Things to consider when planning Spanish Courses abroad

Before you leave home

Before you leave home
There is more to preparing your trip to Spain than just purchasing an airline ticket and packing a suitcase. There are many details to arrange beforehand, such as obtaining a passport, registering for the course and deciding how you will handle payments and money… And it is always a good idea to plan ahead.

This section has information about things you need to consider before leaving on your trip. Your schools usually provide this type of information in printed format or in an orientation.

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Travel Documents

 Your documentation
 Once you have decided to come to Spain, it is important to have a valid passport, or for those students who reside in a European Union country, an identification card. While you are in Spain we recommend that you make copies of these documents and always carry the copy with you instead of the original.

 It is important to bring your Registration Confirmation, which shows the address of the school and your accommodations, and have it handy in your purse or hand luggage during your trip. Or you can write the addresses at the end of this Handbook to keep with you.

 The student visa
 Residents of the European Union do not need a student visa to travel to Spain. Students who are citizens of other countries will need a student visa for stays longer than 90 days.

 The Spanish Embassies in each country determine the specific requirements necessary for obtaining a student visa. You will need to contact the Spanish Embassy nearest your home and present the Registration Certificate that we send along with the Registration Confirmation. You will also need to present a financial certificate assuring that you have sufficient economic resources to live in Spain for the 90 day period.

 Solicit the student visa type D. Normally these documents are sufficient to obtain the visa, but in some countries the Spanish Embassy requires additional documents.  For example, in Japan it is necessary to  present a medical certificate indicating that the student is in good health; in the United States and some parts of Russia, they ask that the course is paid in full; and other countries ask that the student have medical insurance during the course period in Spain.

Making Travel Arrangements

 Flight or travel tickets
 Most student planning to study with a private language school abroad make their own travel arrangements and purchase flight ticket through a local travel agency. If you are traveling with a group or through a university sometimes flight arrangements are made for you. It’s always a good idea to inform the school of your flight schedule and arrival time, even if you aren’t expecting airport pick up service. Also check to see that you can enter your host family or other accommodations upon arrival ( especially important for very early or very late arriving flights)

 How to arrive to the accommodations or school
 Finally you are in Spain! And soon you will be in your new home with the Spanish host family or with your apartment mates. Remember your travel doesn’t stop at the airport, train station or bus station. Most schools offer a convenient airport pick-up service which is very useful especially for students who have little Spanish knowledge, or those who have a long period of travel and will arrive tired and experiencing jet lag. However, to save cost and for those more adventurous students, you can make the trip on your own. Traveling there will be easy if you follow the indications provided by the school. Also, make sure to pack the instructions and suggestions in your hand luggage to have them ready right when you arrive.

 What do I pack
The weather varies a lot in Spain. Even though it is true that the sun shines often, temperatures vary quite a bit from season to season. It is better to be prepared with adequate clothing for the time period when you will take the course. The following are some suggestions for choosing the clothing to bring with you on the trip:

 Summer. The sun is strong in all of Spain and it is very hot during the day. However, in Alcalá and Salamanca it is a dry heat, and the temperature in the shade is pleasant. Malaga has a humid but pleasant climate with occasional sea breezes to cool you off. Since it is near the sea, you can enjoy the beach in your free time. You will need light clothing such as T-shirts, shorts, skirts, light dresses and a jacket for some cooler evenings. Temperatures range from 25-35ºC or 77-95ºF.

 Autumn.  In Alcalá de Henares and Salamanca, the climate is variable. There are still sunny days but mixed with cloudy days, also with occasional rain. You will need a jacket, a raincoat, an umbrella, long sleeve shirts and some sweaters, but also some T-shirts when the sun is out. Temperatures range from 5-19ºC or 41-66ºF.  Malaga has a sunny climate with warm temperatures.  There may be an occasional cloudy day, but most of the time it is sunny and it hardly ever rains. You can bring T-shirts, long and short sleeve, and one or two sweaters or a light jacket. Temperatures range from 15-19 ºC or 59-66ºF.

 Winter.  In Alcalá de Henares and in Salamanca, the winter season is cold and it sometimes snows. You will need thick sweaters and a warm coat. Temperatures range from 2-15ºC or 35-59ºF.  Malaga has a warm sunny climate. You will need Spring/Summer type clothing. Bring a jacket or sweater for when it cools down at night.  Temperatures range from 12-15ºC or 54-59ºF.

 Spring. In Alcalá de Henares and Salamanca, the weather varies a lot. When it rains or if it is cloudy, it is relatively cold. But if the sun shines, it can also be warm. You will need Winter/Spring type clothing. Temperatures range from 10-21ºC or 50-70ºF.  Malaga is warm and sunny in Spring. You will need Spring/Summer type clothing. But don’t forget to bring a jacket or sweater for when it cools down at night.  Temperatures are the same as in autumn.

Preparation for Handling Buisness While Abroad
While you are abroad, you may need to take care of certain civil, financial and legal matters. Advance planning in these areas will make life easier.

Giving a family member or trusted friend power of attorney, while you are abroad, is a good idea. Power of attorney gives that designated person the power to act on your behalf in case a legal document requires your signature while you are away. Preplan how to handle absentee voting, filling out income taxes or other events should they require your signature and/or will occur while you are abroad.  

Money and Payments

Pre-Arranging Money Matters
The major costs of your study abroad program are usually billed and paid prior to departure to the school. Be sure you know exactly what is covered and what is not covered in those costs so that you are prepared to cover all other expenses.

If this is the first time that you will travel to Spain, please read carefully the following information about the cost of living and general prices.  These indications will help you to plan in advance for the amount of money you may need for you stay.

 We recommend that you bring some cash for the trip and the first few days, and an international credit card, to be able to withdraw money during your stay. You can also bring travelers’ checks to exchange money at the bank.  Exchange enough money at the airport exchange bureau to get you through the first few days. The exchange rate may be less advantageous than at a bank, but the convenience is well worth it.

 For example, you can bring about € 90,00 for use during the trip and the first few days you are in Spain. The amount of money you will need during your program will depend on the type of course, accommodations and meal plan you have chosen.  If you have chosen a course, which includes the price of cultural activities and excursions, and live in a host family with full board, you will need less money overall than someone who has chosen to live in a shared student apartment and has selected a course which does not include the cost of cultural activities.

ATMs Abroad
Automated teller machines (ATMs) are available in many locations in Spain. If your bank is part of an international network (check on this in advance) you can use your ATM card to obtain cash in the local currency from your bank account in the United States. Generally, the exchange rate is favorable because it's the same one the banks get when exchanging money.

In order to use ATMs abroad, your PIN code must be no longer than four digits. Be sure to memorize the numbers. ATMs in Spain have number pads without letters.

Traveler's Checks
Traveler's checks are the safest way to carry money abroad. If they are lost or stolen, they can be replaced. Make sure you record the check numbers, and keep this separate from the checks. You can purchase traveler's checks in U.S. dollars, which are accepted for money exchange in Spain and in many countries worldwide.

Getting Money in an Emergency
If you run out of money or an emergency comes up while you're abroad, there are several options for getting money from home.

Wiring Money
Cash or traveler's checks can be wired to you through companies such as Western Union or an American Express office (located in major cities). This service is fast but expensive.

Credit Cards
Credit cards are good for emergencies or major travel expenses. They also offer good rates of exchange. Before you go, find out what privileges cardholders with your credit card have when abroad.

Setting up communication with family and friends You and your family and friends need to decide what the best means of communication will be -- mail, telephone, or e-mail. Each has its own merits aswell as some disadvantages. Mail Sending letters back and forth can take a long time, usually more than a week for an airmail letter to reach you at the local site. International postage is more expensive than domestic postage; but if you keep it to letters or postcards, it won't cost too much. Don't forget your address book! Where to receive letters: If you would like to receive letters, you can give the address of the school to your family or friends. When packages are sent to the address of the school, the postman gives the secretary a note so that the student can go to the Post Office to pick it up.   It is very important that the package have the name of the student written in the address in order to pick it up at the Post Office.

 Telephone and Fax
There's nothing quite like calling home to talk with your family and friends or receiving a phone call from them. However, it can be quite expensive for both sides. Long-distance carriers offer the possibility of dialing direct from abroad to your home, especially with a phone card. Check the long-distance carriers about getting a phone card before you leave. When calling, don't forget the time difference! A time that might be convenient for you may not be convenient for your family and friends.

Remember to remind the people at home that you may not have a phone immediately available. As a result you may not be able to phone them as soon as you arrive. Agree on a time by which you definitely will have called home.

Planning for Health Abroad

Regular Checkups
Be sure to have a physical and dental checkup before you go, especially if you will be gone at a time when you would normally schedule these appointments and/or you will be studying for a long period of time.

Pre-existing Conditions
If you have an ongoing medical problem, such as allergies or diabetes, you need to take special precautions in preparing for and managing your condition abroad.

Prescriptions
If you take prescription medications regularly, bring a supply to last throughout your time abroad, if practical. It might be wise to also have a letter from your home physician or pharmacist describing your medicines, their dosage, a generic name for them and describing the condition being treated. This letter could be helpful in an emergency. Make sure all drugs are in the original pharmacy containers and are clearly labeled. You should carry copies of the prescriptions to avoid problems with Customs.

For certain conditions such as diabetes, asthma, mild epilepsy, or allergy to penicillin, it would be wise to wear a tag or a bracelet or carry a card to identify the condition so that the student can be treated properly. At least inform the abroad school of this condition. Take an extra pair of eyeglasses and/or contact lenses if you wear them. Bring along extra contact lens solution too. Do not pack your medications in your checked luggage. Pack them in your carry on so as not to be without them if your luggage gets lost.

Medical Kit
Be prepared for minor health problems with a home medical kit. Sometimes you will feel better just knowing you're taking the same medicine that always gets rid of your headache. Also it may be difficult to find the right type and strength medicine you want without a trip to the doctor. We recommend the kit include:
-bandages, gauze, and adhesive tape
-sterile cleansers
-antibacterial cream
-painkillers
-cold medicine
-anti-diarrhea medicine

Medical Insurance
European Union residents who are covered by Social Security in their home country will have free access to medical services in Spain.  You must solicit the form E-111 in the health center in your home country to be able to use the services and you will be covered during your stay in Spain. 

 If you are a resident in a country outside the European Union you can contract international medical insurance in your home country or with Escuela Internacional. The Escuela Internacional policy covers all type of medical services including hospitalization, operations and accidents. It does not cover medications outside of hospital care nor dental services.  (This insurance policy provides coverage only within the country of Spain.)

Learning About Spain: Your Host Country
Learn everything you can about daily life of the people in the host country. Sometimes knowing ahead of time can avoid or reduce culture shock, problems and doubts. The Internet has become a valuable resource for learning about all aspects of other countries. Talk with faculty and study abroad returnees who have lived in your host country as well as international students from there. Get a personal perspective from them. Visit libraries and bookstores and contact the embassy, consulate or tourist office to get materials. Read the international news section of your local newspaper or in internationally-oriented.

 Interesting Links about Spain

Culture Adjustment

The new culture: Life in Spain is different
 If this is the first time that you will travel to Spain, you must be aware that you are going to live during some time in a county with a different culture from yours and we encourage you to look at this as a positive learning experience.  You will have the opportunity to learn a language under the most desirable conditions, to get to know international students and possibly develop life-long friendships with them.  You will visit interesting places famous for their history and beauty, and you will come to know that the differences you discover are what makes each country beautiful and unique.

 You may already have some ideas about what life in Spain is like, from books that you have read, or what others have told you from their own experience.  And once you find yourself in Spain, it is possible that you will be surprised to discover that some of these ideas do not represent the reality at all. To avoid any confusion, we recommend that you to put aside any preconceptions and approach your time in Spain as an adventure in discovering a completely unknown country.  You will greater appreciate what you learn and discover first hand.  Keep an open mind and remember that you are a visitor in a new country with different customs and a culture different from your own.

 Immersion in Spanish culture
 Suddenly, you have to adapt yourself to different people, schedules and customs, and you may feel disorientated during the first few days.  This phenomenon is something normal due to the sudden change in culture.  If you follow our suggestions, it may be easier for you to adapt yourself to the Spanish culture.

Observe the people in every situation before acting.  You may learn some aspects of the Spanish culture which you may like and enjoy.
Ask your host family, your classmates or professors how to act in certain situations.        
Talk with your host family, your professors or classmates about situations or behavior which seem unfamiliar or different to you.  They are accustomed to talking with students and can easily explain why people might act in a certain way, or why things are done in a certain a way.

 Soon you will get to know the new culture and will start to really enjoy your stay.  Remember that you are never alone in this adventure.

  Guide to Spain