PREPARE FOR TRIP
 This section not updated for 2010
Welcome
March News
April News
May News
Final Instructions		 The pages linked below contain information regarding your trip and our latest news and instructions.   Starting in April, we post reminders and updates under News & Notices. 

HELPFUL INFORMATION

Electrical Current

220 volts (50 cycles) is commonly used in Spain. Round-prong plugs are used in all outlets. Standard American plugs will not fit into Spanish outlets.   We recommend that you purchase outlets in Spain to make sure they work. Outlets are available at any "Corte Inglés."

Emergency Procedures

If you have an emergency while in Europe, contact your school representative. If he/she is not available or you are traveling on your own, ask the FRONT DESK at the hotel or dorm to contact the Forspro representative.  The Forspro contact numbers in case of emergencies are listed on our Final Instructions newsletter.  For the emergency services in any EU country, dial 112.

Money/Exchange/Credit Cards

Many of the European nations, including Spain and France have as their national currency the Euro.  The Euro is equivalent to approximately 1.35 dollars. This rate may vary from week to week.

Up
Airline Info
Calendar
Courses
Cultural Activities
Health Ins.
Lodging
Prepare Trip

You should generally avoid changing currency in popular tourist destinations, such as airports, train stations, and hotels, because they do not offer the best exchange rates. Instead, favor local banks.  Banks are open from 9:00 to 14:00 weekdays and from 9:00 to 13:00 on Saturdays. In order to change money at a bank you need your passport.

However, the best method is to use ATM cards for cash. By using an ATM you're basically cashing in on the fact that your bank is trading currencies in larger amounts. “That makes ATM exchanges some of the best rates you can get. 

If you want to use your credit cards/check card you will find a complete network of cash points at your disposal; most shops also take credit cards.  We also recommend to use a credit card to charge most purchases.  Credit cards not only provide a chargeback provision but they offer the best exchange rate.   Just beware of fees. 

Finally, you also must alert your bank (and credit card companies) that you are traveling abroad. When they notice what is deemed suspicious activity — transactions in international places — they sometimes freeze your money. That would quickly put a damper on your vacation.

How Much $ to Take

Amount of money to take for out-of-pocket expenses depends on each individual; however, an adequate amount is $150 to $200 per week.  This amount, of course, does not take into account purchases and optional tours.   As a rule of thumb, budget the same as you would while vacationing in the U.S. - however, it all depends on you.

International Calls

There are places in Spain and near your residence where you can make international calls at very reasonable rates. You can also call the U.S. from almost any phone by dialing your home’s international long distance carrier.   It is generally cheaper for family members to call you than for you to call them.  Every year new options become available that make contacting the United States easy and affordable.   We will provide additional information upon arrival during the orientation meeting. 

Internet access

There are internet locations near the dorms and in the city where you can use the internet for a very reasonable fee.  Some residences/rooms have internet access.  Although we don't suggest to take valuables to Spain, a laptop is recommended.

 Laundry
  • Madrid Colegio Mayor Mara:  Coin operated washing machine and dryer available 24hrs.
  • Salamanca Centro Universitario Marista:  Coin operated washing machine and dryer.

Medical

If you have any special health problems, have your doctor prepare your medical history and take it with you to Spain. Carry prescription duplicates since brand names are different in Spain. Ask your doctor for the generic drug name of your prescription. Also, carry a prescription for your eyeglasses. No inoculations are required when entering or leaving Spain.

Passport/Visa

No visa is required for U.S. passport holders for a stay of up to 3 months. For stays exceeding three months, please contact the Consulates of Spain and France nearest you. If you are not a U.S. Passport holder, contact the Consulates regarding visa requirements. The telephone numbers of some of the Consulates of Spain and France in the U.S. are as follows:

After 9/11, security procedures will not allow anyone to board a flight to the U.S. without a valid passport.  Therefore, in the unlikely event your passport is lost or stolen prior to your return flight to Spain (summer program group departures) and there is not sufficient time to have another one issued, our procedure is as follows:  Our representative will stay for a maximum of 1 day after the last scheduled group has departed to help you with your passport and your airline ticket.  You will probably incur substantial charges and will probably have to purchase a one way ticket since your ticket would have expired.  We will try to help you with the airline to minimize your expenses.   You will be responsible for your personal expenses after the program ends.  If you are under 18, our representative will contact your guardian/parents to let them know the status of your passport and ticket.

SPAIN

• Chicago: (312) 782-4588
• Los Angeles: (323) 938-0158
• Miami: (305) 446-5511
• New York: (212) 355-4080

FRANCE

• Chicago: (312) 787-5359
• Los Angeles: (310) 235-3200
• Washington: (202) 944-6000
• New York: (212) 606-3688

We also recommend that you visit the website of the The U.S. State Department at http://www.travel.state.gov/.  In addition to passport/visa information, is an incredibly valuable source of information for anyone who is planning to travel abroad.

Vegetarians

The diet is based on meat and fish.  Vegetables and fruits are available; however, the variety is limited.  Salad is commonly comprised of lettuce, onions, and tomatoes. Salad dressing is oil and vinegar.  If you are a vegetarian, we will make an effort to meet your needs.

Although we will make an effort to provide you with vegetarian type diet, please note you will be limited with the variety of foods available.  Spain is not a vegetarian country.

What to Pack

You do not need to bring towels, sheets, or pillows.  The dorm/hotel provides your bedding needs and towels.  Follow the luggage limits of the airline and pack according to the limit of one suitcase and a carry-on.

We offer the following packing suggestions:

  • Coordinate your wardrobe around a single color.

  • Pack comfortable shoes, casual clothing, a sweater/rain jacket, a wash-cloth, swimsuit, and  an alarm clock.  Dress the same as you do here. Dress very casual.

  • Don't pack anything fragile or valuable - if you do not bring them, they cannot be lost or stolen.

  • Pack in your carry-on toiletries and at least one change of clothing in the event your bag is delayed or lost.
  • Carry with you to Spain copies of the identification numbers the traveler's checks, airline ticket, front page of your passport, and other important documents.

Please remember that the airline as well as our ground transportation has limited space for your luggage and restrictions apply.  Please pack accordingly.