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language in context / spring 2012
program handbook


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CIEE Language in Context Program at the University of Alicante in
Alicante, Spain
Part I: The CIEE Program in Alicante ........................................................................................................ 3
WELCOME TO YOUR ADVENTURE IN SPAIN ....................................................................................... 3
YOUR HOST: THE UNIVERSITY OF ALICANTE ..................................................................................... 3
Academic Program ................................................................................................................................ 3
Language in Context Program: ............................................................................................................. 3
Academic Culture .................................................................................................................................. 4
THE CIEE PROGRAM .............................................................................................................................. 4
Departure and Arrival ............................................................................................................................. 4
Orientation ............................................................................................................................................. 5
CIEE Office in Alicante .......................................................................................................................... 6
Program Mailing Address ...................................................................................................................... 6
Computers, Internet & E-mail ................................................................................................................ 6
Online Pre-Departure and On-Site Orientations .................................................................................... 6
Online Language Placement Test.......................................................................................................... 7
Course Registration ............................................................................................................................... 7
Housing and Meals ................................................................................................................................ 7
Part II: Before You Leave Home ............................................................................................................... 11
A LOT TO LEARN ................................................................................................................................... 11
ESSENTIAL DOCUMENTS .................................................................................................................... 12
Passports ............................................................................................................................................. 12
Visas .................................................................................................................................................... 12
HEALTH AND INSURANCE .................................................................................................................... 14
Medical Facilities ................................................................................................................................. 15
Accident and Sickness Insurance ....................................................................................................... 15
PERSONAL FINANCES .......................................................................................................................... 16
Cost of Living ....................................................................................................................................... 16
MONEY AND BANKING .......................................................................................................................... 16
Bankcards ............................................................................................................................................ 16
Traveler's Checks ................................................................................................................................ 17
Credit Cards ........................................................................................................................................ 17
PACKING AND BAGGAGE ..................................................................................................................... 18
Gifts and Momentos from Home ............................................................................................................. 20
PREPARING FOR CULTURAL ADAPTATION ...................................................................................... 20
Part III: Living in Alicante ......................................................................................................................... 21
Meeting Spaniards ................................................................................................................................... 21
COMMUNICATIONS AND MAIL ............................................................................................................. 23
Cellular Telephones ............................................................................................................................. 23
Post Office and Mailing Procedures .................................................................................................... 23
GETTING AROUND ................................................................................................................................ 24
Safety Precautions .................................................................................................................................. 25
ILLEGAL DRUGS .................................................................................................................................... 26
DISMISSAL FROM THE PROGRAM ...................................................................................................... 26
VOTING WHILE ABROAD ...................................................................................................................... 26
EMERGENCY CONTACT INFORMATION ............................................................................................. 27
Part IV: Policies and Procedures ............................................................................................................. 27
A NOTE FROM CIEE .............................................................................................................................. 27
Credits and Grades ............................................................................................................................. 27
Conclusion: The Challenge Is Up to You ................................................................................................. 29
Part V: Additional Resources ................................................................................................................... 30
RECOMMENDED READING LIST ......................................................................................................... 30
WEBSITES .............................................................................................................................................. 32
RECOMMENDED PACKING CHECKLIST ............................................................................................. 33


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Part I: The CIEE Program in
Alicante
WELCOME TO YOUR ADVENTURE IN
SPAIN
Welcome to Spain! This country of 44 million
people shares the Iberian Peninsula with
Portugal and has always enjoyed an influx of
migrating people from many cultures. Many of
these cultural groups settled in the Iberian
Peninsula, as they could not travel further west
by land, resulting in the richest cultural diversity
of the western European countries. Today Spain
is a constitutional monarchy that presides over
culturally and linguistically diverse "autonomous
regions. The fourth largest country in the
European Union (EU), Spain is rich in traditions,
with a vibrant and varied social and cultural
scene.
The city of Alicante, with a population of
approximately 375,000, rests in the
southeastern region of the Spanish
Mediterranean Rim. Alicante, the capital of the
province of Alicante, generally enjoys mild
winters and serves as a popular resort year-
round. Surrounded by hills of barren rock, two of
which are crowned with castles (Saint Barbara
and Saint Ferdinand), Alicante's tropical shore is
lined with palms, coves and sandy beaches. The
Medieval city with its "Casco Antiguo or "Barrio
(old section of town) has grown to become the
fifth largest metropolitan area in Spain, whose
major industries include metals, textiles,
furniture, shoes, tourism, pharmaceutical
products, and a service economy based on the
millions of vacationers that visit the Costa
Blanca Seashore.

Participants say...
When you arrive, take a deep breath, and be patient. The
language barrier can be difficult at first, but be confident.
You'll learn a lot pretty quickly, but not overnight.
Once you decide you are going, start saving money--you will
need it!

YOUR HOST: THE UNIVERSITY OF
ALICANTE
The University of Alicante, is located in San
Vicente del Raspeig, about 4 miles west outside
of the city of Alicante, is one of Spain's newest
universities. Its 35,000 students are enrolled in a
wide range of disciplines divided in 12 Colleges
and many Schools and Departments. The
university of Alicante campus is a 30-35 minute
bus ride from the center of town (depending on
traffic), and other bus routes go directly to the
University from the 4 cardinal points of the city of
Alicante (25-30 minute bus ride).
A new city tram is under construction all over the
city of Alicante that will provide additional local
transportation opportunities to & from the
Universidad de Alicante campus in the future.
Academic Program
The programs in Alicante are designed to help
you speak and write Spanish fluently through
classroom instruction and direct contact with
Spain and its institutions: family, university, and
society. They also allow you to study academic
subjects from a Spanish and European
perspective and to experience Spanish culture
by interacting with Spaniards through a wide
range of extracurricular activities offered in the
evening and during the weekend.
Students on all three semester programs take
an intensive language course during the first two
weeks on site. Placement in different sections is
based on the results of an Online Language
Placement Test that students take before theya
arrive in Alicante, Results of the intensive cycle
language course determine the student's
language level for the language classes during
the intensive and regular cycle.
Language in Context Program:
The Language in Context program is designed
for students who have completed two or less
semesters of college level Spanish. After the
language intensive course, LIC students will
enroll in two regular language courses and take
two area studies courses in English offered
through CIEE or the University of Alicante's
Economics Department International Business
Programme.
The Language in Context Program provides
students interested in boosting their Spanish
language competence the best opportunity to do
so while, at the same time,becoming highly
integrated into Spanish society.
On the LIC program, CIEE classes are taken
with other CIEE students only. Students may
take classes with Spanish and other
international students if they take the IBP
courses in English at the Universidad de
Alicante.


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Academic Culture
Teaching methods are quite different from what
you are used to in the United States. In Spain
there tends to be less discussion and more of an
emphasis on memorization. This is the standard
approach used in most European universities.
Despite this situation, all professors who teach
at the CIEE Study Center in Alicante have
adjusted their instruction to the US teaching
methodology standards.
In addition, relationships between students and
teachers are more formal. Behavior that is taken
for granted as normal in the United States may
be considered rude in Spain. Examples of this
include chewing gum in class, spreading your
belongings across two desks, wearing baseball
caps inside, putting your feet up on another
desk, or drinking and eating in class.
Faculty
The highly qualified professors are based at the
University of Alicante. Many are nationally and
internationally recognized as experts in their
fields. The CIEE Alicante academic team is
formed by a dynamic group of instructors and
professors who are responsible for the academic
learning atmosphere in the center.
Class Hours
CIEE students take classes 5 days a week
(Monday through Friday) during the Intensive
Cycle. During the Regular Cycle, students must
expect elective classes to be held Monday
through Thursday with an open schedule
between 11am to 7pm. Language classes will
meet Monday through Friday from 9am to 11am.
Spanish Only
Students will be expected to speak as much
Spanish as possible. This may be somewhat
challenging at first, but has proved to be highly
beneficial for students of all levels. The
immersion portion of the program is an essential
part of the program.
On the Language in Context program in
Alicante, students can participate in the "Mio
Cid Language Commitment Program. Students
that wish to be a "Rodrigo or a "Jimena pledge
to speak only Spanish in their language classes,
attend one CIEE sponsored activity a month,
meet with an intercambio on a weekly basis, and
write about their experiences in the Language in
Context Language Class Blog.



Libraries
CIEE students will have access to the
university's main library as well as the smaller
departmental libraries on campus, and all of
their services, from Internet access to online
resources. Students will also have access to the
wireless system of the Universidad de Alicante
once they register for it upon arrival.
There is also a small library located at the CIEE
center for students to access. This library
contains books, DVDs and CD-Rom programs.
Meeting Other Students
Although the CIEE courses are for CIEE
students only, almost all of your classes will be
held in buildings filled with Spanish university
students. Remember that the Universidad de
Alicante has around 35.000 students. Taking
part in student activities on campus is a great
way to meet Spanish students. Signs
announcing student activities (films, concerts,
conferences, workshops, sports clubs, parties,
etc.) are posted throughout all the university
buildings, as well as in the CIEE office. You will
be informed of upcoming through weekly e-mail
messages, and encouraged to participate.
Another important feature to meet students is by
taking part in the CIEE Alicante Intercambio
Program.

Participants say...
Take advantage of intercambios, sessions where you help a
Spanish peer practice English, and he or she helps you
practice Spanish. They are really helpful in learning the
language and the slang and in making friends.
Balance is the key: how much to socialize, how much to
study. You ultimately choose how much you will learn.
Spanish does not just come through osmosis; if you study,
make Spanish friends, and make an effort to speak Spanish
most of the time, you WILL learn a lot!

THE CIEE PROGRAM
Departure and Arrival
How do I get there?
The cost of transportation to and from the
program is not included in the CIEE program
fee. Students should make their flight
reservation to arrive on the date and time
indicated in the Program Details section of the
CIEE Enrollment Download Center Those
students whose arrival coincides with the
indicated times will be greeted by the CIEE
Resident Staff.


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Travel Arrangements
Please schedule your arrival according to the
orientation dates and times specified in the
Program Details page of the enrollment website.
Do not make plans to leave early from the
program site.

Buying a ticket
Student tickets are good because they are
cheap and the fees to change the tickets are
normally pretty low in comparison to regular
tickets (i.e. to change the date that you return
from Spain).
You may also book tickets directly through the
airlines, many of which offer discounted prices
on their websites. Iberia, Air Europa, British
Airways, Lufthansa, KLM, United, Continental
and Delta are some of the airlines that fly to
Spain. Also, the following websites may be
useful when searching for airlines and fares to
Alicante:
http://www.expedia.com/;
http://www.travelocity.com/;
http://www.flycheap.com/; or
http://www.orbitz.com/.
In the past, some students travelling to Europe
have been denied boarding by their airline when
they attempted to travel with a one way ticket.
We strongly recommend that all students travel
with a round trip ticket. For students who are
unsure of their plans at the end of the program,
we recommend researching fairs with low
change fees so that the ticket may be changed
later.

Inform CIEE of your Travel Arrangements
Please complete the CIEE Online Flight Arrival
Survey located on your MYCIEE online
Checklist. All itineraries are collected and sent to
the resident staff so they know when students
are expected to arrive.

* Tip: Arrival Date

Remember, that arrival date in Spain
is the day after the date you leave
the U.S. Please make sure you communicate
the correct arrival date.

What happens when I arrive?
Group Pick-ups: There are three group pick-
ups at the Alicante airport scheduled for
students who fly into Alicante on the scheduled
arrival date; please consult the Program Details
for the specific date and time. Student will be
received by CIEE staff and University of Alicante
local students [Spanish Helpers] who collaborate
with CIEE upon arrival at the Alicante Airport
Lost luggage: If your luggage is lost while
traveling to Alicante, please use the orientation
hotel information as your contact emergency
information. Besides, use the CIEE Alicante
emergency mobile as well as there will be no
staff members at the CIEE Alicante offices
during the orientation week since they will all be
at the orientation hotel.
Independent Travelers: If you miss or do not
meet the group pick-ups, you are responsible for
arriving at the orientation site on your own. The
easiest way to do this is to take a taxi from the
airport in Alicante to the orientation hotel. It
should cost approximately 20C-25C, depending
on where the orientation is held for your
program. Ask for a receipt (un recibo) in the
event that you want to verify the price that you
were charged and for safety reasons. If you feel
adventurous and confident, you can also take
the city bus (C-6 it takes 30-45min. from the
airport to downtown Alicante).

* Tip: E-mail / Phone home
Upon your arrival, you should plan
to let your parents know you arrived
safely. A brief e-mail message or a phone call
telling them that you have arrived and are fine
will relieve them of any worries. At this time you
can also pass along exact information on how
they may reach you. The orientation hotel has a
free wiffi system you can use if you bring a
laptop.
Orientation
It is required that all students attend the
orientation in Alicante. If you are delayed en
route to the orientation site, you must leave a
message with the CIEE home office or with the
resident staff in Spain as soon as you realize
you will be late. Contact information is available
on the Program Details.
During orientation, the resident staff provides a
structured introduction to the country, the
culture, and the academic program. They also
give you lots of practical information about living
in Alicante, including
x A review of emergency procedures
x Detailed information on health, well-being,
and safety issues




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x Academic information relating to the
program and the university
x Local tours and guided visits in order to
help with adjustment
x Discussion of the Housing Program and the
cultural differences you'll be facing in
relation to living with a Spanish family or
the student residence hall, to help prepare
you for your experience of living with your
host family or in the dorms. You will move
to your permanent housing in Alicante at
the end of the orientation.
CIEE Office in Alicante
Location: The new CIEE Alicante Study Center
is located on the north-west extension of the
University of Alicante campus, next to the
Faculty of Education and the Villauniversitaria
residence hall. The wheelchair accessible facility
consists of eight offices, two fully equipped
classrooms, a professor's lounge, space for
tutorials, and a reception area with two
computers and a printer available to students,
surrounded by a beautiful garden that you will
surely enjoy spending time in during your class
breaks.
Hours: the CIEE Alicante center facilities are
opened Monday through Thursday (9:00
6:00pm) and Friday (9:00 2:00pm).
CIEE Program Staff: Francisco Diez, the
Resident Center Director, appointed by CIEE,
supervises and administers the program. The
Resident Center Director can assist you with
academic, administrative, and personal matters.
In addition, Jennifer Holleyman is the Program
Resident Director, and there is a Student
Services Director,an Administrative Coordinator
and a Student Services program assistant who
work with the program.
Program Mailing Address
Your Name
CIEE Alicante Study Center
Villauniversitaria (Local 2)
Avenida Vicente Savall, 14-16
03690 San Vicente del Raspeig
Alicante, Spain
Computers, Internet & E-mail
Computers & E-mail: f you haven't already,
you may want to open an e-mail account before
arrival in Spain through Gmail, Hotmail or Yahoo
Mail, which are all accessible through the
computers available at the university, at the
CIEE Alicante Study Center, and throughout the
city at cyber cafes. There is no cost for students
to use the computers at the university or at the
CIEE Study Center; however you should take
into consideration that there are a limited
amount of computers. During orientation,
resident staff will be able to give you more
specifics.
Internet: All host families have an internet
connection at home. There is a free wifi system
all over the UA campus as well as places to
connect your laptop in the Main Library on
campus. There is also free Wi-Fi connection for
students at the CIEE Study Center.
Laptop: While a laptop is not required for the
program, past participants have strongly
recommended bringing a laptop to write papers
in the evenings and for connecting to the
internet at the university, in your homestay, or in
the dorms. It is really convenient to bring one if
you want to avoid lines at the computer centers
on campus.
If you plan to take a laptop, be sure you have
the appropriate electrical adapter. Additionally,
we recommend that any students taking a laptop
consider installing security/theft recovery
software. One example of this software is
Computrace LoJack for laptops, made by
Absolute software.

Printing: If you need to print out a document,
you will have to save it onto a USB pen drive
and take it to the CIEE facilities or to a
photocopy center or an internet caf to be
printed out. The computers in the libraries on
campus are not connected to printers.

Online Pre-Departure and On-Site
Orientations
Students begin their study abroad experience in
Alicante before even leaving homeby
participating in a CIEE Online Pre Departure
Orientation. Meeting with students online, the
Resident Director shares information about the
program and site, highlighting issues that alumni
have said are important, and giving students
time to ask any questions before leaving home.
The online orientation allows students to
connect with others in the group, reflect on what
they want to get out of the program, and learn
what others in the group would like to
accomplish. The CIEE goal for the pre-departure
orientation is simple: to help students
understand more about the program and site, as
well as their goals for the program, so that they
arrive to the program well-informed and return


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home having made significant progress toward
their goals.
Online Language Placement Test
In MID-NOVEMBER you will receive an email
with instructions on taking this test. Once you
receive the email notification that the OLPT has
begun.

The On-Line Language Placement Test (OLPT)
is designed to help the Alicante resident staff
place you into the Spanish language section for
the Intensive Session that best matches your
current level of Spanish. Test results will also
help us advise you on the types of classes you
should take during the regular university
session. The OLPT consists of four parts:
grammar, vocabulary, reading comprehension
and writing.

All students must complete the OLPT during the
specified test dates. Those who do NOT
complete the OLPT during the specified time risk
negatively affecting their course registration.

Please note that the results of this test will not
be sent to you prior to arrival in Alicante.
Students receive an initial diagnosis of linguistic
competence and some academic suggestions
for courses, ways to improve your skills, etc. All
students will be interviewed personally during
the first day of class to confirm or change the
initial Intensive Session placement.


Course Registration
You will pre-select your courses in late
November once the host universities have
confirmed their course listings for the Spring
2012 semester. In late November, you will find a
Course Pre-selection Reading in the readings
section of your MYCIEE Polaris account that
lists course offerings for the semester. This
reading will provide you with guidelines on how
to select your courses. It is highly recommended
that you consult with your home school
academic advisor when completing your course
preference form to be certain that you will
receive credit for the courses selected. Your
advisor will also be able to tell you whether or
not courses meet core or major requirements. It
is important that you fully understand the credit
transfer process of your home institution, prior to
your departure.
If needed, course descriptions can be found on
the CIEE website, and students may request
syllabi (electronic versions in English/Spanish)
from CIEE staff. Please check
http://syllabi.ciee.org. Submit the Course Pre-
selection Form to CIEE by the date specified on
your online account. The earlier you submit the
Course Pre-selection Form to CIEE the better
chance you have of enrolling in all of your first-
choice courses. If you return this form after the
specified deadline, you may find that your
preferred courses have already closed.
All students will be contacted once the course
reading and pre selection process becomes
available.
Course changes
Once in Alicante, you will be able to change your
course selection during the specified Add/Drop
period only if approved by CIEE staff and the
advisor from your home university. Add/Drop is
not for changes to courses days and times.
Housing and Meals
Living with Spaniards is one of the most
important parts of your learning experience in
Spain. We believe that if you are happy in your
living situation, your studies will progress faster
and your adjustment to living in Alicante will be
more rapid. It will also add to your understanding
of Spain and greatly enhance your overall
experience. On a daily basis you will be faced
with the challenge of adapting to another culture,
dealing with different mentalities and
encountering new ways of facing problems and
making decisions. You will be exposed to other
points of view and be closely involved with
people from a different culture.
Housing and all meals are included in the
program fees.
When will I receive my housing assignment?
Housing selection is determined according to the
information that you provide on the Housing
Survey you complete online, so please take the
time to fill this form out accurately. Because of
potential last-minute changes, you will not know
your housing address before you depart for
Spain. Please have your mail sent to the
program address at the university.
Students will receive their host family contact
information during the program orientation once
you arrive in Alicante.

What type of housing will I have?
Students on the Language in Context program
live with either a local host or in a student
residencia.


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Please note: Once you have opted for housing
in the residencias, before changing to a home
stay upon arrival and vice versa from a home
stay to a residencia , you need to discuss your
situation with the Student Services Director.

HOST FAMILY OPTION
You will live in a private, middle-class, close-knit
family where there are no other native English
speakers. Living in private homes is considered
the best housing option in Alicante because it
coincides with the program objectives. In
addition, during their 2
nd
semester, students in
the Academic Year program can choose to live
in apartments with Spanish-speaking students.
CIEE host families live throughout the city of
Alicante and the commute time between each
homestay varies. Commuting is an accepted
part of everyday life for those who live in
Alicante. Students take public transportation
to their classes, about a 20-35 minute bus
ride to the university. The bus ride to classes
is a great time to finish last minute homework or
reading!
Your room will contain a bed, linen and blankets,
a desk, and a place to keep clothing and books.
Your home will be clean and neat, but some
homes may be smaller or more crowded than
what you are used to at home. Don't expect the
same comforts that are taken for granted in U.S.
homes. In general, Spaniards are more
conservative with their use of water and
electricity. You will be responsible for the day-to-
day picking up of personal items in your room,
but you will not be expected to clean the house,
do your own laundry or prepare your own meals.
Be open-minded and enjoy the Spanish family
experience.
In Alicante, as in most of southern Europe,
central heating and air conditioning are rare.
During cold weather, your home will probably
use electric or gas space heaters that keep the
temperature around 65-70 degrees Fahrenheit.
One is usually in the bathroom and one is
usually in a central room of the house. It is not
common to have a heater in your room; instead,
you will be supplied with plenty of blankets to
keep you warm at night and we suggest that you
bring warm sleeping attire (long johns, sweat
pants, etc.), especially if you are susceptible to
the cold. Bring hard soled slippers and thick
socks to walk around the house because the
flooring in Spanish homes is generally ceramic
or marble tile and can be very cold. During warm
weather, ceiling fans and portable fans are
commonly used.
Water and electricity should be used wisely.
These resources are more expensive in Spain
than in the United States and Spaniards tend to
be more conscious about wasting precious
resources, especially water. Water is usually
heated by small butane gas or electrical water
heaters, which heat smaller amounts of water at
a time than we are accustomed to. Basically,
what this means is that to avoid getting a cold
shower, you will need to keep your showers
down to a maximum of eight minutes. It is
customary for Spaniards to turn the water off
when soaping up and shampooing.
How can I best get along with my host?
Of course you want to be well received by your
host family. It is important to remember that
although you will most likely be treated as
another member of the family, you will also be
treated to some extent as a guest in their home.
Be considerate of your host family and respect
their concerns, which may include the following:
x Phone ahead or leave a note if you will be
late coming home for a meal or if you will
be coming home late at night. Families
usually expect you to be home at a
reasonable hour on weeknights, so be
respectful of their concerns. It may make
your host parents uncomfortable to have
you coming and going at all hours of the
night on a regular basis.
x Respect your host family's belongings.
Remember to ask permission to use
stereos and other items.
x Be aware that it is not appropriate to enter
the bedrooms of members of the opposite
sex, even if they are brothers or sisters in
your host family.
x Don't leave things in the bathroom unless
advised to do so. Your host family will show
you where to leave them.
x f you smoke, ask where it's permissible.
x To feel secure in your new home, put your
valuables (money, travelers' checks,
passport, etc.) in a safe place.
x Do not lend money to or borrow money
from your host family. If you have a
monetary emergency, please discuss it with
the Resident Director.
Moving in will involve some adjustments that
may be hard at first. For example, imagine
yourself moving back with your own family to
live, particularly after having had
independence to do things without your
family's immediate influence. You may have a


9
similar experience once you move in with
your host family; however, you must be
prepared to live by your host's rules. Try to
handle difficulties that come up on your own.
Your hosts may not intuitively understand
your needs (for example, you may have
trouble finding space to store all you bring
with you), so communicate your concerns and
work things out with them. Only after
attempting to resolve any problems on your
own, should you ask for help from the
resident staff.
One discussion that is difficult to have, but which
students have said helps a lot, is to talk about
the hosts' expectations in having you stay with
them, and yours in wanting to stay there. Watch
out for a tendency to immediately criticize what
is different from your own standards. You may
have trouble accepting some things at first, but
at least try to understand and interpret them in
terms of societal and cultural differences.
Can I have guests?
If you are planning to have guests during your
stay in Spain, do not assume that they may stay
with you in your family housing. In most cases it
is preferable and most comfortable for
everybody, if friends and family stay in a hotel. If
your host family offers you to invite a family
member or friend to stay with you in their home,
be prepared to compensate them for the extra
expenses.
Upon moving in with your host family you should
discuss the issues surrounding having company.
Ask if you are allowed to have friends visit you,
and if so until what time they can stay, and do
they permit you to invite friends of the opposite
sex over. This does not mean sleeping over,
which is never permitted. Always ask your host's
permission before bringing a friend over to eat
lunch or dinner.

What about meals?
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are provided by the
host family and are included in the program fee.
As in the United States, the time that meals are
served and what is served varies from
household to household. If you do not like a
certain dish, say so. Families can be flexible and
adapt the meals to a certain extent to things you
like. You cannot, however, expect them to
rearrange their cooking for you nor can you
expect them to purchase special items for you
because of a special diet. You should receive
healthy meals and portions. If this is not the
case in your home, discuss it with the Student
Services Director.
You will be served 3 meals a day, 7 days a
week, for the duration of your stay. Snacks are
not included in your homestay; however, if you
feel the need to snack, there are plenty of local
markets, cafs and tapas bars where you can
purchase your own. Spanish meals are not
spicy-hot, they are seasoned; they are usually
mildly flavored and cooked with a lot of garlic
and olive oil. Many foods are fried in olive oil.
Typical meals include:
Desayuno (breakfast): Served before work or
school. This is the lightest meal of the day. A
typical Spanish breakfast may consist of coffee
or Cola Cao (hot chocolate), toast, sweet bread,
cookies (galletas), fruit, or yogurt.
Note that Spaniards typically to go to a bar or
caf for a mid-morning snack. This is not
included as one of your meals, but you may find
that this is a custom you adapt to easily. This is
a great way to meet Spanish students.
La Comida (lunch): Served between 2 and 3
pm. This is the heaviest meal of the day. You
should discuss this mealtime with your Seora.
It usually consists of vegetables, soups, fried,
grilled or stewed fish or meat, and salad. La
comida is sometimes followed by dessert (fruits)
and coffee. Most of the families occasionally or
regularly serve wine with meals.
La Cena (dinner): Served between 8 and 10
pm. This last meal of the day, served later than
most people from the United States are used to
eating, may consist of soup, fish,
sandwiches/snacks, and fruits.

*Tip: Try it!
Have an open mind and taste
everything you are offered before you
decide whether you like it. Spanish cuisine is
quite delicious, and you may miss out on a
wonderful culinary experience if you reject
something because you've never had it before.

What if I follow a special diet?
CIEE cannot guarantee that a home will provide
a vegetarian, macrobiotic, or other special diet. If
you have a medically certified diet, please notify
CIEE immediately. The Homestay Coordinator
will make every effort to find a suitable situation.
One thing to keep in mind is that the concept of
vegetarianism in Spain (and throughout Europe)
may differ from accepted "meat-free norms in
the US. Although vegetarian diets are becoming
more commonplace in parts of the country,
Spain is still very much a meat eating culture.



10
Many guidebooks now offer lists of vegetarian
restaurants throughout Spain to help travelers.
A good idea is to become familiar with the foods
of the regions so that you can be prepared!
With a little extra work and attention, it is
possible to live in Spain and remain vegetarian
(and healthy). A great resource on Spanish food,
Lonely Planet's World Food Guide: Spain, offers
an introduction to Spanish cuisine as well as
helpful pointers for those travelers with special
dietary needs.
UNIVERSITY DORMS
What type of housing will I have?
In the Villa Universitaria, you will have an
individual room and bathroom with a shared
kitchenette. Although most of the students are
native Spaniards, other foreign students
studying at the Universidad de Alicante
sometimes choose to live in the private dorms
as well.

The Villa Universitaria is located next to the
CIEE Study Center and Universidad de Alicante
campus in San Vicente del Raspeig, about 3
miles west of downtown Alicante, where most of
the homestay families are located. Students can
use public transportation when they plan to go to
and from the Alicante city center, which can take
between 20 and 35 minutes by bus. Students
can also take taxis when the busses stop
running at 10:30pm on weeknights (Sunday
through Thursday). The bus line from the
Alicante city center to the Universidad de
Alicante runs all night long (once an hour) on
Friday and Saturday nights.

What will my housing be like?
Your room will contain a bed, linens and
blankets, a closet, a desk, some shelves to store
books, and a cable internet DSL connection.
Your room will also have a phone where you can
receive incoming calls, but you cannot use it to
make outgoing calls.

Your room will be cleaned once a week, but you
will have to do your own laundry. You will have
access to coin-operated washers and dryers in
the laundry room.

Students living in the dorms also have access to
a communal TV room, a computer lab, a music
room, a study room, a socio-cultural and
formative activities room, a small fitness center,
an all-purpose sports court, and a swimming
pool.

Students can look on-line for more information
about the Villa Universitaria at the following
website: www.villauniversitaria.com

What about meals?
You will have a full meal plan (21 meals) served
in the cafeteria. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are
served according to the Spanish mealtimes. We
do not recommend living in the dorms if you are
a vegetarian as former students have informed
us that the meal options for vegetarians are not
adequate.

If you need to ask for a pack lunch to go on a
day trip on occasion, you can request this
service in advance.

What if I'm not happy with my housing?
It is important that students take this decision
very seriously. You will have a two week period
to decide whether you want to stay in the dorms
or move to a homestay. After this two week
period, it is not possible to change into a
homestay. Before choosing this option, all
students interested will be contacted by the
Student Services Director to discuss the
appropriateness of this option for the student.
If you are uncomfortable with your homestay
arrangements, please discuss the situation with
the Resident Director or Student Services
Director immediately. The students who lived
there before you have rated each house.
However, because a prior student has
recommended a house does not necessarily
mean it is the best place for you. If you have a
problem that cannot be worked out, the Resident
Staff will make every effort to move you to a
suitable homestay situation as soon as possible.
The CIEE staff is always available to help.
Living with Spaniards is one of the most
important parts of your learning experience in
Spain. On a daily basis you will be faced with
the challenge of adapting to another culture,
dealing with different mentalities, and
encountering new ways of tackling problems and
making decisions. You will be exposed to other
points of view and be closely involved with
people from a different culture. We believe that if
you are happy in your living situation, your
studies will progress faster and your adjustment
to living in Alicante will be easier. It will also add
to your understanding of Spain and greatly
enhance your overall experience.

Participants say...


11
Do not be afraid to speak up if you are unhappy about your
living situation. It is a really important part of your
experience, so talk to the resident staff if you have a
problem.
My family was very caring and nurturing. I always felt very
comfortable and welcomed around my family. They often
included me in family activities which made me feel like a
part of their family. My experience was wonderful and I have
no complaints at all. I wish I could enjoy more time with them
they're great!

Field Trips and Excursions
CIEE staff in Alicante plans one overnight trip,
one weekend trip and several day trips to
relevant and important cities or towns in the
province of Alicante and within Spain throughout
the term. The final schedule will be available
upon arrival in Alicante. These excursions are
optional (included in the fees) and every
participant is encouraged to attend them. A sign
up sheet will be available at the CIEE Alicante
Study Center to confirm your participation.
Student and Youth ID's
Anyone in Spain under the age of 25 may buy a
Carnet Joven for local and national travel and
entertainment discounts. The resident staff will
inform you about how to obtain this card during
orientation. This young card will enable you to
get important discounts when purchasing local
bus and train tickets, airfares and entrance to
museums, etc.

Part II: Before You Leave Home
A LOT TO LEARN
Preparing for study abroad entails a lot more
than just packing a suitcase. In fact, the thought
and effort you put into preparing yourself will
largely determine the success of the program
you are embarking upon. At CIEE, we will do
everything we can to provide you with the
information you require prior to departure. But
there is only so much we can do, and it is
important for you to recognize your own
responsibilities, which include:

Thoroughly discuss your study and travel
plans with your financial aid office, study
abroad office, and academic advisor.

Make any necessary arrangements for the
following academic year, including housing,
registration, and graduate school application. If
you are a senior, be sure to make necessary
arrangements for graduation.

Read all of the materials that CEE has
prepared for you, including this handbook.
Many of the questions that students ask are
answered in this handbook.

Do additional reading about the region/country
you will be visiting and the customs of the host
culture. While you couldn't possibly be
prepared for every new experience that awaits
you, reading about the host country will give
you a base of knowledge that will serve you
well in the early weeks of the program. (Refer
to the Reading List at the back of this
handbook for recommended reading.)

Arrive at the program site with an open mind,
a sense of adventure, and a positive attitude
toward what lies ahead.

In addition to these required steps, there is a lot
more we recommend you do to inform yourself
before you go.

Tap Other Resources
Other good ways to learn about your new home:
x Check your college or university study
abroad office for useful services and
information.
x Seek out Spaniards through cultural
organizations, international student
organizations, and Spanish or European
area studies departments or centers at your
college or university.
x Surf the Web. For some useful websites,
see the list at the back of this handbook.
x Check libraries for detailed information and
keep yourself informed of current events
through the news media.
x Consult the list of past program participants
on the Details page. They have agreed to
be contacted about their experience. Some
of their comments are interspersed
throughout this book.

Brush Up On Your Spanish
It is a good idea to sharpen your Spanish skills
before departing. Listening to Spanish tapes,
watching films, reading newspapers, and talking
to native speakers or fellow students are
excellent ways to do this.
Frequently, students who have studied Spanish
for several years are surprised to find that they
have difficulty understanding the language as


12
spoken by native speakers. This is quite normal.
In your foreign language class at home, you can
quickly catch your instructor's accent and other
personal speech characteristics. However, this
may not be possible once you go abroad and
are surrounded by native speakers. Don't worry:
it gets easier.

Participants say...
Don't think you will just absorb the language through
osmosis. You have to study in order to learn.

Check Travel Advisories
The U.S. government issues travel advisories
and consular information sheets for most
countries. This information may be heard
anytime by dialing (202) 647-5225 or at the
following website: travel.state.gov. You can also
get this information at any of the 13 regional
passport agencies, by writing and sending a
self-addressed, stamped envelope to the
Citizens Emergency Center, Bureau of Consular
Affairs, Room 4811, N.S., U.S. Department of
State, Washington, DC 20520.

Be Informed about Home, too
It is important that you be well informed about
your own country, region, and hometown. New
friends and acquaintances in your host country
will be just as curious about you as you are
about them. Be prepared to discuss your home
political system, culture, traditions, history,
holidays, geography, and social structures.
ESSENTIAL DOCUMENTS
When preparing to travel and live abroad, it is
essential that you obtain all the proper
documents prior to your departure. CIEE cannot
accept responsibility, financial or otherwise, for a
student who travels without the proper
documents.

*Tip: Take a lost passport kit
It happens. So save yourself a major
headache. Take with you two U.S.-
produced passport photos, a copy of your birth
certificate (which you can shrink to wallet size)
and the face page of your passport. Keep this
"lost passport kit separate from your actual
passport. Also leave one copy of the passport
face page with your parents or guardian and
give another copy to CIEE staff at the host site.
Passports
You must have a signed passport, valid for a
minimum of 6 months after the date you enter
Spain. If you do not have a passport, apply for
one immediately as the process can take
several weeks or even months. If you already
have a passport, be sure that it is valid for the
duration of your program plus any post-program
travel.
U.S. citizens applying for their first passports
must apply in person at a passport agency or at
one of the several thousand federal or state
courts or U.S. post offices authorized to accept
passport applications.

Information on passports can be found here:
http://travel.state.gov/passport/passport_1738.ht
ml


*Trap: Passport pitfalls
Under no circumstances should your
passport be altered. Guard it carefully
against loss or theft. Do not forget to
sign your passport. Never pack your passport in
luggage while traveling; it should be easily
accessible at all times.
Visas
A visa is an endorsement or stamp placed in
your passport by a foreign government allowing
you to enter and stay in that country for a
specified period of time.
Will I need a visa?
The Spanish government requires US students
studying in Spain for more than 90 days (3
months) to obtain a student visa. You must have
a student visa to register at the University. You
cannot obtain a student visa in Spain; you must
secure it from your country of origin before you
leave. Most student visas have a processing
time of 5-8 weeks- please plan accordingly!
Semester only students: If you are planning to
study abroad in Spain for one semester, you
should apply for a semester only visa. This visa
cannot be extended once a student is onsite.
After 180 days, the student must apply for
another visa in the US (if planning to stay in
Spain for another semester).
Yearlong students: If you are planning to study
abroad in Spain for the year, you should apply
for a year long visa. This visa is valid for a
period of 90 days from the date of your entry into
Spain. Once in Spain, the resident staff will



13
assist you in applying for a Student Card
through the Foreigner's Office, which will extend
the validity of the visa for the duration of your
program.
The year long visa (or the student visa for stays
over 180 days) requires additional materials to
be presented at the consulate.
In both cases, you will receive a visa stamped
into your passport that will indicate the period of
time which you will be allowed to legally stay in
Spain, indicated by the dates shown in the
"FROM and "UNTL section of the visa.
You will need to take with you a photocopy of
both your passport and your student visa to give
to the resident staff upon arrival at the
orientation hotel.
Note: CIEE strongly urges you to enter Spain
legally with a student visa. CIEE cannot be held
responsible if you willingly and knowingly enter
Spain without the student visa.


Where and when do I apply for a visa?
You must apply for your student visa through the
consulate that has jurisdiction over your place of
permanent residence. The complete list of
Spanish Consulates and their jurisdictions can
be found in the Spain Student Visa Guidelines,
included with your forms on your online MYCIEE
account.
Most Consulates now require students to submit
their application IN PERSON. Some consulates
require that you apply for your student visa at
least two months prior to your departure. Start
the process immediately! Please refer to the
Spain Student Visa Guidelines for detailed
instructions on how to apply for your student
visa.
Some consulates require that you apply for your
student visa at least two months prior to your
departure. Start the process immediately.
Please refer to the visa information provided for
detailed guidelines on how to apply for your
student visa.
It is essential that you apply early and follow
exact instructions when completing the student
visa application. The Spanish Consulate cannot
process late or erroneous applications.
CIEE Consulate Appointments
Several Spanish consulates in the US have
given CIEE permission to submit visa
applications on behalf of our students. For more
information on how to sign up and the eligibility
requirements for the CIEE consulate
appointments please read the Spain Student
Visa Guidelines..

*Trap: Applying from outside
the United States
A U.S. student applying for a visa
from outside of the United States may not be
able to obtain one. Please check with the
appropriate consulate.
Documents for non-U.S. Citizens
If you are not a US citizen, check with your
consulate for regulations regarding your stay in
Spain and reentry into the United States. As visa
procedures may vary, you should also check
with the Spanish consulate that has jurisdiction
over your place of residence immediately for
their specific visa procedures. Failure to do this
may result in your being refused permission to
enter the country or not even being allowed to
board the aircraft at the point of departure. Also,
you should call the nearest district office of the
INS, the US Immigration and Naturalization
Service, for information on the documents
necessary for you to leave and re-enter the
United States.
What documents do I need as a permanent
resident?
Permanent residents need to apply for a Re-
entry Permit. This will serve as a passport while
overseas. Being out of the United States for
more than one year may jeopardize your
permanent resident status. Check with the
nearest INS office for information regarding
documentation and procedures for return to the
United States.

What documents do I need as a stateless
person?
If you do not have a country of citizenship,
contact the nearest INS office and the
appropriate consulate or embassy to determine
the procedures you must follow to obtain the
proper travel documents and visas. In addition,
be sure to check with the consulate of any
country where you may be spending a night or
more in transit to the country of your study
program. Failure to do this may result in refusal
of permission to enter that country or even to
board the aircraft at the point of departure.
Immunization Records
Spain does not currently require vaccinations
unless you are a citizen of, or arriving from, one
of a number of less-developed countries or sites


14
of disease outbreak. But, if you enter countries
where immunizations are required, you must
present a record of vaccinations. The most
widely recognized document for this purpose is
the yellow World Health Organization booklet,
International Certificates of Vaccination, which is
available from most doctors and health centers.
Hostelling International Card
If you plan to travel on your own while you are
abroad, you may want to purchase a Hostelling
International card. The card allows you to stay at
hostels in many countries around the world at a
discount rate. For more information (and to buy
one online) visit their web site at www.hiayh.org
or you can call your local student travel office.
Remember that in Spain, the Youth Hostels are
called "Albergues Juveniles which you should
not confuse with the Spanish word "Hostales
(Hostels in English). The Alicante Youth Hostel
is located about 2km west of the city center at
the following address:
Albergue Juvenil La Florida
(Antigua Carcel Jos Antonio)
Avda. Orihuela, 59
Tel: 011.34.965.11.30.44

Normally a student residence, it functions as a
youth hostel during the months of July-
September. The facilities are very good with
most beds in single rooms. You can get to and
from the city center on bus Nos. 2 and 3, both of
which go by the bus and the train stations.

HEALTH AND INSURANCE
What health-related steps should I take
before I leave?
Because your good health is important, it is
necessary that you take the following steps prior
to arrival in Spain:
x If you have not had a physical examination
within the last four months, make an
appointment with your doctor or University
Health Center and ask for a routine health
assessment.
x Have your physician complete and sign the
required Medical Report Form. Be sure that
any allergies, particularly allergies to
medication, and medical conditions are
listed on this form. Also, please note that
forms completed by a parent-physician
cannot be accepted.
x We strongly urge you to have a complete
dental checkup before departing. Any
required dental work should be done at
home, as it is not covered under your
Accident & Sickness Insurance Policy.
x Women should also have a checkup by a
gynecologist prior to departure. If you are
planning to go on birth control pills, please
begin the process at least three months
prior to departure, and bring a supply to last
the duration of your visit because the
brands used in Europe are not always the
same as those used in the U.S.

What medical supplies should I take with
me?
If you take prescription drugs, take a sufficient
supply with you for your time abroad. (Be sure to
take these in their original packages and with
the original prescription.) Students who wear
glasses or contact lenses should be sure to take
an extra pair as well as a copy of their
prescription. If you use contraceptive pills,
please take an adequate supply with you.
If you cannot take a sufficient supply of any
prescription medication to last your entire time
abroad, please request that your doctor write a
prescription for the generic form of your
medication (many US prescription names are
not available in Spain or are available under a
different name). Once in Spain, you will need to
meet with a Spanish doctor, who will write a
prescription for the Spanish equivalent of your
medication. Please be sure to save all receipts
for insurance purposes.
If any of your prescription medications are
considered controlled substances in the US, you
may need specific documentation from your
physician in order to safely bring the medication
into Spain. Make sure to check with your
physician to see if any of your medication is
considered illegal in Spain as it may mean that it
is not available in Spain.
Be prepared for the common cold and for
stomach and intestinal disorders often caused
by traveling. It might be wise to take along small
amounts of medications in case these problems
arise; your doctor may suggest which drugs to
consider. Remember, however, to be careful
about treating yourself, and be sure to seek
professional help when necessary. Pack
medication for diarrhea, constipation, upset
stomach, surface scratches and cuts, sore throat
or colds. Be sure to take medicine for any
recent or chronic ailment that might recur in
Spain. Some over-the-counter medications are
available, but it is highly advisable that you bring
extra supplies of any medications or
prescriptions that you use regularly. Bring the


15
generic names, not the brand names. You can
find most of these medications in Spain. Inform
the local staff about any of your medication
needs.
If you take any vitamins, you should continue to
do so in Spain. Like your other medications, you
should bring them with you.
The U.S. Department of State Bureau of
Consular Affairs has a web page with medical
information for Americans Traveling Abroad:
http://travel.state.gov.
What other precautions should I take?
Drinking water in Spain is safe. You may want to
alternate drinking bottled water with tap water to
help your body adjust to the change, but the
water in Alicante is safe to drink.
Inform the Resident Director of any existing
health problems, including mental health, or any
potential problems you anticipate arising
throughout the course of the program. This
includes allergies to any medications. CIEE
staff will use this information to ensure that
appropriate accommodations are made. Please
inform the Resident Director if you become ill
during the program.
Smoking
Spain has historically been a smoker's paradise,
but as of January 2, 2011, smoking is no longer
permitted in any public building, including bars
and restaurants. It is, of course, a very
controversial law as it has been in many of the
U.S. states and other European countries where
this type of law has been passed. It has,
however, been accepted by the people and
upheld so far.
AIDS
The HIV virus is now pandemic, meaning it is
present everywhere, including Europe. Take the
appropriate precautions.
CDC Recommendations
Consult the Centers for Disease Control for
recommendations for American citizens going to
Spain. If you plan to travel after the program to
other countries, you may want to consult the
CDC information specific to these countries. The
CDC website is www.cdc.gov.

Medical Facilities
There are medical facilities on campus. There is
a doctor that is available to see students from
10:00am-2:00pm and from 6-8pm. There is no
charge for this.
In the event of an emergency the resident staff
can take students to the emergency room at the
hospital, which costs about 100C. You will be
expected to pay for services at the time of the
visit, but will be reimbursed by your Accident
and Sickness insurance about 8-10 weeks after
you file the claim.
Budget for Medical Care
Be sure to budget $100USD-$200USD for
medical expenses because insurance claims
take 6 to 8 weeks to process. You will have to
pay the bill, request a receipt, and submit it with
the claim form. The resident staff can provide
you information on how to go about filing such
claims. The reimbursement will be sent to your
permanent home address in US dollars. We also
recommend that you bring along a credit card,
which you may use for any medical emergencies
as private hospitals require payment at the time
of treatment. Also, keep in mind that private
doctors require payment at the time of the visit,
and may not accept credit cards.
Insurance
If you are covered by a personal or parental
insurance plan, CIEE recommends that you
continue this coverage while abroad. Prior to
departure, you should contact your current
insurance carrier concerning coverage for
accidents, illnesses, and liability cases that
occur outside the United States. Check your
policy's limitations before making any
assumptions about coverage.
Accident and Sickness Insurance
Each participant is covered by the iNext
Platinum Plan designed to help cover the cost of
unforeseen illnesses or accidents that occur
while abroad. Additionally, the policy offers
Emergency Medical Evacuation coverage,
together with 24-hour Emergency Assistance
Services. The policy also offers coverage for
travel document replacement and limited travel
delay and lost/stolen personal effects coverage.
Coverage begins two weeks before the program
start date and continues for 364 days.
A complete description of the iNext Platinum
Plan is in the online checklist accessed via MY
CIEE. It is important that you read the plan
carefully and note exactly what coverage it
provides, and note items that are excluded from
coverage.
The iNext Insurance is designed as a
supplemental or secondary plan only, and does
not cover liability. It also does not include routine


16
physical, dental examinations or preventive
medicine. Students are not covered for injuries
resulting from acts of war or other political unrest
such as riots and demonstrations.
Please note that CIEE does not cover medical
expenses on-site. Students pay for any medical
costs incurred and then file a claim directly with
the insurance company for reimbursement.
CIEE does not act as an intermediary between
participants and the insurance company.
Primary Insurance Plan Brokers
If you do not have a primary insurance plan, you
may wish to enroll in one. The following brokers
have individual insurance plans available:

HTH Worldwide
www.hthworldwide.com
Tel: 877-424-4325

Wallach & Company, Inc.
www.Wallach.com
Tel: 800-237-6615

*Trap: Paying medical bills up front
Doctors, hospitals, and clinics will
require you to pay bills at the time
of treatment. You must then
submit receipts to the insurance company for
reimbursement. With this in mind, be sure to
budget at least C75-150EUR to pay for medical
expenses and unexpected illnesses up front.
PERSONAL FINANCES
The euro is the official and only currency
throughout euro-zone countries of the EU:
Spain, Portugal, France, Germany, Austria, Italy,
Ireland, Benelux, Finland, and Greece.
Cost of Living
The exchange rate is not constant. The New
York Times and similar publications publish
exchange rates daily. You may also reference
www.x-rates.com or www.oanda.com for up to
the minute exchange rates. You should keep
abreast of how a rate fluctuates leading up to
departure.

What costs are covered by my CIEE fee?
CIEE Study Center fees include pre-departure
information and services, on-site support
services, tuition, orientation, cultural activities,
excursions, and sickness and accident
insurance. The cost of housing and meals is
also included in the Alicante program. CIEE
does not cover local transportation to and from
your classes at the university, nor does it cover
the cost of textbooks.

What expenses should I budget for?
You will need money for entertainment,
toiletries, cosmetics, gifts, medical expenses,
and independent travel. For an estimate about
expenses, visit the CIEE website at
http://www.ciee.org/.
Besides inflation and currency exchange,
another variable that will affect your spending
abroad is your individual taste requirements.
When creating a budget, it may be helpful to
consider how much you normally spend in a
semester and inflate it a bit. Although the cost of
living for a student in Spain is comparable to that
of a student in the United States, the added cost
of independent travel along with the impulse to
splurge makes careful budgeting imperative.
Former students have saved considerably
through limiting meals to those provided by the
program and limiting vacation travel to the
general area around Alicante. We suggest you
take extra money, if possible, for unforeseeable
expenses.

Participants say...
Try to budget well. Your budget will have to include going-
out money, shopping money, travel money, etc. How much
to budget really depends on what you like to do and how
often. Also, money tends to go fast at first; I guess because
it looks so different, it does not seem real!
MONEY AND BANKING
Handling your money
Several options for handling money while in
Alicante are described below. The best advice is
to come with at least two ways to obtain money,
so that in the event that one method fails or is
inconvenient, a back-up option is available. The
best options are ATM & Debit Cards, credit
cards, and cash.
The general rule is that Exchange rates are
always the same in all banks, but the
commission changes from bank to bank. Try to
avoid the "Cambio Houses, they will give you
the worst rate with a fake catch of "NO
COMMSSON, which will actually cost more
than a flat commission at a bank.
Bankcards
Past participants say that maintaining a bank
account at home and withdrawing money from
ATM/MAC machines is the best way to access


17
money. Machines with access to CIRRUS,
ACCEL and PLUS banking systems are widely
available in Spain and throughout Western
Europe. You can withdraw local currency without
commission charges. This option may not,
however, be wise if your bank charges high
international access fees. Be sure that you have
addressed the following questions if you plan to
use a bankcard:
Verify that your bankcard is valid for an
international banking system
Verify if you can access a savings account
with your bankcard abroad. Many past
participants have not been able to access their
savings account while abroad, even when
within the CIRRUS or ACCEL ATM network.
Depending on the answer, you should
consider transferring your savings funds into a
checking account.
Make sure your PIN is in numbers and NOT
letters. (Most ATM machines in Europe only
have numbers on their keypads.) Make sure
your PIN is only 4 digits long as most Spanish
bank machines will not accept 5 digit PINs.
From your bank, obtain a list of international
banking-system ATM machines in Alicante,
Madrid and other locations where you plan to
travel and Spain.
You should also investigate what charges your
bank imposes for international transactions
and withdrawals from ATM's. (Some banks
charge as much as $6 USD per transaction.)
If you plan to rely on a bank card to access
euros, you should also bring an extra bank card
in case yours should become lost or damaged.
Bring complete information for contacting your
bank and credit card company while abroad.
Since U.S. 800 numbers cannot be dialed from
overseas, find out if they have a number that
you can call collect from outside of the U.S.


Participants say.
I searched out a bank that allowed me five free monthly
withdrawals. Some banks in the States charge you an ATM
fee, and others tack an international fee on top of that. With
the free transactions, I was able to get the exchange rate of
that day, without having to pay a commission or fee.
Get an international toll-free number from your bank before
you leave, since you cannot access your balance in Spain.
Traveler's Checks
Please keep in mind that traveler's checks
cannot be used as currency in retail stores,
restaurants, etc. You will have to exchange
traveler's checks for Euros first. Students in the
past have had problems when trying to cash
traveler's checks as many banks and change
bureaus in the Alicante will no longer cash these
for 'security reasons'.
American Express offices will cash AM traveler's
checks for you as long as you present your
passport. The closest American Express office is
in Benidorm, which is about 40 minutes outside
of Alicante, at the following address:
Viajes Alameda
Via Emilio Ortuo 15.
Tel: 96-683-0101

If you do plan to bring traveler's checks, please
make sure that you purchase them in euros.
note that you may have trouble changing them
into euros! Past students have highly
recommended using an ATM or debit card as a
primary source of funds instead of using
traveler's checks.

Personal Checks
Banks will accept personal checks, but they
must be deposited into a personal bank account
and will not be cashed until they are collected in
the U.S., a process that takes from 3 to 6 weeks.
Therefore, this is not a reliable or recommended
form of obtaining money in Spain.

*Tip: Credit card and traveler's
check numbers
Remember to keep a list of your credit
card numbers and traveler's check numbers
separate from the cards and checks.
Credit Cards
A Visa card and MasterCard are very useful.
Also, you may be able to use a credit card to
withdraw money from 24-hour bank machines,
but keep in mind the very high finance charges
imposed on cash advances on credit cards.
Most stores and shops also accept credit cards.
Visa/MasterCard are the most widely accepted.
Make arrangements while home to have
statements sent to you in Spain by airmail or
online.
Visit the websites for Visa, American Express,
and MasterCard for more information:



18
http://www.visa.com/,
http://www.americanexpress.com/,
http://www.mastercard.com/

*Trap: PIN numbers
Memorize your PIN in numbers not
letters; foreign phone pads are often
configured differently and list numbers only.

Spanish Bank Accounts
You can open a nonresident account at any
bank or credit union, which will allow you to
withdraw euros from Spanish banks. In most
banks you need only your passport to open an
account. Each bank has its own policy regarding
statements, but current account status is always
available. The fee for maintaining a nonresident
account open is about 18C a year.
Sending Money Overseas
If you need to have money sent to you from
home, you have 2 possibilities:
x Western Union. Check this web site
(http://www.westernunion.com/) to find the
nearest sites to you in Alicante. Also, all
Post Offices offer this service. Bring your
passport and remind the sender to address
the money using your name exactly as
shown in your passport.
x Alternately, if you are using an ATM, a
friend or family member can deposit money
into your account in the United States.
You will need to make arrangements regarding
traveler's checks, personal checks, credit cards,
and bankcards before leaving home.

*Tip: Forget 'Hey Mom, send
money"
It is important that you make
arrangements to receive enough money to
cover your personal expenses for the time you
are in Alicante prior to your departure from the
United States.

PACKING AND BAGGAGE
Try to organize and pack a day or two prior to
departure so that you can judge if you'll be able
to carry your bags (you must be able to do this).
Some students have even practiced by carrying
their bags around the block! Also, by packing
early you'll have time to rest before the long trip.

What are the baggage limits?
Limits vary. Read the weight limitation and
baggage allowance information provided by your
international airline carrier. Generally flights
overseas permit two pieces of checked baggage
and one carry-on piece. If your baggage
exceeds any of these standards you may be
charged for excess baggage. Check with your
airline regarding any items that are oversized.

*Tip: Lost or Delayed Luggage
It happens. So save yourself a
major headache and remember to
take with you in your carry-on bag
a change of clothes and an emergency
toiletries bag with travel-size bottles of the
things you need. If you get off the plane
and your bag(s) did not arrive with you, file
a report at the appropriate counter in the
airport and keep the receipt with the phone
number of where you can call to get more
information about the status of your
luggage and the file reference number in a
safe place. Also, remember to save your
ticket stubs, baggage claim tickets, and file
reference number of the damage report in
case you need to file a claim for
reimbursement for lost or delayed luggage.

What should I pack?
For a complete list of what to take, please see
the Suggested Packing Checklist at the end of
this handbook. Experienced travelers agree:
take as little as possible.
Climate and clothing
The summer in Alicante is hot! Be sure to pack
light cotton clothing, bathing suits, and plenty of
sunscreen! Even in the spring and early fall,
temperatures can reach 90 degrees.
The winter in Alicante varies between mild and
cold. Throughout the months of January to April,
the days may be sunny and warm, or cold,
windy and occasionally rainy, and the nights
tend to be chilly. The average daytime
temperature in midwinter (December-January) is
50 degrees, while at night it drops to 32-35.
Thus you will need clothing for both warm
and cold weather.
Most homes and buildings are not centrally
heated, so it is important to take warm clothing
for both indoor and outdoor use including warm
sleepwear, like long johns. Take clothing that




19
can be layered, travels well, is versatile, and
doesn't need ironing. Be sure to take at least
one pair of durable, comfortable walking shoes.
Tile floors can be very cold, and it is not the
norm to walk around one's home in socks or in
bare feet, so bring hard-soled slippers. Also, you
may want to bring an umbrella.
Casual dress is generally the rule, but realize
that Spaniards expect a neat appearance.
Spanish casual is not the same as U.S. casual;
no sweats in class or around town. Spanish
students tend to dress up more than U.S.
students, especially when going out at night.
Students in the past have emphasized that the
attire of white socks, sneakers, jeans,
sweatshirts, and baseball caps (especially when
all combined) gives Spaniards the impression
that U.S. students are not concerned with their
appearance. Spaniards equate neatness with
self-respect. Please be aware of this when
choosing your wardrobe.
Dry cleaning tends to be expensive in Spain.
Machine and hand washables are best. Also, be
aware that most Spanish homes generally do
not have clothes dryers and are line dried
instead.
U.S. students have often said they took too
much clothing. Don't forget that nothing ruins
traveling abroad more than having too much
luggage, especially when you have to carry it
yourself. You can save packing space by
coordinating your clothing so that shirts and
sweaters can be worn with different skirts and
pants. Keep in mind that you should not bring
more luggage than you can handle yourself, as
you will be responsible for transporting your
luggage on your own.

Participants say...
Don't bring a lot of luggage because it can be a pain to lug
around.
Pack lightly!
Don't forget to pack some warm clothes! Although Alicante is
on the coast, it does get pretty cold. Also, the houses are
designed to be cool in the summer, so in the winter they are
cold. Bring warm clothes and pajamas for the house; most
people did not have efficient heating. Also, people here tend
to be a bit dressier. If you can bring some sensible clothes
that look nice, it is better.

Toilet Articles
It is not necessary to take a 6-month supply of
anything, as comparable products are available
in Alicante. Stores carry soap, toothpaste,
sanitary supplies, and cosmetics in ample
supply and variety. If there is a particular brand
that you use exclusively, you may wish to bring
a semester's supply of it; otherwise, you can find
all the products that you need in Spain. Some
U.S. brands are also available at higher prices.
Hostels and "Albergues Juveniles in Europe
often do not provide soap, so take at least one
bar for traveling. A small plastic soap case is
handy for travel, as is a towel.
Prescriptions
If you take prescription drugs, ask your doctor to
give you a copy of the prescription with the
name of the generic drug, not a brand name,
as your brand may not be available in Spain.
Students in the past have recommended
bringing enough of a prescription for their entire
stay in Spain. It is illegal to send prescription
medication through the mail and it is almost
always confiscated and/or sent back to the
sender.
If any of your prescription medications are
considered controlled substances in the US, you
may need specific documentation from your
physician in order to safely bring the medication
into Spain. Make sure to check with your
physician to see if any of your medication is
considered illegal in Spain as it may mean that it
is not available in Spain.
Linens
Your Spanish family will provide bed linens, but
you may have to supply your own towels. You
may bring towels or buy them in Alicante.
Consider a beach towel, too.
Electrical Appliances
Do not take along U.S. electrical appliances, as
they are apt to burn out even with voltage
regulators. In Spain the voltage is 220 volts at
50 cycles, instead of 110 volts at 60 cycles as in
the U.S. Converters will change the voltage but
not the cycles. Thus, over time, U.S. appliances
may burn or cease to function properly.
Several small appliances such as hair dryers
and curling irons are now available in the U.S.
with dual voltage for use in the U.S. and abroad.
Please be advised, however, that dual voltage
products may still need a plug adaptor. You
may want to consider purchasing a hair dryer,
etc in Spain if needed.
Because of the cycle difference, electrical alarm
clocks, even with a converter, do not hold the
correct time (in fact you may notice the time
going faster/slower at times). Battery-powered
travel alarm clocks are a better option!
The electrical sockets in Spain are designed for
plugs with two wide-set, round prongs. Without


20
an adaptor, you will not be able to plug in your
laptop, etc.
Sports & Recreation
For hobbies, sports, and the beach, take along
the basics. You can rent some items, such as
skis, but not tennis rackets or musical
instruments.
If you are planning to go on the Camino de
Santiago excursion, it may be a good idea to
bring a light sleeping bag, mat, comfortable,
broken in walking shoes, backpack and light
raincoat or poncho. If you do not want to bring
these items with you, they can also be
purchased in Alicante for a moderate price.
GIFTS AND MOMENTOS FROM
HOME
Mementos from home
Bring things from home that you can share with
your Spanish family and friends. This includes
pictures of yourself and your family in the United
States, recipes you like to cook, typical items
from your community, college, or region of the
United States, and items related to talents you
may have and wish to share.

Gifts
While not expected, it is nice to bring small gifts
for your host family. You will not know your
family before arriving and thus not know exactly
how many family members there are, but you
could bring various small generic gifts such as
picture books of the United States, refrigerator
magnets, T-shirts, and other memorabilia from
your university and hometown.
The idea of bringing a small gift is to give your
host family an idea of where you are from in the
US and what life may be like in your part of the
country. Calendars from your region of the US
are practical and contain photos of your regional
landscape. Regional food goods also make
interesting gifts. For example, the CIEE US
offices are based in Portland, Maine. When staff
travels to sites, we may bring along salt water
taffy, maple sugar candy, chocolate covered
blueberries, or other sweets that typify Maine
and New England.
There are many possibilities for gifts and the
idea is not to bring something expensive to
"wow or impress your host family, but rather to
offer something as a "thank you for their
hospitality and serve as an introduction to
yourself. Just remember, this gesture is not
expected, but always appreciated!

*Tip: Passport and credit card
numbers
Remember; leave a copy of your
passport, traveler's checks and a list of your credit
card numbers at home.
PREPARING FOR CULTURAL
ADAPTATION
Although cultural adaptation is highly individual,
research indicates that most people go through
similar stages in adapting to a new environment.
The following is a brief description of four stages
of cultural adjustment that individuals often
experience when entering a new culture. It may
help you to consider these stages, as you
prepare for your experience abroad.

Honeymoon Stage: This stage is commonly
characterized by feelings of exhilaration and
anticipation. Newcomers are fascinated by the
novelty of their experience. People in this stage
demonstrate an eagerness to please, a spirit of
cooperation and an active interest in
conversations they have with others, even if they
do not understand everything that is said at first.

Hostility Stage: As the novelty of the
experience begins to diminish, newcomers may
become frustrated with having to interact in an
unfamiliar university system and cope with the
pressures of communicating in a second
language every day. They may long for familiar
foods, smells, sounds, and most of all, familiar
faces. Stress levels could rise and sleep
patterns may be disrupted. Some may suffer
from indigestion or loss of appetite. Others may
discover that although they studied Spanish
intensively, they now have trouble
understanding it. Frequently, visitors react to this
frustration by rejecting the new culture. They
may have second thoughts about staying in the
new environment and believe their experiences
will only worsen. Minor frustrations become
magnified, causing newcomers to react with
intense emotions such as anger, mistrust, and
fear. They may show these feelings by
demonstrating apathy, lack of motivation, and
withdrawal. The range of responses usually
varies from one person to another. Most spend
several weeks to a few months in this stage.
Some move in and out of the stage a few times,
before finally adjusting.

Humor Stage: After the hostility stage passes,
most visitors realize how intense their reactions
were. Being able to review their experiences
from a distance allows them to gain a new level



21
of understanding about themselves. Their sense
of humor finally returns. Situations that seemed
to be so serious before now appear comical.
Visitors in this stage are more relaxed, are able
to make friends more easily, understand the
language with greater ease, and become more
productive academically.

Home Stage: When most people reach the
home stage they are adjusted to the point of
being able to retain allegiance to their own
culture while being able to "feel at home in a
new culture.
You'll find some interesting books relating to
culture adaptation and culture shock on the
recommended reading list at the end of this
handbook.

Participants say...
It is an amazing experience, but remember it is YOU
that is going to a new place. You need to acclimate
yourself and understand that it is not the Spaniards'
place to change for you.

Part III: Living in Alicante
MEETING SPANIARDS
Given that Spain is a fairly homogenous society,
it is very easy to feel "foreign or "different while
studying in Spain. One key to overcoming these
feelings is to get involved. Think about what you
like to do with family and friends in the United
States, and try to participate in these same
activities while in Spain. Volunteer. Join a club
or sports team. Take a cooking or Spanish
dancing class. Get involved! The more you
participate and interact with Spanish people the
better chance you'll have in forming
relationships and understanding the culture.
Avoid Judgments
You may arrive in Spain with some pre-
conceptions about Spaniards and may
encounter some Spaniards with preconceived
notions about people from the U.S. Try to put
aside stereotypes and make judgments based
on real experiences. If you are confronted with
what you feel is a false stereotype about the
U.S., be frank and truthful, yet tactful in your
response. Avoid refuting arguments with odious
comparisons to Spain. This type of response will
only create bad feelings. A positive and serious
response from you will help dispel myths about
the United States.

Participants say...
Be open-minded and do not compare Spain to home. They
are two totally different places!
Don't worry about cultural differences; you can't change
them. Just learn to go with the flow and experience as much
as possible.
If you come with a comparing attitude and constantly
compare where you are from to Spain you are not
going to see all of the great things about the Spanish
culture. Spain is not the United States; if you don't
expect it to be, you will be happier.


Cultural Note: Gender & Race Issues
Gender: Some students have found that gender
roles in Spain are quite different than what they
are used to in the United States. Although
diverse modes of behavior are becoming more
commonly accepted, you may still encounter
challenges surrounding the interactions between
men and women in Spain.
Stereotypes about the sexual promiscuity of
foreigners, especially foreign women, tend to
further complicate gender relations. Female
students, for example, may find that they attract
a great deal of unwanted attention from Spanish
men in the form of the piropo whistling or
inappropriate comments.
The piropo is a generally accepted (or at least
tolerated) Spanish mode of behavior. When a
man finds a woman attractive, he may stare,
make comments, whistle, or hiss. Attitudes
regarding the piropo are changing in Spain, but
the practice is still quite common.
Many Spanish women pretend not to hear
piropos; and you may simply want to ignore
them as well. Keep in mind that becoming angry
or defensive is unlikely to change the behavior
of the person harassing you. Instead, this may
only provoke further harassment. You may have
encountered this type of behavior in the States
or in other countries. Try to take these
comments within their cultural context.
You will notice almost immediately that
Spaniards often whistle or hiss to capture each
other's attention in the streets and in crowded
bars. Please do not mistake these for piropos.
In public social settings such as dance clubs and
bars, it is important to remember to use common
sense. If you do not feel comfortable, you should
firmly say "No to an invitation you do not want
to accept. Spanish women, as a general rule, do
not give out their phone numbers to men they


22
meet in bars. Instead, they make plans to meet
for a coffee in a public place the next day. Only
give your address and phone number to people
you know and trust. You will eventually
understand and become more comfortable with
local values and customs. Learning to respect
the local rules will facilitate your relationships
with host nationals immensely.

Participants say...
Immediately go out into the Barrio and meet people. Start
living it up, but don't forget that you have finals at the end of
the courses, and they count a lot!
Don't let yourself be so nervous that you miss out on things.
t is a new experience and you may be shy at first, but you'll
make friends quickly. I feel as if I have known the people on
the program my whole life!

Race: Students identified with ethnic minority
groups may also experience unique challenges
while living abroad.
While the United States prides itself on diversity,
Spain has only in recent years begun to
experience a steady wave of immigration. As a
result of the small percentage of immigrants
living in Spain, the country is quite
homogeneous. The racially homogeneous
character of Spain may make some students
feel uncomfortable, particularly when "being
different can elicit stares from Spaniards.
However, it is important to remember that while
the act of staring is a mild annoyance, most
stares originate out of curiosity and rarely is any
harm intended.
Staring, in any context, is a normal practice in
Spain: men stare at men and women; women
stare at men and women; and essentially
everyone stares at everyone. Spaniards simply
love to check everyone out, local or foreign, so
you will have to accept this national habit early
on.
Outside of staring, members of African-
American, Middle Eastern, Latino, and Asian
ethnic groups may experience comments based
on racial stereotypes. Asians in Spain, for
example, are commonly referred to as "chinos,
regardless of their country of ethnic origin.
It is important to keep in mind that many of the
stereotypes and prejudiced attitudes, which
emanate from some Spaniards, are a result of
their lack of exposure to other racial and ethnic
groups, and the theme of discrimination is
certainly not exclusive to Spain.
Fortunately, there are numerous organizations in
Spain that are committed to combating prejudice
and these resources will be available to you, if
necessary, once you are in Spain.
Sexual Orientation: Gay and lesbian students
may also feel somewhat ostracized due to the
prevalent "machismo attitudes that exist in
Spanish society. While Spain is generally a
conservative country, gay and lesbian
communities have become more outspoken of
late. A multitude of gay and lesbian
organizations exist and participation in activities
is usually welcomed.

Participants say...
As a student of bi-racial heritage, I had no real problems,
only stares. And, guess, that's to be expected.

Other Issues of Diversity: Students may find
their height and weight to be a subject of great
interest to Spaniards. Spaniards are generally
much thinner and shorter than Americans, and
so, once again, these differences may elicit
stares and comments.
Female students may frequently find themselves
being referred to as "gordita. While this may
seem insulting if not rude, students should
recognize that this term is often used as an
expression of tenderness and/or affection with
no negative messages concerning body weight
attached.
Lastly, students with disabilities may find their
time in Spain to be a challenge due to a serious
lack of public access for those with special
needs. Students are encouraged to provide as
much information as they can with regard to
their specific disabilities prior to arrival. The
more information provided, the better able
resident staff will be to ensure that special needs
do not become a handicap. We want all
students to have an experience in Spain that is
as productive and problem free as possible.

*Courtesies and Greetings
Spaniards usually greet friends and
acquaintances with a kiss on each
cheek. Men greet each other with a handshake.
A common greeting when you are in a hurry and
do not have time to chat is hola or hasta luego.
Use the terms diga or s when you answer the
telephone. You should address adults with the
formal usted, unless you are invited to do
otherwise. Peers should be addressed with the
familiar t form.



23

COMMUNICATIONS AND MAIL
Telephone
You may make local calls in phone booths with
coins or pre-paid Telefnica phone cards, which
you may purchase for small amounts from the
post office or from an estanco (the stores that
sell tabaco), newsstands or any other place
where you see the Telefnica logo.
You can also purchase an International pre-paid
calling card in newsstands to call the U.S., other
foreign countries, or long-distance within Spain.
You may use your AT&T, MCI, or Sprint cards
through a U.S. direct operator at any pay phone
in Europe. Note that these cards are usually only
valid when making calls to the United States.
Contact your long distance carrier for more
information regarding international calling cards.
Also note that 1-800 numbers are valid only in
the US! If your US calling card has a 1-800
number for access, make sure to call the
provider for information on how to make a call
from another country. This is especially
important for pre-paid phone cards purchased in
the US as they may not function outside of the
US.
Calls to the U.S. or countries other than Spain
can also be made from locutorios (calling
centers), which accept cash.
Arrange a time for family and friends to call you
at home in Spain. Please keep in mind the time
difference so you won't receive calls in the
middle of the night. Spain is 6 hours ahead of
Eastern Standard Time. In other words, when
it's 6pm in New York, it's midnight in Alicante.

*Tip: Short phone calls
Phone service in Spain is expensive
so the telephone is used only for brief
messages or for emergencies. When
talking to your friends and family at
home, please be considerate, and limit your
time on the phone to about 30 minutes, as most
Spanish families only have one phone line.

Cellular Telephones
Many students find that using a cell phone is a
convenient and efficient way of communicating
while they are abroad.
Cell phones can be purchased once you arrive
in Spain. One benefit is that on a European cell
phone, all incoming calls are free (even calls
from the US).
Please keep in mind that most U.S. cell phones
will not work in Spain. The reason for this is that
the Spanish cellular network works on the GSM
system. If you bring a cell phone with you from
the United States, it must be either a triband
phone or a GSM phone. Otherwise, it will not
work in Spain. Keep in mind that, even with a
U.S. cellular phone, you'll most likely need to
obtain a new chip and a local phone number for
your phone. Without buying a new chip, you may
end up paying excessive international roaming
charges.
During orientation, resident staff will be able to
give you more specifics on buying cell phones in
Spain. You will, however, be responsible for
buying and dealing with any problems you may
have with your phone on your own.
Fax
The CIEE Study Center will scan a document
and send it to you via email so that you can
forward it to the appropriate person at your
home university if you need course approval in
order to guarantee a semester credit.
If you need to send a fax for any other reason, it
can be sent from any photocopy store, on or off
campus.
If you need to receive a fax, you can ask your
Resident Director for the office fax number and
have it sent there, to your attention.

Participants say...
Don't expect to use e-mail or computers as much as you are
used to at your home campus.

Post Office and Mailing Procedures
Have all mail sent to you at the Program
Address.
Your Name
CIEE Alicante Study Center
Villauniversitaria (Local 2)
Avenida Vicente Savall, 14-16
03690 San Vicente del Raspeig
Alicante, Spain

Avoid having packages sent from home because
they can be lost in transit, and import duties are
high. Generally, you may bring personal effects,
such as books, cameras, and transistor radios
duty-free, provided they accompany you or are
declared at the time you enter Spain.



24
If your family or friends want to send you
packages they should keep in mind that
there are very strict importation laws
between the USA and Europe. It is very
important to specify what is in the package
and the value of the items. Packages with a
value of more than will be subject to an
investigation at the customs office and might
be required to pay import taxes depending
on the content. If they are sending USED
objects (clothes, cameras, etc.) or gifts
without commercial value, help avoid the
duty tax by instructing the sender to use air
parcel post with a full description of the
contents on the outside of the package, along
with the words "Unsolicited GiIt." or 'no
value-personal belongings (objetos
personales) on the outside of the package.

Surface packages can take up to 2 months or
more to arrive, even when the US Postal Service
clerk assures that it will arrive within 7-10 days.
*Trap: Don't mail cigarettes
It is illegal to send cigarettes through
the mail.

GETTING AROUND
Local Transportation
Buses: You'll be able to keep your local
transportation expenses down by using the
Bonobus bus card. CIEE will lend you this pass
for you to use during the semester for a 5C
deposit. The buses run from 6am to 11pm
during the week, and on weekends some buses
run all night every hour. The Alicante staff will
inform you about how to use the bus system and
recharge the buss pass.
Tram
There is a tram along the coast that students
can take to get to other beaches outside of
Alicante city. It runs daily until 10pm and
departs every 30 minutes.
Taxis
There are various taxi stands scattered
throughout the city, and there are several
telephone numbers, which will be provided in
Orientation, which you can call for a taxi to come
and pick you up. They are metered and quite
affordable, especially in comparison with rates in
the U.S. Some taxis can be paid for with credit
cards, although not many taxis have this option
available.
Independent Travel
You will no doubt want to explore this city and
the province, particularly on weekends. You can
also plan longer vacations exploring other
regions of Spain. Before leaving the United
States, gather as much information as possible
about places you may want to visit. Of course,
traveling requires additional funds.
Look for locations of Spanish National Tourist
Offices in New York, Chicago, and other major
U.S. cities. They have great information on
places of interest. You may want to buy Lonely
Planet, Rough Guide to Spain, and/or Let's Go:
Spain, Portugal, and Morocco, a guidebook
published by Harvard Student Agencies.
Other sources which may be helpful include the
various Michelin & Repsol YPS Guides and the
list of websites located at the back of this
handbook. Once in Alicante, visit the Oficina de
Informacin y Turismo in the Rambla or estacin
de autobuses for additional information and
exciting trips.
The CEE library in the Program Coordinators'
office also has various guides for Spain and
Europe available for students to use as a
resource.

*Trap: Wherever you go...
You must inform the resident staff of any
travel involving an overnight stay outside
Alicante. Failure to do this may result in
your dismissal from the program.
Bus
Travel by bus in Spain is safe and moderately
priced. Some discounts are available with your
student ID card and Carnet Joven card.
Train
Train travel in Spain is great, especially for long
distance travel. Visit www.eurail.com or
www.raileurope.com/us/ for information on
Eurail Youth Passes. If you are going to buy a
eurail pass, we recommend that you buy it in the
United States before you leave because
although you can buy them in certain train
stations in Spain, they cost almost double the
price you pay in the U.S., and it can be very
inconvenient to have to travel to the Valencia,
Madrid or Barcelona train station just to


25
purchase a rail pass. If you decide that you need
to buy a pass and you are already in Spain, you
can have a friend or family member buy it for
you and send it to you. For such mailings, use a
reputable courier company such as DHL, Fedex
or UPS.
You must still make train reservations if you
have a Eurail pass, and you should make them
well in advance. Your Carnet Joven also earns
you train discounts of 20%. For information and
to book trips on trains go to: www.renfe.com.
Air
A student ID card may qualify you for low-cost
flights originating in Europe though the Student
Air Travel Association. These flights serve 80
cities within Europe as well as the Middle East,
Africa, and Asia and offer discounts of up to
75% off the cost of commercial airfares. Check
with your local student travel agency for more
information.
Hotels and Hostels
Acceptable hotel and pension accommodations
cost about $18 USD-$70 USD a night; youth
hostels (albergues juveniles) are about $11
USD-$15 USD a night. If you plan to stay at
official youth hostels, you will need a hostelling
international card as indicated in the section on
Essential Documents in Part II. For information
on hostels contact:
American Hostels
National Administrative Offices
1332 Eye Street NW, Suite 804
Washington, DC 20005

Many hostels are not considered official and
therefore do not require Hostelling International
Membership Cards. Many are listed in travel
books and offer comfortable and clean
accommodations.

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
The health and safety of program participants
abroad is understandably an important issue for
all concerned. CIEE was a founding member of
the Inter-Organization Task Force on Safety and
Responsibility in Study Abroad. The following
website contains information about the Task
Force and study abroad safety issues
www.secussa.nafsa.org/safetyabroad/default.ht
ml
At CIEE, our approach to safety is threefold.
First, we conduct a careful safety evaluation of
every program we run. Next, when the students
arrive on site, we conduct a thorough
orientation. This will include tips on reducing risk
and handling difficult situations should they
arise. Finally, program staff continuously
monitors local conditions in order to provide
guidance to participants throughout their stay.
Experience has shown that the single most
important factor in assuring a safe study abroad
experience is the sensible and cautious behavior
of the participants themselves. When traveling
abroad, you should exercise additional caution
until you become familiar with your new
surroundings. Always remain alert to what is
going on around you, especially in crowded
tourist areas and on public transportation.
Although Alicante is safe, you must be careful
about what you do and where you go, just as
you would in any major city in the world. Follow
these general rules:
x Tourists are common targets for
pickpockets. Be aware of your backpacks
and cameras especially on crowded buses.
Don't carry large amounts of cash or your
passport with you. Never leave belongings
in a parked car.
x Keep a suitcase that can be locked under
your bed and leave your money, passport,
camera, and other valuables secured in it.
x When you carry your passport, wear it
around your neck in a thin pouch inside
your shirt. If you must carry it in a bag, use
one that can be slung diagonally across
your chest and that has a sturdy strap that
cannot be easily ripped.
x When carrying a purse or bag beware of
young boys on motorbikes (especially on
narrow streets). These boys may grab your
bag or purse. If this happens, let go! If you
don't, you may be dragged! Carry your bag
or purse on the shoulder away from the
curb.
x Never carry valuables in the pockets of
your pants.
x At night, don't take shortcuts. Take a cab
or walk on main streets.
x Do not accept rides with anybody you do
not know.
x As noted earlier, keep a photocopy of
your passport in a separate place. This
will speed up the process of replacing
your documents should they be lost or
stolen.
x Be especially cautious in areas
frequented by tourists, such as beaches,


26
airports, train stations, museums, and
U.S.-style restaurants such as
McDonald's.
x If you are the victim of a pickpocket, or if
something is stolen, inform the Resident
Director who will help you make a report.
Moreover you can also do it by web
access: www.policia.es, or by phone.
x Be aware of the heating situation
provided by your host institution and host
residence. For locations where carbon
monoxide-producing appliances may be
present i.e., any appliance that burns
fuel such as gas, oil, kerosene, wood, or
charcoal detailed information on the
possible dangers associated with such
appliances, along with safe operating
instructions, will be provided in the on-
site program orientation. You may wish
to take a small battery-operated carbon
monoxide detector to have in your
housing. For further information, please
visit the U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA) website at www.epa.org.
*Trap: Letting down your guard
When visiting a foreign country, you
may well be enchanted by your
surroundings and engage in behavior that is not
typical of you. This may cause you to let your
guard down and be susceptible to crime.
Practice common sense and exercise good
judgment. Remember that you are more likely to
be a victim of crime if you have been drinking
alcohol.

ILLEGAL DRUGS
Penalties for drug violations in Spain are often
harsher than in the United States. If you use
illegal drugs, you may be expelled from the
study program, and the local police may
prosecute you as a criminal. Remember that you
are subject to Spanish laws. You are not
protected by the laws of your home country. The
United States and other governments can only
seek to ensure that their citizens are not
discriminated against; that is, that they receive
the same treatment as do citizens of the country
in which they are arrested who are charged with
the same offense.
Please make sure that you read and understand
the CIEE Program Participant Contract
concerning drug use while on any CIEE
program.

DISMISSAL FROM THE PROGRAM
You must comply with any regulations
established by your home university as well as
those of the University of Alicante. The resident
staff may establish additional requirements that
they consider essential either to achieving your
educational goals or to continuing good relations
with the university or community. Resident staff
may dismiss from the program any student who
does not comply with the regulations and
requirements as outlined in the Contract, which
all students must sign before being allowed to
participate in the program.
If your Resident Director warns you that you are
not complying with program regulations, you
must take responsibility for changing your
behavior as requested, or risk early dismissal
and consequent loss of time, money, and
academic credit. CIEE does not refund program
fees to students who are dismissed from their
programs.

VOTING WHILE ABROAD
US citizens who expect to be away from home
on election day may request absentee ballots in
person or by mail from their local election
offices. Procedures vary by state but are usually
quite simple if you have already registered to
vote. More information can be found at the
following website: http://fvap.gov/index.html.
If you have not arranged this before leaving
home, you may use the provisions of the
Overseas Voting Rights Act of 1975, which
requires states to establish a means for citizens
residing overseas to apply for voter registration.
Some states permit you to use an FPCA
(Federal Post Card Application) to register.
Others use an SF76, which serves as both an
application for registration and as an absentee
ballot. You can get a list of states' voting
requirements from a US Embassy or consular
office.
If you are a citizen of another country, consult
the authorities governing elections in your own
country for similar instructions before you leave.

*Tip: Notarize your ballot
FPCA forms used to register or obtain
a ballot must be notarized. If you
believe you have been wrongfully



27
denied the right to vote, you may write to the
Department of Justice, Civil Rights Division,
Washington, D.C. 20530.

INCOME TAX
Most US citizens and residents must file U.S.
income tax returns even if their earned income is
exempt from taxes. State requirements vary; call
or write to the appropriate state office.
Internal Revenue Service income tax information
and forms are available at U.S. Embassies and
Consulates. Since tax laws change from year to
year, direct any questions to the U.S. Consulate.
Non-U.S. citizens should contact the appropriate
authorities in their own countries for taxation
information.

EMERGENCY CONTACT
INFORMATION
In case of emergency, if you are unable to
contact a participant directly on site, you can
contact CIEE's staff in Maine. Office hours are 9
to 5, Monday through Friday, EST. In the case of
an extreme emergency, outside of normal
business hours, you should call the emergency
line at 1-800-40-STUDY (in the U.S.) or 207-
553-4000 (U.S. and overseas). This number is
monitored 24 hours per day and will put you in
touch with program staff in Maine. Please use
this number only for extreme emergencies.
Contact information for the CIEE home office will
be included in a final mailing to both you and the
emergency contact designated in your
application materials.

Participants say...
I am more confident, and this program has helped me further
realize what my major is all about. I now have a new cultural
outlook, and I have experienced a different culture first-hand.

Part IV: Policies and Procedures
Please click on the following link to view CEE's
Policies and Procedures:
http://ciee.org/study/terms.aspx.
This website includes:
General Policies
Admissions
Late Arrival and Early Departure
Exceptions
Drug and Alcohol Violations
Alcohol Policy
Dismissal from the Program
Academic Policies
Student Academic Orientation
Course Loads, Credits, Equivalencies
and Grades
Academic Records
Attendance
Pass/Fail and Audit
Drop/Add Period
Incompletes
Withdrawal from a Course
Academic Honesty
Appeals
Program Fees and Payment Policies
Confirmation of Participation
Payment of CIEE Program Fees
Due Dates, Late Fees and Interest
Exclusion from Participation
Late Fees and Interest
Withdrawal and Deferral Policy
Program Cancellation
Please make sure to review this website. Your
signature on the "Program Participant Contract
indicates that you have read and agree to
comply with all of the policies provided to you on
that website.

A NOTE FROM CIEE
Credits and Grades
Most students who choose to go abroad for a
term or a year report that the experience is one
of the most powerful and enjoyable parts of their
undergraduate education. We hope that when
you return home, you will have had an equally
memorable experience.
Many students report that study abroad is also
challenging, and that coming to terms with the
challenges is one of the things that make it so
powerful and memorable. Some students,
however, report that the challenges of dealing
with another country's academic culture are
sometimes more frustrating than enjoyable.
The academic programs that CIEE provides are
to varying degrees integrated into another
culture's academic framework, and are often
governed by rules that are unfamiliar to U.S.
students. At CIEE we want you to experience
the challenges of adapting to a new culture, of
accepting different teaching styles, and
embracing forms of learning that may be
different from what you are used to.
But we are sure you will agree that problems
associated with your credits and your grades
should be avoidedthat these should not turn
out to be "opportunities for growth. We want to


28
help you avoid these problems, and with some
careful planning and attention to detail, you can:
1. Managing Your Registration.
You are probably going to sign up for five
classes during your session overseas. Although
it's surprising, one problem faced by some
students when they return home is that the
Course Registration Record we have for them
doesn't match what the student actually took.
You can avoid this. Read on.
Make it your responsibility to keep your
Course Registration Record accurate and up
to date.
Students select a preliminary course schedule,
either in the U.S. before going abroad or after
arrival at the Center. The courses selected
constitute your Preliminary Registration, which
will be sent to your home or sending school.
There will be an opportunity to change courses
during the first days of the regular semester (the
"add-drop period). Once this add-drop period
ends, all courses for which you are registered
will remain final, and will be permanently listed
on your Course Registration Record. These will
be the courses that will appear on the credit and
grades report that we will send to your home or
sending school after the session ends (called
the "CEE Academic Record).
Although CIEE staff, both in the U.S. and at your
site, will make every effort to ensure that your
Course Registration Record is accurate, we
cannot do this unless you correctly follow all the
formal procedures for making changes. You
must fill out a form to drop or add a course. It
is not sufficient to tell your professor, the CIEE
Resident Director, or another staff person that
you are changing coursesyou must complete
all required paperwork or the change is not
official. In some cases you will also be required
to obtain permission from your home institution.
To sum up, make it your responsibility to
ensure that your Course Registration Record is
accurate. If at any time you are not sure, ask to
see a copy of it.
There's a difference between DROPPING a
course and WITHDRAWING from one.
As noted above, once the add-drop period is
over, all the courses for which you are registered
will remain permanently on your record.
However, if you realize, after the end of the add-
drop period but before the middle of the session,
that special circumstances will prevent you from
completing a course successfully, it may be
possible to "Withdraw from the course. Please
also be aware that it is not possible to add a
course after the add-drop period. If you do
withdraw from a course, it will remain on your
CEE Academic Record with a "W grade.
Permission to Withdraw from a course is not
automatically granted just because a student is
not doing well; it is only granted when there are
circumstances that the Resident Director
believes prevented a student from doing well,
and only before the program's withdrawal
deadline. There is also required paperwork to
complete if you are withdrawing from a course.
After the withdrawal deadline, all courses that
remain on your Course Registration Record will
be posted on your CIEE Academic Record with
a letter grade. If you stop going to a course, fail
to take the final examination, or fail to turn in
required coursework, you will receive an F.
2. Getting Good Grades.
The time to think about your grades is at the
beginning of each course, not at the end.
Make sure you understand the basis on which
the professor will be assessing your work.
Practices vary from country to country. Often a
single final paper or examination will be the most
important (perhaps the only) opportunity to
demonstrate what you have learned and/or
achieved in the course. In some courses, the
basis for grades may have been explained
during orientation or during the registration
process. An explanation may appear on the
course syllabus, and/or the professor may
announce grading policies. In some cases, you
may not be sure how the professor will be
calculating the grade. In this case as well, make
it your responsibility to be sure you
understand the basis for grading in each
course. f you're not sure, ask the professor or
the Resident Director.
How am I doing?
Although grading differs from country to country,
there are general guidelines that we can offer.
In the U.S., a student usually forms an idea of
how he/she is doing as the semester progresses
based on a self-appraisal of participation in class
and a general sense of what the professor cares
about. In most overseas situations, it is much
more difficult, and often not possible at all, for a
student to determine this. Although we ask our
teachers to give students ongoing feedback,
their own academic cultures are often very
different in this regard, and many teachers do
not always offer feedback in a way that enables
a student to form a reliable opinion of his/her
progress. We strongly recommend that you ask
your professor how you are doing, perhaps two


29
weeks after the semester has started and again
two or three times during the session. Don't wait
until mid-term time to do this.
"Demanding" doesn't mean the same thing
in most overseas academic cultures.
U.S. students are accustomed to forming an
idea of how demanding a teacher is based on
the pressure that is applied on a day-to-day
basis. In the U.S., if a professor repeatedly
challenges students to show they have read and
understood the assignments, and then chastises
those who can't answer, students will conclude
that this is a demanding teacher. This doesn't
always happen overseas. "Demanding in an
overseas context may mean simply that the
grades awarded at the end of the course are
lower than those awarded by other professors.
Because of these differences, you need to take
stock of your situation early and often. If the
regular clues are not present, you should ask,
"How am doing? f there isn't yet any basis for
the professor to answer that question, you
should ask, "What is important in this class?
What should be doing in order to succeed?
Make it your responsibility to actively seek
confirmation of how well you are doing in each
course.
All the CIEE staff, both in the U.S. and at your
program site, want you to have an enjoyable and
successful session overseas. We are committed
to offering top-quality assistance to help you
understand the host culture and its constraints.
Please do not hesitate to contact any staff
member if we can advise you on how best to
manage your overseas experience.
Have a great year, learn all that you can about
your temporary home, and try to bring back an
excellent and accurate academic record.

CONCLUSION: THE CHALLENGE IS
UP TO YOU
Your stay abroad may be one of the most vital
and rewarding times of your life. Don't worry
about what you are going to miss at school by
going overseas. You will learn so much abroad!
The people you meet and the situations you
experience may be invaluable in the years to
come.
We hope you will arrive prepared to adjust to a
way of living that is different from your own; to a
way of thinking that may be, in some cases,
more traditional, more conventional, and more
conservative than your own. You will also most
likely encounter new and different views about
the U.S. and its people. Take the opportunity to
learn from these and to clarify misconceptions
about the U.S. when you can.
Remember that each person you meet will see
you as a representative of the United States. If
you can accept differences cheerfully and with
an open mind rather than attempting to alter the
environment around you, you can contribute to a
positive relationship between the country and
the United States.
CIEE wishes you every success during the
coming months.

Participants say...
Overall my experience abroad is something that I
would not trade for anything. Being abroad gave me
the opportunity to push myself beyond my comfort
zone thus increasing my abilities to deal with more
confidence. My only advice to those coming abroad is
to constantly push yourself. Venture out on your own
and don't let your fears deprive you of the opportunity
to try something new.


30
Part V: Additional Resources
RECOMMENDED READING LIST
Introductions to Spain and Spanish Culture
- Colmeiro, Jose et al. ed. Spain Today: Essays on Literature, Culture, Society. Dartmouth College.
1995.
- Casas, Penelope. Discovering Spain: An Uncommon Guide. Alfred A. Knopf: New York, 1996.
- Gibson, Ian. Fire in the Blood: The New Spain. Faber: London, 1992.
- **Gordy Shanor, Ruth. Detour through Spain. Seeking a cure. Art Barn Books: Cowpens, SC,
2002.
- **Graves, Lucia. A Woman Unknown: Voices from a Spanish Life. Counterpoint Publishers:
Washington, D.C., 2000.
- Hooper, John. The New Spaniards. Penguin: New York, 1995.
- Hopkins, Adam. Spanish Journeys: A Portrait of Spain. Penguin: New York, 1996.
- **Lumbert, Derek. Spanish Lessons. Broadway Books: New York, 2000.
- Spain: A Literary Companion. Edited by Jimmy Burns. John Murray Pubs: London, 1995.
- **Vincent, Manuel. Son de Mar. Madrid: Alfaguera, 1999. Also a film: www.sondemar.com
**Novels that that take place in Alicante and Catalonia.

History
- Balfour, Sebastian and Preston, Paul, eds. Spain and the Great Powers in the Twentieth Century.
Routledge: New York, 1999.
- Carr, Raymond. Spain: A History. Oxford University Press: Oxford, 2000.
- Gilmour, David. The Transformation of Spain: from Franco to the Constitutional Monarchy. Quartet
Books: New York, 1985.
- Jackson, Gabriel. The Spanish Republic and the Civil War: 1931-1939. University Press: Princeton,
1965.
- Powell, Charles. Juan Carlos of Spain: Self-Made Monarch. St. Martin's Press: New York, 1996.
- Preston, Paul. Franco. A Biography. HarperCollins: London, 1993.
- Preston, Paul. The Triumph of Democracy in Spain. Methuen: London, 1986.
- Thomas, Hugh. The Spanish Civil War. Penguin: London, 1965.
- Williams, Mark. The Story of Spain. Santana Books: Malaga, 2000.

Books on Cultural Adaptation
Adaptation to a new culture can be difficult. The following reading list contains publications that deal
specifically with issues of culture shock and the difficulties associated with living overseas.
- Citron, James. Short-Term Study Abroad: Integration, Third Culture Formation and Reentry, NAFSA:
Association for International Educators, 1996.
- Kepets, Dawn. Back in the USA: Reflecting on Your Study Abroad Experience, NAFSA: Association
for International Educators, 1999.


31
- Kohls, Robert. Survival Kit for Overseas Living: For Americans Planning to Live and Work Abroad,
Intercultural Press, 2001.
- Storti, Craig. The Art of Crossing Cultures (Second Edition), Intercultural Press, 2001.
- Storti, Craig. The Art of Coming Home, Intercultural Press, 2001.
- Wolfgang, Aaron. Everybody's Guide to People Watching, Intercultural Press, 1995.
- Pearson, Mark and Westerman, Martin, ed. Europe from a Backpack: Real Stories from Young
Travelers Abroad, Pearson Venture Group. 2004. Offers study abroad students vivid first-person
accounts of the countries and experiences of backpackers, students, and sojourners


32
WEBSITES
For those students with access to the Internet, we also encourage you to look at the many sites on
student travel as well as on Spain and Alicante including the following:

www.ciee.org/isp
CIEE's general web site. If you haven't already,
take a look and find out about CIEE in Alicante
and CEE's other activities around the world.
www.ua.es
Universidad de Alicante
www.travel.state.gov
The U.S. State Department Bureau of Consular
Affairs home page providing Consular
Information Sheets, Travel Warnings, U.S.
Passport Information and Application
Procedures, U.S. Consulate and Embassy
Addresses Abroad, and U.S. Customs
Information.
www.voyage.gc.ca/consular_home-e.htm
Canadian Consular Services Travel Information
& Advisory Reports
www.fco.gov.uk/travel
Foreign Commonwealth of the United Kingdom
www.cdc.gov
U.S. Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention. Provides updated information on
required immunization and regional health
advisories for travelers.
www.embusa.es
U.S. Embassy in Madrid; covers U.S.-Spanish
relations.
www.okspain.org
Official web site of the tourist offices in Spain.
www.lonelyplanet.com/dest/eur/spa.htm
On-line travel guide to Spain from the very
respected Lonely Planet series of travel guides.
www.indiana.edu/~overseas/lesbigay
General information for study abroad students
who are gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender
(includes internet links and bibliography
resources).
www.miusa.org
Website of Mobility International USA. Very
helpful resources and support for students with
disabilities who want to study overseas.
www.iie.org/gilman
Information about scholarships through the US
government for students going abroad.
www.renfe.com
Renfe


33
RECOMMENDED PACKING CHECKLIST
Naturally you'll want to pack what best reflects your own life style and taste. You should bring casual
clothing for the daytime and dressier clothing for going out at night. Please be aware that very few homes
in Spain have dryers, so your clothing will be line-dried. CIEE recommends the following:


Important Documents
Airline ticket (save the return ticket if it's a
round-trip ticket, and your ticket stubs
during travel in case you have a problem
with your luggage and you have to file a
claim for reimbursement)
CIEE Program Handbook, Program
Details, and Final eMailing
Home Advisors' (study abroad and
academic) address, fax, E-mail
Passport/Photocopy of passport (keep
separate from passport)
ATM card
iNext Card

Clothing
Coat, gloves, hat and scarf (Alicante, and
Spain in general, does get cold in winter)
Skirts and/or Dresses
Pants and/or Jeans for casual daywear;
at least 1 pair of dress pants
Dressy clothes for going out at night
Shorts for warm weather
Shirts: t-shirts, long-sleeve shirts, polo-
type shirts, blouses and button-down
shirts
Sweaters and or/ Sweatshirts (warm for
cold weather and lightweight for the Fall
and Spring)
A sport coat and tie (optional)
Pajamas (long underwear for colder
months)
Underwear (a week's supply)
Socks
Slippers (hard-soled; tile floors can be
very cold in the winter, and it is Spanish
custom to not walk around the house
barefoot or in socks)
A pair of casual shoes and a pair of dress
shoes (many discotecas will not let you in
with sneakers)
Bathing Suit
Hiking boots/Walking shoes (sturdy,
comfortable and water-resistant)
A fleece jacket or sweatshirt that is
durable and will dry quickly
Small, easy-to-carry umbrella

General
Bag that can be used as an overnight bag
for weekend trips
Brush/Comb
Nail scissors
Soap, toothbrush/paste, deodorant, Band-
Aids
Washcloth and Towel
Battery operated CO detector (optional)
Laptop with electrical adapter and
security/theft recovery software (optional)

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