Escuela Superior

de Español de Sagunto

SURVIVAL GUIDE

Packing up your life and moving to another country for a year can be a daunting and even scary experience. However, it can also be a very exciting and fun adventure.

You are about to embark on an adventure at Escuela Superior de Español de Sagunto. Most of this adventure involves figuring out some things on your own and experiencing mishaps, but we decided to give you some packing guidelines and some helpful hints that we hope will make the start of your adventure more enjoyable and a little less stressful.

Think of it as a set of guidelines or suggestions, not rules. Enjoy and don't be afraid to try new things, have crazy adventures, and learn Spanish!

From,Returned ACA students who know what you will be going through

DEAR FUTURE ACA SPAIN STUDENT,

CLOTHESThere are great sales at the shopping centers, and it is nice to buy new things, so don't bring too many clothes.

CHURCH CLOTHESIt is relatively casual all year, especially in the summer. For women, skirts with nice shirts or sundresses and sandals are fine. For men, polo shirts and khakis are fine.

FLIP-FLOPSThere are community showers definitely in the men’s dorm and private bathrooms for the girls, so bring flip flops! You will also need them for the beach.

THE ESSENTIALS: CLOTHES

EXERCISEThere is a gymnasium with sports, and there is an aerobics class. Bring tennis shoes and modest exercise clothes. You will also have the beach down the road to go swimming, so make sure to bring a swimsuit.

SEASONAL WEAR A lightweight rain jacket, lightweight fleece jacket, waterproof athletic shoes and quick-dry base layers are great for traveling light and fast. They have mild winters, but you might want to pack for everything in case you travel to a cold place.

DRESS CODEYou can wear what you want at the school—there is not a specific dress code. However, try not to bring expensive clothing or anything that requires dry cleaning.

THE ESSENTIALS: CLOTHES

January February March April May June

41-60 42-63 46-67 49-70 56-75 63-82

July August September October November December

68-87 70-88 64-82 57-75 48-67 43-61

Average Low and High Temperatures in Sagunto, Spain (˚F)

SCHOOL SUPPLIES You can find whatever you need regarding school supplies at the local stores, but they are more expensive than in the US. Regular lined paper can be hard to come by (graph paper is more common) as well as agendas or planners.

SPANISH-ENGLISH DICTIONARYThe university will provide a large Spanish-English and a Spanish verbs book dictionary. If your first language is not English, you may want to bring a Spanish-native language dictionary.

BIBLEThe university will give you a Spanish Bible, but you may want to bring a Bible in your own language. It is also nice to have a dual-language Bible, but you should buy that before you go abroad.

DEVOTIONAL BOOK IN ENGLISH & SPANISHThe English devotional keeps your spirituality accessible and separate from the frustrations of another language. The Spanish devotional book will help you connect your spirituality with Spanish and help you learn religious words.

THE ESSENTIALS: SCHOOL

THE ESSENTIALS: ELECTRONICS

COMPUTER, IPOD, WEBCAM DEVICE Skype is one of the most convenient ways to keep in touch with loved ones while you’re abroad. You may need to bring a computer for school assignments.

EXTERNAL HARD DRIVE, FLASH DRIVEYou will need to make space for all the potential pictures and videos from your year. Having them backed up online can save a lot of trouble if these devices break or are lost or stolen. It would be a good idea to back up your files online.

CELL PHONESIf you have a factory unlocked smartphone (call your provider to make sure that your phone is unlocked), you can get a prepaid SIM card in town. All the major Spanish phone companies have reasonably priced travel plans for when you leave Spain. If you do not have a factory unlocked smartphone, you can buy a prepaid phone when you arrive and reload minutes/data as needed.

VOLTAGE CONVERTER/ADAPTER Voltage and outlets are different from the U.S. You can ruin your electronics if you don’t have a 220 volt converter and adapter. Bringing several adapters to keep with your different chargers / appliances is a good idea.

JOURNALYou’ll want this to keep track of your memories. You can also keep a photo journal of your experiences.

DIFFICULT TO FIND AND EXPENSIVEBatteries, shaving razors, makeup products, Advil, NyQuil/DayQuil, and cough drops (for stronger medication, a prescription is required).

PICTURES FROM HOMEPut them on your dorm wall! Your friends will love to see what your family looks like, and the pictures will help with homesickness.

RECOMMENDED

Students watching match in Barcelona

CREDIT CARD You need to have a credit card for some airlines because they won’t take a debit card.

BRING SNACKS Nutritious, compact snacks will be useful when traveling; these can be bought in Spain.

FEMININE HYGIENE PRODUCTS You will be able to go to Carrefour on a regular basis; you should not have to worry about bringing a year’s supply of products. However, your favorite brand names may not be in stock. If you are bringing a year’s supply of something, it would probably be deodorant.

BLOW DRYER AND FLAT IRONThese items may not work upon arrival due to power adapter issues. If so, you can buy them at Carrefour for a good price.

FOR THE LADIES

Students enjoying a nice day in Spain

INTERNETBring an Ethernet cord! Internet can be unreliable. If you try to Skype, it can be difficult. It depends on how many people are using the internet, so early in the morning and late at night are better.

THEFTBe aware of your surroundings when in the city because there will be people who will want to take your stuff. Your rooms are key locked, but there is a possibility of theft if you keep your door unlocked.

SMALL FIRST AID KITBasic first aid products come in handy for small emergencies.

CHECK YOUR COURSESMake sure you compare your courses with those of your home college and make sure that they will count for something when you get back.

GOOD TO KNOW: EVERYDAY

PACKAGESSome people will receive packages and some will not. The mailing system is very unreliable. There is no guarantee that it will make it. You may have to pay a duty when you receive it.

LAUNDRYThe laundry machines and hard water are rather tough on clothes and will slowly degrade everything you own. There are a couple of washers/dryers. You can do as many loads as you want in the dorm for free, detergent can be purchased at Carefour.

RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES There is a recreational period in the evening where you can play basketball, soccer and volleyball. If you are interested in playing these sports, bring appropriate gear because there are tournaments where you can play against other teams from other schools and churches. There is also a workout room that is pretty decent.

INTEGRATE YOURSELFCAS is an awesome school, but you will be tempted to spend most of your time with other Americans. You will have to make a strong effort to spend more time with the locals. Going to church and talking with the locals is a great way to practice Spanish.

GOOD TO KNOW: EVERYDAY

LEARN THE BASICSAll instructions and classes are in Spanish from the start. You will be somewhat confused and overwhelmed if you do not know some Spanish before you arrival.

TEACHERSAll of the teachers are very friendly. A majority of the teachers speak English fluently and are more than willing to help explain concepts in English as well as Spanish.

YOUTH EVENTSThe church youth group is very active. If you would like to participate in local youth group events, the church youth Facebook page posts information about events.

MUSICAL OPPORTUNITIESThe university has two different choirs as well as a full symphony orchestra that ACA students can participate in. If you would like to play in the orchestra, plan to bring your instrument. The university has a few instruments available to rent if you cannot bring your own.

CAFÉThere is small café on campus where you can buy snacks, pastries, ice cream, breakfast sandwiches, decaf coffee and more.

GOOD TO KNOW: EVERYDAY

CREDIT/DEBIT CARDS: They are necessary for buying plane and train tickets. They are great for emergencies. Make sure you’ve notified your bank because some banks will freeze the card as soon as they see international transactions. Be aware of fees for withdrawals and card usage in stores. Withdrawing a larger amount of cash is more economical than withdrawing a little bit at a time. Ask your bank for a card with a chip in it – these are more commonly used in Europe.

EXCHANGE RATEhttp://www.xe.com/currencyconverter/convert/?Amount=1&From=EUR&To=USD

EXCHANGING MONEYDo not exchange money at the airport, their rates are not the best. The school exchanges money every Tuesday at better rates.

GOOD TO KNOW: MONEY

OTHER IMPORTANT DOCUMENTSMake sure you have all your papers when you arrive and when you leave Spain (passport, visa, birth certificate, etc.). During the year, make sure all documents are stored in an inconspicuous, locked area. Make and keep copies of all important documents.

GOOD TO KNOW: DOCUMENTS

Students riding a camel in Morrocco

PASSPORTSKeep your passport with you at all times while traveling. Do not leave it unattended. It should be kept in a safe place while traveling and during your stay at the dorms. Some trips may not require passports as you will not be leaving the country.

BACKPACKHave a good quality travel backpack. Do not bring one over 50 pounds because it is hard to carry it.

SLEEPING BAGLightweight sleeping bag or liner. If you don’t bring one, the school will provide you with one.

WATER BOTTLEThese are actually hard to find if you are a brand loyalist.

UTENSILS Have a lightweight spork, plastic knife, and plate with you to make “on the go” meals. It is much cheaper than eating out all the time.

TRAVEL ESSENTIALS

EMERGENCY CLOTHES Pack a couple days of clothes in your carry-on bag in case your luggage gets lost.

CHECK LUGGAGE WEIGHT BEFOREHANDIf you travel discount airlines, you will be heavily charged if your luggage is even a few ounces overweight. Use a backpack because it is more flexible when stuffing it into overhead compartments.

APPSFor getting around: Rome to Rio, Google offline MapsFor paying friends: Venmo, Squarecash, Snapcash, and Facebook Messenger

THINK AHEAD Plan everything in advance. Book everything you can in advance. Everything will generally be cheaper and more available weeks in advance.

SCHEDULE IT OUTTriple check dates on tickets before buying them. It is very hard or impossible to change and it will ruin your trip. Enjoy your travels, but be aware of your surroundings. Have a simple watch to keep track of time. Choose an efficient travel route, plan trips to multiple countries in the most direct route possible.

DO NOT OVER PLAN YOUR TRIPSChoosing too many destinations is more expensive, more stressful, and less enjoyable than spending more time in a few places.

EXPLORE EVERYTHINGCities are great, but over time you will see that they are a lot alike. Get out in nature and see the natural wonders of your destination. There will be fewer tourists, it will be more relaxed, and the views will be more memorable.

THINK SMARTWhile at the beach, stash your wallet or other small valuables in a clean empty sunscreen bottle. Similarly, put emergency cash in an empty chapstick container and always keep it in your pocket. It will not draw any attention and you will always have money on you just in case.

TRAVEL TIPS

HAND SANITIZER/TOILET PAPERHave hand sanitizer and toilet paper at all times.

PLACES TO STAYstay at other ACA schools when possible. If not, try Airbnb which is a lot cheaper and nicer than hostels.

ARRIVE EARLYArrive at plane, train and bus stations at least an hour early.

KEEP YOUR MEMENTOSSave all the ticket stubs, maps, pamphlets and hard material you get. This will be invaluable to you when you want to remember your travels after you get back.

FIRST AID KITPut together a small first aid kit containing aspirin, Dramamine, anti-diarrhea medication, a small roll of athletic tape, moleskin, band aids, Neosporin, and butterfly closures. Airborne is always a great defense against colds.

TRAVEL TIPS

SKIINGThere may be an opportunity to go skiing, so take skiing equipment if you have it.

CAMPOUTThere is a school campout. You will need a sleeping bag and some kind of sleeping wear. It is in a camping area, but you will stay in cabins.

FORMAL DRESS WEARThere is one formal night that is like a banquet where you dress up with a shirt and tie/dress with heels.

CAS SPECIAL EVENTS

Sheets (no comforter)

Pillows

A desk, shelves, and closets

A nice kitchenette with stove top and microwave

You will need to bring a towel and washcloth

WHAT’S PROVIDED

BE NICEWhen needing to talk to advisors, teachers or even peers at the school, it is more likely that they will help if you are nice first. Outside of school, try not to argue with vendors; just smile, disconnect eye contact, and keep walking if you are not interested in their merchandise.

BE FRUGALEveryone's financial situation is different, but the more money you can hang on to, the more confident you will be when traveling. Always try to find good deals and live cheaply. Occasionally, it is fun to splurge on a nice dinner, show, or clothing item.

TALK TO PEOPLEOne of the best ways to learn about the local culture is by chatting with people on transportation, or in markets. They will have plenty of questions to ask you as well.

ENJOY YOURSELF