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Pre-departure Information







PASSPORTS & VISAS

You must have a valid passport to travel to Spain, and your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after the last day of the program.

You should consult the Spanish Consulate in San Francisco's webpage for up-to-date visa information and requirements. In general, if you are an American citizen AND:
  • the program in which you are participating is less than 90 days (during a 180 day period), you do not need a visa to study in Spain.

  • the program in which you are participating is longer than 90 days (during a 180 day period), you do need a student visa and should consult the Spanish Consulate in San Francisco's webpage for the application procedure.

**If you are not an American citizen, you should consult with the Consulate of your nationality and/or the Spanish Consulate in San Francisco to determine if a visa is required.**




CASH & FINANCES

The currency used in Spain is the Euro. The conversion rate between the Euro and the U.S. Dollar can change daily, so please consult an online currency converter, such as the Oanda Currency Converter, for the current exchange rate.


Spending Money
The amount of spending money required in León will vary from person to person and program to program, depending on travel plans, eating preferences, and other personal expenses. Make sure to ask the director of your program how many meals per day (if any) are included in the program fee, how many meals you will have to pay for out of pocket, and if there are any additional expenses not covered by the program fee.


Euros for Arrival
It may be helpful to have some Euros for your arrival, although ATMs can be found in most major airports in Spain and should allow you to withdraw Euros from your American bank account.


Credit/Debit Cards
Credit and debit cards are used widely throughout Spain and are a convenient way to obtain local currency when traveling abroad. Using your credit or debit card will save you the time of waiting in lines at the bank or at a casa de cambio (exchange office), and the exchange rate is usually better. They can also because be replaced relatively easily if lost or stolen, and are accepted in most shops and Spanish ATMs.

Be sure to inform your bank and/or credit card company that you will be using your card in Spain, and confirm with them the following before you leave: international cash advance charges, your PIN numbers, and from which account your money will be drawn.


Financial Aid
Before you leave, make sure that you have finalized all financial aid paper work so that you do not run into financial difficulty once you are abroad. Bring with you the name and contact information of your Student Loan Officer, in case you need to contact him/her while in Spain.




HEALTH CARE

Health Insurance
Beginning January 1, 2011, all UW students participating in a departmental study abroad program are required to purchase the UW Study Abroad Insurance.

**Please be aware that if you receive medical attention while in Spain, you may be required to pay for the medical care upfront in cash and then send the receipt and claim form to the U.S. insurance company for reimbursement.**


Medications and Prescriptions
If you regularly take a prescription medicine, bring enough medication (in the original, labeled bottle) to last for the duration of the program. In addition, you should bring a copy of the written prescription in case it needs to be filled while you are in Spain. Other prescription items, such as glasses and contact lenses, should be brought from home and you should plan to bring an extra pair.

DO NOT MAIL MEDICATIONS, VITAMINS, OR COSMETICS! Packages arriving in Spain that contain medications, vitamins, and cosmetics are stopped at customs and, unless accompanied by a Spanish prescription, medications may be confiscated.




WHAT TO PACK

Be conservative with luggage - bring only what you are able to carry by yourself. Your bags should be lockable and your purse and camera bag should have adjustable shoulder straps.

Clothing
The weather in Leon is hot and dry in the summer, and cold in the winter (it is not unusual for it to snow during the winter months). Suggested clothing includes turtlenecks and sweaters (to layer), a coat or jacket, a lightweight raincoat and compact umbrella, walking shoes, sandals, one pair of dress shoes, pants and skirts, t-shirts, long shorts, bathing suit, bathrobe, and one formal outfit.

Electronics
The Leon Center has only one computer available for student use and it must remain on site. We recommend that you bring a laptop or tablet so that you can check your e-mail and do any homework that may need to be typed. From your laptop, you will be able to print wirelessly to the Leon Center printer.

If you bring smaller appliances such as hairdryers or electric shavers, be aware that the electric current in Spain is different than in the United States. Whereas most modern computers and tablets have a dual voltage converter and you will only need a plug adapter to be able to use them in Spain (this can be bought in the U.S. or in a ferretería in Spain for about 1€), smaller appliances often require a voltage converter in order to work properly (the voltage in Spain is 220).




LAUNDRY

Laundry facilities vary depending on your housing arrangements while in León. If you live with a host family, your family will wash your clothes for you. If you live in an apartment, there will most likely be a washing machine in the residence. If you live in a university residence hall, you may need to pay to have your clothes washed in a nearby laundromat.




ACCESS TO INTERNET

The Leon Center has high-speed wi-fi that you will be able to access from your laptop, tablet, or smartphone when you are at the Center. If you are living with a host family or in a university residence hall, you will also have wi-fi at home. Those students living in apartments will not have access to wi-fi at home, but there is free wi-fi available at many cafés and restaurants in Leon, as well as internet cafés throughout the city. It may also be possible to purchase a portable USB modem from a local cell phone company that will allow you to access the internet from anywhere in Spain.




CELL PHONES

Using your American cell phone in Spain may be expensive, depending on the company you use. If that is the case, we recommend that you either bring an American cell phone that is not locked to a certain company and buy a Spanish SIM card, or that you buy a cheap phone once you get to Spain. SIM cards usually cost around 9€ and come with 3€ of credit, whereas a cheap phone will cost between 30-50€. You may want to agree on which cell phone company you will use as a group, as it will make communication between you cheaper. Please be aware that when you buy a SIM card or cell phone in Spain, you will be required to show your passport.

In Spain, you only pay for outgoing texts and phone calls--any phone calls and texts you receive are free.




GETTING TO LEON

Although Leon does have an airport, the most common, and often cheapest, way to get to Leon is to fly to Madrid and then take a bus or train to Leon. You can expect to pay between 25-50€ to get from Madrid to Leon, depending on the time of day you travel and the mode of transportation you choose. If you will be arriving in Madrid the same day you plan to go to Leon, there is a bus that leaves from Terminal 4 at the Madrid Barajas airport and goes directly to Leon.

For more information about the train schedule, visit Renfe's website.
For more information about the bus schedule, visit Alsa's website.

If the meeting place for your program is the University of Leon Language Center (Edificio Antigua Escuela de Empresariales, Jardín de San Francisco s/n, 24004 Leon), this map of Leon may help you navigate getting from the train or bus station to where your program begins. If you choose to go by taxi from one of the stations, expect to pay around 6€.




STUDENT FUNDING FOR STUDY ABROAD

UW Study Abroad Scholarships
The University of Washington has some scholarships available for students participating in programs run through UW Study Abroad. Although Washington state residents with a financial need are given priority for most of their scholarships, any student who has been admitted to a UW Study Abroad program may apply.

Benjamin Gilman Scholarship for Undergraduate Study Abroad
The Benjamin A Gilman Scholarship offers awards for undergraduate study abroad and is open to U.S. undergraduate students who are receiving Federal Pell Grant funding at a two-year or four-year college or university to participate in study abroad programs worldwide. The program aims to diversify the kinds of students who study abroad and the countries and regions where they go by supporting undergraduates who might otherwise not participate due to financial constraints.

WAFLT Student Excel Scholarships
The Washington Association for Language Teaching offers up to six $500.00 scholarships each year to Washington residents taking advanced world language courses at the university level. The award is merit based rather than need based.




SAFETY IN LEON

Leon is a safe city, with crimes against property being more common than crimes against person. That said, it is still important to exercise caution and to pay attention to your surroundings at all times, especially when out at night.

In general, pickpocketing in Spain is common, especially in highly populated areas. Make sure to pay attention to your personal belongings at all times. Do not leave phones, wallets, cameras, etc. on top of tables while in cafés, restaurants, or bars. Make sure not to carry your wallet in your back pocket. You should carry a copy of your passport with you at all times and leave your passport locked in the hotel, residence hall, or your host family’s home (unless traveling).




ALCOHOL IN SPAIN

Alcoholic drinks (mixed drinks) are stronger in Spain than the U.S. Being in a new environment and the dry climate in Madrid and Leon can also affect your tolerance to alcohol. Please keep this in mind when you go out, especially during the first few days of the program.




MEALS IN SPAIN

The meals in Spain are different than in the U.S. Lunch is the heavy meal of the day, and usually takes place between 2-4:30pm. In Leon, you may notice that several smaller stores also close during this time. Breakfast is typically lighter than in the U.S., with it not being uncommon for Spaniards to only consume coffee and toast. Dinner is also typically lighter, and you may not eat until around 9 or 10pm.




LIVING WITH HOST FAMILIES

Living with a family abroad is an exciting experience, and is a great way to integrate yourself into Spanish culture. If the lodging for your program is with families, expect to get information about who you will be living with before you leave. Although it is not required, you may want to send your family an e-mail before you get to Leon, introducing yourself and asking them anything you want to know about the family and where you will be living. We also recommend that you bring your family a small gift as a way to thank them for having you in their home. UW gear or anything representative of where you are from is good.

While in your host family's home, you will have your own individual room, and they will do your laundry. Three meals a day are included in the home stays, and families will wait for you to come home to eat. You are not obligated to eat every meal with your family, however if you will not be home for a meal, please communicate that to your host family ahead of time so that they know not to expect you. You should also offer to do small chores in the home, such as set the table.

Please keep in mind that social life in Spain happens in the street. If you want a friend to come over to the house, please discuss this with your family beforehand. Also, absolutely no alcohol should be brought into your host family’s house. In the unlikely event that you have a problem with your host family, tell the On-site Coordinator or one of your program directors immediately. Often small misunderstandings are due to cultural differences that can be easily resolved.