Housing Finding an apartment, deposits, utilities, banking
Finding housing without a U.S. credit history can be tricky, but landlords are often accommodating to visiting teachers who provide employment documentation.
- Search tools: Use Zillow, Apartments.com, Rent.com, and Facebook Marketplace. Also check teacher groups in your district.
- No credit history: Provide your employment contract or school offer letter to demonstrate stable income.
- Security Deposit: Be prepared to pay a deposit equal to one or two months of rent in lieu of credit history.
- Approximate costs: A one-bedroom apartment in Indianapolis costs $800–$1,200/month; in smaller cities, $600–$900/month.
- Temporary housing: Consider a furnished apartment or Airbnb for the first few weeks while you search for something permanent.
Tip: Look for housing near your assigned school to minimize commute time. Indiana is very car-dependent.
When signing your lease, you'll need to set up basic utilities in your name. Here are the main providers in Indiana:
- Electricity: Duke Energy and AES Indiana are the main providers. Call or register online before moving in.
- Natural gas: Centerpoint Energy and Citizens Gas cover most of the state. Gas is used for heating and hot water.
- Water: Typically managed by the municipality or a local board. Ask your landlord if water is included in rent.
- Internet: Xfinity (Comcast) and AT&T are most widespread. AT&T fiber is fastest if available in your area. Average price: $50–$80/month.
- Average utility costs: Expect to pay $150–$250/month total, more in winter for heating.
Without a U.S. credit history, opening a bank account may require specific documentation. Major Indiana banks are generally flexible with visiting teachers.
- Required documents: Passport, DS-2019, and your school employment offer letter. Some banks also accept the I-94.
- Recommended banks: Chase, PNC, Bank of America, and Regions Bank have branches across Indiana. Credit unions often offer better terms.
- Account without SSN: If you don't yet have your SSN, some banks allow account opening with passport and DS-2019. Ask specifically about their J-1 visa policy.
- Debit card: You'll receive a Visa or Mastercard debit card immediately — essential for renting an apartment and online purchases.
Education System Teaching culture, enrolling your children
The Indiana school system has some notable differences from Spain's that are worth knowing in advance.
- School calendar: The school year typically runs from early August to late May.
- Family involvement: Families play a very active role: frequent email communication, apps like ClassDojo, and Parent-Teacher Conferences are expected.
- Standardized testing: ILEARN and IREAD-3 exams are mandatory and carry significant weight in school evaluations.
- Curriculum: In Indiana, the curriculum is decided at the district level, not by the state. Your school will provide the specific materials and course plan.
- Dress code: Many schools have a dress code or uniform. Confirm with your school before starting.
If you bring your children on J-2 visas, public education is free and compulsory. Plyler v. Doe (1982) guarantees public school access to all minors regardless of immigration status.
- Enrollment documents: Proof of Indiana residency (lease or utility bill), birth certificate (translated to English), and up-to-date vaccination records.
- Required vaccines: Indiana requires DTaP, MMR, Varicella, Hepatitis B, and Polio. Get a Spanish vaccination certificate from your family doctor before leaving Spain.
- Grade levels: Elementary School (K–5, ages 5–11) · Middle School (6–8, ages 11–14) · High School (9–12, ages 14–18).
- ELL Services: Schools offer English Language Learner support at no additional cost.
Indiana has excellent public and private universities, accessible both for adults seeking further education and for their older children.
- Indiana University (IU) – Bloomington: Top public university, especially known for Humanities, Music, and Business programs.
- Purdue University – West Lafayette: World-renowned for Engineering, Science, and Technology.
- IUPUI (Indianapolis): Urban combined campus of IU and Purdue, very accessible from the state capital.
- Ivy Tech Community College: Network of two-year colleges with very affordable tuition. Ideal for certifications or starting a degree.
- Credential recognition: To teach with a Spanish degree, contact the Indiana Department of Education for the equivalency process.
Transportation & Daily Life Driving, shopping, taxes, tipping
Indiana is known as the "Crossroads of America": interstates I-65, I-70, and I-465 crisscross the state. Outside Indianapolis, a car is practically essential.
- International Permit: Bring your International Driving Permit from Spain to drive legally during the first months.
- Indiana Driver's License: For longer stays, you'll need a license from the BMV (Bureau of Motor Vehicles). You'll need your passport, visa, DS-2019, and proof of address.
- Winter driving: Black ice is dangerous and invisible. Drive slowly and keep your distance. Keep in your trunk: a blanket, water, flashlight, and ice scraper.
- Car insurance: Mandatory. Compare prices at Progressive, State Farm, or GEICO. Without a US driving history, your first policy may be more expensive.
Tip: Download the Waze app for navigation and GasBuddy to find the cheapest gas in your area.
Without a U.S. credit history, buying a used car is often the most practical and affordable way to get around Indiana.
- Facebook Marketplace: The most popular platform in Indiana for private-party sales. Filter by your city and price range — great for finding local deals without dealerships.
- Craigslist: indianapolis.craigslist.org — another widely used source for used cars from private sellers across Indiana.
- CarGurus & AutoTrader: Aggregator sites with thousands of listings from dealers and private sellers. Both show whether a price is good, bad, or fair relative to the market.
- CarMax: A used-car chain with no-haggle fixed prices and a limited warranty included. A good option if you value peace of mind over the lowest price.
- Pre-purchase inspection: Before buying, take the car to a trusted mechanic for a pre-purchase inspection. It costs $100–$150 and can save you thousands.
- Vehicle history: Always request a Carfax or AutoCheck report using the VIN to verify accidents, previous owners, and maintenance history.
- Typical budget: A reliable used car in Indiana costs $5,000–$12,000. Toyota, Honda, and Subaru are known for holding their value and long-term reliability.
Tip: Avoid paying cash for a car without verifying the title. The title must be in the seller's name and lien-free.
- Supermarkets: Meijer and Kroger are the largest chains. ALDI has very competitive prices and a shopping style familiar to Europeans. Walmart is cheapest for household goods.
- Sales Tax: In the US, the price on the tag does NOT include taxes. Indiana has a 7% sales tax added at the register. Most unprepared grocery foods are exempt.
- Tipping: An essential part of US service culture. At sit-down restaurants, leave 15–20% of the total. At bars, $1–$2 per drink. At hair salons, 15–20%.
- Credit history: Building credit is important for the future. Apply for a secured credit card after opening your bank account and use it responsibly.
Food & Culture Indiana foods, Hoosier slang, local customs
Forget the Mediterranean diet for a moment — Midwestern food has its own charm. These are the dishes you must try:
- Breaded Pork Tenderloin Sandwich: The ultimate Indiana food. A piece of pork pounded thin, breaded, and deep-fried. The meat is usually three times the size of the bun!
- Sugar Cream Pie: The unofficial state pie. Rich and sweet, similar to a custard baked in a butter crust.
- Indiana Sweet Corn: In late summer, farmers sell incredibly sweet corn on the cob from roadside stands.
- Ranch Dressing: Midwesterners dip absolutely everything in Ranch: pizza, fries, raw vegetables, and more.
- Chicken and Noodles: A comforting chicken and homemade noodle stew, typical at family dinners and county fairs.
The Midwest has its own dialect and expressions that may surprise you at first. Here's a small survival glossary:
- Hoosier: A resident of Indiana. Nobody knows the exact origin of the word, but locals wear it with pride.
- "Ope": An exclamation used when bumping into someone or making a minor mistake. ("Ope, let me squeeze right past ya!")
- Pop: What people call soda or soft drinks. Say "soda" and you may get a funny look.
- Sweeper: A vacuum cleaner. They don't say "vacuum" — they say "sweeper."
- The Region: Specifically refers to Northwest Indiana, near Chicago.
- "You guys" / "You all": How people address a group, equivalent to the Spanish "vosotros." Informal but universal.
- Hoosier Hospitality: Indiana residents are known for their friendliness and willingness to help. Don't be surprised if your neighbor brings you a welcome cake.
- Hispanic community: Indianapolis has a growing Latino community. The Hispanic Center of Indiana offers resources, events, and support networks for newcomers.
- Churches: Local churches (especially Catholic ones) are important community gathering points. Many offer mass in Spanish.
- Work culture: US work culture values punctuality, direct communication, and enthusiasm. A polite "How are you doing?" is routine, not an invitation for a long conversation.
- Casa de España en Indiana: Our organization hosts cultural events and offers a support network for the Spanish community. Join us!
Leisure & Attractions Things to do, seasonal events, nature
- Indianapolis Motor Speedway: Home to the iconic Indy 500 every May — the world's largest single-day sporting event. The atmosphere is spectacular even if you're not a racing fan.
- The Children's Museum of Indianapolis: The largest children's museum in the world. A must-visit if you have kids or teach younger students.
- Indiana Dunes National Park: In the north along Lake Michigan, it offers freshwater beaches and massive sand dunes. Perfect for summer.
- Indiana State Fair (August): Fried food, crafts, agriculture, and live entertainment at the Indianapolis fairgrounds. An authentic American experience.
- Brown County State Park: Visit in October for fall foliage — red, orange, and golden leaves that look like a painting.
- Gainbridge Fieldhouse (Indianapolis): Home arena of the Indiana Pacers (NBA). Watching a live basketball game is an essential cultural experience.
Indiana has four clearly defined seasons — a notable difference from many regions of Spain.
- Spring (March–May): Mild, with frequent rain. Tornadoes can occur, especially in April and May. Learn to use the NOAA Weather app for alerts.
- Summer (June–August): Hot and humid, with temperatures of 86–100°F (30–38°C). Air conditioning is essential.
- Fall (September–November): The most beautiful season. Mild temperatures and spectacular leaf colors.
- Winter (December–February): Intense cold, snow, and ice. Invest in a good winter coat, waterproof boots, and gloves before December.
For winter: Shop at Target or Meijer: heavy coat ($60–$150), snow boots ($40–$100), ice scraper ($5), and windshield washer antifreeze.
- Basketball: Indiana is the birthplace of college basketball. Following the Indiana Pacers (NBA) or IU Hoosiers is part of local culture.
- American Football: The Indianapolis Colts are Indiana's NFL team. Sunday games are a social ritual.
- Soccer: Indianapolis City FC plays in the USL Championship. You'll find amateur soccer leagues with many Hispanic players in nearly every city.
- Parks and nature: Indiana has over 30 state parks. The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) sells very affordable annual passes (~$40).
- Public Libraries: The Indianapolis Public Library offers free events, Spanish-language books, internet access, and much more. A library card is free!