INTRODUCTION

Greetings from Sol Abroad,

You are about to embark on a life-changing experience. While abroad you will cultivate relationships and memories that will last a lifetime. Our mission is to provide you with an enriching and rewarding educational experience. As part of this mission we want to make sure that you have information about your program site before you leave.

Sol Abroad was founded under the principles of promoting cultural understanding and the lifelong study of foreign languages. While on your program you will learn about the unique cultures and people of the country you are studying in.

Please make sure you read this handbook, it is excellent preparation for your new adventure!

Thanks for choosing Sol Abroad!

PREPARING FOR YOUR PROGRAM

Before you leave on your program we suggest you do some research about Argentina. It can make your experience that much more enjoyable and enriching!

SUGGESTIONS:

• Read articles, books, and travel guides in order to familiarize yourself with the food, culture, and music (we recommend the Lonely Planet guidebook as a good source of information).
• Study the maps of Argentina and Buenos Aires at the end of this handbook.
• Keep a journal and blog documenting your experience abroad!
• Read the local newspapers!
  • Argentine Newspaper CLARIN
  • Argentina Travel Guide

PASSPORTS (PLEASE READ CAREFULLY BELOW)

Your passport must be valid at least six months or longer beyond the return date of your trip. Some immigration officers may not allow you to enter the country otherwise. For stays under 90 days, you will be given a free Tourist Visa upon arrival in Argentina, allowing you to stay for up to 90 days on this Tourist Visa. Some immigration officers may attempt to give you less days than your stay (for example 25 days if you are staying 30 days) forcing you to renew your Tourist Visa in Buenos Aires, a procedure that is DIFFICULT AND TIME CONSUMING. It is your responsibility to make sure the immigration officer gives you the full 90 days. If the immigration officer attempts to give you anything LESS THAN the days you are staying, you must ask for assistance from another immigration officer and demand enough days to cover your stay. Our onsite director cannot help you with this because you are still inside immigration at this time. Therefore, if you have to later extend your Tourist Visa, you will be responsible for any fees incurred (of course, you will receive full director support).

TRAVEL VISAS

Summer or short term students do not need any special visa. For stays under 90 days you do not need a special visa to enter Argentina.

 New Argentina Reciprocity Fee for Visitors Entering Argentina

Like many countries are now doing, Argentina has started charging a new "Reciprocity Fee" to enter Argentina (this fee is in response to what the US charges visitors of Argentina when they enter the US).

You will have to pay online BEFORE arriving to Argentina and you will not be allowed to check-in to your flight in the US if you have not paid it.

RECIPROCITY FEE DETAILS:
Fee: USD $160.00 
Paying Online Instructions: These are the exact instructions from the U.S. Embassy in Argentina:

U.S. citizens visiting Argentina for tourism must pay a "reciprocity fee" of US$ 160. This "reciprocity fee" is not a visa, given that U.S. citizens do not require a visa when visiting Argentina. This amount is equivalent to what Argentines must pay when requesting a visa to enter the United States.

1. To pay the reciprocity fee, please click on the following link:https://virtual.provincianet.com.ar/ArgentineTaxes/Registro.aspx

NOTE: If you have problems with any of the steps please try a different browser (i.e. if you are using Opera and it doesn’t work use Firefox, etc.)

a) complete all fields and click "Sign Up" button
b) click the "Pay" button
c) click the "Accept" button
d) Register and fill out the form with your personal data and credit card information (Visa, American Express or Mastercard are accepted). The National Directorate of Immigration in Argentina will receive this information electronically.

2. Print the receipt. This receipt will be valid immediately, as soon as payment is made. We do not require a copy of your receipt.

3. Make sure you have this receipt when you check into your flight in the US, your airline will ask for it.

4. Upon arrival in Argentina, this receipt must be presented to immigration officers (The receipt will be scanned by the immigration control officers, who will verify the data and authorize entry to Argentina).

5. The fee is valid for 10 years from the date of payment, and for multiple entries for U.S. citizens, as established by the National Directorate of Immigration.

PLEASE NOTE:
- This fee only applies to citizens of the US, Canada & Australia.
- This payment transaction takes place in Argentina. Many US credit cards are not authorized to be used abroad and may deny the transaction. If this occurs, please just call your credit card and tell them you will be using this card abroad.

US DEPARTMENT OF STATE

Sol Abroad recommends that all students register with the US State Department while overseas: This is very simple to do. Please visit the website (www.travel.state.gov) to enter in the requested information.

Under the section titled “International Travel” (located on the bottom left hand side), click on the

“Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)” link. STEP (formerly known as “Travel Registration” or “Registration with Embassies”) is a free service provided by the U.S. Government to U.S. citizens who are traveling to, or living in, a foreign country. You can read more about the benefits of this program on the website.

You will need an address and a telephone number to register. Please use the following info:

ADDRESS: Calle Hipólito Yrigoyen 571 Piso 4
Codigo Postal 1086
Capital Federal
Buenos Aires, Argentina
PHONE: +54-11-4345-5954

COUNTRY OVERVIEW

Geographic Location Southern South America, bordering the South Atlantic Ocean, between Chile and Uruguay

Climate mostly temperate; arid in southeast, sub Antarctic in southwest

Climate Argentina has the rich plains of the Pampas in the northern half, the flat to rolling plateau of Patagonia in the south, and the rugged Andes Mountains along its western border.

Climate Buenos Aries is located on the southern shore of the Río de la Plata and is opposite Colonia del Sacramento, Uruguay. The landscape of the city and surrounding province is mainly flat with two low mountain ranges: Sierra de la Ventana and Sierra de Tandil.

Highest Point Cerro Aconcagua 6,960 meters (22,834 ft) is located in the northwestern corner of the province of Mendoza and is the largest mountain in the world outside of the Himalayas.

Governmental System Argentina has a presidential, republican, representative and federal government system. The country is divided into 23 provinces and one federal territory (the city of Buenos Aires) and each of them is self-governed.

Population of Argentina  41,884,081 (2014 estimate)

Population of Buenos Aires 2,891,082

People Most people from Buenos Aires (called porteños) have European ancestry. Spanish and Italian descent is the most common. Other European origins include German, Portuguese, Polish, Irish, French, Croatian and English. In the 1990s there was a small wave of immigration from Romania and Ukraine. There is a small minority of mestizos*, that date back to the Spanish colonial days, and has increased mostly as a result of immigration from the other provinces and from nearby countries such as Bolivia, Peru, and Paraguay. There are also Arab (mostly Syrian and Lebanese) and Armenian communities in the city. The Jewish community of Buenos Aires numbers around 250,000 and is the largest Jewish community in Latin America. Most are of Eastern European origin. The first East Asian community in the city was the Japanese. Since the 1970s there has been an influx of immigration from China and Korea.

CLIMATE

The climate in Buenos Aires is strongly influenced by the ocean with hot summers and temperate winters. Humidity is high and precipitations are abundant and distributed over the year. Buenos Aires has a temperate climate and temperatures average around 35°C (94°F) in January to 10°C (50°F) in July. During the Northern Hemisphere summer months it is winter in Argentina. The winter days are normally mild and nice but a cold snap could come so always plan and pack accordingly!

Buenos Aires	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Rainfall (mm)	93	81	117	90	77	64	59	65	78	97	89	96
Rainfall (inches)	3.7	3.2	4.6	3.5	3.0	2.5	2.3	2.6	3.1	3.8	3.5	3.8
Min Temp (°C)	17	16	14	11	7	5	5	5	7	10	12	15
Max Temp (°C)	30	28	26	22	19	15	15	17	19	22	25	28
Min Temp (°F)	63	61	57	52	45	41	41	41	45	50	54	59
Max Temp (°F)	86	82	79	72	66	59	59	63	66	72	77	82

SPANISH IN ARGENTINA

Spanish is the language that is spoken in almost all of Latin America. The accent in Buenos Aires is very unique and takes a little time to get used to. The two main differences are the use of "vos" to say "you" (normally "tu" in other countries) and the pronunciation of the Spanish "y" and "ll" (both of which are pronounced as the sound "sh" as in shout in English).

See the last page of this handbook for a Spanish speaking guide for travelers!

HOLIDAYS

Jan 1st	Año Nuevo (New Year's Day)
Floating	Jueves Santo (Holy Thursday). If the date falls on a Tuesday or Wednesday, the holiday is the preceding Monday. If it falls on a Thursday or a Friday then the holiday is the following Monday.
Floating	Viernes Santo (Holy Friday). If the date falls on a Tuesday or Wednesday, the holiday is the preceding Monday. If it falls on a Thursday or a Friday then the holiday is the following Monday.
March 24th	Memorial Day (Anniversary of the coup d'état that started the dictatorial rule of the Proceso in 1976)
April 2nd	Día de las Malvinas (Tribute to the fallen in the Malvinas/Falklands War)
May 1st	Día del Trabajo (Labor Day)
May 25th	Revolución de Mayo (Anniversary of the first independent government)
June 20th	Día de la Bandera (National Flag Day)
July 9th	Día de la Independencia (Declaration of independence from Spain)
Aug 17th	Día del Libertador José de San Martín (The holiday is always the third Monday of the month)
Oct 12th	Día de la Hispanidad (Columbus Day)
Dec 8th	Immaculada Concepción (Immaculate Conception)
Dec 24th	Nochebuena (Christmas Eve)
Dec 25th	Navidad (Christmas Day)

TIME

GMT/UTC minus 3 hours. 2 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time.

BUSINESS HOURS

Traditional business hours in Argentina are from 8 AM to 12:00 PM. Then there is a 3-4 hour break when people go home for lunch and a short siesta. After siesta shops reopen until 8 AM or 9 PM.  In Buenos Aires, however, shops in downtown and commercial areas are open from 9 AM to 9 PM, Monday through Friday and Saturday from 9 AM to 1 PM. Shopping malls open every day from 10 AM to 10 PM. Banking hours are 10 AM to 3 PM, Monday through Friday.

Packing Recommendations

Generally, Argentines dress very similarly to Americans. However, clothing brands and styles do set Argentines apart from Americans. We suggest you bring the clothes that you are normally used to wearing. The points below are a few things to keep in mind. Seasons are reversed in Argentina from what we are used to in the Northern Hemisphere. When it is winter in the US it is summer in Argentina and vice versa, please keep this in mind when packing. It is very similar to the winter weather in the Southern US. Definitely refer to the climate chart found at the beginning of this handbook. Also, in packing, remember that Buenos Aires is a very cosmopolitan city.

CLOTHING

• Pack light: leave a little room for the things you will buy while abroad!
• Warm hat, gloves, scarf, sweaters (Argentine winter months)
• Fleece or sweater for any trips to the countryside (Argentine winter months in general)
• Bring at least one outfit for going out. Argentines tend to dress up more when going out. Guys, make sure you have dressier shoes for this.
• Comfortable walking shoes. Make sure you break them in before your trip. Also, if you plan on jogging or doing any sports you’ll want to bring the appropriate footwear.
• Flip flops, typically you have one pair for inside the home. House shoes are an important part of Hispanic cultures

MISCELLANEOUS

• Small duffel or backpack for weekend or afternoon trips
• Towel & Toiletries
• Camera and batteries/charger
• School supplies: Notebook, pens, pencils, English-Spanish Dictionary, planner for homework
• Something to use as alarm clock
• Compact umbrella

LAPTOPS

You can definitely bring your laptop! This is great for communication (especially Skype). Increasingly you will find WiFi at the homestay, the school, and at cafés in town. Please be careful, though! This is an item that can get stolen or damaged easily so just be careful with it. Remember, you do not always have to carry your laptop with you, in fact we highly recommend you do not travel with it locally. There are computer labs at the school and Internet cafés all over town so sometimes it’s easier to just use a public computer when you are away from your homestay.

CARRY-ON

Bring an extra pair of clothes & toothbrush in case your luggage gets lost or delayed by your airline.

MEDICAL/SAFETY ITEMS

Bring any prescription drugs that you may use. Make sure they are labeled and if possible, carry your doctor's prescription in the event that customs officials question you about it. This is rare, but it’s always a good idea to be prepared.

EXCURSIONS

Excursions are a fundamental part of the abroad experience and are included in all summer programs unless stated as optional. We carefully select weekend excursions that allow you to discover more about the country in which you are studying and are selected based on cultural and educational importance or sites of natural beauty. Entrance and transportation fees are always included. Before any excursion your director will go over the itinerary of the trip and what you should pack. If you have a guide book it can make it more interesting to read about the excursion before you leave, the Lonely Planet or similar guides are excellent options.

Argentine Cowboy Ranch

Escape from cosmopolitan Buenos Aires for a weekend excursion to the quiet of the southern Pampas, defined by peaceful villages and breathtaking terrain. This is an ideal excursion to the lands of the mythical Gaucho, or Argentine cowboy, a symbol of the Pampas. We will visit an area offering some of the most diverse and impressive landscapes found anywhere. Here you will experience wild scenery highlighted by valleys, inviting forests, and clear-flowing streams. It is the ideal location for outdoor activities such as horseback riding, hiking, and biking. We will explore local parks and bike trails that wind through pristine forests. Later, we will visit a typical Argentine estancia, or ranch, and enjoy the famous asado, the Argentine barbeque. If time allows we will visit local communities with their small town charm and quaint shops.

Colonia, Uruguay

Cross the immense Río de la Plata, the widest river in the world, into the Uruguayan town of Colonia. Founded in 1680, Colonia was the only Portuguese settlement ever established along the river. Here it served as a contraband port against the Spanish. Due to its Portuguese past, the town has a very different feel than that of any Spanish colonial city. Today, Colonia’s narrow cobblestone streets and colonial homes are reminiscent of historic Lisbon, Portugal and this unique flavor has earned the town the distinction as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

El Tigre Boat Ride and the Delta Islands

Visit the fascinating river town of El Tigre, located on the banks of the Río de la Plata. Here, the Paraná and Uruguay rivers flow into Río de la Plata, making it the third largest estuary in the world. The region is known as the Delta and El Tigre is the main town. In the Delta, life is the river. People live on the hundreds of islands in the waters around El Tigre and to get anywhere, you must go by boat. We will visit the colonial town of El Tigre, with its famous weekend Fruit Market, and the 200 year-old riverbank mansions of San Isidro. We will also take a boat trip along the mystical river passing countless islands covered with beautiful vegetation and rich in wildlife. Along the way you will see homes built on stilts, typical of the area. This is a unique experience and a voyage into a world unaffected by the bustle of modernity.

CULTURAL ACTIVITIES

Cultural activities are an important part of your experience. You will learn so much by going to classes but you’ll learn just as much, if not more, outside of the classroom. These activities are designed to enhance your experience and show you more of what the site has to offer! Your director will announce the weekly cultural activities every week during your meetings. For summer programs there are 3 cultural activities a week. Cultural activities can include, but are not limited to:

• Tango Performances
• Museum Visits
• Soccer Match
• Buenos Aires City Tour
• Boca Neighborhood Tour
• Recoleta Cemetery Tour
• San Telmo Market Tour
• Theater Night
• Tango Dance Classes
• Salsa & Merengue Classes
• Yoga Classes
• Festivals
• Cooking Classes
• Movie Night

AIRPORT INFORMATION

Arriving to an airport overseas is arriving into the unknown! Do not worry, one of your program directors will be there waiting for you when you arrive. This is why we request a photo of you before you depart. You will fly into the Aeropuerto Internacional Ministro Pistarini de Ezeiza (EZE) which is roughly 22 miles south of Buenos Aires. It is a major airport serving most international airlines as well as being the main hub for Argentina’s two largest carriers. Despite everyone’s best planning, flight delays, bad weather, and other unforeseen circumstances can impact your meeting with your director at the airport. If for whatever reason, you do not meet your director, just use the phone numbers given to you to contact them. Please stay at the airport until we find you. Here is some important information about the airport:

Terminals and Check-In:

The airport has three terminals the International (A), Aerolineas Argentinas (B) and National (C) Terminals. The International (A) is for international carriers, The National Terminal provides services for a number of small domestic and regional carriers and Aerolineas Argentinas is for the two main Argentinean airlines. Free shuttle services are provided between Terminals A and B.

Airport facilities:

The airport has a number of eating options: from small cafés to a more elegant dining experience. There are the usual shops plus a medical center located in Terminal A. There are also two pharmacies available.

Shopping and money:

Terminal A has an ATM on the lower level and money exchange services are also present in both Terminal A and B. There are also three banks on site.

Information:

The main information desk is located on the ground level of the International Terminal. However customer service staff is readily available (look out for staff wearing red jackets). Lost luggage claim is located on the ground floor of Terminal A next to customer service. Ezeiza Airport

MONEY

Argentina uses the Argentine Peso (ARS) the symbol is the $. To find the most up-to-date conversion please visit XE. We suggest that you travel with a credit or debit card. You could also bring some cash that you can exchange at the airport. Whenever you exchange money you will need your passport.

 ATMS

This is the easiest way to get local currency. ATMs are very common. Check with your bank beforehand to see if there are any international charges for extracting cash overseas, some banks may charge up to $5 USD every time you extract money. Although this may seem expensive, it is worth the convenience. We DO NOT recommend taking large sums out when you use the ATM.

 CREDIT CARDS

Credit cards are widely accepted. Some stores apply a 10% surcharge over the cash value. Check with your credit card company beforehand to see if there are any extra international charges and to let them know that you are traveling overseas. Credit cards have a foreign currency conversion fee which is usually from 1% to 3%. Visa and MasterCard are the most widely accepted credit cards in Argentina. Capital One is the only credit card at the moment that charges no foreign currency conversion fee.

*Remember to call your credit/debit card provider before you leave to let them know you are traveling overseas. If you do not, it is possible they will place a temporary hold on your card (to protect from theft) and you will not be able to use it.

 TRAVELER’S CHECKS

We recommend you DO NOT bring any traveler's checks, because they can be difficult to exchange and are not widely accepted. Debit/ATM cards are the easiest way to get local Argentine pesos. If for some reason your debit card is not working or is lost or stolen you can still use the Traveler’s checks. You will need your passport to exchange Traveler’s Checks.

 SPENDING MONEY 

You will want to bring some extra spending money with you. We suggest about $100-$150 per week. This money is for souvenirs & gifts, meals that are not included or extra activities that you may do during excursions.

LOST OR STOLEN CASH OR CREDIT CARDS

If you were ever in an emergency situation that you needed money (such as if you lost your wallet) just let your onsite director know! We will definitely assist you financially until your situation can be resolved.

TIPS

It is customary to leave 10% of the total bill as a tip at cafés, bars and restaurants.

ELECTRICITY

Argentina uses 220 V AC at 50 Hz. Argentina uses the European two-prong and the Australian slanted plugs on most wall electrical outlets.  If you bring an electronic device, you will need a converter and adapter plug. Be wary of plugging electrical items in from the US—check to make sure the item can handle the different electrical current. Hairdryers brought from the US, for example, often short out. We recommend you buy a hair dryer or straighter upon arrival. Most new electronics, such as digital cameras, and laptops are of the 110 V AC – 240 V AC range. If the electrical plug they use has a small box on the cord then you have the built-in converter. Make sure to read the label and manual on your device BEFORE plugging it in, the Argentine 220 V will destroy any other device if you do not use a converter. You can purchase an inexpensive adaptor plug locally in Argentina (this plug can be expensive to purchase in the US).

COMMUNICATION

EMAIL

Internet cafés are very common in Buenos Aires. Keeping in contact with friends and family is a great way to share your experience. Just remember, though, it can take away from your Spanish learning. Attempt to write as little as possible in English while you are there. At least half of the host families have wireless internet in their homes and there are many Internet cafés all over the city!

PHONES

LAND LINES

You can make and receive phone calls from your host family’s home phone. Out of courtesy please let your family know when you use the phone. Just make sure you use a calling card. Major calling cards (such as AT&T and MCI) can be used in Argentina. You can also purchase calling cards in Argentina as you need them. When talking with friends and family in the states we suggest calling collect and then having your friends and family call you back at the host family’s house. Rates are cheaper this way. 

CELL PHONES

CELLHIRE (cellphone rental service)

Sol Education Abroad provides our students with a local cell phone rental option that will be delivered to your home before you travel. The cell phones are rented through Cellhire, based in Dallas, TX. SOL covers the rental fee and all you have to do is decide if you want to sign up for the phone or not!

If you sign up for the local phone, you will only be responsible for any of the usage charges (rate details located on the SOL-Cellhire webpage).

This option will be 30%-65% more cost effective than roaming with your domestic provider. Along with the local phone, Cellhire also has additional voice and data or data only options (iPhone SIM cards and mobile hotspots) that you can rent at your own expense.

INSTRUCTIONS:
1) Simply register online via this website: www.cellhire.com/sol
2) Select your program, and enter your corresponding promo code: summer14hs

The phone will be mailed to your home address prior to departure so please make sure to allow yourself time to get the cell phone before you leave. For free shipping, you must register at least 3 weeks prior to your program start date.

Any questions regarding the phones please contact Cellhire at: 877 244 7242 OR email [email protected]

YOUR PERSONAL CELL PHONE:

If you take your personal cell phone abroad, please call your US Cell Phone service provider and ask them what your current plan covers internationally or what they can offer you for international rates so that you are not surprised later by international charges.

SKYPE

Skype is a great system and one you can use in Internet cafés or from the homestay if there is Internet When both parties have Skype (for voice only or face-to-face) the service is free of charge! All you need to do is download and install it on your computer. Skype can also be used for outgoing and incoming calls and even sending texts for a small charge. Skype

HOST FAMILIES

The host family is one of the best parts of your experience in Buenos Aires! This will be your greatest and most intimate contact with the culture and people of Argentina. Families in Buenos Aires are middle-class by Argentine standards. Most people in Buenos Aires live in apartments rather than houses. Remember, you may not be the only foreign student in the home. Sometimes families work with other programs and if they have multiple rooms, they may have someone else living there. If this is the case, talk to you director onsite if you have any problems with the housing.

HOST FAMILY GIFT

We encourage you to bring a small gift for your host family to present to them when you arrive. A present is a nice way to break the ice and share some of your local US culture with your Tico family. Some examples of gifts students have given in the past are family-style board games (that don’t require a language), local treats like preserves, candies, or maple syrup, a coffee-table photo book of their hometown, or a dry baking mix like blueberry muffins, biscuits, or scones.

For some student feedback & examples of Host Family Gifts from alumni, check out this article: Un Regalo For Your Host Family!

Some suggestions when living with your family:

• Bring photos of your family/friends/hometown to share.
• Make sure you let your host family know if you won’t be home for a meal.
• Spend time with your family. If they invite you to do something take advantage of this. The more time you spend with your family the better your Spanish will get.
• Be respectful. You are a guest in their home.
• Utilities are expensive in Argentina! Turn off lights when you are not in a room; please be conservative of your water use when taking a shower.

Your director will go over host family rules and regulations more extensively onsite.

MEALS

You will share most of your meals with your host family. You will eat what they eat.  They will accommodate any needs or preferences you may have.  However, please remember that the food will be different to what you are used to eating in the US. Dinner is much later in Argentina than in the US. On the weekdays you will have lunch (included) at a local café right around the corner from school.

LAUNDRY

Your host family will wash your sheets and towels once a week. Every family is different in regards to laundry and your host mother will go over this your first day. Some families will do the laundry for you and with others you are responsible for washing your clothes. They will indicate how and where it is possible to do.

CULTURAL DO?S AND DON?TS

DO´S

• Talk with older people. Older people are respected in Argentina and have lots to share.
• Say “yes” if people offer you food in their home, unless you really, really don’t want it.
• Share your experiences in conversation.
• When greeting women give a kiss on one check (their right cheek). You touch your right cheek to their right cheek, and make a kissing sound. If it is someone that you are really close to, such as a good friend or family member, you may actually kiss their right cheek with your lips. It is up to you.
• Make an effort to speak Spanish.
• Interact with your host family (for example, hang out with them on a Sunday afternoon).
• Try the foods your host family gives you before deciding if it's something you don’t like.
• Ask to use the phone first.

DON’TS

• Do not slam doors (especially car doors!).
• Do not assume things since you are a traveler in a foreign country. Always be extra aware and pay close attention when you are on the streets.
• Do not say that you are American (Americano); you are from the United States (Estados Unidos).
• If you are female do not go out alone--especially with all guys.
• Be aware of Argentinean driving habits. Let the cars go first, Argentineans do not necessarily stop for pedestrians.
• Do not trust strangers or walk home alone after 10 PM. It’s best to take a cab.
• Do not walk in the house barefoot. Make sure you have a pair of flip flops for wearing inside.

TOILETS

In some older buildings in Argentina plumbing often has very low pressure and small pipes. Because of this you should not put toilet paper in the toilet as it can easily clog. If this is the case you will see a trash can next to the toilet for you to dispose of toilet paper. This is less and less common but something to be aware of.

TYPICAL DAY

This is an EXAMPLE of a typical weekday. Some classes start earlier or later than listed below.

8:00 AM                Wakeup and have breakfast with your family

8:45 AM                Leave for school

8:00 AM                Classes begin

10:45 AM                 Mid-morning break

11:15 AM                Return to class.

12:00 PM                Classes end. Check email, visit shops, write in your journal, hang out with friends

12:30 PM                 Lunch

2:00 PM                 Meet for a cultural activity

ACADEMICS

You will find that the teaching style in other countries is different than what you are used to in the US. If you have any concerns or questions about this when you are in Buenos Aires, please ask your director. Our directors are always available for tutoring and any other assistance you may need concerning the academic component of the program.

Your classes are taught at the Academia de Buenos Aires. The Academy is located in a historical building in downtown Buenos Aires near the Plaza de Mayo, one of the most famous parts of Buenos Aires. Classes are normally 3 to 5 students per teacher.

VOLUNTEER

Our programs include volunteer and community service opportunities. We believe there is no better way to give back and develop a deep cultural understanding than by doing volunteer work while abroad.

We offer several unique volunteer opportunities at each site, such as assisting at nutrition centers, teaching English, or any other local service-oriented program. Community service is one of the best ways to give back to the community.

Examples of Volunteering can be (but are not limited to):

• Comedor los Pibes: an autonomous cooperative organization which takes care of children. Volunteers who are able to offer special workshops are specially needed! For example English, music, theatre, hairdressing, dance and crafts workshops. Social workers, psychologists, educators and kindergarten teachers are welcome as well.
• Un Techo Para Mi Pais: While on the project students work alongside Uruguayan high school students to construct wood homes for families in extremely poor neighborhoods on the outskirts of Montevideo, Uruguay.
• San Martin: This foundation receives donations in the form of food from large companies and distributes them to social institutions and soup kitchens throughout Buenos Aires.
• Province San Isidro: This is a civil association that counts three homes for orphans or children, whose parents cannot care for them.
• Teaching English to Argentina children in a public elementary school

SOL DIRECTOR

 Your director is there to help you with many aspects of the program! Their main duties include:

• Orientate and guide the students in Buenos Aires
• Airport transfers
• Making sure that your accommodations are suitable and that you are happy with your family
• Make sure that your classes are appropriate
• Organize cultural activities
• Organize excursions
• Support students in finding volunteer work
• Support students in finding activities and events that interest them
• Accompany students to the doctor
• Your director is available to listen to  and welcomes requests, comments or suggestions about the program
• Director availability: Your onsite director will be available at your school before & after classes every single day of the first week. After that, your director will normally be available every other day at school and during activities and excursions.  Your onsite director will always be available via an appointment.

HEALTH AND SAFETY

Argentina is a very healthy country for travelers! The main things you should be aware of are personal safety and theft as Buenos Aires is a large city but no more dangerous than any other city such as Los Angeles or Washington, D.C.

PICKPOCKETS

You should never carry around large amounts of cash, your passport, or credit cards unless you have to and whenever you travel, you should be wary of pickpockets. Despite our warnings, every year students get pick pocketed.  Guys, NEVER keep money in your back pocket.

THEFT

Never leave things unlocked and try to keep valuable items out of sight when walking around the city or if you leave them at your home. Never be too trusting!

UNWANTED ATTENTION

Never walk home alone at night and be sure to be aware of your surroundings at all times. Cabs are inexpensive in Argentina, whenever in doubt always take a cab! Make sure to take the Radio Taxi (black with yellow top). Avoid walking in large groups of foreigners. Use the buddy system especially at night.

Cat Calls/Piropos

In Argentina it is not uncommon for strangers or even local friends to make the commonly known gesture of “cat calling”. Either hollering across the street or the most common is yelling out of a moving car. These comments are called “piropos”. Most of the time it is non-threatening and what Argentine’s (and Latino’s in general) consider “playful”. The best method for dealing with this is to ignore them. Making any sort of faces, physical movements, and ESPECIALLY shouting back, will only reinforce and invite them to make more calls, and even to follow you.

TRAVEL HEALTH INSURANCE

While with Sol Abroad you have the option of using your own health insurance or using the Sol Abroad policy (included in your program price). If your insurance provider DOES cover you internationally, make sure to only use your policy and not ours (insurance companies do not allow you to have two policies). If your insurance provider DOES NOT cover you internationally, make sure you specify this in the form called "Insurance Verification". Sol Abroad’s insurance policy will cover absolutely any medical expenses internationally up to USD $50,000 with MultiNational Underwriters. To verify your coverage, simply call your US insurance provider and tell them that you will be overseas and they will let you know whether or not you are covered internationally and the amount of coverage. Provide your insurance company the exact dates of the program in which you are enrolled. Get the details from them in the event you need to go to the doctor while abroad. If you do use the Sol Abroad insurance please note that pre-existing conditions are not covered, so check with your domestic provider about this before leaving. If you take prescription medication with you make sure that you have a doctor’s prescription in the event that customs officials question you about it. This is rare, but it’s always a good idea to be prepared.

HELPFUL WORDS & PHRASES

GREETINGS:

 

Hello Hola

Good Morning ¡Buenos días!

Good Day ¡Buen día!

Good Evening Buenas tardes

Good Night    Buenas noches

How are you ¿Cómo estás?

Fine Bien

Very well Muy bien

So-So Más o menos

What’s your name? ¿Cómo te llamas? (Como se llama usted?)

My name is Me llamo

I live in Vivo en

I am from Soy de

This is my Este es mi _______.

Nice to meet you Mucho gusto/Encantada/o

Thank You Gracias

Friend amigo/a                     

Mother madre/mamá                                  

Father padre/papá    

Sister hermana          

Roommate compañero/a de piso

Teacher maestro/a

Aunt    tia

Uncle  tio

Grandmother abuela

Grandfather abuelo

You’re Welcome De nada

Excuse me (usted) perdone/disculpe

 

 

 

THE QUESTION WORDS (INTERROGATIVES):

 

 

Who ¿Quién?

What ¿Qué? 

When ¿Cuándo? 

Where ¿Dónde? 

How ¿Cómo?

How much ¿Cuánto/a? 

How much does it cost?  ¿Cuanto cuesta?

How many ¿Cuántos/as? 

Which ones ¿Cuáles?

 

 

 

DIRECTIONS:

 

 

Where is?  ¿Dónde está?

Excuse me, where is the_____? Disculpe, dónde está el/la_____________?

Where are the taxis? ¿Dónde están los taxis?

Where is the bus? ¿Dónde está el autobus?

Whereisthesubway/metro? ¿Dónde está el metro?

Is it near? ¿Está cerca?

Is it far? ¿Está lejos?

Go straight ahead Siga recto.

Go that way Vaya en aquella dirección.

Go back/return Vuelva

Turn right Gire a la derecha

Turnleft Gire a la izquierda

 

Take me to this address, please Lléveme a esta dirección, por favor

What is the fare?  ¿Cuánto es la tarifa?

Stop here, please Deténgase aquí, por favor.

Does this bus go to Los Osos Street? ¿Pasa este autobús por la calle de los Osos?

A map of the city, please Un plano (una mapa) de la ciudad, por favor.

A subwaymap, please Un plano (una mapa) del metro, por favor.

 

 

 

SHOPPING:

 

How much does it cost?  ¿Cuánto cuesta?

What time does the store open? ¿A qué hora abre la tienda?

At what time does the store close? ¿A qué hora cierra la tienda?

What would you like? ¿Qué está buscando?

Can I help you? ¿Necesita alguna ayuda?

I would like this Me gustaría esto.

Here it is Aquí lo tiene.

Is that all? ¿Es todo?

I'd like to pay in cash Me gustaría pagar en efectivo.

 

 

 

I'd like to pay by credit card Me gustaría pagar con tarjeta de crédito.

Women's clothes ropa para mujeres/damas

Men's clothes ropa para hombres

blouse, skirt, dress blusa, falda, vestido

pants, shirt, tie pantalones, camisa, corbata

shoes and socks zapatos y calcentines

jeans vaqueros/Blue Jeans

bookstore librería

bakery panadería

market mercado

supermarket supermercado

 

 

 

Can you recommend a good restaurant? ¿Me recomienda algún restaurante?

A table for two, please Una mesa para dos, por favor.

The menu, please La carta, por favor.

appetizers primer plato

main course plato principal

dessert postre

I would like something to drink Me gustaría algo para beber/tomar.

A glass of water, please Un vaso de agua, por favor.

A cup of tea, please Un té, por favor.

A coffee with milk Un café con leche.

I am a vegetarian Soy un/a vegetariano/a.

Do you have a vegetarian dish? ¿Tiene algún plato vegetariano?

That's all Eso es todo.

The check, please la cuenta, por favor.

Is the tip included? ¿Incluye la propina?

Breakfast desayuno

Lunch almuerzo

Dinner cena

Snack merienda

Enjoy the meal ¡Buen provecho!

To your health ¡Salud!

It's delicious! ¡Está riquísima!

It tastes good es muy rico

Plate plato

Fork tenedor

Knife cuchillo

Spoon cuchara

Napkin servilleta

Cup/mug taza

Glass vaso

Bottle botella

Ice hielo

Salt sal

Pepper pimienta

Sugar azúcar

Soup sopa

Salad ensalada

Bread pan

Butter mantequilla

Noodles fideos

Rice arroz

Cheese queso

Vegetables verduras

Chicken pollo

Pork cerdo

Meat carne

Beef 

Safe travels! And see you soon in Argentina!

 

Safe travels! And see you soon in Argentina!

the Sol Education Abroad team

INTRODUCTION

Greetings from Sol Abroad,

You are about to embark on a life-changing experience. While abroad you will cultivate relationships and memories that will last a lifetime. Our mission is to provide you with an enriching and rewarding educational experience. As part of this mission we want to make sure that you have information about your program site before you leave.

Sol Abroad was founded under the principles of promoting cultural understanding and the lifelong study of foreign languages. While on your program you will learn about the unique cultures and people of the country you are studying in.

Please make sure you read this handbook, it is excellent preparation for your new adventure!

Thanks for choosing Sol Abroad!

US DEPARTMENT OF STATE

Sol Abroad recommends that all students register with the US State Department while overseas: This is very simple to do. Please visit the website (www.travel.state.gov) to enter in the requested information.

Under the section titled “International Travel” (located on the bottom left hand side), click on the “Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)” link. STEP (formerly known as “Travel Registration” or “Registration with Embassies”) is a free service provided by the U.S. Government to U.S. citizens who are traveling to, or living in, a foreign country. You can read more about the benefits of this program on the website.

You will need an address and a telephone number to register. Please use the following info:

• Sabana Larga de Atenas
• 150 m oeste del Plaza de Toros
• Atenas, Alajuela
• Costa Rica, Centroamérica
• +506-2446-4550

COUNTRY OVERVIEW

Sol Abroad recommends that all students register with the US State Department while overseas: This is very simple to do. Please visit the website (www.travel.state.gov) to enter in the requested information.

Under the section titled “International Travel” (located on the bottom left hand side), click on the “Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)” link. STEP (formerly known as “Travel Registration” or “Registration with Embassies”) is a free service provided by the U.S. Government to U.S. citizens who are traveling to, or living in, a foreign country. You can read more about the benefits of this program on the website.

You will need an address and a telephone number to register. Please use the following info:

Sabana Larga de Atenas

150 m oeste del Plaza de Toros

Atenas, Alajuela

Costa Rica, Centroamérica

+506-2446-4550

CLIMATE

Climate in the Central Valley

The Central Valley is over 1000 m (3,280 ft) above sea level and has a cool and moderate climate. During the Costa Rican summer, from December to May, rain showers are infrequent and visitors can expect hot, sunny days. During the Costa Rican winter, from June to November, it is usually sunny and hot in the morning with a tropical rain shower in the afternoon. The rain is fairly regular especially in August, September, October and November, but it is usually for a few hours in the afternoon. In the green season, as this season is called, the Central Valley’s landscape is known for its lush verdant slopes and bright tropical flowers.

Climate in Heredia

Heredia, 1176 m (3,858 ft) known as the “city of flowers”, has a comfortable climate year-round of 24°C (75°F) during the day. Due to the altitude, nights are cooler and temperatures are about 18°C (65°F).The mountain slopes on the outskirts of Heredia offer a fresh, mountain climate.

SPANISH IN COSTA RICA

Costa Rica Spanish is considered to be one of the best forms of Spanish to study due to its clear accent and standard form. Something important to know is that Costa Ricans do not use “tu” frequently, although they understand it perfectly well. They use “usted” almost exclusively for addressing each other, regardless of age and status, and more informally, “vos”.  Argentina is the country most known for using “vos” but it is also used throughout Central America and in Central Columbia. You won’t hear it as often as it is used mostly amongst locals who are familiar with each other.

HOLIDAYS

Jan 1	Año Nuevo (New Years Day)
Apr 11	Anniversary of the Battle of Rivas
March/April	Semana Santa (Holy Week - Spring Break) Thursday through Easter Sunday
May 1	Día del Trabajo (Labor Day)
Jul 25	Annexation of the Guanacaste Province
Aug 2	Our Lady of the Angels (Costa Rica’s patron saint)
Aug 15	Día de la Madre (Assumption Day, Mother’s Day)
Sept 15	Día de la Independencia (Independence Day)
Oct 12	Día de la Raza (Columbus Day, Carnival in Limón)
Dec 24 & 25	Navidad (Christmas Eve and Christmas Day)

TIME

Costa Rica is in the Central Standard Time Zone but does NOT observe daylight savings.

BUSINESS HOURS

Stores are generally open from 8 AM to 6 or 7 PM, Monday to Saturday. A two-hour lunch break is common.Banks are open from 9 AM to 4 PM, Monday to Friday. Some banks are open on Saturday mornings.

Packing Recommendations

Costa Rica has many micro-climates. We suggest you pack for a variety of temperatures. Generally, Costa Ricans dress very similarly to Americans from the US, but dress up more. Bring the clothes that you are normally used to wearing, but please carefully read over our packing recommendations!

LUGGAGE

• You may bring 1 large suitcase, 1 small carry-on suitcase, and 1 personal item like a laptop. (Most airlines charge fees for additional checked baggage and overweight baggage, check your airline’s website for details)
• Backpack or duffel bag - you will want one bag big enough to fit up to 3-days outfits for weekend excursions.
• Small day pack that you can take on day hikes, activities and to class.

GENERAL CLOTHING

• Pack light: leave a little room for the things you will buy while abroad
• Lightweight clothing (especially for weekend excursions)
• Several pairs of jeans or pants. Although people do wear shorts, they are more likely to wear jeans or pants (both men and women).
• “Going out clothes”—something you can wear to the theater and out to dance.  For example nice jeans, a nice top, and nicer shoes (guys, pay attention here!). Costa Ricans tend to dress up more when going out.
• Costa Ricans generally dress up a little more than US students, i.e. they do NOT wear pajama pants, cut-off shorts, athletic clothing, or sweatpants to the university.
• While at the University it is common for students to wear what we would characterize as “going out” clothes or “business casual”. Shorts are not common to wear to school, although if “dressed up” they would not only be more customary to the situation, but also trendier.
• Sweatshirt/fleece/sweater/jacket—bring a few it because can get cool in the afternoon and night.
• Swimsuit
• Rain jacket
• Windbreaker/warm-up pants (optional, but can be useful for cloud forest, hiking, and canopy tour to keep you warm and dry if it is rainy and windy).
• Fleece, sweater, light sweatshirt or hoodie (for Poás Volcano)—you’ll need it!

FOOTWEAR

• Comfortable walking shoes for walking in the city and hiking. Make sure you break them in before your trip.
• Sneakers for jogging, gym, soccer, or other sports.
• Water sandals with a back strap (not flip flops) for rafting. You want shoes that you can get wet but will protect your feet and not fall off in a current. (Aqua Socks, Tevas or Chacos sandals, or sneakers.)
• Flip flops; typically, in Costa Rica, you have one pair for inside the home. House shoes are an important part of Latin American cultures.

MISCELLANEOUS

• Camera and batteries/charger
• Laptop computer and flash drive/memory stick
• Toiletries
• Insect Repellent
• School supplies: notebook, pens, pencils, English-Spanish Dictionary
• Sun hat, sun glasses, and sun block (these are available in Costa Rica, but are much more expensive)
• Compact umbrella
• Water bottle
• A wristwatch with an alarm setting or travel alarm clock
• Bath towel to use at host family.
  
• Beach towel or Sarong for traveling to the beach/waterfalls etc. (Most students prefer to use a Sarong rather than a beach towel because it is lightweight and dries quickly. You can purchase them in Costa Rica for around $12.)
• You can purchase shampoo, conditioner, soap, etc. in Costa Rica. Keep in mind that imported brands are more expensive than in the US.
  

LAPTOPS

You can definitely bring your laptop! This is great for communication (especially Skype). Increasingly you will find WiFi at the homestay, the school, and at cafés in town. Please be careful, though. This is an item that can get stolen or damaged easily so just be careful with it. Remember, you do not always need to carry your laptop with you, in fact we highly recommend you do not travel with it locally. There are computer labs at the school and Internet cafés all over town so sometimes it’s easier to just use a public computer when you are away from your homestay.

CARRY-ON

Bring an extra pair of clothes & toothbrush in case your luggage gets lost or delayed by your airline. Keep all valuables with you in your carry-on.

ELECTRONICS

If you do bring valuables like a laptop, iPod, digital camera etc. please be aware that there is always a risk that these can get lost/stolen/damaged. It is a good idea to have expensive possessions insured while abroad—there are companies online that will do this for a fee. Also, our advice is that you do not take your laptop outside of your host family’s house.

MEDICAL/SAFETY ITEMS

• Prescription drugs to last for the duration of your stay, original prescription (some medicines may not be available in Costa Rica).
• Extra prescription contact lenses.
• Personal first-aid kit with band aids, aspirin, anti-bacterial gel, etc.

EXCURSIONS

Costa Rica has just about everything a student could want—beaches, rainforests, mountains, and volcanoes. Excursions are a fundamental part of the abroad experience and are included in all summer and semester program unless stated as optional.

We carefully select weekend excursions that allow you to discover more about the country in which you are studying and are selected based on cultural and educational importance or sites of natural beauty. Entrance and transportation fees are always included. Before any excursion your director will go over the itinerary of the trip and what you should pack. If you have a guide book it can make it more interesting to read about the excursion before you leave, the Lonely Planet or similar guides are excellent options.

Arenal Volcano, Hot Springs, Rainforest Zipline Canopy Tour, & La Fortuna Waterfall

Experience the natural beauty ofArenal Volcano, located in the lush lowland rainforests of Costa Rica. Arenal is a perfect conical volcano and has been active since 1968. On clear evenings you can see glowing lava flow down the volcano’s steep slopes. The area is blessed with many naturally-heated hot springs thanks to the volcano’s geothermal activity. Your tropical experience will be complete as you relax in the soothing waters surrounded by lush rainforest. On this excursion, you will visit one of Costa Rica’s most beautiful waterfalls, La Fortuna, which drops from a forested cliff hundreds of feet above you into a beautiful natural pool perfect for swimming. Not to be missed on this excursion is the famous zip-line canopy tour, where you will “zip” from tree to tree through the rainforest canopy!

Pacific Beach Trip (Manuel Antonio National Park)

Manuel Antonio National Park is an escape to paradise. It is characterized by lush forests, tropical beaches, and abundant wildlife. Relax on the beach and hike with your director along the park’s many trails. Wildlife species range from white-faced monkeys to tree sloths and iguanas. Other species found here, though a little shyer, include macaws, ocelots, squirrel monkeys, and coatimundis. The forests are filled with wildlife and in the mornings you are likely to awaken to the eerie sound of howler monkeys. While at Manuel Antonio, you will have the opportunity to visit the white sand beaches located in the park boundaries. Besides visiting the park and enjoying its natural beauty and wildlife, Manuel Antonio also offers other activities, including surfing, mangrove tour by sea kayak, snorkeling, fishing, and horseback riding.

The average temperature is 89°F (31°C). There may be mosquitoes in the evening (right at dusk). For this excursion you’ll pack very light and informal—it’s a total beach environment!

White-Water Rafting

One of the many allures of Costa Rica is the opportunity to experience the thrill of white-water rafting. Spend the day on one of Costa Rica’s pristine rivers. You will experience the rush of the rapids while surrounded by breathtaking, tropical scenery. You will pass through canyons and float by miles of virgin rain forest. Witness the native wildlife such as tree sloths and toucans, and enjoy surprises such as waterfalls along the river banks. And, of course, you’ll have the chance to take a dip in the cool waters. You need not have previous rafting experience to enjoy this excursion. The expedition is led by certified, professional guides.

Poás Volcano Hike

While in Costa Rica, you will explorePoás Volcano, the country’s most visited National Park. The park is located in a verdant cloud forest, and temperatures are cool, making it ideal for hiking. On this excursion you will hike to the edge of the active crater volcano. Then we will delve further into the cloud forest, hiking along one of the wooded trails to the emerald green Botos Lagoon, which is an extinct crater filled with rainwater. After leaving the park, we will stop at local fruit stands full of fresh produce such as strawberries and tropical fruits like the granadillaandmamonchino (rambutan). We will also sample the traditional local cheese known as quesopalmito.

San José City Tour

San José is the cultural, economic, and political nucleus of Costa Rica. The energetic capital city is located in the Central Valley and circled by striking mountain slopes. During this excursion, you will visit museums and the significant points of interest in the capital. At the top of the list is th

e National Theater, Costa Rica’s most famous and exquisite national monument which was built in the late 1800s by Costa Rica’s coffee elite. Other stops include the historic National Museum, an open-air souvenir market, and the Central Park.

CULTURAL ACTIVITIES

Cultural activities are an important part of your experience. You will learn so much by going to classes but you’ll learn just as much, if not more, outside of the classroom. These activities are designed to enhance your experience and show you more of what the site has to offer! Your director will announce the weekly cultural activities every week during your meetings. For summer programs there are 2 to 3 cultural activities a week. During semester programs they are more spread out and there are 1 to 2 cultural activities included a week.  Cultural activities include:

• Heredia & San Jose City Tours
• Traditional Costa Rican Cooking Class
• Salsa, Cumbia & Merengue Dance Class
• Festivals
• Hiking Trips
• Museum Visit
• Theater Night
• Coffee Tour
• Movie Night
• Soccer Match
• Indoor Soccer Game
• Organic Farm Visit
  

AIRPORT INFORMATION

Arriving to an airport overseas is arriving into the unknown but do not worry, one of your program directors will be there waiting for you when you arrive! Here is what to expect upon touchdown at the airport in Costa Rica, which is small by normal airport standards.

IMMIGRATION FORMS

You will be given a customs form and an immigration form to fill out on your flight to Costa Rica. For your address in Costa Rica you can write your host family address in Heredia. Be sure to have your printed round-trip flight itinerary and passport in hand.  

• Once you arrive, proceed to immigration (migración).
• If you are staying for more than 90 days, then simply explain to the immigration officer that you will be traveling to Nicaragua or Panama within that period.
• Do NOT say that you are a student, because they will ask for your student visa, which you do not have.  
• Wait in line for your passport to be reviewed and stamped.
• Once you pass through this line you will take the escalator down to baggage claim. This area is pretty small (5 or 6 belts).
• Once you get your luggage, exit baggage claim at one end. There are two customs booths (aduana). Choose one and put your luggage on the x-ray belt. Turn in your customs form. This is the last checkpoint before you walk out of the airport.
• You will come to an exit with sliding doors.
• You will see many people waiting outside for other passengers. This is where your director will pick you up.
• Before you meet your director, you may be approached by a number of taxi drivers, hotel representatives, tour guides, and others offering to help you. Just tell them, “No thank you” and that you are meeting someone.
• Look for someone with the Sol Education Abroad sign.

Despite everyone’s best planning, flight delays, bad weather, and other unforeseen circumstances can impact your meeting with your director at the airport. If for whatever reason, you do not meet your director, just use the phone numbers given to you to contact them. Stay at the airport until we find you.

AIRPORT DEPARTURE

Your director will arrange for your transportation to the airport when you leave.

AIRPORT DEPARTURE TAX

For Costa Rica there is an exit tax that you must pay before leaving. This tax is currently $28 payable by colones, US dollars or both. You can also pay with a Visa debit card if you have one. You can pay by credit card but it is charged as a cash advance rather than a charge so be aware of any fees your credit card company charges for cash advances. Once you pay the tax you are given a form that you have to fill out and give to the gate agents at your airline.  You can pay the tax when you arrive or when you come to the airport to return home. It is normally easiest (and less complicated) to pay when you leave.

MONEY

The Costa Rican currency is called the colón. To find the most up-to-date conversion please visit www.xe.com. We suggest that you travel with a credit or debit card and have some US dollars in cash on hand. Do not exchange money at the airport. You will get a much better exchange rate at a bank, and your director will help you exchange money (or take money out of the ATM) once you arrive at your program site. Whenever you exchange money you will need your passport. We suggest you take out money as few times as possible.

ATMS

ATMs are fairly common in Costa Rica. You must call your debit card company to let them know you will be using the card in Costa Rica. If you do not call them, they may put a block on your card. Check with your bank beforehand to see if there are any international charges for extracting cash overseas, some banks may charge up to $5 USD every time you withdraw money. Although this may seem expensive, it is worth the convenience. We DO NOT recommend taking large sums out when you use the ATM. Your director will point out convenient locations.

CREDIT CARDS

Credit cards can be used in Costa Rica but are not widely accepted. Check with your credit card company beforehand to see if there are any extra international charges (international transaction fees) and to let them know that you are traveling overseas. If you do not call them, they may put a block on your card. There is a foreign currency conversion fee and it is usually from 1% to 3%. Capital One is the only credit card at the moment that charges no foreign currency conversion fee.

TRAVELER’S CHECKS

For Costa Rica we have found that you should NOT bring Traveler's checks as they are very difficult to cash and not widely accepted.

SPENDING MONEY

You will want to bring some extra spending money with you. We suggest about $100 per week. This money is for taxis and buses, souvenirs, meals/snacks that are not included, personal travel, or extra activities that you may do during excursions or in Heredia. Most products and services are priced similarly to the US. If you are taking semester classes with locals, you may need to purchase books and/or materials.

DAILY TRANSPORTATION

It is important to include daily transportation into your study abroad budget. You may need to take a bus every day to and from your host family to the university or other locations in Heredia. Public buses within Heredia are between 50 to 90 US cents one-way, depending on the location. The bus from Heredia to the capital city San Jose is less than 1 US dollar one-way. A taxi from the University to downtown Heredia is about about 4 US dollars one-way.  For safety, you must take a taxi if you go out at night, rather than walking or taking a bus. Public transportation is considerably less expensive than here in the United States.

LOST OR STOLEN CASH OR CREDIT CARDS

If you were ever in an emergency situation that you needed money (such as if you lost your wallet) just let your onsite director know! We will definitely assist you financially until your situation can be resolved.

ELECTRICITY

Costa Rica uses 110 V AC at 60 Hz which is the same as the US. Three-pronged outlets are rare so if you have any three-pronged items make sure and bring an adapter to fit into the two-pronged outlets. There are also adapters for sale at hardware stores in Costa Rica.

COMMUNICATION

EMAIL

Internet cafés are common in Costa Rica. There is a computer lab with internet access that you can use on the University campus. Be prepared for a slower connection at times. Keeping in contact with friends and family is a great way to share your experience. Just remember, though, it can take away from your Spanish learning. Attempt to write as little as possible in English while you are there. The Latin University has free WiFi access on campus, but many sites are blocked.

MAIL

The mail system in Costa Rica is very slow by US standards. Expect letters to take 2-3 weeks to arrive. For short programs we recommend not sending mail as it might not arrive until after you have left. Check with your director for the exact mailing address for your host family. Do not ask friends or family to send packages to Costa Rica as they will be fined with heavy import fees.

In general, we discourage our students from receiving mail in Costa Rica because unfortunately there is no guarantee it will get there. Even if you use FedEx and list the contents in Spanish, there is a large chance that your package will be held in customs and that you may have to pay much for than the item is worth to retrieve it. This has happened to several of our students.

PHONES

Most students choose not to use a cell phone while abroad.

The majority of our students use Skype (an affordable internet calling program) for their long-distance communication. You can also make and receive phone calls from the host family’s home phone. Make sure you ALWAYS use a calling card and out of courtesy always ask first.

Here are a few suggestions for cell phone use in Costa Rica:

• Call your US Cell Phone service provider and ask them what your current plan covers internationally or what they can offer you for international rates. Also, ask them about purchasing a SIM card while abroad.
• You can purchase a cheap “pay-as-you-go-phone” once you have arrived in Costa Rica. These can range from $25-$45 USD. You will get a local number, and these phones will be primarily used for local communication.
• Sol Education Abroad has a limited number of cell phones that may be “rented” during your stay in Costa Rica. You will pay a deposit of $40 USD to your onsite Program Director and the phone may come with a few prepaid minutes. You will be responsible for recharging the phone if you run out of minutes. At the end of the program, if the phone and charger are returned in good and working condition, your deposit will be returned to you.

Do NOT bring a US calling card (such as AT&T and MCI) because they are often difficult to use in Costa Rica and you cannot use the access numbers from pay phones. We recommend that you purchase Costa Rican calling cards in-country or have friends and family call you on your host family landline.

HOST FAMILIES

The host family is one of the best parts of your experience in Costa Rica. This will be your greatest and most intimate contact with the culture and people of Costa Rica. Our host families in Costa Rica are middle-class by Costa Rican standards. Costa Ricans are very friendly and love sharing their culture and traditions. Your host family will provide your meals and do laundry for you at least once a week. You do not need to bring laundry soap.

Some suggestions when living with your family:

• Let your host family know if you won’t be home for a meal.
• Spend time with your family. If they invite you to do something take advantage of this. The more time you spend with your family the better your Spanish will get.
• Be respectful. You are a guest in their home.
• Utilities are expensive in Costa Rica! Conserve water and electricity by taking a short shower and turning off and unplugging all appliances when you leave the room.
• Bring photos of your family/friends/hometown to share.

Your director will go over host family rules and regulations more extensively onsite.

HOST FAMILY GIFT

We encourage you to bring a small gift for your host family to present to them when you arrive. A present is a nice way to break the ice and share some of your local US culture with your Tico family. Some examples of gifts students have given in the past are family-style board games (that don’t require a language), local treats like preserves, candies, or maple syrup, a coffee-table photo book of their hometown, or a dry baking mix like blueberry muffins, biscuits, or scones.

For some student feedback & examples of Host Family Gifts from alumni, check out this article: Un Regalo For Your Host Family!

SHOWERS

Showers in Costa Rica are usually heated by a small electrical unit attached to the spout. These can be hard for foreigners to figure out how to work. If you don’t do it right you’ll have a cold shower! Make sure you ask your host family how to use the shower heating element. Please limit showers to 10 minutes or less to conserve water and electricity.

MEALS

You will share all of your meals with your host family. You will eat what they eat, however for any special needs or preferences that you need they will be as accommodating as possible.  However, please remember that the food will be different to what you are used to eating in the US. Families do not eat much red meat or sea food; although they are middle class, they have a more restricted household budget. Black beans and rice are staple foods in Costa Rica and are served at most meals and are almost always served at lunch. Lunch is the main meal, and for dinner they will serve you a lighter meal.

LAUNDRY

Your host family will wash your clothes, sheets and towels once a week. Electric dryers are rare in Costa Rica, so most families will line-dry all laundry. Students are expected to hand-wash their own underwear. Every family is different in regards to laundry and your host mother will go over this your first day.

CULTURAL DO?S AND DON?TS

DO´S

• Say hello to locals. Costa Ricans are very friendly and this is part of their culture. Many people say Costa Ricans are very non-confrontational.
• Talk with older people. Older people are very well-respected in Costa Rica and have lots to share.
• Give tips. 10-15% is good by Costa Rica standards. The tip is included in the bill at most restaurants. You do not have to tip taxis.
• Say “yes” if people offer you food in their home, unless you really, really don’t want it.
• Share your experiences in conversation.
• When greeting women give a kiss on one check (their right cheek). Men shake hands.
• Make an effort to speak Spanish.
• Interact with your host family (for example, hang out with them on a Sunday afternoon).
• Try the foods your host family gives you before deciding if it's something you don’t like.
• Ask to use the phone first.
• Be prepared for Ticos to be late, postpone, or cancel with short notice.
• Make sure to wear clean clothes and shower at least once a day. Costa Ricans consider cleanliness and a nice appearance important.

DON’TS

• Do not slam doors (especially car doors)
• Do not assume things since you are a traveler in a foreign country. Be extra alert when on the streets.
• Do not say that you are American (Americano); you are from the United States (soy de los Estados Unidos).  
• If you are female do not go out alone.
• Do not pet street dogs or family dogs before asking first. Even house dogs are not necessarily kept as pets—they are more for protection.
• Be aware of Costa Rican driving habits. Let the car go first; Costa Ricans do not stop for pedestrians.
• Do not trust strangers or walk home alone after 6 PM. It’s best to take a cab (they are a lot more affordable than in the US).
• Do not walk in the house barefoot. Make sure you have a pair of flip flops for wearing inside.
• Do not invite guests without permission. Members of the opposite sex are not allowed in your room.

TOILETS

Costa Rican plumbing often has very low pressure and small pipes. Because of this, for most toilets, you should NOT put toilet paper in the toilet as it can easily clog. A trash can is found next to the toilet for you to dispose of toilet paper. Ask if you are unsure.

TYPICAL DAY

 This is an EXAMPLE of a typical weekday. Some classes start earlier or later than listed below.

8:00 AM        Wakeup and have breakfast

8:45 AM        Walk to school

9:00 AM        Classes begin

10:45 AM       Mid-morning break

11:15 AM       Return to class

12:00 PM       Classes end. Check email, visit shops, write in your journal, hang out with friends, etc.

12:30 PM       Lunch with your host family

3:00 PM         Meet for a cultural activity

ACADEMICS

You will find that the teaching style in other countries is different than what you are used to in the US. If you have any concerns or questions about this when you are in Costa Rica, please ask your director. Our directors are always available for tutoring and any other assistance you may need concerning the academic component of the program.

In Heredia, your classes are at the ULatina (Universidad Latina-Heredia). You may take Spanish classes with other international students. Class size can be small; usually 5 to 10 students per teacher. During the semester students may take classes with locals.

Semester Students - Sports & Cultural Clubs at the ULatina: This is a great way to meet local students! You can join a campus sports of cultural club during the semester program.

Groups & Cultural Clubs: Theater, Music, Dance, Mixed Martial Arts, Environmental, Leadership & Entrepreneurship

Sports Clubs: Chess, Taekwondo, Judo, Physical Fitness

EXCHANGES (?intercambios?)

Your director will organize exchanges (“intercambios”) with Costa Rica students who are taking classes at the English Learning Center and are eager to practice.  Intercambios are a great opportunity to practice your Spanish, to help Tico students improve their English and to makefriends.  You can meet them inside or outside the university; often you'll have the opportunity to do activities with them.

VOLUNTEERING

 Volunteering is a great way to give back and make a meaningful impact in the lives of Costa Ricans. Most Sol students choose to teach English to local elementary school children in the pre-school and 5th grade classes. With English being the lingua franca for international business and tourism, Costa Rican kids who are bilingual will have a better chance at succeeding in the future. Other options include volunteering at an organic farm, building homes for homeless families, volunteering at a children’s home, and helping with toy and school supply drives at the university.

Examples of Volunteering can be (but are not limited to):

• Children Without Borders (www.cwbfoundation.org) – CWB is a non-profit organization that provides life-saving medical care to children and preventative health education for families in under-served countries. Often there are medical supplies drives which we help organize, promote and run on campus.
• Toucan Rescue Ranch (www.toucanrescueranch.com) – Privately run wildlife rescue facility focusing on the care, rehabilitation and study of Costa Rican Toucans.
• Ecology & Tree Planting Project
• Education & Scholarship Assistance
• Education Project (Teaching English to Pre-School & Elementary Students)
• Education Project (Working in Children’s Home for Abandoned Youth)
• Ending Sex Trade Project (Helping Survivors & their Families)
• Exercise Program for the Elderly
• Fundraising Assistance to Youth with Disabilities
• Gardening Project with Youth with Disabilities
• Organic Farming Project
• Turtle Rescue Project

 

SOL DIRECTOR

Your director is there to help you with many aspects of the program. Their main duties include:

• Orient and guide the students in Costa Rica
• Airport transfers
• Making sure that your accommodations are suitable and that you are happy with your family
• Make sure that your classes are appropriate for your level of Spanish
• Organize cultural activities
• Organize excursions
• Support students in finding volunteer work
• Support students in finding activities and events that interest them
• Accompany students to the doctor
• Your director is available to listen to and welcomes any requests, comments or suggestions about the program.
• Director availability: your onsite director will be available at your school before & after classes every single day of the first week. After that, your director will normally be available every other day at school and during activities and excursions.  Your onsite director will always be available via an appointment.

HEALTH AND SAFETY

HOSPITALS

Clinica Biblica de Heredia (Frente a McDonalds en Heredia Centro)
Telephone: 2263-2881

*For grave emergencies or after 9:30 pm or before 8:00am:

Clinica Biblica de San Jose (Calle Central y primera, avenida 14 & 16 San José)
Telephone: 2522-1000

OR

CIMA en Escazú (Frente al Hospital se encuentra la Autopista Próspero Fernández, Escazu)
Telephone: 2208-1144

SAFETY TIPS WHILE IN COSTA RICA

 We will thoroughly cover safety and specific guidelines in the onsite orientation. Most problems can be prevented with a combination of awareness and common sense. We encourage students to keep a state of relaxed alertness, not fear. It is also very important to listen to and heed the advice of your director and your host family parents. The only time our students have encountered problems in Costa Rica is when they did the opposite of what their director told them to and put themselves in an unsafe situation. Costa Rica and Heredia are generally safe, but it is important to be aware and take precautions, as you would in any part of the world.

• Never walk anywhere at night (even short distances) and avoid going out alone. Remember safety in numbers.
• Always take an official taxi (red with yellow triangle).
• When walking in the daytime, it is better to walk with another person, if possible.
• The consumption of alcohol decreases your awareness and decision-making capabilities, putting you at increased risk. (Underage drinking and the use of any drugs are illegal and prohibited on our programs.)
• Cat calls and honking are common. It is best to simply keep walking and ignore them.
• Men tend to be more aggressive in Latin America, and often have a stereotype that foreign women are "easy". It helps to be accompanied by a male friend, walk with confidence, dress appropriately, and be assertive.
• As in any country, never leave a drink unattended and never ride in a stranger's car.
• Never carry around large amounts of cash, your passport, or credit cards unless you have to.  Never keep money in your back pocket.
• Never leave things unlocked and try to keep valuable items out of sight.
• Do not leave valuables unattended, even for a few minutes.
• Avoid wearing expensive-looking jewelry, do not walk around with iPod buds in your ears.
• Listen to your "gut". One of our greatest tools is our intuition and internal guidance system. If something doesn't feel right, do what you need to do get out of the situation and let your director know immediately.

By following these guidelines and using your own intuition you can have a safe and successful time abroad. Above all, have confidence and awareness and enjoy yourself in Costa Rica. "Stay safe, but don't stay home!"

HEALTH

• Wash hands often with soap and water.
• The tap water in Costa Rica is safe to drink. In certain coastal areas it is best to drink bottled water. Always ask your director if you are unsure about the water.
• Always wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly them thoroughly.
• To prevent fungal and parasitic infections, keep feet clean and dry, and do not go barefoot.
• Prevent mosquito bites by paying special attention to mosquito protection between dusk & dawn.
• Wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and hats in areas where mosquito bites are likely. Use a repellent that contains DEET.

VACCINATIONS

As long as you are up to date with your school in the US, you do not need any additional vaccinations. You may read online recommendations for Hepatitis A, B, tetanus, typhoid/diphtheria, malaria or yellow fever vaccinations - these are not necessary.

THEFT

Heredia is a safe city, but like any city in the world, you must be smart about your safely and belongings. When we are on our weekend trips never leave things unlocked and try to keep valuable items out of sight. Never be too trusting. Especially on the beach trips always make sure there is someone to keep an eye on your things if you are in the water.

UNWANTED ATTENTION

Women should avoid unwanted attention. Never walk home alone at night. Cabs are very inexpensive in Costa Rica, whenever in doubt always take a cab. Avoid walking in large groups of foreigners. Use the buddy system especially at night.

Cat Calls/Piropos

In Costa Rica it is not uncommon for strangers or even local friends to engage in the commonly known gesture of “cat calling”. Either hollering across the street or the most common, yelling out of a moving car. These actions and comments are called “piropos”. Most of the time it is non-threatening and what Costa Rican (and Latino’s in general) consider “playful”. The best method for dealing with this is to ignore them. Making any sort of faces, physical movements, and ESPECIALLY shouting back, will only reinforce and invite them to make more calls, and even to follow you.

VACCINATIONS

Many of the vaccinations that some physicians may recommend (malaria, yellow fever, or typhoid) are not necessarily required nor needed. Thousands of American students study in Costa Rica every year and these vaccinations are not necessary. Make sure that the standard immunizations you need in the US are current before leaving for Costa Rica. We do suggest that you have your Hepatitis A and B vaccine.

For the most up-to-date health & safety information, visit:

U.S. Department of Travel Website: www.travel.state.gov

Center for Disease Control: https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/costa-rica.htm

TRAVEL HEALTH INSURANCE

While with Sol Education Abroad you have the option of using your own health insurance or using the Sol Education Abroad policy (included in your program price). If your insurance provider DOES cover you internationally, make sure to only use your policy and not ours (insurance companies do not allow you to have two policies). If your insurance provider DOES NOT cover you internationally, make sure you specify this in the form called "Insurance Verification" by checking “yes” on the question: “Do you need International Medical Insurance with Sol Abroad?”Sol Education Abroad’s insurance policy will cover absolutely any medical expenses internationally up to USD $50,000 with MultiNational Underwriters. To verify your coverage, simply call your US insurance provider and tell them that you will be overseas and they will let you know whether or not you are covered internationally and the amount of coverage. Provide your insurance company the exact dates of the program in which you are enrolled. Get the details from them in the event you need to go to the doctor while abroad. If you do use the Sol Education Abroad insurance please note that pre-existing conditions are not covered, so check with your domestic provider about this before leaving. If you take prescription medication with you make sure that you have a doctor’s prescription in the event that customs officials question you about it. This is rare, but it’s always a good idea to be prepared.

HELPFUL WORDS & PHRASES:

GREETINGS:

Hello Hola
Good Morning ¡Buenos días!
Good Day ¡Buen día!
Good Evening Buenas tardes
Good Night Buenas noches
How are you ¿Cómo estás?
Fine Bien
Very well Muy bien

So-So Más o menos
What’s your name? ¿Cómo te llamas? (Como se llama usted?)
My name is Me llamo
I live in Vivo en

I am from Soy de
This is my Este es mi _______.

Nice to meet you Mucho gusto/Encantada/o
Thank You Gracias
You’re Welcome De nada
Excuse me (usted) perdone/disculpe

Friend amigo/a                        
Mother madre/mamá                                
Father padre/papá        
Sister hermana                
Roommate compañero/a de piso
Teacher maestro/a
Aunt tia
Uncle tio
Grandmother abuela
Grandfather abuelo

THE QUESTION WORDS (INTERROGATIVES):

Who  ¿Quién?
What ¿Qué?
When ¿Cuándo?
Where ¿Dónde?
How?  ¿Cómo?
How much? ¿Cuánto/a? 
How much does it cost? ¿Cuánto cuesta?
How many? ¿Cuántos/as?
Which ones? ¿Cuáles?

DIRECTIONS:

Where is?  ¿Dónde está?
Excuse me, where is the_____? Disculpe, dónde está el/la_____________?
Where are the taxis? ¿Dónde están los taxis?
Where is the bus? ¿Dónde está el autobus?
Where is the subway/metro? ¿Dónde está el metro?
Is it near? ¿Está cerca?
Is it far? ¿Está lejos?
Go straight ahead Siga recto.
Go that way Vaya en aquella dirección.
Go back/return Vuelva
Turn right Gire a la derecha
Turn left Gire a la izquierda
Take me to this address, please Lléveme a esta dirección, por favor
What is the fare?  ¿Cuánto es la tarifa?
Stop here, please Deténgase aquí, por favor.
Does this bus go to Los Osos Street? ¿Pasa este autobús por la calle de los Osos?
A map of the city, please Un plano (una mapa) de la ciudad, por favor.
A subwaymap, please Un plano (una mapa) del metro, por favor.

SHOPPING:

How much does it cost?  ¿Cuánto cuesta?
What time does the store open? ¿A qué hora abre la tienda?
At what time does the store close? ¿A qué hora cierra la tienda?
What would you like? ¿Qué está buscando?
Can I help you? ¿Necesita alguna ayuda?
I would like this Me gustaría esto.
Here it is Aquí lo tiene.
Is that all? ¿Es todo?
I'd like to pay in cash Me gustaría pagar en efectivo.
I'd like to pay by credit card Me gustaría pagar con tarjeta de crédito.
Women's clothes ropa para mujeres/damas
Men's clothes ropa para hombres
blouse, skirt, dress blusa, falda, vestido
pants, shirt, tie pantalones, camisa, corbata
shoes and socks zapatos y calcentines
jeans vaqueros/Blue Jeans
bookstore librería
bakery panadería
market mercado
supermarket supermercado

NUMBERS

 

1	Uno	30	Treinta
2	Dos	40	Cuarenta
3	Tres	50	Cincuenta
4	Cuatro	60	Sesenta
5	Cinco	70	Setenta
6	Seis	80	Ochenta
7	Siete	90	Noventa
8	Ocho	100	Cien
9	Nueve	Ordinal Numbers
10	Diez	first	primero
11	Once	second	Segundo
12	Doce	third	Tercero
13	Trece	fourth	Cuarto
14	Cuatorce	fifth	Quinto
15	Quince	sixth	Sexto
16	Dieciséis	seventh	Septimo
17	Diecsiete	Eighth	Ocho
18	dieciocho	Ninth	Noveno
19	Diecinueve	Tenth	Decimo
20	Viente

 

Can you recommend a good restaurant? ¿Me recomienda algún restaurante?
A table for two, please Una mesa para dos, por favor.
The menu, please La carta, por favor.
appetizers primer plato
main course plato principal
dessert postre
I would like something to drink Me gustaría algo para beber/tomar.
A glass of water, please Un vaso de agua, por favor.
A cup of tea, please Un té, por favor.
A coffee with milk Un café con leche.
I am a vegetarian Soy un/a vegetariano/a.
Do you have a vegetarian dish? ¿Tiene algún plato vegetariano?
That's all Eso es todo.
The check, please la cuenta, por favor.
Is the tip included? ¿Incluye la propina?
Breakfast desayuno
Lunch almuerzo
Dinner cena
Snack merienda
Enjoy the meal ¡Buen provecho!
To your health ¡Salud!
It's delicious! ¡Está riquísima!
It tastes good es muy rico
Plate plato
Fork tenedor
Knife cuchillo
Spoon cuchara
Napkin servilleta
Cup/mug taza
Glass vaso
Bottle botella
Ice hielo
Salt sal
Pepper pimienta
Sugar azúcar
Soup sopa
Salad ensalada
Bread pan
Butter mantequilla
Noodles fideos
Rice arroz
Cheese queso
Vegetables verduras
Chicken pollo
Pork cerdo
Meat carne
Beef carne
I like my steak rare. Me gusta la carne poco cocida.
I like my steak medium Me gusta la carne a mediococer.
I like my steak well done Me gusta la carne bien coci da.
Juice zumo (Spain), jugo (South America)
Pie tarta
Ice cream helado
Another, please Otro, por favor.
More, please Más, por favor.
Pass the… please Por favor, páseme la…
Spicy picante
Sweet dulce
Sour amargo

BASIC PHRASES:

Thank you Gracias
Thank you very much Muchas gracias
You’re Welcome De Nada
Please Por Favor
Yes Sí
No No
Excuse Me Con Permiso
Pardon Me Perdone (usted)
I’m sorry Lo siento        
I don’t understand No entiendo
I don’t speak Spanish  No habloespañol
I speak Spanish rather well Hablo español bastante bien
Do you speak English? ¿Habla inglés
Speak slowly, please Habledespaciopor favor
Repeat, please Repita, por favor
What's your name? ¿Cómo se llama?
How are you? ¿Cómo está?
Do you speak English? ¿Habla inglés?
Where is the subway? ¿Dónde está el metro?
Is the tip included? ¿Incluye la propina?
How much does that cost?  ¿Cuánto cuesta?
Is there a public phone here? ¿Hay algún teléfono público aquí?
Can I get on the internet? ¿Puedo conectarme con el internet?
Can you help me? ¿Me podría ayudar?
Where is the bathroom? ¿Dónde está el baño?

Specific to Costa Rica:        

Ticos (people from Costa Rica)are very pleased when foreigners try to speak Spanish, especially when they include tiquismos, expressions that are peculiar to Costa Rican or Central American culture.  Surprise your host family, teachers and directors with these extraordinary and local colloquialisms!

Learning or perfecting your Spanish in Costa Rica is something to be considered very lucky! It is rich in culture, considered one of the purest forms of Spanish in the world, and full of idioms and local flare. Costa Ricans tend to flavor their language, as a community and individually. Their favorite spice, so to speak, is the “tico”. Not only is tico one of the most spoken words in the language, but it also added to other words, just like adding a button to your outfit. For example, “poquito” in Spanish means “few/little”, in Costa Rica it could become “poquitico”. The locals tend to do this with a lot of their vocabulary. This might seem strange to you at first, but it is simply another Costa Rican charm.

Acostarse con las gallinas – to go to bed early. Literally means, to go to bed with the hens.
Aguevado – bored or boring
Boca – a small appetizer.
Brete – work or job
Comedera - food or groceries.
La choza – home. This is comparable to the more general phrase, hogar or casa (house).
Chunche - thing (a placeholder).

Cómoamaneció -  literally means “how did you wake up?” It is used to in the morning (before 12pm) to ask how someone’s night was and how we would say “how did you sleep?” or, more generally, “how are you doing?” Some common responses could be….."Muybien, pordicha, y usted ?"(Very well, luckily, and you?) or "Muybien, gracias a Dios ." (Very well, thank God.)

Contarsuscuitas – to tell one’s troubles
Dolor de jupa/cabeza – headache
Estar de chichi – to be angry. This is comparable to the more general phrase, estarenojado/a.
Grosero - rude
Guila - a kid
Hacerse bolas – to get confused. This is comparable to the more general phrase, confundirse.

Harina – literally, harina is the kind of flour you use to bake but in Costa Rica it can mean “money”. More slang phrases for money are huaca or mosca are also slang for money. El dinero or la plata are more correct words for money.

Hospi – slang for hospital

¡Hasta Luego! – Until then/until later. Translated to English this phrase means, “see you later”. As another form of acknowledging someone in passing, it is customary to say “adios” even if you don’t know them. Costa Ricans are very polite and cordial and your salutation will be received warmly.  In a situation like this, adios means hello. It is only used to mean goodbye when you're going away for good.

La jama – food. This is comparable to the more general word, comida.

Macho/Macha - a blond person (or lighter haired).
Mae - can be used as the word “dude” between friends or simply to refer to any man or woman ("ese mae te está mirando" = "that guy is looking at you").

Maje - a term used colloquially to measure the terms of friendship. It does, literally mean “dummy”, but figuratively it is more like pal or buddy. It is used widely as amuletilla. It is used with men, normally under 30.

metidas de pata – literally translates to "putting your foot in it", but means “mistakes”.

mucho gusto – "[with] much pleasure,". In Costa Rica it is used in place of "de nada," or "thank you." Another version of this phrase is “con gusto”. For example, “gracias porayudarme”, “con gusto”.

Muletillas - fillers, literal in speech. They "address" the person with whom they are speaking more often than is done in English, and often times English speakers might find it offensive, but it is quite the contrary. For example, ladies are commonly called mamita , madre , mi hijita , (little mother, mother, my little daughter, etc. all with some root to what we would say “honey”).

“No entender ni papa” - to not understand a single word.
Muy helado - very cold or freezing
Pachanga – party. Can be used synonymously with the commonly known Spanish word, fiesta.
Parlanchín – a person who talks incessantly.

Pordicha – fortunately, thank god. This phrase is used in context of someone being very grateful for something. Forexample, “Cómo estás hoy?” “bien, por dicha”, could be thesame as, “bien, gracias a Dios”. Or “Comó fue el partido hoy? Llovió?”….. “No, llovió, por dicha”.

Pulperia - corner store, generally small in size. They are usually family run and sell basic food items and occasionally items one would expect to find at a bazaar.

Pura vida - (“pure life”, full of life, perfect, great, terrific, hang loose, be cool, life is awesome, etc.) – this is perhaps the most important phrase you will need to know during your stay in Costa Rica. It could be compared to how Americans on the West Coast would lazily and very happily yell out “hang loose”. Costa Ricans use it in a plethora of different contexts. For example, locals may use it to replace the word goodbye, you’re welcome, and thank you. It is also a common practice to use it to respond to questions, (for example “how are you?” or “how was your day?”). It literally translates to “awesome” or “great”.

Qué Chiva - similar to “tuanis,” “quéchiva” is used as a slang word for “how cool” or similar words.
¡Qué cuentos! - yeah right!
¿Qué m'iche? – whats up? What do you have to tell me?
¡Qué polo! - how lame!

Rojo - a rojo in Costa Rica is another word for a 1000 colones bill. Rojo (meaning red) is the color of the bill, hence the name. For example, if you are at the pulperia and they tell you the cost of your items is “dos rojos,” it means your cost is 2000 colones.

¡Saludos! – greetings!
¡Salado! - too bad!
Soda - basic Costa Rican café

Una teja - unateja is 100 of anything, usually money (100 colones). If someone is giving you directions, however, unateja refers to "100 meters," or one block.

Tico - a Costa Ricanman. The plural form is Ticos (people born in Costa Rica).
Tica - a Costa Rican woman.

This term is used only for people that were born in Costa Rica, not any other Spanish speaking countries.

Típico - native-style. For example, comida típica (traditional food).
Toucan - a 5,000 colones bill is also called a “toucan” as there is a picture of a toucan on the bill.
Tuanis - a slang word for “cool” or “neat”.
Va jalando – get out of here! Go away!

Vieras  - vierasis often used to express the equivalent of the way we use "sure" in English: "Vierasque gusto me dio!'' (I sure was scared, or, you should have seen how it scared me.)

Remember, the most important thing is to try! The Ticos will be very glad to see you try and more than happy to help you succeed in your quest of bilingualism. Don’t be afraid to ask for help and a smile goes a long way!

INTRODUCTION

Greetings from Sol Abroad,

You are about to embark on a life-changing experience. While abroad you will cultivate relationships and memories that will last a lifetime. Our mission is to provide you with an enriching and rewarding educational experience. As part of this mission we want to make sure that you have information about your program site before you leave.

Sol Abroad was founded under the principles of promoting cultural understanding and the lifelong study of foreign languages. While on your program you will learn about the unique cultures and people of the country you are studying in.

Please make sure you read this handbook, it is excellent preparation for your new adventure!

Thanks for choosing Sol Abroad!

PREPARING FOR YOUR PROGRAM

Before you leave on your program we suggest you do some research about where you will be studying. It can make your experience that much more enjoyable and enriching!

SUGGESTIONS:

• Read articles, books, and travel guides in order to familiarize yourself with the food, culture, and music. The Lonely Planet and Moon Guides are good handbooks for Oaxaca.
• Study the maps of Mexico and Oaxaca at the end of this handbook.
• Keep a journal and blog documenting your experience abroad!
• Read the local newspapers!        

• El Universal
• La Prensa

PASSPORTS

** PLEASE READ CAREFULLY BELOW **

Your passport must be valid at least six months or longer beyond the dates of your trip. Some immigration officers may not allow you to enter the country otherwise. 

TRAVEL VISAS

For summer students no special visa is needed (such as a student visa).

For stays under 180 days, you will be given a free Tourist Visa upon arrival in Mexico, allowing you to stay for up to 180 days on this Tourist Visa. Some immigration officers may attempt to give you fewer days than your stay (for example 25 days if you are staying 30 days) forcing you to renew your Tourist Visa in Oaxaca, a procedure that is DIFFICULT AND TIME CONSUMING. It is your responsibility to make sure the immigration officer gives you enough days to cover your stay. If the immigration officer attempts to give you anything LESS THAN the days you are staying, you must ask for assistance from another immigration officer and demand enough days to cover your stay. Our onsite director cannot help you with this because you are still inside immigration. Therefore, if you have to later extend your Tourist Visa, you will be responsible for any fees incurred (of course, you will receive full director support).

KEEP YOUR VISA IN A SAFE PLACE, it is a very important document and replacing it is very time consuming.

** SEMESTER STUDENTS ONLY: READ VISA INFORMATION BELOW **

For students staying for more than 180 days you will need to apply for a student visa at the Mexican Embassy before you leave the US. 

Sol Education Abroad will assist and support you with anything regarding your visa.

US DEPARTMENT OF STATE

Sol Abroad recommends that all students register with the Sol Education Abroad recommends that all students register with the US State Department (this is now known as Smart Traveler Enrollment Program "STEP") while overseas. This is very simple to do. Please visit the website to enter in the requested information. You will need an address and a telephone number to register. Please use the following info:

Universidad de Oaxaca Benito Júarez
Av. Universidad S/N,Hacienda de 5 Señores
Oaxaca México
C.P. 68120
Telephone: +52-951-502-0700

COUNTRY OVERVIEW

Geographic Location Middle America, bordering the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico, between Belize and the US and bordering the North Pacific Ocean, between Guatemala and the US.

Terrain High, rugged mountains; low coastal plains; high plateaus; desert.

Oaxaca State Much of the state is covered by mountainous terrain - including the Sierra Madre de Oaxaca and the Sierra Madre del Sur ranges, and is characterized by moderate temperatures and a mild climate. The mountains drop down to tropical and arid lowlands on the Isthmus, and hot and humid lowlands on the northern side of the state, bordering Veracruz. The eastern part of the state encloses about half of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec, a narrow neck of land that connects central Mexico with the Yucatán Peninsula and Central America.

Highest Point Volcán Pico de Orizaba 5,700 meters (18,411 feet).

Population of Mexico 107,449,525 (July 2006 EST.)

Population of Oaxaca 255,000

People Mexico is the most populous Spanish-speaking country. 60% of the population is of mixed Amerindian-European ethnicity known as mestizos. 30% are Amerindian and 9% is of European descent (Spanish, Russian, German, Polish, Italian and French). Others include Turkish, Lebanese, Japanese and Chinese (1%). Oaxaca State has one of the highest indigenous populations in Mexico. There are 16 different indigenous groups and languages spoken in the state of Oaxaca.

CLIMATE

Climate in Mexico Temperate; clear, hot summers in interior, more moderate and cloudy along coast; cloudy, cold winters in interior, partly cloudy and cool along coast

Climate in Oaxaca The City of Oaxaca rests in a valley at 5,000 ft. This elevation provides Oaxaca City with Spring-like temperatures year-round. Midwinter days are mild usually averaging 70 – 75 F. There are cool but frost-free winter nights between 45 – 60 F. Oaxaca City summers are perfect, with afternoons in the mid to upper 80s and pleasant evenings in the mid 70s,  although the heat can get very intense at midday.  May is usually the warmest month, with June, July and August highs being moderated by afternoon showers. The “rainy” season is from July to October, in general it rains heavily for about an hour in the afternoons, occasionally it can last longer or it can stay dry for many days. The rain is very pleasant, as the city cools the city down!  

The climate in Oaxaca State is actually hugely varied. While the climate is pretty mild in Oaxaca City, it can be very cold in the Sierra Norte (the mountains just north of town), very humid at times on the coastal region, and very dry and arid in parts like the Mixteca (another mountainous area just northwest of town). One of the amazing things about Oaxaca is this huge diversity and the fact that you only need to travel for an hour for a totally different experience!

SPANISH IN MEXICO

The Spanish in Mexico is extremely useful as it is the Spanish we are most used to hearing in the United States and in Canada. Mexican Spanish can be described as colorful and often have a sing-song tone to it. Being such a large country, however, there are different variants amongst the regions of Mexico. Oaxaca is located in the zone called the Central Southern Variant.  In this variant, vowels tend to lose strength and consonants are fully pronounced. The musicality comes from influences of the indigenous languages in the region, with a flicker of the Nahuatl language. The common lisping associated with Castilian Spanish is almost nonexistent in Mexico, and many Indian words have been adopted. In Oaxaca, visitors should always use “usted” (the formal form of the pronoun “you”) instead of tú (the casual form) unless he already knows the person being addressed or unless that person begins to use the tú form with him. Usted is also common for conversations between persons of different social or professional hierarchies (ex. managers and secretaries and their employers) to convey distance but also show respect. One typically uses usted to address the older relatives of friends or associates, although these people will usually use the tú form to respond. In general, Oaxacans tend to speak more quietly than their North American neighbors, the U.S. and Canada, especially in public places such as restaurants and stores.

 

HOLIDAYS

Jan 1st	Año Nuevo (New Year's Day)
Jan 6th	Día de los Tres Reyes (12th night, the day when Mexicans exchange Christmas presents in accordance to the three wise men bearing gifts to Jesus).
Jan 17th	Feast of San Antonio de Abad. Religious holiday when the Catholic Church allows animals to enter the church for blessing.
Feb 2nd	Día de la Candelaria (Candlemas) Religious holiday that is celebrated with processions, dancing, bullfights in certain cities, and the blessing of the seeds and candles. The festivities are best seen in: San Juan de los Lagos, Jalapa; Talpa de Allende, Jalisco; and Santa Maria del Tuxla, Oaxaca.
Feb	Carnival (Dates change slightly each year). Official Mexican holiday that kicks off a five-day celebration of the libido before the Catholic lent. Beginning the weekend before Lent, Carnival is celebrated exuberantly with parades, floats and dancing in the streets.
Feb 5th	Día de la Constitución Official holiday commemorating Mexico's Constitution.
Feb 24	Día de la Bandera (Flag Day)
Mar 19th	St. Joseph's Day (Father's Day)
Mar 21	Cumpleaños de Benito Júarez (Birthday of Benito Júarez) Famous Mexican president and national hero from Oaxaca, this is an official Mexican holiday.
Apr	Semana Santa y Pascúa (Good Friday, Easter Sunday, and Spring Break) Semana Santa is the holy week that ends the 40-day Lent period. This week includes Good Friday and Easter Sunday. It is Mexican custom to break confetti-filled eggs over the heads of friends and family.
May 1st	Día del Trabajo (Labor Day) Primero de Mayo is the Mexican national holiday that is equivalent to the US Labor Day.
May 3st	Día de la Santa Cruz (Holy Cross Day) When construction workers decorate and mount crosses on unfinished buildings, followed by fireworks and picnics at the construction site.
May 5th	Cinco de Mayo (5th of May) Mexican national holiday that honors the Mexican victory over the French army at Puebla in 1862, only celebrated in Puebla and a few towns.
May 10th	Día de la Madre (Mother's Day) Due to the importance of the mother in Mexican culture, Mother's Day is an especially significant holiday.
Jun 1st	Día de la Marina (Navy Day) Official Mexican holiday.
Jun 24th	Día de San Juan (St. John's Day) Saint John the Baptist Day is celebrated with religious festivities, fairs & popular jokes connected to getting dunked in water.
Jun 29th	Fiesta de San Pedro y San Pablo (St. Peter & St. Paul) Notable celebrations in Mexcaltitán, Nayarit and Zaachila, Oaxaca.
Jul	Guelaguetza This may be Oaxaca's most famous festival with visitors attending from around the world. Also known as Lunes del Cerro, regional dancers from throughout the state express their culture on the last two Mondays of the month.
Sep 16th	Día de la Independencia (Mexican Independence Day) celebrates the day that Miguel Hidalgo delivered El Grito de Dolores, and announced the Mexican revolt against Spanish rule.
Oct 12th	Día de la Raza (Columbus Day) This day celebrates Columbus' arrival to the Americas, and the historical origins of the Mexican race.
Oct 31st  - Nov 2nd	Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) Important Mexican holiday that merges Pre-Columbian beliefs and modern Catholicism. Europe's All Saints' Day and the Aztec worship of the dead contribute to these two days that honor Mexico's dead.
Dec 12st	Día de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe (Day of the Virgin of Guadalupe) Celebrated with a feast honoring Mexico's patron saint.
Dec 16th - Jan 6th	Las Posadas Celebrates Joseph and Mary's search for shelter in Bethlehem with candlelight processions that end at various nativity scenes. Las Posadas continues through January 6.
Dec 23rd	La Noche Rábanos (Night of the Radishes) Featuring radish figurines and fried radish cakes covered in molasses. The cakes are served in a clay dish that must be broken after the cakes are finished. This unique tradition is found only in Oaxaca.
Dec 24th	Navidad (Christmas day) Mexican celebrate with a dinner in the evening.
Dec 25th	Navidad (Christmas Day) Mexico celebrates the Christmas holiday.

 

TIME

Mexico uses 3 times zones, Central Standard Time (CST) Mountain Standard Time (MST), and Pacific Standard Time (PST). The majority of the country and Oaxaca uses (CST). The states of Chihuahua, Nayarit, Sonora, Sinaloa and Baja California Sur use Mountain Standard Time and Baja California Norte uses Pacific Standard Time. Daylight Saving Time begins at 2:00 AM local time on the 1st Sunday in April. On the last Sunday in October areas on DST fall back to Standard Time at 2:00 AM. The names in each time zone change along with DST. Central Standard Time becomes Central Daylight Time (CDT), and so forth. The state of Sonora does not observe Daylight Saving Time.

BUSINESS HOURS

Shops are generally open from 9 AM to 2 PM, closed for lunch, and then reopen from 4 to 7 PM, Monday through Saturday. Banking hours are 9:30 AM to 4 PM, Monday through Friday, and Saturday mornings.  In general everything closes on Sundays.

Packing Recommendations

Generally, Mexicans dress very similarly to Americans, although in general a little more formally. We suggest you bring the clothes that you are normally used to wearing. Women will get a lot of attention on the streets if they wear revealing clothes such as short skirts and shorts. In indigenous villages dressing conservatively is always recommended, which means covering legs and shoulders.  It is great to have a few "nicer" outfits for a nice meal in a restaurant.

Although the days can be warm in Oaxaca, evenings can be cool so bring a light jacket or sweater for going out, even in the summer. The evenings can get very chilly during December and January, so you will need extra layers.  Don't forget to prepare for the afternoon rain during the rainy season.

CLOTHING

• Pack light: leave a little room for the things you will buy while abroad!
• Lightweight clothing (layering is good)
• Bring at least one outfit for going out. Mexicans tend to dress up when going out. For the guys, please make sure you have dressier shoes for this!
• Comfortable walking shoes. Make sure you break them in before your trip! We’ll be hiking and walking around pretty often so make sure you can use these shoes for that. Also, if you plan on jogging or doing any sports you’ll want to bring the appropriate footwear.
• Sun hat, sun glasses, swimsuit
• Light fleece or sweater (for the evenings in Oaxaca)
• Jacket, fleece, warm sweater for the Sierra Norte trip, it can get very cold in the mountains and can be a lot cooler in the evenings during the winter
• Rain jacket and umbrella
• Flip flops; typically you have one pair for inside the home. House shoes are an important part of Hispanic cultures
• Remember, while it is acceptable to wear revealing clothes in Oaxaca it WILL attract attention.

MISCELLANEOUS

• Small duffel or backpack for weekend and afternoon trips
• Towel, toiletries, and sunblock. You should bring a towel for some excursions such as the beach trip
• Camera and batteries/charger
• Flashlight
• School supplies: Notebook, pens, pencils, English-Spanish Dictionary, planner for homework
• Compact umbrella
• Insect repellent
• Travel sickness pills, some of the excursions involve curved nountain roads (e.g. Hierve el Agua and the beach)

LAPTOPS

In general, we do not suggest students bring a laptop for short programs (1 month or less) if they are only studying Spanish because it is one more item that could be lost, stolen or damaged. There are computer labs at the school and Internet cafés all over town.  If you are taking non-language classes and staying for longer than a month a laptop will be helpful to write essays and research your homework.

PRINTING

Printing can be done at the university for a small fee.

CARRY-ON

Bring an extra pair of clothes & toothbrush in case your luggage gets lost or delayed by your airline.

MEDICAL/SAFETY ITEMS

Bring any prescription drugs that you may use. Make sure they are labeled and if possible, carry your doctor's prescription.

EXCURSIONS

Excursions are a fundamental part of the abroad experience and four are included in all summer and semester programs.

We carefully select weekend excursions that allow you to discover more about the country in which you are studying and are selected based on cultural and educational importance or sites of natural beauty. Entrance and transportation fees are always included. Before any excursion your director will go over the itinerary of the trip and what you should pack. If you have a guide book it can make it more interesting to read about the excursion before you leave, the Lonely Planet or similar guides are excellent options.

Please be aware that sometimes for Oaxaca certain excursions may be combined in different ways – i.e. El Tule and Hierve El Agua Mountain Springs instead of El Tule and Tlacolula Market. Your director will always go over the excursion itinerary with you beforehand.

Sierra Norte Mountain Hike

This expansive range of mountains, found just north of Oaxaca City, provides a stark contrast to the colonial city. Passing through dense cloud canopies and pine forests ideal for hiking, you will encounter ancient mountain villages. During the excursion, students will visit a remote Zapotec community and explore the area. Delicious meals feature the culinary cuisine of the area. A local indigenous Zapotec guide will make this trek one of the highlights of your stay in Oaxaca. (Remember, bring warm clothing for this excursion it gets very cold).

Tlacolula Pyramids, Teotitlán Artisan Village, and Ancient El Tule Tree

The central valleys of Oaxaca State are filled with the echoes of the past. Bustling Tlacolula Market is Oaxaca's most famous outdoor market where you can find anything from handicrafts to live turkeys! You will visit the classic Zapotec town of Teotitlán del Valle, famous for its time-honored tradition of hand-woven rugs. Finally before returning to Oaxaca City, the excursion will take you to the gargantuan El Tule tree. Calculated to be over 2,000 years old, this behemoth is considered to be the largest biomass on the planet.

Mitla Village & Ruins

Mitla was known by the Zapotec people as “The Place of the Dead” and was believed to be the entrance to the underworld. At Mitla,you will find the most well-preserved mosaic designs in all of Mexico. Walking amongst the ruins, you can feel the incredible energy of the place. There will be time to explore the adjacent market.

Mountain Springs (Hierve el Agua)

Hierve el Agua (or Boiling Water) is an impressive natural wonder located west of Oaxaca City. The name is derived from the abundant mineral springs that seethe from the ground, giving the appearance of boiling water. These extraordinary springs have been visited for over 2,500 years, with pre-Hispanic cultures revering their natural beauty and therapeutic properties. On this excursion, you will travel down beautiful mountain roads and experience the awe-inspiring views of the canyons and hillsides.  After your hike you will have the opportunity to soak in the relaxing springs.

Monte Alban Pre-Hispanic Ruins

While in Oaxaca, you will visit the pre-Hispanic ruins of Monte Alban. This former Zapotec capital city is considered one of the most impressive archeological sites in Mexico. The well-preserved ruins sit atop a hill outside of Oaxaca City, which allows for amazing views of the surrounding valley. The numerous pyramids and ancient buildings found at Monte Alban fill the site with an air of awe and mystery.

Saint James Monastery

Travel back in time to the ancient monastery of Saint James built in 1535 and explore its elaborate Gothic cloister and splendid frescoes. The Saint James Convent is rich in history and is the site where Vicente Guerrero, father of the Mexican Republic, was infamously executed in 1831. Step onto the floor of the unfinished church (its massive roof was destroyed during an earthquake 200 years ago!) and search for the tomb of Princess Donají, a Zapotec princess and early convert to Christianity. Legends claims she fell in love with a Mixtec King, the Lord of Tilantongo. It is one of the most ornate yet hidden sites in the entire valley and is now considered a national treasure!

Pacific Beach Trip (optional)

The Oaxacan coast provides you with stunning cliffside views of thousands of small bays that dot its coastline. Unlike other coastal areas of Mexico, the Oaxacan coast remains largely untouched and mainly plays host to local tourism. On this trip students will visit several beautiful beaches, have the opportunity to snorkel, take a boat trip to see dolphins and turtles or have a surf class. This is the perfect opportunity to witness the vast biodiversity the Oaxacan coast has to offer.

CULTURAL ACTIVITIES

Cultural activities are an important part of your experience. You will learn so much by going to classes but you’ll learn just as much, if not more, outside of the classroom. These activities are designed to enhance your experience and show you more of what the site has to offer! For summer programs there are 3 cultural activities a week. During semester programs they are more spread out and there are 1 to 2 cultural activities included a week.  Cultural activities include:

• Santo Domingo Church and Museum
• Art Galleries
• Dance Classes
• Street Art Workshop (stencils)
• Yoga Classes
• Traditional Cooking Classes
• Oaxaca City Tour
• Skull Making Workshop
• Day of the Dead Festival
• Guelaguetza Folk Dance Celebration
• Movie Nights
• Museum Visits
• Alebrije Art Making Tour, the Unique Oaxacan Craft
• Organic Food Market
• Theater Night

AIRPORT INFORMATION

Please make sure when you check-in your baggage that it arrives directly to your destination, if this is not the case it will be necessary to pick it up and re-document it (this is sometimes necessary when you have a change in Mexico City).  Arriving to an airport overseas is arriving into the unknown but do not worry, one of your program directors will be there waiting for you when you arrive! When you fly into Oaxaca there are two options:

1. Direct flight from the US to Oaxaca City airport
2. Indirect flight via Mexico City and then a flight to Oaxaca.

The Oaxaca City airport is very small and very easy to get around. Here is what to expect upon touchdown at the airport in Oaxaca City.

• All planes land on the tarmac and from the tarmac you will walk into the small airport.
• Once you walk into the airport you'll pass through immigration. This is a small room with usually 1 or 2 lines, just choose one.
• Your passport will be reviewed and stamped with a Tourist Visa, make sure you are given enough days to cover your stay. Please read the section "Passport & Travel Visas" above.
• Once you pass through this small line you'll be in the small baggage claim area.
• The exit and baggage claim are essentially the same space, just divided by a rope division.
• Once you get your luggage you will exit baggage claim by crossing to the other side of the space.
• Look for your director, holding a Sol Education Abroad sign!
• If you do not see the sign right away just walk into the waiting area and look for the sign. Do not leave until we find you!

The Mexico City airport is very modern and easy to get around! Terminal 1 even has an art museum now! There are two terminals to the airport. To learn more about the airport and to see photos of what to expect, simply visit the airport website.

Terminal 1 is divided into two: one part of the terminal is for Domestic flights and the other part is for International flights.

Domestic (Gates A1-E19)

International Building (Gates F20-H36-A)

Terminal 2 is for all Aeroméxico flights out of the airport.

All terminals have wireless Internet and a plethora of stores and places to eat. The Mexico City airport is very clean and you can expect the same security you'll find in an airport in the US.

• You will fly into the international terminal and you will have to go down some stairs to the immigration area.
• You may want to ask the information booth about where to go just to make sure you find it. Do not expect anyone to tell you directly to go there. You may need to be proactive.
• Your passport will be reviewed and stamped with a Tourist Visa, make sure you are given enough days to cover your stay. Please read the section "Passport & Travel Visas" above.
• After you've finished with immigration you must find the domestic terminal. It is at one of the far ends of the airport. You should ask to make sure you go the right way.
• You will pass through sliding doors and have your passport and ticket checked by an agent.
• Once you are in the domestic terminal, there are many monitors to check your flight departure and gate. Always ask the airline agents if you have any questions.

Despite everyone’s best planning, flight delays, bad weather, and other unforeseen circumstances can impact your meeting with your director at the Oaxaca City airport. PLEASE LET YOUR DIRECTOR KNOW IF YOU WILL NOT BE ARRIVING ON TIME.  If for whatever reason, you do not meet your director, just use the phone numbers given to you to contact them. Stay at the airport until we find you! If you are delayed please make every effort to either inform Sol Education Abroad, your director, or the host family! Good communication is the best practice!

MONEY

Mexico's currency is the peso ($). To find the most up-to-date conversion please visit www.xe.com. We suggest that you travel with a credit or debit card. You could also bring some cash that you can exchange at the airport. Whenever you exchange money you will need your passport.

ATMs

This is the easiest way to get local currency. ATMs are very common. Check with your bank beforehand to see if there are any international charges for extracting cash overseas, some banks may charge up to $5 USD every time you extract money. Although this may seem expensive, it is worth the convenience. We recommend taking large sums out when you use the ATM and storing the extra cash in a safe place at your home, this will ensure that you do not get charged more often than is necessary for using a cash point.

CREDIT CARDS

Credit cards are fairly accepted in Mexico. Most stores and restaurants can take credit cards. Check with your credit card company beforehand to see if there are any extra international charges and to let them know that you are traveling overseas. There is a foreign currency conversion fee and it is usually from 1% to 3%. Capital One is the only credit card at the moment that charges no foreign currency conversion fee.

TRAVELER’S CHECKS

Not recommended because they can be difficult to cash. You can bring these only for emergency uses. If for some reason your debit card is not working or is lost or stolen you can still use the Traveler’s checks. You will need your passport to exchange Traveler’s Checks.

SPENDING MONEY

You will want to bring some extra spending money with you. We suggest about $25-$75 per week. This money is for souvenirs, meals that aren’t included or extra activities that you may do during excursions.

LOST OR STOLEN CASH OR CREDIT CARDS

If you were ever in an emergency situation that you needed money (such as if you lost your wallet) just let your onsite director know! We will definitely assist you financially until your situation can be resolved.

ELECTRICITY

Electrical current in Mexico is the same as the US: 110 V, 60 cycles. Mexico uses three different types of sockets. If your plug does not fit you will need to purchase an adapter, which are very easy to find in Oaxaca.

COMMUNICATION

EMAIL

Internet cafés and wireless access at cafes are very common in Oaxaca City, there are several computer labs in the university (although connections can be slow), and a few host families have Internet access in their homes. Keeping in contact with friends and family is a great way to share your experience. Just remember through, that it can take away from your Spanish learning! Attempt to write as little as possible in English while you are there.

You will be expected to have your own device for accessing the Internet at your host family homes as they will not provide a computer (e.g. a smartphone or laptop).

MAIL

Mail in Mexico can sometimes be slow and when packages contain something of value it can be unreliable unless certified. Letters and packages take 10-14 days to arrive from the US to Oaxaca. For summer or intensive month programs we recommend that friends and family do not send mail because it might not arrive on time.

PHONES

LAND LINES

You can make local calls and receive phone calls from your host family’s home phone. Out of courtesy please let your family know when you use the phone. When you make international calls or any calls from outside of Oaxaca, you will have to use a calling card. For local calls, you do not need to use a calling card. Major calling cards (such as AT&T and MCI) can be used in Mexico. You can also purchase calling cards in Mexico as you need them. When talking with friends and family in the States, we suggest they call you (send your family a text or email with a time they can call you). Rates are cheaper this way. You can also purchase a phone card that you can use on your host family’s land line to call your family in the US.

VOIP

Another option is VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol). Skype is a great system and one you can use in Internet cafés. Skype.

CELL PHONES

US CELL PHONES

US cell phones work in Mexico. However, you must call your cell phone company beforehand to see what options are available. It is typical that calls made or received with your phone will cost 50 cents to $1 per minute, or maybe more. Also, it is expensive for locals to call you on your US cell.

PURCHASING A CELL PHONE

You can also purchase a cell phone in Mexico which is easy and convenient. You purchase the phone (which can cost $40 - $50 USD) and then you purchase minutes as you need them. Using cell phones in Mexico is slightly more expensive than in the US. If you purchase a cell phone you will want to ask about the specifics of cell phone use in Mexico. People in Mexico use text messaging often because it costs much less than phone calls. 

MEXICAN SIM CARD

Depending on the type of phone you have it may be possible to just buy a Mexican SIM card in Oaxaca to use your phone as a local phone while you are on the program.

CELL PHONE RENTAL

All companies that rent cell phones have different plans and pricing. While there are many companies out there that rent phones, here are some that we recommend:

• Piccell Wireless                
• World Cellular Rentals
• Cellular Express
• Telestial

HOST FAMILIES

The host family is one of the best parts of your experience in Oaxaca! This will be your greatest and most intimate contact with the culture and people of Mexico. Families in Oaxaca are middle-class by Mexican standards. Remember, you may not be the only foreign student in the home. Sometimes families work with other programs and if they have multiple rooms, they may have someone else living there. Talk to you director onsite if you have any problems with the housing.

Some suggestions when living with your family:

• Bring photos of your family/friends/hometown to share.
• Make sure you let your host family know if you won’t be home for a meal.
• Spend time with your family. If they invite you to do something take advantage of this. The more time you spend with your family the better your Spanish will get.
• Be respectful. You are a guest in their home.
• Utilities are expensive in Mexico! Turn off lights when you are not in a room; please be conservative of your water use when taking a shower.

Your director will go over host family rules and regulations more extensively onsite.

HOST FAMILY GIFT

We encourage you to bring a small gift for your host family to present to them when you arrive. A present is a nice way to break the ice and share some of your local US culture with your Tico family. Some examples of gifts students have given in the past are family-style board games (that don’t require a language), local treats like preserves, candies, or maple syrup, a coffee-table photo book of their hometown, or a dry baking mix like blueberry muffins, biscuits, or scones.

For some student feedback & examples of Host Family Gifts from alumni, check out this article: Un Regalo For Your Host Family!

MEALS

You will share all of your meals with your host family. You will eat what they eat!  Families cannot be expected to have experience with different dietary needs, many of which are unheard of in Mexico.  However, they will try to accommodate any reasonable needs or preferences you may have.  Please remember that the food will be different to what you are used to eating in the US and that Oaxacans are very proud of their cuisne. Families do not eat much red meat or seafood as in the US.  Although they are middle class, they have a more restricted household budget. Also, many Mexican are not accustomed to eating a lot of vegetables. Lunch is the main meal, not all families eat dinner but in general they eat a lighter meal or will serve you one on request.

LAUNDRY

Your host family will wash your sheets and towels at least every two weeks. Host families are not responsible for your laundry.  There are plenty of local laundromats, which generally charge about $1 USD per kilo of laundry.  Ask you family to tell you what your best option is.

CULTURAL DO?S AND DON?TS

DO´S

• Say hello to locals. Mexicans are very friendly and this is part of their culture.
• Talk with older people. Older people are respected in Mexico and have lots to share.
• You will be expected to tip 10-15% in a restaurant.  You do not need to tip taxi drivers or in cafes, although tips are always welcome.
• Say “yes” if people offer you food in their home, unless you really, really don’t want it.
• Share your experiences in conversation.
• When greeting women give a kiss on one check (their right cheek).
• Make an effort to speak Spanish.
• Interact with your host family (for example, hang out with them on a Sunday afternoon).
• Try the foods your host family gives you before deciding if it's something you don’t like.
• Ask to use the phone first.

DON’TS

• Do not slam doors (especially car doors!).
• Do not feel completely safe when on the streets. Do not assume things since you are a traveler in a foreign country.
• Do not say that you are American (Americano); you are from the United States (Estados Unidos).
• If you are female do not go out alone at night
• Do not pet street dogs or family dogs before asking first. Even house dogs are not necessarily kept as pets—they are more for protection.
• Be aware of Mexican driving habits. Let the cars go first, Mexicans do not stop for pedestrians.
• Do not trust strangers or walk home alone at night. It’s best to take a cab.
• Do not walk in the house barefoot. Make sure you have a pair of flip flops for wearing inside.
• Make sure to wear clean clothes and shower frequently. Mexicans are very much about cleanliness and a nice appearance.

TOILETS

Mexican plumbing often has very low pressure and small pipes. Because of this you might not be able to put toilet paper in the toilet as it can easily clog! If this is the case, a trash can is found next to the toilet for you to dispose of toilet paper. Normally, there is also a sign indicating this.

TYPICAL DAY

This is an EXAMPLE of a typical weekday. Some classes start earlier or later than listed below.

8:00 AM        Wakeup and have breakfast

8:45 AM        Walk to school

9:00 AM        Classes begin

10:45 AM         Mid-morning break

11:15 AM        Return to class.

1:00 PM        Classes end. Meet with your local exchange student, check email, visit shops, write in your journal, hang out with friends

2:30 PM         Lunch with your host family

3:30-4:30 PM        Siesta

5:00 PM         Meet for a cultural activity

ACADEMICS

All classes are taught at the University of Oaxaca and the Meso-American University. You will find that the teaching style in other countries is different than what you are used to in the US. If you have any concerns or questions about this when you are in Oaxaca, please ask your director. Our directors are always available for tutoring and any other assistance you may need concerning the academic component of the program.

ACADEMIC SETTING

Classes are held in the UABJO (University of Benito Juarez) at 'Centro de Idiomas' (Language Center).  The classes are held in general from 9.00 am - 1.00 pm.  Each class is approximately 1.45hrs (there will be breaks). The classes are in the UABJO they are exclusively held for students from abroad, this is because in the US the term/semester dates are different to Mexico. It is also so that we can accommodate our students when they are able to come and for the amount of time they will stay.  Depending on the class, groups can be very small (some students will have private classes).  Students from our program may share classes with students from other programs.

Classes with locals are held at the Meso-American University.  These classes run to different timetables and can start at 8:00 AM and finish at 8:00 PM, some classes are held on Saturday mornings.  The classes usually have about 30 students.  You will generally have about five hours of classes for each subject a week.

Any problems or questions about your classes please talk to your director.  

EXCHANGES (“intercambios”)

The university will organize exchanges (“intercambios”) with Mexican students who are taking classes at the Language Department and are studying English.  Intercambios are a great opportunity to practice your Spanish, to help students improve their English and to make local friends.  You can have as many intercambios as you can make time for and you can meet them inside or outside the university, often you'll have the opportunity to do activities with them and visit their homes.

SOL DIRECTOR

Your director is there to help you with many aspects of the program! Their main duties include:

• Orientate and guide the students in Oaxaca
• Airport transfers
• Making sure that your accommodations are suitable and that you are happy with your family
• Make sure that your classes are appropriate
• Organize cultural activities
• Organize excursions
• Support students in finding volunteer work
• Support students in finding activities and events that interest them
• Accompany students to the doctor
• Your director is available to listen to any comments, suggestions and complaints about the program
• Director availability: Your onsite director will be available at your school before & after classes every single day of the first week. After that, your director will normally be available every other day at school and during activities and excursions.  Your onsite director will always be available via an appointment.  Your director is available from 8.30am – 8.30pm, you may contact them outside these hours but only in emergencies.

HELPFUL WORDS & PHRASES

GREETINGS:

Hello Hola
Good Morning ¡Buenos días!
Good Day ¡Buen día!
Good Evening Buenas tardes
Good Night Buenas noches
How are you ¿Cómo estás?
Fine Bien
Very well Muy bien

So-So Más o menos
What’s your name? ¿Cómo te llamas? (Como se llama usted?)
My name is Me llamo
I live in Vivo en

I am from Soy de
This is my Este es mi _______.

Nice to meet you Mucho gusto/Encantada/o
Thank You Gracias
You’re Welcome De nada
Excuse me (usted) perdone/disculpe

Friend amigo/a                        
Mother madre/mamá                                
Father padre/papá        
Sister hermana                
Roommate compañero/a de piso
Teacher maestro/a
Aunt tia
Uncle tio
Grandmother abuela
Grandfather abuelo

THE QUESTION WORDS (INTERROGATIVES):

Who  ¿Quién?
What ¿Qué?
When ¿Cuándo?
Where ¿Dónde?
How?  ¿Cómo?
How much? ¿Cuánto/a? 
How much does it cost? ¿Cuánto cuesta?
How many? ¿Cuántos/as?
Which ones? ¿Cuáles?

DIRECTIONS:

Where is?  ¿Dónde está?
Excuse me, where is the_____? Disculpe, dónde está el/la_____________?
Where are the taxis? ¿Dónde están los taxis?
Where is the bus? ¿Dónde está el autobus?
Where is the subway/metro? ¿Dónde está el metro?
Is it near? ¿Está cerca?
Is it far? ¿Está lejos?
Go straight ahead Siga recto.
Go that way Vaya en aquella dirección.
Go back/return Vuelva
Turn right Gire a la derecha
Turn left Gire a la izquierda
Take me to this address, please Lléveme a esta dirección, por favor
What is the fare?  ¿Cuánto es la tarifa?
Stop here, please Deténgase aquí, por favor.
Does this bus go to Los Osos Street? ¿Pasa este autobús por la calle de los Osos?
A map of the city, please Un plano (una mapa) de la ciudad, por favor.
A subwaymap, please Un plano (una mapa) del metro, por favor.

SHOPPING:

How much does it cost?  ¿Cuánto cuesta?
What time does the store open? ¿A qué hora abre la tienda?
At what time does the store close? ¿A qué hora cierra la tienda?
What would you like? ¿Qué está buscando?
Can I help you? ¿Necesita alguna ayuda?
I would like this Me gustaría esto.
Here it is Aquí lo tiene.
Is that all? ¿Es todo?
I'd like to pay in cash Me gustaría pagar en efectivo.
I'd like to pay by credit card Me gustaría pagar con tarjeta de crédito.
Women's clothes ropa para mujeres/damas
Men's clothes ropa para hombres
blouse, skirt, dress blusa, falda, vestido
pants, shirt, tie pantalones, camisa, corbata
shoes and socks zapatos y calcentines
jeans vaqueros/Blue Jeans
bookstore librería
bakery panadería
market mercado
supermarket supermercado

NUMBERS

 

1	Uno	30	Treinta
2	Dos	40	Cuarenta
3	Tres	50	Cincuenta
4	Cuatro	60	Sesenta
5	Cinco	70	Setenta
6	Seis	80	Ochenta
7	Siete	90	Noventa
8	Ocho	100	Cien
9	Nueve	Ordinal Numbers
10	Diez	first	primero
11	Once	second	Segundo
12	Doce	third	Tercero
13	Trece	fourth	Cuarto
14	Cuatorce	fifth	Quinto
15	Quince	sixth	Sexto
16	Dieciséis	seventh	Septimo
17	Diecsiete	Eighth	Ocho
18	dieciocho	Ninth	Noveno
19	Diecinueve	Tenth	Decimo
20	Viente

 

Can you recommend a good restaurant? ¿Me recomienda algún restaurante?
A table for two, please Una mesa para dos, por favor.
The menu, please La carta, por favor.
appetizers primer plato
main course plato principal
dessert postre
I would like something to drink Me gustaría algo para beber/tomar.
A glass of water, please Un vaso de agua, por favor.
A cup of tea, please Un té, por favor.
A coffee with milk Un café con leche.
I am a vegetarian Soy un/a vegetariano/a.
Do you have a vegetarian dish? ¿Tiene algún plato vegetariano?
That's all Eso es todo.
The check, please la cuenta, por favor.
Is the tip included? ¿Incluye la propina?
Breakfast desayuno
Lunch almuerzo
Dinner cena
Snack merienda
Enjoy the meal ¡Buen provecho!
To your health ¡Salud!
It's delicious! ¡Está riquísima!
It tastes good es muy rico
Plate plato
Fork tenedor
Knife cuchillo
Spoon cuchara
Napkin servilleta
Cup/mug taza
Glass vaso
Bottle botella
Ice hielo
Salt sal
Pepper pimienta
Sugar azúcar
Soup sopa
Salad ensalada
Bread pan
Butter mantequilla
Noodles fideos
Rice arroz
Cheese queso
Vegetables verduras
Chicken pollo
Pork cerdo
Meat carne
Beef carne
I like my steak rare. Me gusta la carne poco cocida.
I like my steak medium Me gusta la carne a mediococer.
I like my steak well done Me gusta la carne bien coci da.
Juice zumo (Spain), jugo (South America)
Pie tarta
Ice cream helado
Another, please Otro, por favor.
More, please Más, por favor.
Pass the… please Por favor, páseme la…
Spicy picante
Sweet dulce
Sour amargo

BASIC PHRASES:

Thank you Gracias
Thank you very much Muchas gracias
You’re Welcome De Nada
Please Por Favor
Yes Sí
No No
Excuse Me Con Permiso
Pardon Me Perdone (usted)
I’m sorry Lo siento        
I don’t understand No entiendo
I don’t speak Spanish  No habloespañol
I speak Spanish rather well Hablo español bastante bien
Do you speak English? ¿Habla inglés
Speak slowly, please Habledespaciopor favor
Repeat, please Repita, por favor
What's your name? ¿Cómo se llama?
How are you? ¿Cómo está?
Do you speak English? ¿Habla inglés?
Where is the subway? ¿Dónde está el metro?
Is the tip included? ¿Incluye la propina?
How much does that cost?  ¿Cuánto cuesta?
Is there a public phone here? ¿Hay algún teléfono público aquí?
Can I get on the internet? ¿Puedo conectarme con el internet?
Can you help me? ¿Me podría ayudar?
Where is the bathroom? ¿Dónde está el baño?

HEALTH AND SAFETY

HOSPITAL

The closest hospital to our students is: Hospital Reforma

REFORMA 613
COL: CENTRO
C.O.: 68000 OAXACA
Phone: 951-516-0989, 951-516-6090 or 951-516-6100

PICKPOCKETS

You should never carry around large amounts of cash, your passport, or credit cards unless you have to and whenever you travel, you should be wary of pickpockets. Despite our warnings, every summer students get pick pocketed.  Guys, NEVER keep money in your back pocket.

THEFT

Never leave things unlocked and try to keep valuable items out of sight when walking around town or if you leave them at your home. Never be too trusting!

UNWANTED ATTENTION

Foreign women receive a lot of attention from local men because they look so different to Oaxacans.  You can try to avoid unwanted attention by not wearing revealing clothing, Mexican women dress more conservatively in general.  It is not customary in Mexico to smile at people you do not know. Mexican men could interpret this the wrong way. Never walk home alone at night. Cabs are very inexpensive in Oaxaca, whenever in doubt always take a cab. Use the buddy system especially at night!

TRAVEL HEALTH INSURANCE

While with Sol Education Abroad you have the option of using your own health insurance or using the Sol Education Abroad policy (included in your program price). If your insurance provider DOES cover you internationally, make sure to only use your policy and not ours (insurance companies do not allow you to have two policies). If your insurance provider DOES NOT cover you internationally, make sure you specify this in the form called "Insurance Verification". Sol Education Abroad’s insurance policy will cover absolutely any medical expenses internationally up to USD $50,000 with MultiNational Underwriters. To verify your coverage, simply call your US insurance provider and tell them that you will be overseas and they will let you know whether or not you are covered internationally and the amount of coverage. Provide your insurance company the exact dates of the program in which you are enrolled. Get the details from them in the event you need to go to the doctor while abroad. If you do use the Sol Education Abroad insurance please note that pre-existing conditions are not covered, so check with your domestic provider about this before leaving. If you take prescription medication with you make sure that you have a doctor’s prescription in the event that customs officials question you about it. This is rare, but it’s always a good idea to be prepared.

Health points to keep in mind while in Mexico:

• Wash hands often with soap and water.
• Water from the faucet in Mexico is not safe to drink! Everyone drinks bottled water. Your host family only uses bottled water and all fruits and vegetables are disinfected before consuming.
• If you buy fruits or vegetables off the street make sure that you wash them thoroughly.

If you decide to travel during your stay in Mexico to any areas that may have malaria (i.e. lowland areas of Chiapas State) we recommend that you bring your own malaria medicine. The only one that can be found in Oaxaca is Aralen (chloroquine). Please consult the Center for Disease Control before departure.

Your main health concerns while in Oaxaca are possible stomach problems. Usually, it takes a few days to adjust to the new diet. It is not uncommon to experience minor problems. However, if anything persists please let your onsite director know!

INTRODUCTION

Greetings from Sol Abroad,

You are about to embark on a life-changing experience. While abroad you will cultivate relationships and memories that will last a lifetime. Our mission is to provide you with an enriching and rewarding educational experience. As part of this mission we want to make sure that you have information about your program site before you leave.

Sol Abroad was founded under the principles of promoting cultural understanding and the lifelong study of foreign languages. While on your program you will learn about the unique cultures and people of the country you are studying in.

Please make sure you read this handbook, it is excellent preparation for your new adventure!

Thanks for choosing Sol Abroad!

PREPARING FOR YOUR PROGRAM

 Before you leave on your program we suggest you do some research about where you will be studying. It can make your experience that much more enjoyable and enriching!

SUGGESTIONS

• Read articles, books, and travel guides in order to familiarize yourself with the food, culture, and music (we recommend the Lonely Planet guidebook as a good source of information).
• Study the maps of Spain and Granada at the end of this handbook.
• Keep a journal and blog documenting your experience abroad!
• Read the local newspapers!

• Granada Noticias

PASSPORTS

Your passport must be valid at for at least six months or longer beyond the dates of your trip. Some immigration officers may not allow you to enter the country otherwise.

TRAVEL VISAS

** SEMESTER STUDENTS ONLY: READ VISA INFORMATION BELOW **

For summer students no special visa is needed (such as a student visa).

For stays under 90 days, Spain does not require that you obtain a visa until you arrive in the country. The stamp that you are given in your passport is the Tourist Visa. You will be allowed to stay in Spain (and the European Union) for up to 90 days on this visa. When going through Immigration simply hand them your passport.

For students staying over 90 days you will need a Student Visa which we will help you obtain. For up-to-date fees and procedures, as well as other valuable travel information, visit the US Embassy.

For semester students doing the early start date for our programs, or who plan to travel in Europe before or after the program placing their stay over 90 days, they will need a student visa. Sol Education Abroad will guide you through the steps before your program begins and help with the necessary paperwork.

You must pay the cost of your visa at the moment of application. You can now pay the visa fees through electronic transfer and other online options. Please visit Visa Fees for more information. You must provide the exact amount. The cost is currently $160 (as of 08/28/14).

If you are unable to obtain a visa, make sure you say that you are only traveling (not studying).

US DEPARTMENT OF STATE

Sol Education Abroad recommends that all students register with the US State Department (this is now known as Smart Traveler Enrollment Program "STEP") while overseas. This is very simple to do. Please visit the website to enter in the requested information. You will need an address and a telephone number to register.

Under the section titled “International Travel” (located on the bottom left hand side), click on the “Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)” link. STEP (formerly known as “Travel Registration” or “Registration with Embassies”) is a free service provided by the U.S. Government to U.S. citizens who are traveling to, or living in, a foreign country. You can read more about the benefits of this program on the website.

You will need an address and a telephone number to register. Please use the following info:

Address: Universidad de Granada
Placeta del Hospicio Viejo s/n
Código Postal 18009
Granada, Spain
Telephone: +34-958-215-660

COUNTRY OVERVIEW

Geographic Location Southwestern Europe, bordering the Bay of Biscay, Mediterranean Sea, North Atlantic Ocean, and Pyrenees Mountains, southwest of France

Climate Temperate; clear, hot summers in interior, more moderate and cloudy along coast; cloudy, cold winters in interior, partly cloudy and cool along coast

Terrain (Spain) large, flat to dissected plateau surrounded by rugged hills; Pyrenees mountain range in north

Terrain (Granada) Elevation is 559 meters (1,834 feet). Located where the Sierra Nevada Mountains meet a fertile plain known as El Vega. Behind the city are steep mountains and in front lies the flat agricultural plain.

Highest point El Mulhacén 3,481 m, or 11,418 ft (tallest peak on the Iberian Peninsula), Tenerife 3,718 m, or 12, 195 ft (in the Canary Islands, tallest peak in Spanish-owned territory)

Population of Spain 47,171,105 (July 2014 estimate)

Population of Granada 250,000

People Spain is generally very mono-cultural in comparison to most other developed countries. During the years of Francisco Franco (the dictatorship) there was very little immigration. 95% of the population is white and Catholic. For centuries Spain was host to Arabic culture and this has left many strong imprints both genetically and culturally.

CLIMATE IN GRANADA

In January there are lots of blue skies and it is warm during the day but cold at night. There are occasional frosts. During the spring and fall the temperature is very pleasant in Granada with warm and sunny days. June, July, and August months are hot, but fortunately Granada has a dry heat with no humidity, which makes the temperatures comfortable. Mornings are cool and spring-like and evenings can be cool and breezy, sometimes requiring a light sweater in the summer. There is very little rainfall in Granada.

SPANISH IN SPAIN

In Spain you they use “vosotros”, which is an informal plural tense. Do not worry if you don’t know vosotros! You will learn about it on the program and it is one of the fun aspects of studying abroad in Spain! Also, “c” and “z” are pronounced like a “th”. Some people call it a lisp but it is not. Linguistically, it makes a lot of sense – it is to distinguish these letters from an “s”. In Latin America “c” and “z” became to be pronounced like an “s” – the phenomena known as  “seseo”. Each region of Spain has its own accent. In Andalucía you will often hear people cut off the “s”on the end of words. “más o menos” will sound like “mah o menoh”. This is the same phenomena you find in Caribbean Spanish. There are many similarities between Caribbean Spanish and the Spanish of Andalucía.

HOLIDAYS

Jan 1st	Año Nuevo (New Year's Day)
Jan 6th	Día de los Tres Reyes (12th night, when Christmas presents are given)
Mar 19th	San José (Father's Day)
Variable	Viernes Santo (Good Friday)
Variable	Día de Pascúa (Easter Sunday)
May 1st	Día del Trabajo (Labor Day)
Jun 24th	San Juan (St. John's Day)
Jun	Corpus Christi
Jun 29th	San Pedro y San Pablo (St. Peter & St. Paul)
Jul 25th	Santiago (St. James, patron saint of Spain)
Aug 15th	Asunción (Assumption)
Oct 12th	Día de la Hispanidad (Columbus Day)
Nov 1st	Todos los Santos (All Saints Day)
Dec 6th	Día de la Constitución (Constitution Day)
Dec 8th	Imaculada Concepción (Immaculate Conception)
Dec 25th	Navidad (Christmas Day)

TIME

Spain is 6 hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time (EST). The country observes daylight savings (from the last Sunday in March to the last Sunday in September).

BUSINESS HOURS

Usually, business hours are 9 AM to 6 PM, Monday through Friday. Department stores are generally open from 10 AM to 8 PM, Monday through Saturday. Banking hours are 8:30 AM to 2:30 PM, Monday through Friday, and Saturday mornings. Banks are most full on Fridays. Most stores close during siesta which is from 2 PM to 5 or 6 PM.

Packing Recommendations

Generally, Spaniards dress very similarly to Americans. However, clothing brands and styles do set Spaniards and Europeans apart from Americans. We suggest you bring the clothes that you are normally used to wearing. The points below are a few things to keep in mind: 

• Spaniards do not dress “sporty” and you will not find people walking around in athletic clothing unless they are actually playing sports.
• For summer programs we recommend bringing all summer clothing while in Granada. However, evenings can be cool so bring a light jacket or sweater for going out. Theater performances in the Alhambra, for example, can be chilly.
• For semester programs and fall, winter, or early spring months you will want to bring warm clothes. While it is rare that it will snow in town, it can get cold. Make sure to bring a warm hat, gloves, scarf, sweaters, and jacket.
• Bring a grammar book such as 501 Spanish Verbs and an English/Spanish dictionary (both available in travel/pocket sizes).

CLOTHING

• Pack light: leave a little room for the things you will buy while abroad!
• Lightweight clothing (summer). Air conditioning is not common in Spain – pack accordingly!
• Swimsuit, sun hat, sun glasses, towel, sunblock (summer)
• Warm hat, gloves, scarf, sweaters, jacket (winter)
• Fleece or sweater for any mountain trips (winter months in general, for Alpujarras trips year-round)
• Bring at least one outfit for going out. Spaniards dress up more when going out. Guys and girls, make sure you have dressier shoes for this! Tennis shoes are not allowed in many evening places.
• Comfortable walking shoes! Make sure you break them in before your trip to avoid blisters. Also, if you plan on jogging or doing any sports you’ll want to bring the appropriate footwear. Granada is a great place for jogging.
• Flip flops; typically you have one pair for inside the home. House shoes are an important cultural aspect of Hispanic cultures.

MISCELLANEOUS

• Small duffel or backpack for weekend or afternoon trips
• Towel, toiletries, and sunblock. You should bring a towel for overnight excursions.
• Camera, batteries, and charger
• Flashlight
• School supplies: Notebook, pens, pencils, English-Spanish Dictionary, planner for homework
• European electric socket adaptors (for camera battery chargers, iPod chargers, etc. You will need a European-style prong in order to plug into European sockets. This can be bought at outdoor or travel stores. It is more difficult to find once in Spain).

LAPTOPS

In general, we do not suggest students bring a laptop for short programs (1 month or less) because it is one more item that could be lost, stolen or damaged. There are computer labs at the school and Internet cafés all over town.

CARRY-ON

• Bring an extra pair of clothes & toothbrush in case your luggage gets lost or delayed by your airline.

MEDICAL/SAFETY ITEMS

• Bring any prescription drugs that you may use. Make sure they are labeled and if possible, carry your doctor's prescription.

EXCURSIONS

Excursions are a fundamental part of the abroad experience and are included in all summer and semester program unless stated as optional. We carefully select weekend excursions that allow you to discover more about the country in which you are studying and are selected based on cultural and educational importance or sites of natural beauty. Entrance and transportation fees are always included. Before any excursion your director will go over the itinerary of the trip and what you should pack. If you have a guide book it can make it more interesting to read about the excursion before you leave, the Lonely Planet or similar guides are excellent options.

SEVILLA (Semester, Summer I)

Seville (Sevilla in Spanish) is one of the most historic cities in Europe. Over 2,000 years old, it has been influenced by countless cultures all of which is seen today in its enchanting architecture. The many historic buildings and neighborhoods hold the imprint of the vibrant Muslim, Jewish, and Christian cultures that called this city home. We will visit the most impressive sites such as the famous minaret of La Giralda, a beautiful example of the city’s strong Moorish past. The Cathedral of Sevilla houses the tomb of Christopher Columbus and is the largest Catholic Cathedral building in the world. Sevilla is the artistic and cultural capital of southern Spain. Walking around Sevilla, you will experience a lively and fun-loving city. If you travel to Spain, you cannot miss Sevilla!

NERJA BEACH (COSTA DEL SOL)

Nerja is a relaxing getaway to the Andalucía coast. Commonly known as the Costa del Sol (Sun Coast), it is a popular beach escape for people from all over Europe. The drive between Granada and Nerja is impressive. You will pass through deep canyons and then along a spectacular coastal highway. The deep blue Mediterranean Sea stretches out below the winding roadway. Nerja is a small coastal town with plenty of beaches to pass the day. Many of the beaches are intimate, tucked amongst cliffs and rocks jutting from the sea. Along the beaches are restaurants set out in the sand where you can enjoy fresh fish while basking in the tranquility of the Mediterranean. The paella here is incredible!

THE SIERRA NEVADA MOUNTAIN VILLAGES

The Alpujarras, located high in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, was the Moor’s last stronghold in Spain. This area was actually first colonized in the 1200s by Berber refugees from Seville. The Berbers, originally from North Africa, introduced the unique architecture that is still used in the high villages of the Alpujarras today. This region is an earthly paradise high above the rest of Andalucía. The snows of the Sierras keep the valleys and villages of the Alpujarras well-watered year round. Even in the summer, the countryside is green and full of flowers. Visiting these villages is like stepping into another world. Small whitewashed farmhouses cling to the terraced edges of forest-lined gorges while rivers rush by below. Besides exploring these unique villages, there are many opportunities for hiking in the area. While trekking from Capileira, one of the most picturesque of the Alpujarras villages, one is rewarded with views of El Mulhacén, the tallest peak on the Spanish Peninsula. There can be more chance of sunburn here so bring plenty of sunblock. Also, because of altitude, temperatures are cooler here. In the evenings you will want a light fleece or sweater.

MEDITERRANEAN BEACHES (Summer II & III)

The beautiful beaches of Southern Spain are tucked along a rugged coastline backed by arid mountain ranges and tropical valleys. Ancient white-washed villages hug the steep hillsides. We will explore the tropical beaches and kayak and sail over the clear, deep blue Mediterranean waters.

ALHAMBRA PALACE

The Alhambra is one of the most impressive monuments in the world. It was the ancient palace of the Sultans beginning in the 9th century, and remained in their power until 1492. The marvelously decorated walls of the palaces are like something out of a dream. Stuccoed inscriptions in Arabic repeat throughout the palaces, continuously drawing you into the unique history of the fortress. The use of water throughout the Alhambra bestows upon you a sense of calm while exploring the ornate passages and stunning gardens. It is nothing short of stepping into another world. Equally as inspiring as the restored palaces of the Alhambra are the breathtaking views of the Sierra Nevada and of Granada below. No trip to Spain is complete without experiencing this colossal palace.

CULTURAL ACTIVITIES

Cultural activities are an important part of your experience. You will learn so much by going to classes but you’ll learn just as much, if not more, outside of the classroom. These activities are designed to enhance your experience and show you more of what the site has to offer! Your director will announce the weekly cultural activities every week during your meetings. For summer programs there are 3 cultural activities a week. During semester programs they are more spread out and there are 1 to 2 cultural activities included a week.  Cultural activities include:

• Flamenco Performance
• Cathedrals
• Granada City Tour
• Festivals
• Museum Visits
• Theater Night
• Tea Houses
• Yoga Classes
• Spanish Cuisine Tasting Classes
• Dance Classes
• Hiking
• Bullfight (included but optional)

AIRPORT INFORMATION

Arriving to an airport overseas is arriving into the unknown but do not worry, one of your program directors will be there waiting for you when you arrive!

GRANADA

You will fly into the Federico García Lorca Granada-Jaén Airport (GRX) which is roughly 7.5 miles (12 kilometers) from the city centre of Granada. It is a very small airport, easy to navigate and hosts just one terminal building and a single runway. Despite everyone’s best planning, flight delays, bad weather, and other unforeseen circumstances can impact your meeting with your director at the airport. If for whatever reason, you do not meet your director, just use the phone numbers given to you to contact them. Please stay at the airport until we find you.

You will be given a customs form and an immigration form to fill out on your flight to Spain. For your address in Spain you can write your host family address in Granada. Be sure to have your printed round-trip flight itinerary and passport in hand.

- Once you arrive, proceed to immigration (migración)/customs (aduana).

- If you are staying for more than 90 days, you will show them the page of your Passport in which your VISA has been sealed.

- If your stay is less than 90 days, hand them your passport with the front page open. Do NOT say that you are a student, because they will ask for your student visa, which you do not have/need.

- Wait in line for your passport to be reviewed and stamped.

- Once you pass through the customs booth you will follow the signs and proceed to luggage claim (equipaje).

- You will come to an exit with sliding doors.

- You will see many people waiting outside for other passengers. This is where your director will pick you up. 

- Before you meet your director, you may be approached by a number of taxi drivers, hotel representatives, tour guides, and others offering to help you. Just tell them, “No thank you” and that you are meeting someone. 

- Look for someone with the Sol Education Abroad sign.

ALTERNATIVE ARRIVAL IDEAS & SUGGESTIONS:

If you decide to fly into and out of Madrid (airport code MAD) or Málaga (airport code AGP) that’s no problem at all (especially if it helps you save money!) but you are responsible for getting yourself to Granada and then back to the airport for your return flight and for any extra costs.

Make sure that you check 1-way flights from Madrid to Granada first with alternate airlines and search engines to make sure this is indeed what works best for you.

Search Engines:

Here are the instructions we suggest you follow if you fly into and out of one of these alternate airports. Iberia has a flight daily from Madrid direct to Granada.

- Iberia: www.iberia.com/us/

- SideStep: www.sidestep.com (searches over 200 travel websites)

- Student Airfares: www.sta.com & www.studentuniverse.com

- Orbitz: www.orbitz.com

- Expedia: www.expedia.com

- Skyscanner: www.skyscanner.net

- American Airlines: www.aa.com (AA is no longer on many of the search engines!)

MADRID (MAD)

From Madrid you can take the bus or train to Granada. We find that the bus is much more efficient and more affordable.

If you purchase the train or bus online you will have a ticket that you can print out and take with you.

Airport – Bus Station:

Aerocity: https://www.aerocity.com/en/

This is a shuttle service that you can pre-reserve. They have shared shuttles to the Madrid bus or train stations.

Bus-Granada:

There are 2 bus companies we recommend that go from Madrid to Granada.

ALSA: https://www.alsa.es/portal/site/Alsa

For city of origin:

Choice 1: Aeropuerto madrid-barajas t4

Choice 2: Madrid

The “aeropuerto” bus goes straight from Barajas to Granada. If your flight doesn’t match up with the time for this bus then you’ll need to go to the central Madrid bus station instead and take the bus from there.

Movelia: https://www.movelia.es

We recommend you select the buses leaving from AVDA. AMERICA (this is the main terminal)

You can print your reservation confirmations and carry these with you in.

Madrid – Airport Info:

There are multiple terminals at the Madrid airport. One terminal is for flights coming directly from countries outside of the European Union (such as the US). Another is for Iberia flights coming from overseas. For flights that come from within the European Union (such as from Rome or Amsterdam) there is another terminal. The description below is for flights arriving directly from the US. Here is what to expect upon touchdown at the airport in Madrid. For the terminal that services Iberia flights (Terminal 4) the process is similar. That terminal is much larger and you will take a train to get to baggage claim and customs.

Madrid – Bus/Train info:

If you purchase the train or bus online you will have a ticket that you can print out and take with you.

MÁLAGA (AGP)

Please make sure we have your train or bus arrival information! One of the Sol Education Abroad directors will pick you up at the train or bus station when you arrive and take you to your homestay.

If your flight is to Málaga, there is an airport bus that goes from the airport to Granada Bus Station. There is one at 6:30 PM that many students take. The bus is right outside of the arrivals area and you buy your ticket on the bus. There is an information booth in the airport where you can inquire first, though.

If you are not able to take this bus then you will need to go to the bus station in Málaga, where there are buses to Granada every hour between 7 AM and 9 PM (until 10 PM on Sundays). To get there you will also go outside of the arrivals area and find the bus (they are green).

Make sure you call your director once you know when you will arrive so they can make sure to pick you up in Granada!

Please make sure we have your train or bus arrival information! One of the Sol Education Abroad directors will pick you up at the train or bus station when you arrive and take you to your homestay.

If your flight is to Málaga, there is an airport bus that goes from the airport to Granada Bus Station. There is one at 6:30 PM that many students take. The bus is right outside of the arrivals area and you buy your ticket on the bus. There is an information booth in the airport where you can inquire first, though.

If you are not able to take this bus then you will need to go to the bus station in Málaga, where there are buses to Granada every hour between 7 AM and 9 M (until 10 PM on Sundays). To get there you will also go outside of the arrivals area and find the bus (they are green).

Make sure you call your director once you know when you will arrive so they can make sure to pick you up in Granada!

AIRPORT DEPARTURE

Your director will arrange for your transportation to the airport when you leave.

MONEY

Spain is part of the European Union and as such uses the euro €. To find the most up-to-date conversion please visit XE. We suggest that you travel with a credit or debit card. You could also bring some cash that you can exchange at the Madrid airport. Whenever you exchange money you will need your passport. On the Madrid excursion there is an ATM right around the corner from the hotel.

ATMS

ATMs are fairly common throughout Spain. Call your bank before you leave to let them know you are using the card outside of the country and the dates you will be gone. Also, check with your bank beforehand to see if there are any international charges for pulling cash overseas. You can only take out a maximum of 300 euros per day at the ATMs in Spain.

CREDIT CARDS

Credit cards are widely accepted in Spain. Check with your credit card company beforehand to see if there are any extra international charges and to let them know that you are traveling overseas. There is a foreign currency conversion fee and it is usually from 1% to 3%. Capital One is the only credit card at the moment that charges no foreign currency conversion fee.

TRAVELER’S CHECKS

Not recommended because they can be difficult to cash. You can bring these only for emergency uses. If for some reason your debit card is not working or is lost or stolen you can still use the Traveler’s checks. You will need your passport to exchange Traveler’s Checks.

SPENDING MONEY

You will want to bring some extra spending money with you. We suggest about $100-200 per week depending on spending habits.  This money is for souvenirs, shopping, meals that aren’t included, or extra activities that you may decide to do during excursions.

LOST OR STOLEN CASH OR CREDIT CARDS

If you were ever in an emergency situation that you needed money (such as if you lost your wallet) just let your onsite director know! We will definitely assist you financially until your situation can be resolved.

 

ELECTRICITY

Spain uses 220 V AC at 50 Hz, the same as the rest of Europe. However, there are 125 or 110 V AC sockets, even within the same building. Plugs have two round pins so if you bring any electrical items from the US you will need to bring an adapter plug. These can be bought at travel or outdoor stores or in the airport. They are more difficult to buy once in Spain. Be wary of plugging electrical items in from the US—check to make sure the item can handle the different electrical current. Hairdryers brought from the US, for example, often short out. We recommend you buy a hair dryer or straighter upon arrival. Most new electronics, such as digital cameras, and laptops are of the 110 V AC – 240 V AC range. If the electrical plug they use has a small box on the cord then you have the built-in converter.

COMMUNICATION

EMAIL

Internet cafés are very common in Granada and can be found on almost every corner. Also, the University of Granada has a computer room. Keeping in contact with friends and family is a great way to share your experience. Just remember, though, it can take away from your Spanish learning. Attempt to write as little as possible in English while you are there.  It is not common to have Internet at your host family’s home but there are many Internet cafés all over town!

WIFI

The University of Granada has Wi-Fi.

MAIL

Stamps are bought at stores called estancos, which are easily recognized by the big brown and yellow signs. Your director will point these out. Stamps are the same price as at the post office, but it is much more convenient to purchase them at an estanco. "Los Correos" is the name of the postal service in Spain. Mail from the USA usually takes 7 to 10 days to be received.

PHONES

LAND LINES

You can make local phone calls and receive all phone calls from your host family’s home phone. Out of courtesy please let your family know when you use the phone. You will need a phone card to make an international call from their home phone. Major calling cards (such as AT&T and MCI) can be used in Spain. You can also purchase calling cards in Spain as you need them; this is what most students do.  When talking with friends and family in the States we suggest calling collect and then having your friends and family call you back at the host family’s house. Rates are cheaper this way.

VOIP

Another option is VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol). Skype is a great system and one you can use in Internet cafés. Skype

CELL PHONES

Having a cell phone while in Spain is a personal preference. Cell phones can be very useful to communicate with the other students in your group, your directors, and friends and family back home. Most students prefer to have a cell phone. You can:

US CELL PHONES

You will probably not be able to use your US cell phone in Spain unless it is GPRS compatible with a SIM card. If you want to take your US cell phone, you will have to take it to a phone shop in Spain where they remove the SIM card and can cost up to 20 euros for this service. Make sure to inquire with your cell phone provider before you leave the US. Costs of using your US cell phone in Spain can sometimes be VERY high and if someone tries to call your US cell with a Spanish cell phone they will be charged an international call rate. The owner of the cell phone is charged when receiving calls and the rate varies depending on where the call was made from. Also, when making a call from a land line the rate differs between calling another land line and calling a cell phone (charge is slightly higher).

PURCHASING A CELL PHONE

Purchasing a phone in Spain can cost anywhere from 30 euros to 60 euros and you can buy a phone card for minutes usage or minutes can be purchased at any corner store in Spain or directly through an ATM (the most convenient method).

CELL PHONE RENTAL

All companies that rent cell phones have different plans and pricing. While there are many companies out there that rent phones, here are some that we recommend:

• Piccell Wireless        
• World Cellular Rentals
• Cellular Express
• Telestial
  

HOST FAMILIES

The host family is one of the best parts of your experience in Granada! This will be your greatest and most intimate contact with the culture and people of Spain. Families in Granada are middle-class by Spanish standards. Most people in Spain live in apartments rather than houses. Remember, you may not be the only foreign student in the home. Sometimes families work with other programs and if they have multiple rooms, they may have someone else living there. If this is the case, talk to you director onsite if you have any problems with the housing.

Some suggestions when living with your family:

• Bring photos of your family/friends/hometown to share.
• Make sure you let your host family know if you won’t be home for a meal.
• Spend time with your family. If they invite you to do something take advantage of this. The more time you spend with your family the better your Spanish will get.
• Be respectful. You are a guest in their home.
• Utilities are expensive in Spain! Turn off lights when you are not in a room; please be conservative of your water use when taking a shower.
• Spain has water shortages so please be conscientious of this!

Your director will go over host family rules and regulations more extensively onsite.

HOST FAMILY GIFT

We encourage you to bring a small gift for your host family to present to them when you arrive. A present is a nice way to break the ice and share some of your local US culture with your Tico family. Some examples of gifts students have given in the past are family-style board games (that don’t require a language), local treats like preserves, candies, or maple syrup, a coffee-table photo book of their hometown, or a dry baking mix like blueberry muffins, biscuits, or scones.

For some student feedback & examples of Host Family Gifts from alumni, check out this article: Un Regalo For Your Host Family!

MEALS

You will share all of your meals with your host family. You will eat what they eat! They will accommodate any needs or preferences you may have.  However, please remember that the food will be different to what you are used to eating in the US. Families do not eat much red meat or sea food because although they are middle class, they have a more restricted household budget. Also, many Spaniards are not accustomed to eating a lot of vegetables. Lunch is the main meal and for dinner they will serve you a lighter meal. Dinner is also served much later in Spain than in the US! Dinner time is typically around 8 or 9 PM.

LAUNDRY

Your host family will wash your laundry once a week. Normally, for girls, your family will have you wash your own under garments.

TYPICAL DAY

This is an EXAMPLE of a typical weekday. Some classes start earlier or later than listed below.

8:00 AM        Wakeup and have breakfast

8:45 AM        Walk to school

9:00 AM        Classes begin

10:45 AM         Mid-morning break

11:15 AM        Return to class.

1:00 PM        Classes end. Check email, visit shops, write in your journal, hang out with friends

2:30 PM         Lunch with your host family

3:30-6:00 PM        Siesta

7:00 PM         Meet for a cultural activity

ACADEMICS

You will study at the Centro de Lenguas Modernas (CLM), which is the language department for the University of Granada. You will find that the teaching style in other countries is different than what you are used to in the US. If you have any concerns or questions about this when you are in Granada, please ask your director! Our directors are always available for tutoring and any other assistance you may need concerning the academic component of the program. For the program in Granada, classes are typically from 9 AM -1 PM or 5 PM -9 PM.  For those doing any elective classes these can be taught at any part of the day. There is always a break between classes. There is a café at school to get snacks and beverages between classes. The language department is located in the heart of historical Granada. There are two buildings. The main building is housed in the old palace of Santa Cruz (16th century) which has been specially restored for teaching purposes. The other building is a restored “Carmen”, or typical Andalucía home that was first used by the Arabic culture hundreds of years ago. It is a beautiful building with a garden-like setting.

SOL DIRECTOR

Your director is there to help you with many aspects of the program! Their main duties include:

• Orientate and guide the students in Granada
• Airport transfers
• Making sure that your accommodations are suitable and that you are happy with your family
• Make sure that your classes are appropriate
• Organize cultural activities
• Organize excursions
• Support students in finding volunteer work
• Support students in finding activities and events that interest them
• Accompany students to the doctor
• Your director is available to listen to any comments, suggestions and complaints about the program

Director availability: Your onsite director will be available at your school before & after classes every single day of the first week. After that, your director will normally be available every other day at school and during activities and excursions.  Your onsite director will always be available via telephone & email.

OFFICE

The Sol Education Abroad office is located at the following address:

Germán Casado
C/ Estepona Nº5, bajo
18009 Granada
Office Phone: 958-226-6181

HEALTH AND SAFETY

Spain is a relatively safe country but the normal precautions should be taken. In the summer you should be wary of sunburn and dehydration.

HOSPITALS

Closest to the University of Granada - Center of Modern Languages (CLM):

Hospital de San Cecilio - Av. Dr. Olóriz 16, 18012 Granada - España
Information: 958-023-000

Closest to the language schools of IDEA (Instituto de Español Albayzín), IMSOL (Instituto Mediterráneo Sol) & ATLAS:

Hospital La Inmaculada - C/ Dr. Alejandro Otero, 8 18004 Granada - España
Information: 958-250-523

PICKPOCKETS

You should never carry around large amounts of cash, your passport, or credit cards unless you have to! In the crowded touristy areas of Madrid you should be wary of pickpockets. In Granada, you should avoid the gypsies begging in a few of the tourist areas. They will try to read your palm, or give you rosemary. These can be ploys to pick your wallet! Despite our warnings, every summer students get pick pocketed.  Guys, NEVER keep money in your back pocket.

THEFT

Students have gotten digital cameras and laptops stolen in Granada. Never leave things unlocked and try to keep valuable items out of sight when walking around town or if you leave them at your home. Never be too trusting!

UNWANTED ATTENTION

Women should avoid unwanted attention. It is not customary in Spain to smile at people you do not know. Spanish men could interpret this the wrong way. Never walk home alone at night. Cabs are very inexpensive in Spain, whenever in doubt just pay the 3 or 4 euros and take a cab. Avoid walking in large groups of foreigners. Use the buddy system especially at night!

TRAVEL HEALTH INSURANCE

While with Sol Education Abroad you have the option of using your own health insurance or using the Sol Education Abroad policy (included in your program price). If your insurance provider DOES cover you internationally, make sure to only use your policy and not ours (insurance companies do not allow you to have two policies). If your insurance provider DOES NOT cover you internationally, make sure you specify this in the form called "Insurance Verification". Sol Education Abroad’s insurance policy will cover absolutely any medical expenses internationally up to USD $50,000 with MultiNational Underwriters. To verify your coverage, simply call your US insurance provider and tell them that you will be overseas and they will let you know whether or not you are covered internationally and the amount of coverage. Provide your insurance company the exact dates of the program in which you are enrolled. Get the details from them in the event you need to go to the doctor while abroad. If you do use the Sol Education Abroad insurance please note that pre-existing conditions are not covered, so check with your domestic provider about this before leaving. If you take prescription medication with you make sure that you have a doctor’s prescription in the event that customs officials question you about it. This is rare, but it’s always a good idea to be prepared.