Deja Vu: The Spanish Consulate

Phew. Got that over with. Mostly unscathed too, with just my wallet feeling a bit lighter.

I think that's actually my biggest problem with the whole visa process: it's hardly for the poor. Any American that's trying to work, study, or live abroad in Spain has to spend a ton of money to even submit the correct paperwork (with no actual guarantee that it will all be approved). Granted, most people that even apply probably already have the means to do so, but the numerous number of fees associated with the visa do eliminate a large group of people that simply cannon afford it.

Let's chalk up my visa expenses for this year:

Fingerprinting for FBI Clearance: $6.00

Processing fee for FBI Clearance: $18.00

Rush USPS delivery for FBI Clearance: $5.60

Tempe Police Certificate: $10.00

SOS Apostille for Police Certificate: $3.00

Medical Certificate: $60.00

Passport Photos: $9.83

USPS Prepaid Express Envelope: $18.30

Copies: $1.97

Visa Fee: $100.00

Plane Ticket: $119.90

Food, etc for LA: $47.86

That's an astounding $400.86 + gas. That's also not even counting the paperwork costs for applying to the program to even get a position for the next year. Ugh.

What's unfortunate is that after all was submitted and paid, the FBI Certificate requirement was waived. It also turned out that I didn't really need to buy more passport photos as I found some after the fact that would have worked (and that I actually ended up using). Admittedly, I could have also spent a little less in LA on food and such but just I couldn't resist getting delectable Indian at Akbar and going around to 21 Choices - twice.

However, I know I was also cut a few breaks. Not only was I able to get discounted airfare with Dad's passes, but I was able to stay with Marina and use her car to get to the Consulate (not to mention that she managed to snag one of the lunch bills while I was not paying attention).

Overall, it's really just an insightful experience, and additionally, a much more pleasant one this time around. The people at the Consulate were pleasant and worked quickly, and assured me that everything should go through without a hitch. I was also able to work out seeing Marina on the side which meant I got even more out of the trip too.

Bottom line it: I'm deeply grateful that I'm afforded (and can afford) this opportunity again this year, because I'm also very aware of so many others that would love to do the same, but can't.

Oh yeah,

the next ten months living on the Mediterranean in the south of Spain: Priceless.