Frequently Asked Questions and Answers

Flights | Housing | Money | Cultural Program | General

Flights

Do I have to take the AIFS flight?
No. However, bear in mind that if you take the AIFS transportation package, as well as the flight you are also provided with round trip airport transfers. You will be met at the airport on arrival and taken to your residence. At the end of the program, you will be taken to the airport.

Can I make changes to my AIFS flight request after I have sent in my application form?
Possibly, but a penalty applies. Once your application form is received, AIFS will book and confirm your flight. It may be possible to make changes after your application has been accepted, but before the ticket has been issued, but a $50 per change fee will be levied. It is not possible to change the outward portion of your ticket after it has been issued by the airline.

Can I change my return flight once I am in Spain?
Maybe. For a fee and subject to approval and availability, you may try to change your return flight. You must telephone the airline’s ticketing office. Only date changes are allowed; there can be no changes to the routing, and there will be an airline-imposed fee, which could be as high as $200. If you have a connecting flight in the US, you must check whether you are able to change that, as some cannot be changed

Where will I live?
Students live in shared homestays within a 20 to 30-minute commuting distance to the study centers in Granada and Madrid. Accommodations are based on two students per room and, in Granada, include breakfast, lunch and dinner, seven days per week and, in Madrid, include breakfast and dinner, seven days a week and a weekly laundry service. Students will share bathrooms and facilities with the host family. This option provides increased opportunities to experience Spanish culture first-hand and to practice Spanish daily.

How many people are there per room?
There are two people per room.

Can I have a single room?
Single rooms are available for a supplemental fee. Students should contact the AIFS Connecticut office with individual requests (ssecki@aifs.com). Single rooms are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.

Can I move into my accommodation before the program starts if I am arriving in Granada early?
AIFS cannot supply you with accommodation until the official start date of the program. However, AIFS staff can recommend reasonably priced hotels

Can I cook?
You will be provided with three meals a day, seven days a week in Granada and two meals a day, seven days a week in Madrid, so there will be no need to cook yourself. If you wish to cook it will be up to your homestay host as to whether they will allow you to, and it is something you can discuss with them once you have settled in, but no rebate will be given for meals not taken.

Who will be my host?
Homestay hosts vary. Some tend to be married couples whose children have grown and left home or young couples either with or without children and some are single people. All of them are carefully selected to provide a comfortable and welcoming environment for you. On the AIFS program application form; you have the opportunity to express your preferences. If you prefer to live in a home with children for example, you can indicate this on the application form and we will try to accommodate your wishes

Can I choose my own roommate?
Yes. Simply write the name of the person on your AIFS program application form and make sure your friend does the same. Alternatively if you decide to room with someone after your application has been submitted write a letter to the AIFS Connecticut office (ssecki@aifs.com) stating your roommate choice.

How do you allocate roommates?
We allocate roommates based on the information given on the AIFS program application forms filled in by every student. First we look to see if a student has requested a particular roommate and if they have we house them with that person. We then put students with similar routines together, i.e. those who get up early, go to bed late etc. taking particular care not to room smokers with non-smokers. Finally we look at the interests people mention on the application form and try to match them with those who share them. This is why students should always fill out the housing section of the application form honestly and with as much information as possible.

When will I find out who my roommate is?
If you have requested a specific roommate we will be able to confirm in advance that you have been paid with that person. You will receive details about their host family in the mail approximately two weeks before departure. This is to allow homestay students to write an introductory letter to their hosts in advance.

Are the homestays co-ed?
No. We always room males together and females together. If you have a friend of the opposite sex that you want to live near, indicate this on the AIFS program application form and we will try to house you near to each other.

Is there a curfew?
No. All students have their own key and are free to come and go as they please. However, it is important to remember that if you return home late you must take great care in being very quiet if your homestay family are asleep.

Can I have overnight guests?
No. For security and insurance reasons, only authorised occupant(s) are allowed to sleep in the residences. Never bring a friend back with you to stay if your host is not aware of it.

Is bed linen provided?
Yes. Linen is provided and changed once a week.

Are towels provided?
No. You must bring your own towels.

Will I have to do my own laundry?
Your homestay host will do your laundry for you once a week. If you do not feel that this is sufficient and want your laundry done more frequently, you can come to an arrangement with your host, which will include an extra cost for you. If you find it more convenient you can go to a laundromat in Granada or Madrid for extra washes at your expense.

Will I be able to use the telephone?
No. You will not be allowed to make calls from your homestay. Phone calls are very expensive in Spain, even if you are calling a local number. You can make phone calls from the many public telephone boxes close to the study center. It is advised that you buy a telephone card, which you can use in pay phones to call home or friends. You may receive calls in your homestay, but please note that you must not receive calls later than 11pm, make sure your friends and family are aware of this. People do forget especially when they do not take into account the time difference. If family or friends do call you at your homestay do not speak for too long, your host or family members may wish to use the phone or are perhaps waiting for a call.

Another option is to purchase or rent a cell phone when you are in Spain. Most work on a pay as you go system where once you have bought the phone you just buy credits for calls so if you don’t make a call you do not pay. It does not cost to receive calls on a cell phone in Spain. Students can alternatively group together and buy one per homestay, as it will take voice messages when no one is available to answer. Prices vary, but €40-100 would be a normal amount to pay for buying the phone initially, this often includes credit. You can then buy as much or as little credit as you want from €5 upwards in the form of recharge cards, which you can buy in various shops or tobacconists.

You can also arrange to receive calls at the AIFS office during office hours. The staff will also take messages for you. There will be an emergency number where friends/family can reach an AIFS staff member if they need to contact you in an emergency situation.

Will I be able to use my electrical appliances e.g. hairdryer in Spain?
Only with an adapter and transformer. Appliances designed to operate in the US (110/120 volts) will not operate in Spain unless they are fitted with a dual voltage switch or used with a transformer. Also the electrical sockets are different in Europe so you will need an adapter plug to fit in the appliance. If you are unsure how to convert equipment, it is essential that you seek advice from an AIFS staff member before using it. It may be better to purchase an inexpensive hairdryer or travel iron of the correct voltage and plug once you have arrived in Granada instead of bringing one with you. You can purchase an inexpensive hairdryer for around $20 and a travel iron for around $25. Why not share the cost with your roommate?

Can I change my housing option after I have sent my application form to AIFS?
No. We have to book accommodation well in advance and it is not possible to make changes after applications have been accepted.

Money

How much money will I need?
This depends on individual tastes. However, AIFS recommends that students budget $550 to $650 per month for day-to-day needs. This allows for visits and excursions, but not extensive overseas travel or expensive purchases.
In what form should I bring my money?
It is advised that you bring some of your money in Euros, and you can also bring travelers checks. An ATM card is very useful and there are plenty of machines in Granada and Madrid. This is probably the most efficient way of obtaining money. American Plus, Cirrus and star can be accessed from cash dispensers allowing cash to be withdrawn from a U.S. bank account if you have a card linked to one of these systems. You should check with your local bank for ATM capabilities in Europe and make sure you get a four-digit pin number before leaving the U.S.

Cultural Program

What events will be on the cultural calendar?
There will be a large variety of events on the cultural calendar, making use of all the resources Granada and Madrid have to offer. Included will be visits to museums, Spanish cinema, historical/cultural sites, tapas and sangria evening.

Will there be trips?
Yes. Included in the program will be two one-day trips from Granada (to Seville and to Ronda) and two one-day trips from Madrid (to Segovia/Avila and to El Escorial/The Valley of the Fallen). There is also a mid program tour to Portugal

General

Passport
All citizens of the United States need a passport to be valid at least 6 months beyond the dates of the trip. If your passport is going to expire within six months after the end of your program, you should renew it immediately.

Do I need a Visa?
If you are a US citizen you do not need a visa to study in Spain. And you will not need a visa to visit Portugal. If you are not a US citizen you should check with the Spanish Embassy in the U.S. to see if you require a visa to visit Spain and Portugal.
All students should check to see if they need visas for any countries they may want to visit during independent travel. You can remain in Spain for up to ninety days.

What should I take with me?
Not too much! Rooms in homestays will be small and you will also be sharing with another student (unless you request a single room). Just bring what you believe will be necessary for your stay – this doesn’t mean 10 pairs of shoes! If you are on medication you should bring enough to last for the program as well as a prescription in case you lose any. You will also need to bring towels although as they are bulky items, many students prefer to bring only one and buy additional inexpensive ones from a market. The weather in Granada and Madrid will be fairly warm but you should bring some warm clothing for when the temperatures drop. It is best to bring clothes that you can layer so that they are appropriate for all weathers. You should also bring a raincoat and possibly an umbrella. You will probably do a lot more walking than you are used to so you should bring comfortable shoes. You will not need much dressy clothing. More detailed information about what to bring will be provided at the pre-departure orientation meetings, which we strongly advise you to attend.

Are meals provided?
Students are provided with breakfast, lunch and dinner in Granada and breakfast and dinner in Madrid, seven days a week. Breakfast usually consists of a small cake or biscuits and coffee. Lunch is eaten between 2pm and 3pm and is the most important meal of the day; the meal usually consists of 3 courses. After lunch the dinner that is served between 9pm and 10pm, will be a small snack, maybe a sandwich. It may take a little bit of time to get used to Spanish food and their hours of eating. Please note that if you have any special dietary needs e.g. vegetarian, write this on your program application form and we can let your homestay know in advance.

What is my mailing address?
In Granada
Name
C/o AIFS
Galilea Centro de Formacion y Empleo
C/Manuel de Falla 3
18005, Granada
Spain

In Madrid
Name
C/o AIFS
Estudio Sampere
Lagasca 16,
28001 Madrid
Spain

We advise that your mail should be sent to the study center and not your residence. There are mailboxes at the study center where mail and messages from AIFS staff, other students and faculty will be left for you.

How should people contact me?
You can receive mail as indicated above and you can also receive faxes free of charge at the AIFS Student Services office. The fax number will be confirmed before departure to Spain. To send a fax from the US, your friends/family should dial 011 34 before the number. You can also send faxes to the US from the AIFS Student Services office. Prices will be given to students upon arrival.

If people wish to call you they should call your homestay, but please remember no calls after 11pm and don’t spend too long talking on the phone.

How will I travel around Granada?
You walk! Granada is a small city and nearly all places can be reached by walking. However, there are regular bus services that you can use and there are plenty of taxis. Granada does not have a metro network.

How will I travel around Madrid?
Madrid has an extensive bus and metro network which makes traveling easy. You will be given a metro map when you arrive in Madrid and information about the best bus and metro routes from your homestay to class. When you arrive in Madrid the AIFS staff will give you a metro pass which allows unlimited travel on the metro and buses in central Madrid for the duration of the program. To purchase this pass, a photograph is needed. It is essential that you send recent passport-type pictures with your application.

Will I have access to a computer/e-mail?
There is a computer lab with limited access at the study center in Granada, which can be used for either word processing or e-mail/internet access. In Madrid there is no computer lab at the study center however there are many Internet cafes costing approximately 1-1.5 €euro per hour. Further details will be provided on arrival.

Can I buy textbooks and course related materials in Spain?
You can buy paper, files etc, but we do advise you to purchase your textbooks in the US and bring them with you. Granada and Madrid do have English bookstores, but it is doubtful they will have the exact edition that your faculty requires. They will also be more expensive than your campus bookstore. Your campus store may also buy back your books when you return. Enquire when you make your purchases.

What happens if I get sick while I’m in Spain?
If you need to see a doctor while you are in Spain, you should contact the AIFS staff that will make an appointment for you. An AIFS member of staff will accompany you if you want. All students have the AIFS medical insurance, which is valid for the duration of the program. You should carefully read the insurance form sent to you after your application is accepted, as there are some conditions, which are not covered. The main exclusions to the policy are pre-existing conditions, self-inflicted injuries, pregnancy testing, abortion or related complications and mental or nervous disorders. This is not an exhaustive list so read the insurance carefully. There is a deductible of $50 per accident/illness on this policy.

When you arrive in Granada, you will be given details of the insurance policy procedures. You will need to pay up front for any treatment and medication you receive and then claim it back minus the $50 deductible.

What sports facilities are available in Granada and Madrid?
There are several gyms in Granada and Madrid and a couple of indoor and outdoor (during the summer) swimming pools. There are also large parks for those who like to run and some basketball courts. Student Services can look into other sporting facilities for students who have specific interests.

Can I work when I am in Spain?
It is illegal to work for money in Spain unless you have a work permit

Will I meet Spanish students?
Yes – if you want to. Granada and Madrid are university cities and both have a large population of students, not only from Spain, but also of many other nationalities. You will often see on the notice boards in bars or at the college students who wish to have a language exchange. Not only is this a great way to meet Spanish students, it’s also a great way to improve your Spanish.

Can I contact the Student Services staff for information before I leave for Spain?
Yes. Your information packets provide details of how to contact the AIFS office in the U.S. at 800-727-2437 ext 5090. The staff there will be able to answer questions on deadline dates, flights, billing or whatever questions you have. For questions about Spain, e-mail the student services staff at studentinfo@aifs.com