Office of International Programs Brown in Studies Program 2015-2016

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TABLE OF CONTENTS INTRODUCTION ...... 4 PROGRAM OVERVIEW ...... 5 The City of Granada ...... 6 The University of Granada ...... 7 UGR Facts ...... 7 Academics ...... 8 Academic Calendar ...... 8 Program Staff in Granada ...... 10 Housing ...... 11 GETTING TO GRANADA ...... 12 Travel and Transport between the Airport and Granada’s City Center ...... 12 GETTING AROUND GRANADA ...... 13 PREPARING FOR YOUR DEPARTURE ...... 14 Passport ...... 14

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Applying for a Student Visa ...... 14 MANAGING AND BUDGETING YOUR MONEY ...... 15 ATM Cards and Debit Cards ...... 16 Traveler’s Checks ...... 16 Credit Cards ...... 16 HEALTH RELATED ISSUES ...... 17 Prescription Medications ...... 17 Immunizations ...... 17 Contraception, STD’s and Counseling Services ...... 18 TRAVEL DURING THE PROGRAM ...... 19 Holidays in Granada ...... 20 OTHER HELPFUL TIPS ...... 20 When are things open? ...... 20 Services and Tips ...... 21 Eating Habits...... 21 Electricity ...... 21 Postal Services ...... 22 Cell Phones ...... 22 Laptops ...... 22 Internet ...... 22 HELPFUL LINKS ...... 22 EMERGENCY PROCEDURES AND STAYING SAFE ...... 23 TIPS FOR STAYING SAFE ...... 23 EMERGENCY CONTACT INFORMATION ...... 24 GRANADA & U.S. CONTACT INFORMATION ...... 24

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INTRODUCTION

This handbook is designed to provide you with a wealth of information that will guide you as you prepare to immerse yourself fully into the academic, cultural and sociolinguistic context of the city of Granada. Use it as a resource but don’t consider it to be your only guide. The dedicated staff at the University of Granada is fully committed to delivering a program that will challenge you to go beyond your comfort zone and discover all that this experience has to offer. As you prepare for your experience abroad, consider the advice provided in this handbook and do your own investigating into the region you are about to visit. The true value of a lengthy and profound sojourn abroad is that it erases the frontier between cultural awareness and cultural experience – experience Granada in a way that no short-term traveler could ever imagine.

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

The Granada University Studies program track offers a direct enrollment option for students with high-advanced (HISP 0600) to superior levels of proficiency. Brown students will take classes with Spanish students from Granada (and from many regions of ) at one or more of the following schools of the University:

• of and Letters • Faculty of Sciences • Faculty of and Business • Faculty of Political Science and • Facuty of • Faculty of Educational Sciences

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The City of Granada Granada, located in the southeast of , stands at the foot of Sierra Nevada before a wide, fertile plain watered by the Darro and Genil rivers. The first settlement in this region dates back to the 5th century B.C. and in Roman times it was known by the name of Ilíberis, which later changed to Elvira. It was later dominated by Visigoths whose reign ended in the year 711 with the Islamic conquest.

From their very arrival in Spain, the Moors settled in the city. In 1013, the Zirie dynasty declared it an independent kingdom and the town underwent a period of expansion. For two and a half centuries

Granada experienced its era of maximum splendor, becoming a symbol of economic, artistic and cultural wealth. The main aim of its successive kings was to embellish the city in ways that nobody could match. Its beauty is enhanced by attractive constructions such as the Alhambra and the Generalife . Granada was the last Islamic bastion in Spain and with King Boabdil the Nasrid dynasty came to an end, when he handed over the keys of the city to the Catholic Monarchs in 1492 and agreed the terms of surrender in Santa Fe.

From the city’s Arab past remain many monuments, quarters, gardens, dozens of small squares or “plazas,” hidden corners and fountains, which tell us of the spell cast by a past history surrounded by legend. In contrast with Muslim Granada are the Renaissance and Baroque areas of the Christian era. The city is home to one of the country’s oldest , whose students contribute to an animated cultural and civil life.

Granada today constantly surprises the visitor with the contrast between old and new, between areas such as the Albaicín or the Alhambra, with their hidden corners which fill the soul with peace and memories of times gone by, and the bustling lower part of the city, full of life and color, of people coming and going, with its bars and shops. Even more, only a few kilometers away is one of Spain’s best ski resorts, and at less than an hour’s journey is the Mediterranean, with attractive, tropical beaches.

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The University of Granada The University of Granada, founded in 1531 by the Emperor Charles V and the roots of which can be traced back to the madrasahs of the last Nasrid Kingdom , is one of the oldest in . For almost 500 years, the University has been a clear exponent of historical, intellectual and cultural tradition and a important center of education among Europe’s universities.

Today, it is a comprehensive university with over 60,000 students and a vast range of courses offered, making it one of the largest in Spain. Comprised of seven campuses, the University today reflects its history through its stunning architecture that spans from the 16 th century to the present.

During its growth, the University has adapted to the different social changes, becoming internationally renowned for its quality in all areas of higher education: teaching, research, culture and services both to the University community and society in general.

Finally, the UGR is strongly committed to playing a major role in all initiatives that favor its international dimension and places the internationalization of its list of courses, its services and the whole of the university community as one of the key strategies for development and growth.

UGR Facts • In Granada, there are four University Campuses, as well as the “Campus Centro”, in which all the centers spread throughout the historic part of the city are brought together. The UGR's policy of using buildings of historical and cultural value has enriched its heritage, as well as promoting the restoration and maintenance of these buildings. In addition to this emphasis on more traditional elements, the Health Science Technological Park, which is still being developed, demonstrates our strong commitment to innovation by promoting interaction with technological bio-health companies and favoring high-quality healthcare and biomedical knowledge. There are two other UGR Campuses in the cities of and , in Northern Africa.

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• Over 60,000 undergraduate and postgraduate students study at the UGR, with another 20,000 students taking additional courses, language courses, summer courses etc. The University employs 3650 lecturers and over 2000 administration, technical and maintenance staff.

• At present, courses for 75 different qualifications are taught in the 28 teaching centers of the UGR. The courses are taught across 116 departments. The Postgraduate School offers 68 master's courses, 116 doctorate programs and 113 additional courses.

• The commitment to high-quality research has placed the Universidad de Granada in a prominent position in terms of national rankings. The financing of 346 research groups illustrates this commitment. Through the Spanish Research Program, as well as other national programs and organizations, the University supports 165 research projects, and the Ministry of Innovation, Science and Business has provided financial support to 78 Projects of Excellence. The links with the business world operate through the Research Results Transfer Office (OTRI).

• The Scientific Instrumentation Centre (CIC) offers various services to support research, focusing in particular on experimental subjects.

• Collaboration on international projects, as well as seeking resources and partners, is managed through the International Projects Office (OPI).

• In addition to the research work of the departments, the UGR has 12 research institutes, as well as other specific research units and centers that focus their work on specific areas.

• For many years, the UGR has promoted a significant international activity through the Vice-'s Office for International Relations. The importance of the presence of international students is most clearly demonstrated by the 606 mobility agreements signed with European Higher Education institutions and the ERASMUS mobility programs; the UGR is the leading European university in terms of receiving students and the second Spanish university in terms of the mobility of its own students. The University is also involved in major exchange programs with universities in the United States, , America, Central and Eastern Europe, the Middle East, Mediterranean countries, Australia, Oceania and Asia.

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Academics Upon arrival, students will enroll in a 2-week advanced-level intensive Spanish language course offered through the University of Granada's Center for Modern Languages (CLM). Students then begin their coursework at their selected school(s) of the University, taking a course load equivalent to 30 European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) credits, typically five classes. Brown students will be registered at one of the following Schools and may take one or two electives in up to two of the other UGR Schools listed below (depending on availability, scheduling and distance):

• Faculty of Philosophy and Letters • Faculty of Sciences • Faculty of Economics and Business • Faculty of Political Science and Sociology • Facuty of Law • Faculty of Educational Sciences

Students should submit several course preferences to the Brown staff in Granada who will assist them in choosing the appropriate ones for pre-registration. Depending on the semester of attendance, there may be limited or no spaces available in certain courses hence the need for several back-up options. Academic Calendar 2015-2016 Fall Semester 8/29/15 Arrival in Granada – Welcome Dinner 8/30-9/1 Mandatory orientation meetings and activities 8/31/15 Move into home stays 9/1/15 Language Level Placement Test 9/2/15 First day of Intensive Spanish Language classes 9/14-9/18 Week of orientation activities at the University of Granada 9/15/15 Last day of Intensive Spanish Language classes 9/21/15 First day of classes at the University of Granada 1/21/16 Last day of classes at the University of Granada 1/23/16 Departure from Granada 1/27/16 First day of second semester classes at Brown

Spring Semester 1/24/16 Arrival in Granada – Welcome Dinner 1/26-1/28 Mandatory orientation meetings and activities 1/27/16 Move into home stays 1/29/16 Language Level Placement Test 2/1/16 First day of Intensive Spanish Language classes 2/12/16 Last day of Intensive Spanish Language classes 2/15/16 First day of classes at the University of Granada 6/8/16 Last day of classes at the University of Granada 6/9-7/6 Final Exam Period / Departure from Granada (exact departure date depends on the date of your last final exam)

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Course Load and Grading Requirements Students in the University Studies Direct Enroll Program must successfully complete a full course load, receiving a grade of “C” (6.0) or better in each class, in order to receive 4 Brown credits for the semester. The Brown resident staff will ensure that students enroll in a full academic course load, which can consist of anywhere from three to six classes according to the credits assigned to the individual classes. Attendance, class participation and assignments and exam grades are all taken into serious consideration when determining final grades. Students should only miss class in the event of an excused absence (documented illness, official group excursion, etc.). Classes may not be taken S/NC. Please see the “Take it with You” Handbook for more information on Brown’s Academic Policies for study abroad.

Grade Conversion Scale 9.0-10 A 8.0-8.99 B+ 7.5-7.99 B 7.0-7.49 B- 6.5-6.99 C+ 6.0-6.49 C 5.0-5.99 C- 4.5-4.99 D 0-4.49 F

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Program Staff in Granada María Maldonado, Co-Director María is from a small town in the “Alpujarra Granadina,” the region of valleys nestled in the south-facing side of the Sierra Nevada. María had the opportunity to live in France for a few years and this experience awakened in her a passion for other cultures, having come to realize how much they enrich life. She studied Translation and Interpretation at the School of Translation and Interpretation of the University of Granada and went on to study French culture and literature in the School of Philosophy and Letters.

María combines her work as co-coordinator of Brown in Granada with her work with students from California State University. Her responsibilities allow her to combine her love for her homeland with helping U.S. study abroad students to have a unique experience here. María loves Granada and she loves being able to share with students this opportunity to experience a new culture, especially in this city and its surroundings. Having worked with North American students for so long, María is very aware of the challenges that they face and is well-equipped to help them surpass the difficulties they may encounter living in a completely different culture and system.

Christine Kelly-Vereda, Co-Director Having loved working with Brown students in the past and enjoying her current life in Granada immensely, Christine is thrilled to combine the two and welcome Brown students to this enchanting city! Prior to moving to Granada, Christine was the Assistant Director in the OIP at Brown working mostly with students applying to Alternative Programs. In 2005, she moved to Granada to direct ’s programs in Spain, including one at the Center for Modern Languages. Since then Christine and her husband have become fully integrated into the local community, have started a family, and have embraced all of the benefits of living in Granada. Among her favorites are the proximity of the Sierra Nevada (great hiking and skiing!) and the Mediterranean Sea. Christine has lived in Spain for a total of 14 years and has been working in international higher education for over 20. The most fulfilling part of her work is facilitating the learning that happens outside of the classroom where students living in another culture not only learn about that culture but learn a lot about themselves as well. Christine holds a Master’s Degree in Developmental and Educational from Boston where she focused on identity development in college students.

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Housing

Students in Granada live with carefully selected Spanish host families!

Students on the Brown in Granada Program live with carefully selected Spanish families in the center of Granada within a 20-minute walk from school. There are many benefits to living with a host family, the most important of which is the constant exposure to Spanish language, cultural norms and cuisine. In a homestay, all meals are provided and shared with the family (as work and class schedules allow); and daily conversations around the table can be a wonderful way to expand your vocabulary and understanding of current events in Spain. Bed linens and towels are also provided and students’ laundry is washed weekly. Students are given keys to the home (generally a “piso” similar to a condominium) and can come and go as they please. There is no curfew, only an expectation of common courtesy: students should let the family know when they will not be present for a meal or when they will be away overnight. Internet access is also provided in every home-stay accommodation.

It is important to make note that, as in the USA and elsewhere, the composition of a Spanish family will vary from home to home. A “family” may be comprised of a full family including mother, father, kids and a dog, or a single mom and her kids, or a young couple with no kids, or a widowed señora and her adult son/daughter, etc., etc. It is also a possibility that Brown students (one or two to a home) will share their residence with another . The University of Granada is the most highly requested destination among ERASMUS students (European study abroad students) and is also a popular destination for Asian, North African and Latin American students. This brings a young, engaged international community not only to the city of Granada but to the homes of its residents as well. North American students often learn a great deal about other countries and cultures through friendships with their international housemates and continue to improve their Spanish as it is generally the shared language!

Note: A student who wishes to decline the home stay accommodation, must do so in writing by the established deadline. The student will then be responsible for independently securing and paying for his/her own housing in Granada.

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GETTING TO GRANADA

Granada's national airport (airport code GRX) is named after Federico García Lorca. There are no direct flights from the United States, so your initial arrival to Spain will likely be through Madrid or Barcelona with a connecting flight taking you to Granada.

Students are responsible for making their own travel arrangements and must arrive in Granada by the first day of the program (see Academic Calendar for specific dates). Keep in mind that most transatlantic flights to Spain depart the U.S. the evening prior to your arrival day . This means that, in most cases, you will begin your international flight on the previous day and fly through the night. When checking in for your international flight, verify that your luggage will be checked directly through to your final destination . In most cases this can be done, even if you begin your travel with one airline and conclude with another.

After purchasing your flight, remember it is essential to provide Brown staff in Granada with your flight details.

Upon arriving in Spain, you will proceed to passport control, after which you will pick up your luggage. If your first port of entrance is Madrid, in most cases, your luggage will be automatically checked through to Granada. This means you will not have to clear customs until you reach your final destination.

Travel and Transport between the Airport and Granada’s City Center The airport is located about 15 km outside the city of Granada. The airport code is GRX. It takes about 30 minutes by road from the center of Granada.

Airport bus: There is a frequent airport bus service and the buses tie in with the arrivals and is located just outside the arrivals area. The bus costs 3 euros and there are several stops in the centre of Granada. The most central stop is the stop on the Gran Vía next to the Cathedral. If you are going to Plaza Nueva, it's a good idea to get off at this stop. For more information visit: http://www.aena.es .

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Taxi: If you don't want to walk through the streets with your luggage you can get a taxi to your exact destination. There is generally a fixed taxi fare for taxis from the airport to the city centre (currently 28 euros to the centre of Granada) so it's a good idea to ask how much it will cost before getting in the taxi. The taxi driver should not use the taximeter.

You will receive specific instructions on how and where to meet up with Brown staff well before your program begins.

For more information on transportation to Granada visit: http://www.lovegranada.com/transport/

GETTING AROUND GRANADA

By bus Granada’s urban bus network covers the whole of the city. At http://www.transportesrober.com you can find information on the ticket prices, bus passes and route maps.

There are a number of other options for buses that run to destinations outside of Granada. More information on airport and intercity buses visit: http://www.lovegranada.com/buses/ .

By taxi Taxis are a safe and affordable way to get around on a cold, rainy day or late at night. You can hail a taxi on the street, get a taxi at one of the numerous taxi stands throughout the city or call the company at 958-280-654. Students should program this number into their cell phones so that they have it handy at all times.

By train Spain has a single national rail company, called the Red Nacional de Ferrocarriles or RENFE, and its website, www.renfe.es , provides daily train timetables and other useful information. Granada is linked by train with Almeria, Algeciras, Madrid (via Linares- Baeza), Barcelona, Malaga and Sevilla. Some of these trains make stops in Granada's provincial towns, such as Loja, Guadix, Iznalloz and Moreda. However, Granada's suburban rail network is not well developed.

There are three ways you can buy train tickets for travel from Granada: the Internet, via the Renfe web site, at www.renfe.es; at the ticket office in the station where you can pay by credit/debit card or cash; and finally, you can also buy train tickets in Granada through travel agents, but they charge a small commission. Granada trains are usually on time, but be prepared for the occasional lengthy delay. Intercity trains are usually punctual.

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PREPARING FOR YOUR DEPARTURE

Passport If you do not currently have a passport you should start this process as soon as possible. The process can take two weeks to a month depending on which procedure you follow. You are now able to download printable passport applications from the internet as well as consult general Passport Services information at www.travel.state.gov/passport/passport_1738. Html

To get your passport you’ll need: a) a passport application b) proof of citizenship, e.g. a birth certificate c) two identical passport photos d) the passport fee $60 (please verify with the post office)

Remember: Your passport is the most important document you have when outside the United States. Know where it is at all times. When you receive your passport, make several copies of the front pages and keep the copies separate from your baggage. You should leave a copy of your passport with your parents at home. Once in a foreign country, keep your copies in a safe place, and ask your program to keep a copy on hand. This will facilitate replacement if your passport is lost or stolen.

Applying for a Student Visa The Spanish government requires a visa for all US citizens, and many non-US citizens, studying in Spain for more than three months. If you are a US citizen, this means that you must obtain a student visa prior to departure. Do not leave this matter until the last minute. Immediately check your window of opportunity for visa application and for the consulate that corresponds to your permanent home address at the following address: www.immihelp.com/visas/schengenvisa/spanish-consulates-usa.html

You cannot apply for your visa without a valid passport. If you do not have one, or if your current passport expires within six months after the end of the program, visit the U.S. State Department’s Travel Website (www.travel.state.gov/passport/passport_1738.html) to renew or request a passport.

You must contact the consulate with jurisdiction over the state in which you reside to obtain the necessary visa applications and instructions. In some cases it may be possible to use the consulate associated with the state in which your university is located but this must be verified with the consulate itself. It is your responsibility to inform yourself of the requirements and to get your own visa.

Note that the requirements for obtaining a visa may vary from one Spanish consulate to another. ALWAYS verify the application procedure with the consulate with jurisdiction for

Granada – University Studies | 15 your home residence. One of the documents required for a student visa is a letter stating that you are enrolled in a full-time program. Your study abroad office will provide you with such a letter, closer to the date when you should apply for your visa. You may also be required to submit a physician’s letter indicating that you are in good health, free of contagious disease, drug addiction or mental illness. These items must be specified in the letter, and a medical doctor must sign it. In some cases, you may be required to present a statement or record from the police department indicating a record of good conduct.

Some consulates will not process visa applications before or after certain dates, and the process can take several weeks, so it is very important to check the requirements early, to learn such details. Generally, one or two visits to the consulate are required, so students must plan accordingly.

When entering Spain, make sure that the official stamps your passport on the same page as your visa. The student visa is good for 90, if you are a full-year student or 180 days, if you are a semester student. Full-year students are required to extend their stay by obtaining a resident's card, once in Spain. The program staff will help you extend it for the length of your program.

Any questions you have about the visa application process, or entry into Spain, should be directed to the Spanish consulate from which you obtained the visa materials.

MANAGING AND BUDGETING YOUR MONEY Banking and money matters are your responsibility. Please budget and manage your money carefully.

The program fee you pay your home university covers tuition and related academic programming activities, program excursions, and other program-related events. It does not cover mandatory health insurance (see Health Related Issues below), airfare, housing and meals (after the first month of the program), books, local public transportation and related personal expenses. Refund policies may vary. Consult with your study abroad office.

Before you leave for Granada, you should plan how you will handle your money during your term abroad. You will need to budget for expenses such as groceries and utilities (if you move to an apartment), local transportation, toiletries, social activities, and any additional travel. The Spanish banking system can be cumbersome, and there can be long delays in transferring money to a local account in Granada. With the abundance of ATMs throughout the city, it is not necessary to open a bank account. If you decide to do so however, it is advisable that it be a savings account (Libreta de Ahorros) rather than a checking account (cuenta corriente). Checks – even on local Spanish banks – are generally not accepted for purchases. Banks are generally open Monday through Friday from 8:30am to 2:00pm.

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ATM Cards and Debit Cards It is generally, not difficult to find an ATM machine in Granada (or anywhere in Spain). The most common cards used in the U.S. (Plus and Cirrus) are accepted in nearly all machines and students have found this to be the most convenient way to access funds. If you need more funds while abroad, it is much easier (and less costly) for parents to simply deposit money to your U.S. account rather than send you money by wire. ATM withdrawals generally give you a competitive exchange rate, but bear in mind that you will be charged a transaction fee by your home bank. If you plan to use an ATM card, advise your home bank that you will be out of the country and for how long; so that it can ensure that your card will not be rejected in Granada due to a concern about identity theft. You may also want to consider having your parent’s name on your account. Finally, make sure you have a PIN that functions internationally (most ATMs in Europe have number rather than letter keys). Traveler’s Checks Traveler’s checks offer the security of a refund if they are lost or stolen. When obtaining traveler’s checks, make sure you keep the check receipts and secure them in a safe place separate from the checks themselves. Keep a record of the checks as you cash them so that, if lost or stolen, you will know which ones are missing. When cashing checks, make certain you countersign them in the presence of the bank teller, not beforehand. Keep in mind that the exchange rate for traveler’s checks is often lower than for ATM cards, and that banks may also charge additional transaction fees. Credit Cards Credit card, particularly Visa and MasterCard, have become commonplace throughout Europe and can be invaluable in a financial emergency. Ask your bank for a PIN identification number that will be valid in Europe. In the event of an emergency, you can go into any Visa or MasterCard participating bank and draw cash immediately or purchase traveler’s checks. Because of high interest rates and fees charged for cash advances, it is advisable to avoid this method to obtain money unless you have no other option.

In some cases, a Spanish merchant may not allow a credit card to be used when the amount being spent is too small. For example, it may not be an option to us a credit card to pay for an inexpensive meal in a restaurant even though there may be a Visa or MasterCard logo in the window. Spaniards understand that the card can be used to pay a large bill for a party of guests, but not for lesser amounts. It is wise to ask before assuming you can use your credit card. It is important to carry some form of ID with you when making purchases with your credit card, as you will invariably be asked to show your ID. A photocopy of your passport is usually sufficient.

At a cardholder’s request, most major lenders will issue an additional card in the name of a son/daughter. If you plan to use your parent’s credit card account, you should request the additional card early enough for you to have it before you leave and it should have your name printed on it exactly as it appears on your passport. If you elect this method, the line of credit is the same amount as on the cardholder’s account, and the monthly bill is also presented to the cardholder.

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HEALTH RELATED ISSUES Questions to consider when acquiring health insurance for study abroad

 Will the plan cover hospitalization for accidents and illnesses for the entire period while I am abroad? Some policies provided by a parent’s employer may cover medical expenses for brief stays abroad but not for the full term of a study abroad program.  Will the plan cover doctor visits and medication prescribed abroad?  Is there a deductible? If yes, how much?  Is there a dollar limit to the amount of coverage provided?  What are the procedures for filing a claim for medical expenses abroad? Do I need to pay expenses up front and then submit receipts to the insurance company for reimbursement? Make sure that you get full information from your policy about how to arrange for routine treatment, medical emergency procedures, and what is required to pay for or be reimbursed for a claim. Many overseas health providers will not process American insurance claims and will expect payment at the time of service so students should have access to a minimum of $400 (either by credit card or traveler’s checks held in reserve for emergencies) in the event that medical treatment is required abroad. Be sure to obtain a receipt to submit with your insurance claim for reimbursement upon your return to the US.  When does the plan begin and end?  Will this insurance cover me in the US for the insured semester if I decide, for medical or other reasons, to return before the end of the program? (If students have a serious accident or illness abroad, they may need to return to the US or further care; it is therefore important that the student carry coverage that applies not only abroad, but in the US during the study abroad period as well.)  Does the plan cover pre-existing medical conditions? Prescription Medications If you require prescription medication, you should bring a supply with you to last the entire time that you will be abroad. Although many medications are available worldwide, they are not always identical in strength or composition to what you take at home. In addition, brand names of the same medication usually differ between US and Europe. Bring medications in your carry-on luggage, in their original containers, along with a letter from your doctor explaining the dosage, why the medication has been prescribed, and why you are traveling with a large quantity. This is especially important if you enter Spain with medications that are highly controlled due to their tendency to be abused in other contexts. Note: It is illegal to ship medications to Spain; any medications found will be confiscated and a heavy fine may be assessed. Immunizations If you plan to travel outside of Spain, particularly – given Spain’s proximity – to the continent of Africa, please make sure you have had the necessary immunizations. You can learn about associated health issues through the Center for Disease Control at http://www.cdc.gov/travel/ .

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Contraception, STD’s and Counseling Services It is extremely important to be informed ahead of time about the availability of various services and products related to contraception, STDs and sexual activity. The following information is a brief outline of what you can expect to find in Spain.

Birth control is widely available in Spain. Birth control is available at clinics and family planning services. Condoms are also easily purchased in and in vending machines in bars, pubs and on the street. Abortion is illegal and is sanctioned only in cases of rape, incest, fetus malformation, and threat of serious physical or psychological harm to the mother.

Unprotected sexual activity risks exposure to sexually transmitted diseases, including AIDS. The rate of infection has increased more rapidly in Spain than in any other country in Europe in recent years. If you worry that you may have become exposed to HIV, you can be tested in hospitals in Spain; the results are confidential.

A list of available health clinics and counseling services in Granada will be provided to students during Orientation. Brown staff will be available to help make appointments and/or accompany students who request such assistance.

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TRAVEL DURING THE PROGRAM

Students will be invited to participate in day trips and an overnight excursion included in the Brown Program. Destinations will vary by semester and may include Sevilla, Córdoba, Ronda, Úbeda y Baeza, the Alpujarra region, the Mediterranean coast, etc. A list of included excursion dates and destinations will be provided to students during the onsite orientation.

Students will also have the opportunity to travel on their own to other points in Spain and the rest of Europe. If you travel outside of Granada during the program, you must provide program staff with your itinerary and contact information prior to departure. Because this policy relates directly to student safety and the program’s ability to respond to an emergency, failure to follow the appropriate procedure could result in a student’s expulsion from the program. You will be given specific instructions on how to report this information. You are responsible for any travel prior to the program start date or after your last final exam, so you should establish a plan with family at home for how you will contact one another, and procedures you will follow, in case of an emergency during those times.

All hotels in Spain require guests to present a valid passport at check-in, so it’s important you always travel with your original document even when not crossing international borders.

Once the semester is underway, you are expected to attend your classes. Your travel plans should not cause you to miss classes.

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Below is a list of local and national holidays that will provide you with opportunities for a break. Plan your travel within these breaks or before/after the program. While travel is an exciting part of the experience, your academic program is the priority and travel must not interfere with your studies. A calendar of Brown sponsored trips and activities will be provided to students prior to the beginning of the semester and these dates should be reserved for group travel.

2014-2015 Holiday Calendar Sept 15 Virgen de Las Angustias (class in session) Oct 12 Día de la Hispanidad (observed 10/13) Nov 1 Todos los Santos Dec 6 Día de la Constitución Dec 8 La Inmaculada (no class) Dec 20-Jan 6 Christmas Break (CLM/UGR closed) Feb 28 Día de Andalucía Mar 30-Apr 5 Semana Santa (no class) May 1 Día del Trabajador (no class) June 4-5 Corpus Christi (no class)

OTHER HELPFUL TIPS

When are things open? Normal Shopping Hours Monday through Friday – 10:00am-1:30pm and 5:00pm-8:30pm Saturday – 10:00am-1:30/2:00pm Many shops and retail stores will close for siesta and then re-open in the afternoon.

Big Supermarkets & Department Stores (El Corte Inglés, Mercadona, Carrefour, Alcampo, Hipercor) Monday through Saturday – 9/10am to 9/10pm Opencor Supermercado- 24 hours

Post Office Monday through Friday 8am-8:30pm / Saturday 8am-2pm

Banks Monday through Friday 8:30am-2:00pm

Pharmacies Pharmacies are generally open Monday through Friday 9:30-1:30 and 5:00-8:30. Most are closed on the weekends except for the Farmacias de Guardia. These are the designated pharmacies that open all night and on the weekends on a rotating basis. You can find out which ones are open by checking the list in all windows or in the local newspaper.

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There are also six 24-hour pharmacies in Granada: Gran Capitán, 9 tel.958 272 125 Recogidas, 48 tel. 958 251 290 Puerta Real, 2 tel. 958 263 113 Periodista José Ma. Carulla, 8 (cerca de Bellas Artes) 958 154 949 Avda. Dilar, 16 (Zaidín) 958 811 806 Reyes Católicos, 5 tel. 958 262 664

You must go to a pharmacy for all medications, including aspirin, since they are not sold in drug stores or grocery stores. Pharmacists in Spain are trained to do over-the-counter diagnoses for minor ailments so the pharmacy is a good first stop if you are not feeling well.

Services and Tips In restaurants, all services must be included in the cost of the set menu. Only in cases where “IVA no incluido” is indicated may VAT be charged as extra. Tipping is not obligatory, but is frequent when clients are satisfied with the service provided. Tips are a small gesture of appreciation and are not based on a percentage of the total bill.

Eating Habits Breakfast is usually eaten early, before leaving for work or class. Around 11 o’clock, it is typical for people to have a second breakfast at a café. Lunch is normally eaten between 2:00 – 3:30 p.m., depending on the routine of each family and is usually served in several courses including a starter, main and fruit for dessert. Between 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. it’s common to have coffee or tea as an afternoon snack. Finally, a light meal is taken between 8:30 – 10:30 p.m. Every household makes dinner in a different way and it is common to enjoy dinner outside of the house with friends at a local tapas restaurant or café. Granada is one of the few Spanish cities where they serve you a free tapa when you order a drink in a café or bar. For this reason, students frequently have dinner by simply ordering tapas in the bars of the city.

Electricity Compared to the U.S., where the standard electric current is 110 volts/60 cycles, the most widespread electric current is 220 volts and 50 cycles. Electrical items brought from home will need to be adapted for European current and electrical outlets by use of both a transformer and a converter plug, which allows you to plug an American item into a European wall socket. You’ll find that most electrical appliances (hair dryers, shavers, etc.) can be purchased in Granada for reasonable cost at any appliance store (“electrodomésticos”).

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Postal Services Stamps may be bought at tobacconists (look for the Tabaco sign) or post offices. Packages must be sent from the post office. Letter drops are found throughout the city, and they can’t be missed with their bright yellow (ordinary post) and red (urgent) coloring.

The Post Office in Granada is easily located in the Puerta Real, the very center of the city.

Cell Phones For safety and convenience, the program highly recommends that students have a cellular phone in Granada. Unless your current cell phone is specifically made for worldwide coverage, it will not operate in Spain. Cell phones (“moviles”) are everywhere in Spain, however, and although prices and calling plans will vary, there are some affordable options that you can look into upon your arrival. The program staff can offer advice during your first days in Granada.

Making a phone call To make an international call, you must first dial 00, followed by the country code and finally the regional code and number you are calling. For local and inter- provincial calls, you dial the province code, and then the number you are calling, although the provincial is no longer quoted separately. To receive a call Callers telephoning you from abroad must first dial 34 (Spain), and then your nine- digit number, which now incorporates the digits “95,” which used to be a separate provincial code. Fax Faxes may be sent and received from 958-21-05-26.

Laptops It is becoming more and more common for students to bring laptops with them when studying abroad. You will want to make sure that your laptop or power cord has an internal transformer. Before bringing it with you, check with your manufacturer and the proper measures to protect this valuable piece of equipment. Low quality power transformers can damage your laptop. Also, consider investing in a laptop lock, a device designed to be secured around a stationary piece of furniture then secured to your laptop to prevent theft.

Internet Internet via a WiFi network is available at the CLM buildings and in many cafés throughout the city. All home-stay accommodations provide internet service as well.

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HELPFUL LINKS Center for Modern Languages http://www.clm-granada.com University of Granada Website www.ugr.es International Relations Office http://internacional.ugr.es Granada Information www.turismodegranada.org http://granadainfo.com http://granadatour.com http://turgranada.es Andalusia Information www.andalucia.org Spain Information www.spain.info

EMERGENCY PROCEDURES AND STAYING SAFE

Spain is generally as safe as the U.S., and in some cases safer. As is true of any city, however, there are problems with petty thievery in Granada. You can avoid many problems by being cautious and remembering the important points listed below about staying safe. While crime, most certainly violent crime, is less prevalent in Granada than in similar-sized cities in the U.S., foreigners are always a favorite target of criminals, so please be mindful of your surroundings and belongings at all times.

If an emergency situation related to your health or safety occurs during the program, it is important to contact one of the Coordinators and your family at home immediately. This includes the unlikely event of a natural disaster (earthquake) or large-scale emergency (terrorist attack, large building fire) in Granada, elsewhere in Spain, or in an area where you are traveling during the program. If you imagine people may be worried about you, they probably are.

Soon after you arrive, your program will give you instructions for how to contact program staff in case of an emergency. Since you will be on your own if you travel before or after the official program dates, please make plans and discuss emergency procedures with your family for use at these times.

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The following is a list of some precautions you can take to ensure your safety:

• Pack lightly so that you do not need help with your things when traveling place to place • Do not leave luggage unguarded • Do not take anything of real or sentimental value with you; it is not necessary to wear expensive jewelry or watches • Do not carry your passport, plane tickets, or large sums of money with you unless these items are necessary for a specific purpose • Keep a photocopy of your passport, including the validity page with your picture and signature, in a safe place both in the U.S. and in Spain. Should you lose your passport, it will help to have these copies • If you go out at night, do not walk home alone. Both men and women should observe this precaution. Stay with a friend and take a cab home, all the way to the door • Do not take a purse with you to a club unless it is one you can keep with you at all times • Do not let anyone distract you while you are at an ATM machine.

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GRANADA CONTACT INFORMATION María Maldonado Rubiño, Co-Director Christine Kelly-Vereda, Co-Director Brown in Granada Office c/ Sacristía de Santa Escolástica 2, 1ºB 18009 Granada Tel (011-34) 958-210-526

Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected]

EMERGENCY CONTACT INFORMATION Christine Kelly-Vereda cell (011-34) 628-183-422 María Maldonado Rubiño cell (011-34) 639-384-699

Local Police (Granada) 091 Police 112 Ambulance 112 Fire Department 112

U.S. CONTACT INFORMATION Brown University Office of International Programs Tel. (401) 863-3555 Fax (401) 863-3311 Office Hours: Mon. – Fri. 8:30am – 5pm www.brown.edu/oip/ [email protected]

For health-related and/or safety emergency outside of business hours, call the Brown Campus Police at (401) 863-4111. For administrative and academic questions contact your OIP Study Abroad Advisor at (401) 863-3555. For program payment and financial matters, contact OIP Financial Manager, Carol Bridge, at (401) 863-3555.

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