Frequently Asked Questions
Nov 11, 2009BEFORE YOU LEAVE THE USA
1. Copy your
passport (bring one copy)
2. Copy your credit
and debit cards
3. Call your credit
card and debit card companies to tell them you will be in Spain from May 11 to
June 13.
4. Be sure the
program director has your emergency numbers and cell phone number
Should I get a youth hostel membership?
Probably yes. This will let you stay in youth hostels all
over the world. They can be the cheapest accommodations for student travelers.
See http://www.hiusa.org/
WHAT TO BRING
What we should bring with us?
Comfortable clothing.
Comfortable shoes for walking. Something to remind you of home and friends if you
get lonely.
What is the weather like in Salamanca in May and June?
Be prepared for variable weather
in May, average 14 degrees C. June may be hot during the day and cool at night, average 18.4 degrees C.
How much we should pack?
As little as possible. Spain is
warm and comfortable in May and June, maybe a little hot. One large suitcase
and one carry on like a backpack are sufficient. You have laundry facilities in
the dorm. You need to leave room to bring back souvenirs. It is better to buy
an extra cheap bag for the return than to carry two on the way over. Remember,
you have to lug these things around the airport, train station, and Salamanca
unless to take taxis everywhere.
Do we need a computer?
A laptop computer is convenient
to use in Salamanca at the University. You will have access to cable and
wireless in the dormitory rooms. Computers are available in the dorm
rooms.
Will we have computer access at the Neuroscience
Institute?
Yes
Do we need towels and sheets?
No
Do
we need to buy a plug/electrical converter? YES
You will need an adapter for the
plug. Spain uses two round prongs, not the standard US plug.
You may also need a transformer
to cut 220V to 110V. Most computers and phone chargers use 100-240V input. USA
uses 120V but Europe mainland uses 220V. Check the input voltage range for your
appliances. If your hair dyer only takes 110-120V it will fry if you do not use
a transformer.
If so, where can they be purchased?
In Salamanca, they are 1€ at small electric shops. In the USA, go to Radio Shack; Best Buy, or
airports. Or other places on the web
See http://goeurope.about.com/cs/electricity/l/bl_electricity.htm
How much spending money we should bring?
This is a personal decision that
depends on how much shopping, traveling, and eating out you plan to do.
Is food included in the bursar payment?|
Yes. Your food is included in
your room and board payment. But….You will need money to eat in restaurants or
tapas bars.
THE DORMITORY
Residencia San Narciso
http://www.residenciahelmantica.es/index_sannarciso.htm
Calle de Narciso nº 8, down the street from the Fonseca (Colegio Arzobispo Fonseca), 37007 – Salamanca,
Tfno/Fax: 923 261 943
residenciahelmantica@ono.com
When you arrive in Salamanca, take a taxi (or walk) to the dormitory. It works like a hotel. They will have your reservation and will check you in and give you keys.
What is the method of access to building and rooms?
They will have an individual key for the room and for the
building so they can get in and out at anytime.
Can a friend or family member spend the weekend in the dormitory room?
Not really. After 23:00 non-residents
are prohibited in the rooms. So, unfortunately friends or family will have to
stay elsewhere.
Is there other security?
There is a receptionist during
the day and a security guard at night.
How does the food service work? Hours?
Cafeteria style service
breakfast 7:30-9:00 am, saturday and sunday 10:00 a 11:00
lunch: 13:30 - 15:00 pm
dinner 21:00- 22:30 pm
if someone needs to change the schedule it can be done if noticed in advance
How does the internet access work? Is there wireless?
The rooms have a PC and there is also a wireless
service.
Will the students have double or single rooms?
So far, there are single rooms free, so they can choose
to be single or share (The director should you provide a list ASAP, otherwise
they will have to go to double)
How are rooms assigned?
The director will provide a list.
How much does laundry cost there? Is there a place to
do it in the dorms?
I found at least one coin
operated laundry on Google. The web site for the dorm says that laundry service
is provided, but it is oes not self service. "Complete laundry
including (washed and ironed) for personal clothes and bed linen. We give back
your washed and ironed clothes to you." See: http://www.residenciahelmantica.es/index_sannarciso.htm
The cost is €30 for the five week period.
Walking Directions to Dormitory at Calle de Narciso, 8
37007, Salamanca, Spain
About 2.5 km (1.5 miles), 35 min.
Walking Directions
Start address: Salamanca Train Station Calz de Medina 7
37004 Salamanca, Spain
End address: Calle de Narciso, 8 37007, Salamanca, Spain
Link to map:
Start at: Salamanca Train Station Calz de Medina 7 37004
Salamanca, Spain
1. Head southwest on Plaza de la Estación toward Calle de
los Zúñiga - 44 m
2. Continue on Paseo de la Estación - 0.6 km
3. Continue on Plaza de España/SA-804 - 63 m
4. At the traffic circle, take the 3rd exit and stay on
Plaza de España/SA-804 - 0.1 km
5. Turn left at Calle del Toro - 0.5 km
6. Cross Plaza Major to opposite corner - 0.2 km
[the Google map does not know how to cross the plaza]
10. Continue past Burger King on Calle de Prior -
64 m
12. Cross street to Plaza de Monterrey - 10 m
13. Turn right at Plaza de las Agustinas - 79 m
14. Go up hill at Calle de Ramón y Cajal - 0.2 km
15. Turn left at Calle de Fonseca - 0.2 km
16. Continue on Calle de García Tejado - 0.2 km
17. Turn left at Calle de San Silvestre - 44 m
18. Turn right at Calle de Narciso Destination will
be on the right - 27 mArrive at: Calle de Narciso, 8 37007, Salamanca, Spain
WHAT TO DO
Are there certain things or sites that you recommend
that we see / do?
Absolutely. The afternoon walk
around Salamanca is mandatory. Afternoon is until sunset at 10 pm.
For more ideas, see: http://www.spain.info/us/tourspain or http://www.aboutsalamanca.com/
What are tapas?
The tapa are bar food
that come with a drink. Tapas are a cheap way to eat in Spain. The food is in
display cases on top of the bar. You order a drink and get something to eat
with it. Pointing is OK. The price depends on the drink more than the tapa.
OUT OF TOWN TRIPS
Will there be organized trips to destinations outside
of Salamanca?
Yes. Dr. Oliver will take a group to the museums in Madrid.
Madrid, Avila, Segovia, Teledo, Lisbon, Barcellona and Balboa are highly recommended.
Join the Hostelling International USA before you depart the USA. http://hiusa.org/
Hostels are cheaper than hotels. International hostel bookings are at http://www.hihostels.com/
Helpful hint: Spanish travel agents may be able to get you a great deal in a hotel with discounts below internet prices.
BUS and TRAIN
For travelling to Avila, Madrid, Segovia, Valladolid the bus company is Auto-res
http://www.avanzabus.com/web/
For travelling by bus to Zamora there is a company called Zamora-Salamanca S.A., but for travelling there and to other destinations you need to buy the tickets directly in the bus station. Bus Station Salamanca Tlf.: 923 22 01 87
Finally, the website for the train services is http://www.renfe.es/
MONEY
How much do we need in our accounts to make up for the
exchange rate?
The US dollar is now worth less
than a Euro (€), the currency used in Spain. For the current exchange rate from
dollars to Euros, see: http://www.xe.com/ucc/
Today, April 22, 2009, $1.00 = €0.76 and €1.00=$1.33
How should I exchange money in Spain?
Use a debit or credit card in an
ATM at a major bank. ATMs are everywhere, just like here.
CLASSES
What is our class schedule like?
Each class is Mon-Th.
See websites for lecture
schedule.
Spanish 1193 from 12-14.
Neurobiology of Hearing Meds
5377 is after lunch 17-19 (negotiable)
What is our schedule really like?
Sleep
Light breakfast of café con
leche and croissant 8-10
Big Spanish lunch in the
cafeteria 14-16
Afternoon walk and tapas 19-21;
entertain visiting professors from UK or UCONN
Note: Sunset will be around 21
Small dinner (if necessary)
after 21
Disco and clubs open at midnight.
CELL PHONES
All students must have a cell phone that functions within Spain so that we can reach you. If you do not already have a cell phone that works in Spain, We will provide one for you in Salamanca. We collected money for this in your fee. Here is how it works, the phone has a SIM card with a spanish phone number. It is a pay as you go system. You buy more minutes at the phone store or shops in Spain. ATMs can be used to charge phones if you have a Spanish ATM card. Each card is for a specific network and the rates are set by the local network provider.
Vodafone is the biggest provider in Spain, and they own Verizon here. Movistar
is another provider. There will be one rate for local calls in Spain and a
higher rate for international calls. Usually you can get a lower rate for a
specific country like the USA when you register for that country.
Only GSM phones with SIM cards will work in Europe. This excludes most USA phones except Iphones and some Blackberrys. Iphones can use WiFi. Calls from these phones may not be cheap. Be sure that your phone is unlocked if you want to buy a Spanish SIM card with a Spanish phone number. Note, that when you take the Verizon SIM card out of your international Blackberry, you lose the Verizon international data and internet service and your Verizon phone number. You can find places to buy SIM cards on the web.
Can I buy or rent a cell phone here to take to Spain?
Yes.
Cheap international phones are only around $50 if you buy it here before you go. See: https://www.piccellwireless.com Or http://www.isiconnect.ekit.com/ekit/home Or http://www.vodafonerental.com/
WARNING - A phone without a Spanish phone number may be a problem and only good for roaming calls. Spanish numbers have the +34 country code.
ALTERNATIVES TO PHONE FOR INTERNATIONAL CALLS
See http://www.skype.com/
You will have an internet connection in your room and if you have speakers and microphone, you can use it to call the USA.
USEFUL LINKS
Madrid tourist guide http://www.madrid-tourist-guide.com/
Spain tours: http://www.spain.info/us/tourspain
