RVF International

Moving to Spain right after graduating college in June felt like a huge leap, but it’s easily become one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. I knew I wanted a change and a chance to grow, and teaching in Madrid has given me exactly that and so much more. The RVF team made the entire process unbelievably smooth, answering any questions I had, and I had a lot. From visa appointments to housing questions, they were always there to guide me, which took so much stress off my plate. Instead of worrying about every little detail, I was able to actually enjoy the excitement of starting a new chapter in a different country. Living in Madrid has been incredible. I’ve learned so much about Spanish culture, picked up new routines, explored beautiful neighborhoods, and met people who now feel like family. Teaching has been rewarding in ways I didn’t expect, my students make every day meaningful, and being in the classroom has pushed me to grow both professionally and personally. If you’re considering taking the leap, my honest advice is: do it. You truly never know how much a year abroad can change you until you’re living it. This experience has already shaped me in ways I’ll carry with me forever.

I have always dreamed about living abroad and thanks to RVF I was able to do just that! Although living abroad seems glamorous, the path to get there is not. There’s so much paperwork and research that goes into moving abroad and the thought of doing it on my own with no knowledge on Spanish laws overwhelmed me. Once I signed up with RVF, the process was so seamless. They streamlined the whole process for me and I definitely wouldn’t have been able to get to Spain without them!!!

I cannot begin to express the endless gratitude I have for this program. I dreamed of moving to Spain for years and thought I’d have to do it alone — until I found RVF International. They walked us through every step of the visa process, every document, every appointment (and sometimes even made them for us!). When the consulate gave me the wrong visa, I never would have caught it if it weren’t for the diligence of RVF’s amazing team. After arriving, they have continued to provide unwavering support and even enhance the experience with fun competitions and unique opportunities offered just to RVF participants. Not to mention the community they connect you with before you even reach Spain! You’ll be placed in a group chat of 200+ people coming to Spain at the same time as you, so you can find your friends, roommates, coworkers — all before arriving. What I thought would be a lonely move abroad turned out to be one of the most connected, social experiences I’ve ever had. I’ve met the love of my life, two incredible best friends I found through the program, and have had the blessing to travel with those wonderful people to Morocco, Portugal, France, Spanish islands, etc. Thank you, RVF, for being the first step to a lifetime abroad (even if for you, it’s just 8 months and then a special chapter you look back on that changed your life!).