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FAQ's

 

Why should I study abroad?

Studying abroad will more than likely be ahigh point for you in your educational career. Studying abroad has a profound impact on the way you look at yourself and your own culture, and will deeply influence your ever expanding understanding of the world in general. 

Here are some more specific reasons why studying abroad is important:

·          You will look at the world and your own culture through a new lens

·          You will broaden your knowledge base in many areas (language, history, art, politics, economy, etc.)

·          Studying abroad and learning another language gives you an edge in the competitive and ever expanding global marketplace

·          You will gain self knowledge, become more self reliant, and more self confident

·          You will create new and long lasting friendships with people from all over the world

How do I know that I am choosing the right program?

Estudiafuera's counselors are here to help you make a solid and well thought out decision about which program will best suit your academic needs and how to combine those with your personal preferences and goals.  We have carefully selected programs that have a wide range of course offerings and settings, with the hope that all of our students will be able to make a selection that they find attractive, while serving academic requirements or goals.  Taking the first steps may require some help.  Ask one of our counselors for assistance!

How do I transfer credits back to my home university?

It is very important that you speak with your home university study abroad office or your adviser if you are planning to participate in a program and transfer the credits back to your university.   Estudiafuera will be glad to provide any additional information directly to your university if necessary, and will help you determine the total number of credits in each program that you are eligible for.  All of the university programs that Estudiafuera promotes offer university transcripts, and many will provide you with one free copy after you have completed your course.  Click here to read more about obtaining university credits at your home university for your study abroad.

Do I need a student visa?

Student visas are necessary for all non European Union citizens who plan to study in Spain for more than 90 days, and in cases of students in some countries, it is necessary to have a student visa for any length of study.  Please visit this page to find out more about how to obtain the student visa.

How much Spanish will I learn?

Of course, depending on how long of a study abroad you plan to do, and in what context, this may change somewhat.  The important thing to remember is to make the most of your time.  Every day you will be in new and different situations, you will pick up new and different ways to express yourself in Spanish, and with a little practice and perseverance, you will go far.  Try not to be too hard on yourself at first.  You will probably understand a lot more than you can speak.  That happens to everyone. Try not to worry about making a mistake or saying something wrong. People will most likely understand you, and respond to you in kind.  The most important thing is to speak, read, listen, and write in Spanish as much as you possibly can.

How much money do I need to bring?

Spain is much less expensive than many European countries, but much depends on your living habits and priorities.  Here is a list of some items and how much they cost. 

 

What is the best accommodations option for me?  

Choosing the right accommodations is important to your happiness for your stay.  Although not every option below may be available in the program that you have chosen, keep in mind these pointers when making your decision:

·          Host families are a fantastic option, especially if you enjoy learning about the daily practices of a culture, you enjoy spending time with people of all ages, your main goal is to learn Spanish, and you are easygoing, and flexible.

·          Student residences are the way to go if you prefer to live surrounded by other students, both international and Spanish, and have an active social life, as well as easy access to study halls, internet, etc.

·          Shared student apartments are best for more independent students who may like to cook for themselves, or have a bit more privacy.

Will I have culture shock?

Culture shock happens to almost everyone who travels to a different country for the first time.  The first few days are challenging, even in the best possible circumstances.  Feeling overwhelmed, lonely, or like you want to go home are common and completely understandable.  Try to be patient, and take good care of yourself, and to maintain an objective eye on your new surroundings.  Also, try to keep yourself busy during the first few weeks that you are in Spain.  Meeting new people, seeing new things, getting to know in depth your new environment will help you assimilate and adjust rapidly, and will also keep you from sinking into the blues or feeling lonely.

How will I get to classes?

If you are in an on campus residence hall, you will likely be walking to and from classes each day.  If you are living off campus, walking may still be an option.  If not, there is a very well developed bus line in all Spanish cities, and buses always have a line that goes to the university.  If you are in Madrid or Barcelona, you will also become accustomed to getting around on the metro.  The metro in  both cities is extensive and very user friendly.  Remember that cities in Spain are pretty compact, and there are many people who get around on foot or in public transportation.  Both methods are reliable and comfortable. 

Should I open a bank account in Spain? 

Depending on how long you plan to be in Spain and if you are coming from a country that does not use the euro, it may be a good idea to open up a Spanish bank account.  Many Spanish banks have special rates for students, and are used to working with international clientele.  If you plan to be in Spain for a semester or year long program, it may be more economical to transfer money from your home account to your Spanish bank account in bulk, rather than simply extracting money from your home bank account as needed.

What do I do if I get sick?

Hopefully you will not need to see a doctor while you are in Spain, but if you do need to see one, don¿t worry.  You will be covered with an insurance either contracted out in your home country or with the medical insurance that Estudiafuera provides.  In many cases there will be an infirmary that you can go to on campus, and if not, you may acquire the name of the clinic assigned to you either at your university or by calling us here at Estudiafuera. 

What do I need to bring?

Try not to bring too much, as traveling with lots of baggage is uncomfortable, and in the end, unnecessary.  If you are going to be in Spain for an extended period of time, be sure to contact your airline to ask what the weight limit is for baggage on the flight you will be taking.  Consult the weather for the city where you will be studying.  The weather changes drastically from one region of Spain to another.

Here are a few things that you might want to consider:

·          Flip flops for wearing around the house (Spaniards do not typically go barefoot in their homes and may think it unsanitary to do so)

·          Backpack- one that is big enough for a weekend trip

·          Walkman or MP3 player

·          Comfortable walking shoes

Should I bring my laptop?

Having a laptop is not necessary.  All programs are in universities or institutes that have a computer lab and ample space for completing assignments, writing papers, checking e-mail, etc.  Since a laptop is an added weight, if you can do without it, it is probably best to leave it at home.

Do my student loans or scholarships apply to my study abroad?

Most colleges and universities will allow you to use federal grants or loans for the purpose of studying abroad, but typically not scholarships or university grants.  Be sure to speak with the financial aid office to see what is available to you.  The majority of the universities that Estudiafuera works with are either recognized by the Spanish Ministry of Education or they are affiliated with American universities, so it should be relatively easy to prove the validity of your program.

What is the food like in Spain?

Spaniards follow a Mediterranean diet, with typically simple dishes that are tasty and healthy.  There are, however, some differences in diet that you may notice.  Breakfast is typically light, with coffee, and toast, or a croissant, and juice.  Lunch is the largest meal of the day, and dinner is relatively light compared with other cultures.  Each region has distinct specialty dishes.  Things you will see regularly and should try are tortilla (Spanish dish made with eggs and potatoes), paella (rice dish with seafood, and a variety of other ingredients, not for those who are not a bit brave about seafood, as there are many crustaceans that are uncommon to many palettes), embutido (Spanish antipasti, salami, chorizo, etc.), croquetas (fried potato dumplings that have ham or other ingredients), jamón serrano (Spanish ham is quite distinct and considered a delicacy), gazpacho (cold tomato soup). 

How do I communicate with my family and friends while in Spain?

If you are planning to be in Spain for an extended period of time, you may want to consider purchasing a cell phone (movil) once you arrive.  In Spain, they have a great system.  You do not have to sign any contract, you just purchase a pre-paid phone card with your phone, and each time the money on your card runs out,  you can purchase more.  You may recharge your phone card in any number of places around town, including at ATMs, in supermarkets, in many internet cafés, as well as the telephone stores.  The most popular cell phone companies are Vodafone, Movistar, and Amena.  You can buy a relatively inexpensive phone in Spain for around 40 to 50 euros.  With these phones, it is expensive to call directly to the US, but your friends and family can call you, and there will no charges to you. 

If you are not going to be in Spain for very long, keep in mind that you will have access to internet at your school.  If not, internet cafés are always an easy option.  Many internet cafés also have phone booths for making international calls at a relatively inexpensive rate. 

Still have questions?  We will help you answer them!  Call us  +34 91 297 0305 or write us an e-mail at info@estudiafuera.com !