiced in the Pabelln Municipal de Deportes located at the edge of town. Here you can practice a number of sports and activities such as: basketball, handball, soccer, tennis, paddle (a version of tennis), aerobics, step classes and a number of other activities. Prices vary according to the activity, but fees arent too steep. Besides, the running track is free of charge. There are also three different gyms in town. Two of them are privately owned and one is run by the municipal government. The private gyms are a bit more expensive than the city-owned one. Youd be paying more, but the equipment is newer and the facilities are a bit nicer. Check out the sports section of Lepes webpage. It seems that some of the activities listed here are a little outdated, but you should be able to find something here that interests you!

TELEPHONE:
Getting a landline isnt really suggested, but the option is there if you want to. A landline (it usually comes with the Internet service) can be a good value as you can call any national land telephone free (which is really useful for booking hostels, checking prices, timetables, etc.) Nevertheless, you will most definitely need a mobile phone while here. Forget about yours from home, the bill will be longer than the river Nile. Mobile companies are global here too: Orange, Vodafone, Movistar, Yoigo. Almost every company has at least two options for cell phone service. The first is prepago where you put prepaid credit on your phone and the credit diminishes as you talk or send texts. You can top up this credit at ATMs or at a number of stores (like supermarkets, cybercafs, etc.) This option is recommended unless you are someone whos always on the cell phone. The other option is setting up a contrato where you use your phone as much as you want, and they send the bill at the end of the month. Make sure to ask if there are any special rates for calling internationally. The best international calling rates can be attained by using a phone card from any Tobacco shop (estanco) or alternatively calling from a landline. Another option, if you have Internet, is to sign up on Skype. There is normally a delay when you talk and sometimes the call is dropped, but if you already have internet service, using Skype is FREE! This is also better if both

parties have a webcam. If your internet is too slow for Skype, Jajah is an international calling service that uses an Internet connection to call your phone.

INTERNET.
We find that many language assistants feel real castaways without their Internet connection. Despite always having access at school, it is not really expensive to have the service at home with one of the various companies that offer it. Thus, it is a good idea to bring your laptop with you. The best bet for internet is Telefnica (formerly state-run). Monthly service starts at about 40 euros per month. Ask about any start up deals, sometimes they offer a 50% discount on the service for the first four months. Even though Telefnica is the best bet for internet service, you might want to shop around at the other major telecommunications providers like Vodafone and Orange offer similar service options and prices to Telefnica, or cheaper bets like Ono, Jazztell that are relatively fast.

ELECTRICITY.
Be aware of different plugs and tension. In Spain we have 220volts so you may need an adaptor.

WEATHER.
Temperatures are usually very mild in Lepe but in the summertime it can be really hot. Rain is quite frequent in autumn and winter but don't expect snowfall. In general, sunny days are predominant. Check this website for a weekly weather forecast for the whole province and click on Lepe for more

details.

GASTRONOMY.
Spanish cuisine may be quite different to what youre used to. Here we eat a lot of seafood since the coast is right nearby. Traditionally we stick to the Mediterranean Diet, but modernization and fast food are changing that. Nonetheless, in Lepe you can still eat very well. Something that you should definitely try are the tapas (very small dishes ranging from meat to seafood to vegetables that are served at most bars). Arguably the best tapas in Lepe are found at Bar Cachito in the Los Cruces neighbourhood. Also in Los Cruces you can find two excellent pizza places. One is called Fuente Vieja La Trattoria which makes artisan pizza. Even the basic cheese pizza has more flavor than what youd expect! Just a few feet away is Pizza DLa Plaza which serves pizza but also has a quite large selection of other Italian and some Spanish food. All of this comes at a very reasonable price and both restaurants provide an excellent dining atmosphere inside. Most other restaurants in Lepe have Men del Da which is basically a traditional Spanish meal at a value meal price. However, in order to finish all of it you will need to adapt to the Spanish way of eating lunch dont expect to just eat and leave, the meal may take up to two or more hours! But some bars can just serve you the entre for a lower price. Highly recommended is the paella (saffron flavored rice mixed with vegetables, seafood, meat and/or fish). Though it may be a bit more expensive, you should definitely try Jamn (acorn fed Iberian Ham) wherever you can find it. There is a sort of delicatessen straight down from the church in Lepe that serves nothing but ham and cheese. You should certainly be able to find this or any other type of ham you could want. Be sure to sample some of Spains finest wine as well. Some of the best wine in Spain comes from a northern region called La Rioja which is said to rival that of the Bordeaux region of France. La Rioja produces mostly red wines, but white and ros types are available as well. Another type of wine that is quite popular here in Andalusia is called Manzanilla which is a type of sherry. Look for a large black barrel labeled Solear in a bar to find this type of wine.

LEISURE AND FREE TIME.

Working "so little at school means you will have plenty of time for leisure activities. If you like long sandy beaches, there is no better place to be. If you like monuments, Seville, Crdoba or Jerez are a must. If you like history, this area is packed with references to Christopher Columbus and his voyages to America. If you like nature, Doana National Park and the Sierra de Aracena will amaze you. If you like country-hopping, Portugal is just across the river Guadiana and is a great place to visit. If you like sports, the excellent weather guarantees outdoor activities most of the year. If you like good food, Huelva is famous for its delicacies such as jamn and gambas and a wide range of tapas. If you like night life, well... maybe this is not the best place for it but there is always something for everybody. In Lepe we have a multiscreen cinema (with movies always dubbed in Spanish), nightclubs, a theatre, etc.

We recommend you travel around on the weekends as the surroundings are really amazing. When looking for cheap accommodation, try hostales, pensiones, albergue juveniles, they can be a good choice. If you are flying in or out of the Madrid airport, there are several transport options. There is a bus that runs frequently between Sevilla and Madrid during daytime hours. The ride is not too expensive but takes 6-7 hours and departs from the Estacin de Autobuses de Plaza de Armas in Seville. This bus also runs overnight but less frequently and it is advisable to make reservations for the overnight bus because it fills up quickly. You can also take the AVE, the fast train, from Estacin Santa Justa in Sevilla. And now there are buses that run directly from Huelvas bus station to the Barajas Airport and Madrids city center through the company Socibus. Finally here are some useful sites: Get to know Spain Huelva newsletter created by one of our Language Assistants New website with different links to cultural agenda, places to visit, etc. Official site of Doana National Park, English version available This web, also in English, will introduce you to the province of Huelva Official website with information on Seville Tourist information on Andalusa Youth Hostel Network in Andalusia, English version available Expats in Spain Finally, here are some interesting websites with information on Algarve (Portugal): Information in English about different events in the Algarve More information on things to do in the Algarve

SPECIAL THANKS to our former Language Assistants: Joanne (Wales), Frederik (Belgium), Liliana (Portugal), Brian (USA), Elizabeth (USA), Karly (Scotland), Richie (Ireland), and Steve (USA), Tim (England), Bianca (USA), Caitlin (USA) and Anthony (USA)