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.