CP University of Michigan Granada Spring 2017
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CP University of Michigan Granada Spring 2017 Predeparture Information Congratulations on your decision to study abroad! Your University has teamed up with IES Abroad to provide you with a unique customized study abroad experience. We have no doubt that studying abroad will be a life-changing adventure. We're glad to have you with us. Feeling lost? We are here to help! Our Customized Programs team is always just a phone call (312.944.1750) or email ([email protected]) away. How will study abroad redefine you? We can't wait to find out! Page 1 Table Of Contents Plan Travel ........................................................................ 3 Passport & Visa ................................................................ 3 Travel Dates .................................................................... 8 Arrival ............................................................................ 11 My Program .................................................................... 13 Packing ......................................................................... 13 Housing ......................................................................... 15 Academics ..................................................................... 19 Tuition & Financial Aid .................................................... 20 Field Trips ...................................................................... 20 Health & Safety .............................................................. 22 Daily Life ......................................................................... 27 Center ........................................................................... 27 Communications ............................................................. 29 Life in your City .............................................................. 34 Diversity ........................................................................ 38 Student Conduct ............................................................. 41 Contact Us ...................................................................... 43 Page 2 Plan Travel We recommend reading this section of your predeparture information, as well as touching base with your Home School to understand all the necessary information to start planning for your study abroad experience. Please note: the following information is meant to provide a general guide to traveling abroad, please contact your Home School Representative with questions about program dates, required documents and arrival details. Passport & Visa Passport If you have not already done so, apply for your passport immediately! You must have a valid passport before you can apply for any other required travel documents. Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the end date of your program. The U.S. Passport Application Process The current passport application process requires: A passport application A true certified copy of your birth certificate Two identical passport photos An application fee A personal ID A photocopy of your ID Processing your passport application can take up to six weeks. You can expedite this process by paying an additional fee. For further instructions on obtaining a passport, visit travel.state.gov or call the National Passport Information Center at 877.487.2778. You can also call your local post office to locate passport agencies in your area. Passports for Non-U.S. Citizens Page 3 If you are a non-U.S. citizen, follow your government’s procedures for obtaining a passport. If you are not currently in your home country and you need to renew your passport, contact your country’s nearest consulate or embassy. To obtain consulate phone numbers, please refer to www.state.gov/s/cpr/rls/fco. Caring for your Passport Sign your passport as soon as you receive it. Keep a photocopy of your passport with you at all times, preferably in a money belt or similar carrier that can be concealed underneath your clothing. Leave copies of the identification page of your passport and any other governmental travel documents with a responsible third party or saved online in case your documents are lost or stolen. Do not carry your passport or wallet in a backpack. These are easy targets for thieves, especially in crowded areas. Entry Documents A visa is a government-issued official authorization that is affixed to a valid passport, granting you entry into and travels within a particular country for an allotted time period. A Student Visa is required for a stay longer than 90 days and is mandatory for all IES Abroad semester and academic year programs in Spain. It is your responsibility to obtain your student visa. From the date an application is submitted to the Spanish Consulate, the processing time is estimated at 4 to 6 weeks if you apply independently and 6 to 8 weeks if you choose to use the Visa ACCeSS service. WHAT YOU NEED TO DO TO GET A STUDENT VISA STEP 1 - Confirm your Place in the Program and Submit Your Online Forms Submit the Passport Form. STEP 2 - Determine How You Will Apply for Your Student Visa Depending on your nationality, you may be required to apply for a student visa. You may apply independently (directly with Page 4 the Spanish Consulate, in-person) or participate in IES Abroad Visa ACCeSS (provided you meet the eligibility requirements). Read the Spanish Visa - How to Apply Information Sheet to learn more about applying through Visa ACCeSS or applying independently, and to determine through which consulate you should apply. U.S. Citizens U.S. citizens may choose to apply for the student visa independently or participate in IES Abroad Visa ACCeSS. Non-U.S. Citizens Non-U.S. citizens may need to make special arrangements or submit additional documentation for a student visa. You may have the option to participate in IES Abroad Visa ACCeSS, if you confirm with the consulate that they will allow you to apply via a third-party. European Union (EU) Citizens/Military Passport-holders Traveling Under NATO Orders European Union citizens and students with military passports traveling on NATO orders are NOT required to obtain a student visa in order to study in Spain, but must travel on their European Union or military passport. STEP 3 - Prepare Your Visa Application Use the list of required documents for your visa application based on how you plan to apply. Further explanation of these documents, and possible additional materials, can be found in Step 4: Review the Explanation of Visa Application Documents. ACCeSS Participants If you are eligible and have chosen to participate in IES Abroad Visa ACCeSS, download the ACCeSS Instructions for your Consulate and gather the listed visa application materials. Visa ACCeSS Instructions - Boston Visa ACCeSS Instructions - Chicago Visa ACCeSS Instructions - Houston Visa ACCeSS Instructions - Los Angeles Visa ACCeSS Instructions - Miami Visa ACCeSS Instructions - New York Page 5 Visa ACCeSS Instructions - San Francisco Independent Applicants If you will be applying for your visa on your own, check your Consulate's website to determine whether or not you need an appointment to apply for your visa. If you do, schedule an appointment for no more than 90 days and no less than 60 days before your program start date. For students in the New York Consulate's jurisdiction, student visa applications can be dropped off in the mailbox at the consulate or mailed to the consulate. See the New York Consulate's website for more information. Check your Consulate's website to identify what documents will be required to apply for your student visa and gather those materials. STEP 4 - Review the Explanation of Visa Application Documents Read the Visa Application Documents - Standard information carefully to understand what documents you may be required to submit as a part of your visa application. These materials may vary based on the length of study, the consulate, and your citizenship. National Visa Application and Guide Download the National Visa Application and Guide for your program. National Visa Application - Granada *Non-U.S. Citizens Non-U.S. citizens may be required to submit additional materials. Contact your Spanish Consulate to learn about additional visa requirements and fees based on your country of citizenship. *Boston Consulate If you are applying through the Boston Consulate, you must submit a supplemental form. Download the Boston Supplemental Form and Guide, and use the included guide to help you complete it. *Houston Consulate Page 6 If you are applying through the Houston Consulate, you must submit an original letter from one of IES Abroad's Spanish Partner Universities. IES Abroad will obtain this letter for you. To learn more about this visa application piece and how you will receive it, contact your IES Abroad Program Advisor. *Los Angeles Consulate If you are applying independently through the Los Angeles Consulate, you must submit an original Carta de Aceptación and Garantía de Financiera, Médica, y Alojamiento, which will have hand-written signatures. These will be mailed to you via FedEx after you submit the Spain - Visa Preparation Form and indicate that you will be applying through the Los Angeles Consulate. STEP 5 - Submit Your Visa Application ACCeSS Participants If you will be participating in IES Abroad Visa ACCeSS, follow your ACCeSS Instructions and submit your visa application materials to the IES Abroad Chicago office by the deadline. By choosing this option, you do not need to make an in- person appearance at the consulate. No late applications will be accepted.