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GRANADA, SPAIN Pre-Departure Handbook

Your Country Guide is your key to preparing for your program and understanding what to expect onsite. This tool is a result of constant feedback from student and parent evaluations as well as from the onsite directors who review these each year.

INTRODUCTION

Greetings from Sol Education 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 Education 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.

Thanks for choosing Sol Education 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

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.

MAPS OF GRANADA AND SPAIN