How The Sam Heck Did I Prepare For Spain? I Yi Yi

Hey friends, Sam here! 👋If you’ve ever made a big life move on a tight timeline, then you know the chaos that comes with it. I’m talking paperwork, packing, and a lot of coffee. When I decided to move to Spain through the Meddeas program, I had about five seconds (okay, maybe a couple months) to get my entire life in order. Here’s the full story of how I somehow pulled it off — student visa, goodbyes, overpacking, and all.

A Whirlwind Decision

Getting ready for Spain was a whirlwind like no other! Full chaos energy, endless to-do lists, and a lot of “wait, what form is this again?” moments.

First off — deciding to come to Spain happened fast. Like, blink-and-you’re-on-a-plane fast. Once I found out the stars had aligned (hello sabbatical approval and Meddeas acceptance 🙌), it was officially go-time.

Step One: The Student Visa Saga

My first order of business? The student visa.

I actually started this process before I even knew for sure I was going, because everyone warns you — it can take forever.

So, I got fingerprinted for my FBI background check (easy peasy), then had to send it off to Washington D.C. for an apostille. Now, I could have paid a ton of money to get it back fast, but we’re ballin’ on a budget over here. So I mailed it myself and crossed all fingers and toes.

Miraculously, it came back within three weeks! Then it needed to be translated into Spanish, but that was simple — I found a company online that handled it quickly.

Next up: the medical certificate. Not just from any doctor — it had to be from an MD. Luckily, I found one easily, and it was basically just confirming I’m healthy and drug-free (yes, there was a drug test… and yes, all clean, obviously 😅).

Everything for the visa was pretty straightforward — just time-consuming. Here’s what it included:

✅ Application form

✅ Passport photo

✅ Passport (and copy)

✅ Proof of acceptance (from Meddeas)

✅ Proof of financial means (also from Meddeas)

✅ Health insurance (purchased through Meddeas)

✅ FBI background check (apostilled + translated)

✅ Medical certificate

✅ Identity card (license and copy)

The Great Consulate Adventure

Once I had everything, it was time to make an appointment at the San Francisco Consulate — which was not easy. Appointments were always “unavailable” online.

So I called.They said, “Just book online.”I said, “There are none to book.”After some back and forth, they kindly helped me schedule one (hallelujah).

Now, at this point I was sweating because my appointment was only six weeks before I was supposed to leave... and they say it can take up to two months to process a visa. 😬

But I made my merry way to San Francisco anyway, hoping I had everything right. Thankfully, I did! It was a 15-minute appointment, super smooth, and I left doing a little happy dance in the hallway. Then I just waited (and prayed) that my visa would come in time.

Packing Up Life (and My Suitcases)

From there, it was time to wrap up life. I put in my 30-day notice for my apartment, slowly started packing, and — thank goodness — had amazing family who helped and are now storing my things.

At work, I trained and mentored the long-term sub taking over my classroom, helped set up the space, and got everything prepped for a great year for my kiddos.

Then came the hardest part: the “see you laters.” 💔

I threw an Hasta Luego party at The Eddy to say my goodbyes. It was amazing having all my people in one place — and surprisingly, not too many tears (mainly because I refused to think about leaving).

Then came the moment — packing the final suitcase. Picture this: my dad sitting on top of it while I’m frantically trying to zip it shut. Classic.Fun fact: I am a chronic overpacker and a last-minute “should I bring this?” kind of girl.

The hardest goodbyes were my parents and my best friend. There were definitely some tears (and maybe a few double-takes walking through security). As the plane took off, I thought to myself…

“What the Sam Heck am I about to get into?”

What I Learned (and What I’d Tell You)

If you’re getting ready for your own Spain adventure — take a deep breath, start early, and don’t stress if things feel messy. They will work out (eventually 😅).

My biggest tips:

• Start your visa process as soon as possible

• Keep digital copies of every document

• Don’t be afraid to call the consulate — persistence pays off

• And most importantly, soak in every goodbye, every “what the heck am I doing?” moment, because it’s all part of the adventure 💕

  
  

Now that I’m here, sipping café con leche in Valencia, I can say it was so worth it!