Salamanca Orientation
September 29, 2001
Consumnes River College
We had our orientation on Saturday. If you missed it, be sure to read
this information carefully.
- 1:00 check-in on day of departure via British Airways on
Friday, October 12th, arriving in Heathrow Airport in London on
Saturday, October 13th. You will need to allow 3 hours for
checking in on international flights. On to Madrid. Go through customs and
look for AIFS signs in the international waiting area. Take the bus to the
Principe Pio
Hotel Residencia. Address: Cuesta de San Vicente
14, near the Plaza de España, phone: 34 91/547-8000.
- Sunday, October 13th: 2 - 2-1/2 hour sightseeing
bus tour of Madrid
- Home-stays: 2 students per family. A roommates list will be
e-mailed to Nancy the week of October 1st. Two of the same gender
will be placed with each family.
- Three meals a day with lunch being the main meal. Light
breakfast, 3-course lunch around 2:00, tapas in late afternoon and light
late dinner.
- Optional tour to Madrid, Friday, November 9 through Sunday,
November 11. $190.00 extra fee. It is still possible to sign up for the
3-day excursion into Madrid. You will still have 2 days after arriving in
Madrid to sign up, but that is the latest opportunity.
- AIFS Study Center: new facility with Internet and e-mail
facilities.
- Three cultural weekend excursions:
- October 27th to Avila and Segovia
- November 10th to La Alberca
- November 17th to Cuidad Rodrigo.
- Return from Spain: Friday, December 7th transfer
to Principe Pio Hotel in Madrid. Saturday, December 8th, depart
from Madrid, fly into London and on to U.S. AIFS has booked flights for
alternate returns if you gave them that information.
- Tickets will be mailed to the participating colleges the
week of October 1st. There is a weight limit, so check your AIFS
information.
- The temperature in Spain will vary while we are there.
Bring layers of clothing. To blend in, don't wear U.S. logos on clothing or
bags. Also, don't wear shorts. DO wear socks. Bring one nice outfit for the
theater. Dress casually for the city.
- You don't need to bring linens, as they will be supplied by
your host family.
- Use the ATMs, which are very available for cash. You MUST
have a 4-digit PIN number in Spain. Use traveler's checks for emergencies
only, as you will need your passport to cash them. Don't carry your passport
with you when you are just out for the day unless you know you are going to
need it. Have a copy with you.
- Be prepared to walk a lot in Spain. Bring comfortable
walking shoes, and remember Spain has a lot of cobblestone streets, which
can be uneven for walking.
- Enjoy learning about different foods. Try them before
deciding you don't like them. It is possible to be a vegetarian in Spain.
- Leave your valuables at home in the U.S. Salamanca is a
safe city, but it is still good to use safety precautions like you would
anywhere.
- Dounald Thomas shared with us the beauty of Spain and
Salamanca. He suggested purchasing a plano callejero (map). The one
he demonstrated had a picture of the plaza mayor on it. It is sold in
the newspaper stands and kiosks everywhere. A good place to meet is
"under the clock in the plaza mayor." He also mentioned that the
guidebook (in English), Eyewitness Travel Guides--Spain is an
excellent one.
- Look at the Euro price on all items and receipts, and you
will get an approximate price in U.S. dollars. Using ATM cards and credit
cards will provide you with the best rates.
- Do NOT use your host family's telephone. Purchase a
cellular phone at the store on sale or from someone who is leaving Spain. It
is possible to recharge the phone for more calling time. Pre-aid phone cards
are "fine for use in Spain." Check them out over there.
- AIFS disciplinary procedures provide for a warning and then
dismissal if necessary. You have signed a "study program" contract
for 12 units. Helen Watson, program coordinator, is the AIFS contact
in Spain. Sam Robinson and Jennifer Ibbot are your student
advisors. If you have questions for them, they may also be reached at studentinfo@aifs.co.uk.
- A variety of Eurail passes may be purchased from Council
Travel in San Francisco and other locations. It takes 15 days to purchase
one by the Internet. You may also purchase an international ID card on-line
for $22.00 at www.counciltravel.com.
This was encouraged as it allows students in the museums for half price, and
gives discounts for airfare and trainfare, and can be purchased within three
days.
- Water is safe from any faucet in Spain. Drinking beer at 16
years of age is allowed in Spain, but caution was given not to get drunk and
be a nuisance to your host family as well as indicate that you are a
tourist. Café con leche (coffee with milk) is great in Spain. The local
foods are freshly made. Try the tapas. Dounald suggested the Spanish
tortilla and squid.
- You will be able to send faxes from the school. E-mail will
be free from the school, or you can also go to cyber cafes and pay less than
300 pesetas (approx. $2.50) for 30 minutes.
- Bring an empty suitcase for souvenirs and shopping.
Remember, 1 carry-on piece of luggage to include what you will need for the
night in Madrid upon arrival. Two checked pieces of luggage are allowed. A photography bag will not usually count as a separate
carry-on item. Insure your camera against loss. It may be a good idea to
pack it in the middle of your largest suitcase. Put your textbooks in with
your checked luggage. British Airways carry-on luggage requirements are
smaller dimensions than our standard U.S. companies.
- Hostel discounts may vary. Your student ID card may work in
giving a discount.
- There is a music community in Salamanca. Students can
participate with others in the tapas bars also.
It's almost time to leave for Salamanca! |