DeMADridalCielo

MaristCollegeMADRID

at

UniversidadCarlosIIIdeMadrid

Spring2018

2

Si vienes a Madrid, eres de Madrid

ElpoetapaseaporMadrid(L.LópezAnglada)

Madrid,sitantotienestantovalesyaunquefaltodeencinas,terespirobebiéndolelosvientosalRetiroyalorodelcrepúsculoenRosales.

Conotoñosrománticosprevalespara

permanecerenelsuspiro.¿Dóndevamos,Madrid?Aoctubremiroycon

sabordesoledadmesales.

Mientraselcorazónamarillealatarde,quenoelcuerpo,mepaseaporlastranquilidadesdelpalacio.

Todosefingerápidoyurgente,peroyoterecorrolentamentequelascosasdelalma

vandespacio.

LuisLópezAnglada

Cayetana,MaristCollegeMadrid

Mascot

3

CONTENTS

WELCOMETOTHEMADRIDPROGRAM 5Importantcontactnumbersandaddresses 6Activitiesandexcursionsincludedintheprogram 7Keyprogramrules:asummary 8MaristCollegeMadridofficeatUC3M 9

ACADEMICS 10Thehostinstitution:UC3M 11Howtoreachthecampus 11CursosdeEstudiosHispánicos(CEH) 12

CEHcourses 12RegularGradocourses(RC) 13Mini---cursosdeHumanidades(MC) 13

Courseequivalences 13How/whentoenroll? 14Examdates 14Policyregardingabsences 15Grades:conversionscales 15Howtofindclassrooms 16AnoteonSpanishteachingstyle 16Usefulacademicterms 17Getingstarted 18Printingoncampus 18Social,culturalandsportfacilitiesoncampus 18

TACOcard(EspacioEstudiantes) 18BuddyProgram 18ErasmusStudentsNetwork 18

HOUSING 19WhylivewithaSpanishhostfamily? 20Tips,recommendations,rights,andresponsibilities 20

Meals/Kitchen 20Otherpartsofthehouse 20Internet,telephone,electricity,etc. 21Guests 21Others 21

Reviewingkeyhousingrules 22

SAFETYANDSECURITY 23PersonalSecurityAdvicefromtheAmericanEmbassy 24

RegistrationattheEmbassy 25Precautions 26

Specialnoteforwomen 26Telephonenumbersyoumusthavewithyouallthetime 27

Alcoholconsumption 27Legalconsiderationsregardingalcoholconsumption 27

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PoliceinSpain 28Advicetopedestrians 28Incaseofpick---pocketing 28Incaseofillness 29

SOMEPRACTICALBASICSFORLIVINGINSPAIN 30Cellphones 31ShippingfromtheUSA 32Transportation:gettingaroundMadrid 32

AbonoTransporte 32Metro 32Bus 33Transportationatnight:“buhos” 33Taxis 33

UsefulinformationaboutMadrid 33LeisureinMadrid 33Libraries 34ReligiousservicesinMadrid 34Otherusefulnumbers 35

PersonalTravel 36GettingaroundSpain 36Recommendedtrips&recommendedtransportation 37

Finances 38

CULTURALDIFFERENCES 40EtiquetteandcustomsinSpain 41Cultureshock: USA---»Madrid 42Reversecultureshock: Madrid---»USA 48

APPENDIX 57“TheValuesAmericansLiveBy,”byL.RobertKohls 58“TheGreenBanana,”byDonaldBatchelder 61

BIBLIOGRAPHY 62

Formsandcoursecalendar

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WELCOMETOTHEMADRIDPROGRAMDear student,¡Bienvenido a Madrid! I am very pleased to welcome you to the Marist C o l l e g e M a d r i d Program in Madrid. Marist College established a program in Madrid more than twenty years ago,and since then the program has been successfully receiving students. Among the numerous USprogramsinMadrid,ourprogramhasalwaystakenpride in:

--- Being small and dynamic: fewer participants allows for more personal and individualattention;

--- High academic level: our host institutions, the Universidad Carlos III has been awarded“University of Excellence” which implies that they hold one of the higher academicstandards in Europe.As public school, only Spanish studentswith outstanding performanceinhigh school and“Selectividad”(theentryexam touniversity)areadmitted;

--- Financial comprehensiveness: you will find a wide range of services, cultural activities andacademic excursions sponsoredby the program;

--- Havingbeenplannedasaholisticexperiencetohelpyoulearninandouttheclassroom;--- Dedicatedstaffthat lovewhattheydo!

Over the period of your stay limitless opportunities for academic and personal growth willunfold. I encourage you to take advantage of this wonderful experience and immerse yourself inthe Spanish language and culture in one of the most beautiful and dynamic cities in Spain, andneedless to say,my favorite!I am sure that Marist pre-departure orientation sessions and materials have been helpful inpreparing you for your semester abroad, but additionally, I encourage you to conduct personalresearch through websites, literature, and travel guides. Now the time has come for you toexperience the cultural differences in person and be ready for the Spanish way of life andcustoms. Therewill bemany challenges for you, but keep inmind that these experienceswill helpyougrowasa personandasaworldcitizen. FLEXIBILITYisthekey.During your stay inMadrid, Iwill be available to assist youwith any issues thatmay arise as I amhere to facilitate your experience in Madrid and provide you with any information that may helpyougetthe mostoutofyoursemester.“De Madrid al Cielo”was a publicity campaign launched some years ago by the local governmentthat implied that the next best thing to Heaven is living in Madrid. Today, with the increasingcost of life, manycynicsproclaimthat if youmanagetosurvive livinginMadrid,youdeservetogostraightto Heaven.HeavenorHades, your stay inMadridwill largelydependonwhat youmake it.“DeMadrid al Cielo” is meant to guide you through a variety of topics. We will go through thisguide step by step during orientation and you should keep it handy through orientation and thesemesterasareference.Mª IsabelCarrascoMaristCollegeMadr id ProgramDirector

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IMPORTANTCONTACTNUMBERSANDADDRESSESMª IsabelCarrasco,ProgramDirectorI sabe l . carrascocas tro@maris t .edu MaristCollegeMadridOffice inMadridC/Madrid126,UniversidadCarlosIIIdeMadridOffice:9.0.32Getafe, 28903MadridSpain Tel.Office:+ 34 91 624 89 11

APUNE (Asociación de ProgramasUniversitariosNorteamericanos en España)www.apune.org +34913199118+650197041USEmbassy inMadridC/Serrano,75Metro:RubénDarío Tel.+34915872240 +34915872200(24/7Emergencies)www.embusa.es

THSpain:24/7Hospitalwithfreeon-spottranslationservicePza.CondedelValleSuchil,16 +34629823493 +3462982402024/7 emergency number: +34655150308

What constitutes an emergency?An emergency situation is when you require immediate assistance because your physical,emotional ormental health is at risk or you have been victim of a crime. If you are unsureasto whetheran incidentshouldbeconsideredanemergency,makethecall.

WhatdoesNOTconstituteanemergency?WhatsAppandtextmessagesarenotanappropriatewayofcommunicationwiththeProgramDirector.Thesearesomeissuesthatwedonotconsideremergenciesworthyofacall/atextmessageorawhatsAppoutsidenormal work hours:---Aproblemthatcansafelywaituntiltomorroworhandledbye-mail;---Lookingforrestaurants,shopsorothersuchestablishmentsinMadrid;---Can´tfindaclassroom,ornotsurewhereyourclassroomis;---Tosaythatyouarerunninglateforameetingorexcursion.

Please consider that when program representatives are “on call” they may be sleeping, taking ashower, shopping, exercising, teaching, driving or traveling on the Metro; they may need a fewminutes tofindaquiet placetoproperlytalktoyou. If forsomereasonnooneanswers, it probablymeansthatthephoneisoutofrange.Pleasetextandtrytocallbackin5minutes.

*Noteon Spanish telephonenumbers:--- Landlinenumbersarecomprisedofcountrycode(Spain:34),citycode(i.e.Madrid:91),7digits---Mobilenumbersarecomprisedof9digits,alwaysstartingwith6.---900:tollfree---902,901,908:areexpensivecallsTocalltheUSAfromSpain,dial00,thenUSAcode:1,thenareacodeandlocalnumber.Example: tocallMaristswitchboard:0018455753000

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ACTIVITIESANDEXCURSIONSINCLUDEDINTHEPROGRAMYourprogramhasbeendesignedasaholistic learningexperience.Withthatpurpose,theprogramwill provideyouwithsomeculturalactivitiesandexcursions. Typicalexcursionsmay include:

--- 3day---trip(2nights)inBarcelona--- 3day---trip(2nights)inCórdobaandGranada--- 2day---trip(1night)toDonQuijoteRoute--- 1day---triptoToledo--- 1day---triptoSalamanca--- 1---daytriptoSegoviaAllorganizedexcursionsarefocusedonacultural themeandincludeguidedvisitstomainpointsofinterest. Student´swillreceivean itinerary inadvance,aswellasmeetingpointinformation,asuggested packing list,andrecommendations. Typicalculturalactivitiesare:

--- Flamenco show--- Theater--- Cinema--- GuidedtoursinMuseums(Prado,ReinaSofía,RealFábricadeTapices,Thyssen…)

or temporaryexhibitions--- Guidedtours inparks--- Citywalking tours (graffiti,urbanart, traditional shops…)Thedatesoffieldtripsandculturalactivitieshavebeenprovidedtoyoufar inadvance;participation inprogramtripsandactivitiesare, inalmostallcases,obligatory.RulesregardingCulturalActivitiesandExcursions

✓ Thereisnoreimbursementifyoudonotparticipateinprogram-sponsoredtripsorcultural activities.

✓ Punctualityisimperative. Tripsrunonaverytightscheduleanditisunfairtomaketheentire groupwaitforone“late-riser.”WewillonlywaitFIVEMINUTESaftertheposteddeparture time;thenthebuswillleaveandyouareexpectedtogettothedestinationonyourownand payforanyexpensesindoingso.Thenameofthehotelwherewewillbestayingovernight tripsisalwayspostedonthebulletinboardtheweekahead;besuretocopydowntheaddress. Themeansoftransporttoreachthedestinationisalsoposted,somakesuretogetthis informationaswell, just incaseyoumissthegroupbus/train.

✓ Needlesstosay,whenwetravelonpublictransportation,therewillnotevenbeafive-minute grace period.

✓ Wheningroup,noonemayleavethegroupatanytimewithoutfirstadvisingtheDirector.✓ Consumptionofalcoholicbeverages in thehotelroom isabsolutely forbidden.There is

plenty oftimetopartywhileinMadrid.Thestudytoursarejustthat–STUDYTOURS!!✓ When thevisit includesreligioussites,pleasedressmodestly/respectfully;youmaybe

denied admissionby thesiteauthority ifdressed inappropriately.✓ Invitingnon-MaristCollegeguestsintothehotelroom(eveniftheyarestudentsfromanother

program)isABSOLUTELYFORBIDDEN. Failuretocomplywiththisrulemayresult inAUTOMATICDISMISSAL FROM THE PROGRAM.

✓ Thefollowinghotelexpensesarenotincludedinyourprogramfee: telephonecalls fromthe hotel,payTVandthemini-bar. PhonecallsfromhotelsareVERYexpensive.ThepayTVis oftenturnedonbyaccident.Nonetheless,accidentornot, ifyouuseanyoftheseservicesyouwillbeexpectedtopayforthematcheck-out

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✓ BesuretotakeyourCarlosIIIIDandInternationalStudentIDcardwithyouonalltripsand activities.ManyoftheplaceswevisithavereducedratesifyouhavethesetwoIDcards.Ifthe siteoffersstudentdiscount,andyoudonothavetheIDcards,YOUmustpaythedifference.

✓ Takeonlytheamountofluggagethatyoucanhandlebyyourself.Takesometypeofraingear andCOMFORTABLEshoes.Makesureyouareprepared for theweatherconditionsat the destination:regularwinterrainorcoldshouldNOTchangeourtravelplans.

✓ Gettingagoodnight´ssleepbeforeatripisessential.✓ Aboveall,bringacheerfuloutlook,patience,openmind,positiveattitudeanda

determination tolearnallyoucan.TriptoMoroccoApartfromtheaforementionedactivities,MaristCollegearrangesa3-4-daytriptoMorocco.This trip presents an excellent opportunity to learn about Islam in general and Moroccan culturein particular by sharing genuine experiences with Muslim students and staying with Moroccanfamilies.Because of the special characteristics of this excursion: personal impact, hygienic conditions, etc.,this is the onlynon-mandatory culture trip arrangedby theProgram, andyouwill have to confirmyour participationbye-mailtomebythestateddeadline.Depending on t h e s em e s t e r , we will do the North itinerary (round trip flight to Tangier withvisits to Tangier, Asilah, Rabat, Chefchaouen and the RifMountains), or the South itinerary (roundtrip flight toMarrakesh and visits to rural areas around the city).Both theProgramDirector and a profess iona l gu ide willaccompany thegroup.MaristCollegewillbe inchargeof theentirecostof this tripbuttherewillnotbereimbursementfor those students not participating in the program. However, any studentwho signs up for theprogram andthendecidesnottogomaybechargedthecost.KEYMADRIDPROGRAMRULES:ASUMMARYYouareexpectedto

✓ Participate inallactivitiessponsoredby theprogram;✓ Staywith thegroupduring theseactivities;✓ InformyourhostfamilyifyouarenotspendingthenightinMadrid;✓ Observe the rulespertaining tohousing;✓ Respectyour familyandprogram fellows;✓ KeepinregularcontactwiththeProgramDirector(includingcheckinggroupandpersonal

e- mailsandresponding to them);✓ BereasonablyavailabletotheProgramDirectorbye-mailortelephone;✓ Keepyourtelephonecharged,withyou,andreadytoacceptcalls.(Theprogramrequires

that youcarryaSpanish , working,mobile/cellphonewithyou.)✓ AdjusttoSpanishschedule(notFBorSkypeafter1:00am!)

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CULTURALACTIVITIESREIMBURSTMENTMaristCollegeMadridwillreimbursecertainculturalactivities*(upto100€)attheendofthesemester.Itis necessarytoturntheprintedticketsofeachactivityinordertoproveyourparticipation

• upto25€forasoccermatch• upto75€forculturalactivities

(itemsabovearenotexchangeable)

*Reimbursedactivities: entrance to culturalmonumentsandmuseumsaroundSpain,SpanishorSpanish-AmericancinemainSpanish,theater,transportationtotypical1-daydestinationsnearbyMadrid (Toledo, Segovia, Aranjuez,etc.)*Onlystudentpriceandroundticketspriceswhenapplicablewillbereimbursed.*Exampleofnotincludedactivitiesare:musicals,concerts,Fun-Fairs,USmoviesdoubledintoSpanish,planetickets,HighSpeedtrain(Ave),guideshiring,carrentals…

VOLUNTEERING,AU---PAIR,TEACHINGOPPORTUNITIESANDOTHERThose kind of services are not provided by the program. If you are interested, the ProgramDirector may help you find those opportunities but you will be the sole responsible for therelationship establishedwiththirdparties.Henceforth,norMaristCollegeMadridareresponsibleforanyproblems resulting fromanyof theseactivities.Asageneralsuggestion,thewebsiteHacesfaltaprovidesaplatformforNGOandpotentialvolunteerstogetincontactforlong/shorttermorpunctualvolunteeropportunities:http://www.hacesfalta.org/voluntariado-madrid.aspxServetheCityMadrid:https://www.stcmadrid.com/AsforteachingEnglish,agoodstartgoodbeincontactwithCanterburyEnglish,acompanythatputsincontactparentsandnativespeakers:http://www.canterburytefl.comOtheroptionsare:http://www.t-oigo.com/allies/index.lassoandAprenderInglésJugando:http://www.aprenderinglesjugandocon.com/contacta-con-patricia

MARISTCOLLEGEMADRIDOFFICEONUC3mCAMPUSOur office is located in the UC3m In te rna t iona l S choo l in building 9, groundfloor, office 32(9.0.32). Themain function of this office is to offer youhelpwith housing issues, determining yourcourses, and obtaining information onmatters of importance toyou.Theprogramstaff, inadditionto the responsibilitiesofprovidingacademic counselingandsupportforyou,hasresponsibilitiesforprogramandinstitutionaldevelopment that may necessitate absence fromthe office without priornotice. The office hours will be posted at the beginning of term and any unforeseen absencewillbepostedasfar inadvanceaspossible. Ifyouneed to speakwith theProgramDirector, youMUSTmake an appointment in advance, and this will guarantee a time slot reserved for you. Otherwise,interruptionsabound!TheofficiallanguageoftheofficeareaisSPANISH.IfyoudoNOTspeakSpanishyouwillbeinvited to take theEnglish conversationelsewhere.

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ACADEMICS

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Thehostinstitution: Madrid&theUC3M/SAPwww.uc3m.esStudying inMadrid offers you a wide range of cultural, athletic and leisure activities. In additionto gettingaqualityeducationataprestigiousuniversity,Madrid isawelcomingcitywhichmakes itpossible to turn your stay into an unforgettable experience. It is one of themost dynamic cities inEurope and it holds a great attraction for students from all over the world. For all these reasons,27% of the students admitted each year come from other autonomous regions and they choosingour University.The capital has a rich historic, artistic and cultural heritage; it is home to some of the best artmuseums in the world. Additionally, the Madrid region includes historic municipalities such asAlcala de Henares, Aranjuez, and El Escorial, and it is very near the monumental cities of Segoviaand Toledo. Madrid also offers possibilities to enjoy a wide variety of sports, including wintersports as there are several ski stationsintheregionofMadrid.Carlos IIIUniversityofMadridconsists of three schools: the School of Social Science and Law,the School of Humanities, and the School of Engineering situated on three different campuses inLeganés, Colmenarejo, andGetafe. CEH and theMaristCollege office are both located on the Getafecampus, to the south of Madrid. The modern campus installations include two libraries, computerroomsin various buildings, audiovisual rooms, recording studios, court rooms, Wi-Fi throughoutthe campus and asportscenterwith facilities forbasketball, tennis,squash,beach-volleyballandasauna,among others.TheUC3mhasbeenrecentlyrecognizedasaUniversityofExcellenceandit isapublicuniversity committed to:• Acomprehensivehumanities education for its students• Solidarity, cooperation and respect for the environment• Participation in university life by students, professors and administrative personnel• Developmentof society throughknowledge and research• ResearchExcellence• QualityTeaching• InternationalProfile• Valueplacedoneffortand individualmeritHowtoreachthecampusDuring orientationweek, youwill be shownhow to commute to campusby differentmeansoftransport.Youwilldecidewhichisthemostconvenientforyou:By local (short distance) train (“Cercanías”): Line C4 connects the metro/train stations NuevosMinisterios, Sol, Atocha, and Villaverde to campus. The closest train station to campus is: Getafe-LasMargaritas Universidad. The trip is about 30 minutes and the station is 10 minutes from theuniversity.ByBus:Buses441and442connect themetro/busstationPlazaElíptica to campus. The trip is15---20 minutes. Thebusstopisrightinfrontoftheuniversity.ByMetro(lessrecommended):TheclosestmetrostationtocampusisGetafeCentral.

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CursosdeEstudiosHispanicos(CEH)andStudyAbroadProgram(SAP)The Cursos de Estudios Hispánicos and Study Abroad Program at UC3m International Schoolregister and handle the transcripts for foreign students attending the UC3M. The CEH/SAPadministers the language placement exam and provides a full range of Spanish language coursesfor foreign students. The CEH/SAP also hires regular UC3M faculty to teach a selectionof3/4-creditcoursesprimarilyinthehumanitiesandsocialsciences.CEH/SAP require participants to attend the orientation sessions at the beginning of each semester.In brief, this include an official welcome by the vice-chancellor of International Relations, theintroduction to CEH/SAP staff, a presentation on Safety by the US Embassy and cultural andathleticopportunitiesavailable on campus.Marist students enroll in the Carlos III University through the Cursos de Estudios Hispánicos(CEH)andStudyAbroadProgram(SAP)butotheroptionsareavailable:

1.CEHcourses(TAUGHTINSPANISH)http://www.uc3m.es/ss/Satellite/C3IS/es/TextoMixta/1371222089501/Youwillbeenrolledasaregularstudentintheuc3mGETAFEcampusthroughtheCEH(Cursosde EstudiosHispánicos).MostofyourcourseswillbethroughCEH.Youwillbeenrolledin4or5courseshere.OtherUSand foreignstudentswillshareCEHclasseswithyou.After the placement test, everyone must enroll in a grammar class with the exception of thoselabeled as “pure bilinguals”. Those who are placed at the “upper Intermediate” or “advance”levels are strongly recommended to take the course “Tallerdeescritura:elespañolatravésdelostextos”inordertoenhanceforlanguageimprovement.After the placement test, you may find that either the title of the grammar level you have beenassignedorthecontentisbelowwhatyouexpected.Pleasebearthefollowinginmind:

1. Alllevelswillcoverthesamecontentbutwithdifferentlevelofdifficultyandatadifferent pace.

2. Bythemiddleofthecourse,somecoursesmayarriveatthesamelevelofdifficultyandpace dependingon the audience.

3. Studdinga languageinasituationof immersionisquitedifferentthanstuddingalanguage in yourowncountry:it´scommontobeplacedinalowerlevelwhenyouareinthecountryof that language.Don´tbesurprisedisyouendupinalevellowerthanexpected.Soonyourealizeyouareintherightone.

4. YoumustknowthatinEuropethelanguageareusuallystudieduntilahigherlevelthanin mostUSuniversitiessystem.Whatyouandyouruniversitymayconsideran“advancelevel” maybe translatedas “intermediate” inEurope.

5. SpanishfacultyatCEHhasthelastwordaboutyouradmittanceintheCEHprogram.Ifyoudon´tmeetthelanguagerequirements,youwillbeautomaticallyplacedintheSAPprogram(inEnglish).

Youwillenjoya“try-outperiod”forcoursesbeforeformallyregisteringforclasses.

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CEHcoursecatalogueandcodesCODE COURSENAME 605 Cineespañol

SpanishCinema

745

Elterrorismoysusvíctimas

TerrorismanditsVictimsinSpainandintheWorld:theGlobalchallengesince9/11and3/11610 Economíaespañolayeuropea TheEconomyinSpainandEurope

667 Españolcoloquial ColloquialSpanish

668 EspañolProfesional ProfessionalSpanish

695 EspañolparaHispanounidenses SpanishforHispanounidenses

747 Estructurasocial,desigualdadyretosparalaciudadanía:formaciónalvoluntariado.

SocialStructure,InequalityandCommunityChallenges:(ServiceLearning)

611 EstudiosCulturales CulturalStudies

604 HistoriadeEspaña HistoryofSpain

606 HistoriadelArteEspañol SpanishArtHistory

608 HistoriadelPresente:laEspañadehoy HistoryofContemporarySpain

609 Institucionesespañolasyeuropeas SpanishandEuropeanInstitutions

613 LenguaespañolaI:NivelIntermedioAlto SpanishLanguageI:Upperintermediate

720 TallerdeEscritura:ElEspañolaTravésdelosTextos

WritingWorkshop:SpanishLanguageThroughTexts

614 LenguaespañolaII:NivelAvanzado SpanishLanguageII663 LenguaespañolaII:NivelAvanzadoAlto SpanishLanguageII(AV.ALTO)615 LenguaespañolaIII:NivelSuperior SpanishLanguageIII715 LiteraturaSiglodeOro SpanishGoldenAgeLiterature601 Literaturaespañola:SiglosXIXyXX Spanish Literature:19thand20thCenturies

602 LiteraturalatinoamericanaS.XX GreatLatinAmericanWritersofthe20thCentury

752 EnergíasrenovablesenEspaña RenewableEnergyinSpain

750 EspañaylaUniónEuropea:temaspoliticosyeconómicos

SpainandtheEuropeanUnion:Politicalaneconomicissues

746 SociologíadelsistemaeducativoenEspaña SociologyoftheSpanishEducationalSystem

603 TeoríayPrácticadelCuentoenEspañol TheoryandPracticeoftheShortStoryinSpanish

754 Lamujerenlacienciaylatecnología WomeninScienceandTechnology

749 ReligiónysociedadenEspaña ReligionandSocietyinSpain

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2. SAPCourses(TAUGHTINENGLISH)6. TheStudyAbroadProgram(SAP)isanacademicprogramthatstrivesforexcellenceandthatis

intendedtoprovideinternationalstudentswiththeopportunitytopursuetheircourseofstudyinEnglish.TheprogramoffersstudentsthechoiceofregisteringforregularCarlosIII“grado”coursestaughtinEnglish,aswellascoursesdesignedspecificallyforSAP.Atthesametime,SAPpromotesthestudyofSpanishwithlanguagecoursespitchedforbeginners.

http://www.uc3m.es/ss/Satellite/C3IS/es/TextoMixta/1371222091199/

SAPcoursecatalogueandcodesCODE COURSENAME 776 MaestrosdelarteespañolenlosMuseosde

MadridSpanishArtMastersinMadridMuseums

775 Españaenprogreso:lasociedadespañoladehoy

SpaininProgress:SpanishSocietyToday

748 Lenguaespañola-Nivelbásico1 SpanishLanguage:Basiclevel

753 Lneguaespañola-Nivelbásico2 SpanishLanguage:Basiclevel

3.CursosRegularesdeGrado

These are the courses offered to ALL the students of uc3m such as Core/Liberal Studies courses in theUSA. In a regular grado course you will experience a REAL Spanish university class with Spanishclassmates (depending on how many sign up for the course). There are lots of interesting courseshere, but you w i l l n e e d t o s t a y l o n g e r u n t i l t h e o f f i c i a l e x a m i n a t i o n p e r i o d e n d s . Most of these courses are instructed in Spanish or English. Peer tutors may beavailable for these coursestakeninSpanish.

2. CursosdeHumanidades(CH)Theseare short-termcoursesoffered toALL the studentsatuc3m.Thereare lotsof interestingcourseshere, usually offered in seminar format, but you must check the schedule to avoid conflicts with yourCEH classes.The number of credits for CH range from 1 to 3 Marist creditswhen their ECTS creditsare “translated.” ECTS (European Credit Transfer System) credits usually translate to half the numberofMaristcredits.(Forexample,a3ECTScoursewouldtransfertoMaristas1,orperhaps2,Marist creditsdependingonMaristDept.Chairapproval.)PeertutorsmaybeavailableforthesecoursesA UC3M mainstream course is the only way you can fully integrate in the Spanish university system. Youcannot really claim to have experienced the Spanish university system until you have taken a regular or“mini-curso” class. Mainstream courses also provide opportunities to get to know your Spanishcounterparts. Registration for these classes is through CursosHispánicos. Youwill register for thesecoursesbeforetheybegin,andyoumaynotbeabletolaterdropthecourse,ariskyouhaveto assume.HOW/WHENTOENROLL?

✓ MakesurethatyouradvisoronyourhomecampusapprovesyourclassespriortoyourarrivalinMadrid.

✓ Makesurethattherearenocoursescheduleconflicts.

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✓ Thepre-registrationprocesswilltakeplaceduringyourfirstweekinMadrid.

✓ Aminimumof12creditsisrequiredtofulfillyourstudentvisarequirements,andthefull-timeenrollment requirement of your homeuniversity.

✓ Mariststudentsmayenroll inamaximumof16creditspersemester.

✓ Ideally,Mariststudentsareexpectedtoregisterin5CEHcoursesor4CEH+1or2CH.Insomecases, theenrolment inoneregularcourses instructed inEnglishmightbepermitted.

✓ YoumustcheckwithyourUScampusAdvisororRegistrarforthedeadlinetodropor

withdraw fromacourse.

EXAMDATESExams are to be takenAS SCHEDULED. Students areNOT to approach theprofessorswith a request for achange in the exam date. The ONLY reason for a change in exam date is a death in the immediatefamilyorhospitalizationof thestudent.FailuretotakeanexamontheassigneddatewillresultinanAUTOMATIC“F”(failinggrade).An automatic“F” is also given if you do not: (2) sit for themid-term on the assigned date; (3) do not turn in assignedwritten work or term-paper by the deadline. Please speak to the Madrid RD if you have any questionregarding thesepolicies.EQUIVALENCESBothMaristCollegehas assignedequivalencies formostof theCEH courses.However,due to the plethoraof regular UC3M courses, it is almost impossible to pre-assign equivalencies to all of them. Equivalentcourse approvals can only be obtained from the respective departments on your home campus. It isimperative that you obtain the course descriptions or syllabi as soon as possible, and send them to theappropriate staff or faculty at Marist with your request for equivalent courseapproval.TheMadridPD isNOTauthorizedtoapproveMadridcoursesforMarist credits.

MaristCollegeCourseequivalencies

MaristCourse# MaristCourseName Core UC3M# UC3MName

ISPA320L ColloquialSpanish - 738 EspañolColoquial

ISPA308L HistoryofSpanishArt FineArts 726 HistoriadelArteEspañol

SPAN442L ContemporarySpanishLiterature Literature 721 LiteraturaEspañola

SPAN431L SpanishAmericanLiteratureII Literature 722 LiteraturaHispanoamericana

SPAN330L ThemesinSpanishCinema FineArts 725 CineEspañol

SPAN301L SpainToday - 727 HistoriadelPresente:Españadehoy

SPAN281L SpanishConversation&CultureI - 731 LenguaEspañola,NivelIntermedioalto

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SPAN305L AdvancedIntensiveSpanishI - 732 LenguaEspañola,NivelAvanzado

SPAN410L SpanishCompositionI - 733 LenguaEspañola,NivelSuperior

SPAN306L AdvancedIntensiveSpanishII - 736LenguaEspañolaycomposición,NivelAvanzadoAlto

SPAN312L ProfessionalSpanish - 739 EspañolProfesional

SPAN425L LiteratureoftheGoldenAge Literature 742 LiteraturaEspañolaSiglodeOro

SPAN360LSpanishCompositionandConversationI - 744 TallerdeEscritura

CRJU377L/ISPA312L

TerrorismTerrorisminSpainandtheWorld - 745 Terrorismoysusvíctimas

ISPA311L/SOC343L

SociologyofSpanishEducationSociologyofEducation

SocialScience 746

Sociologíadelsistemaeducativoespañol

ISPA313L ReligionandSocietyinSpainReligiousStudies 749 ReligiónysociedadenEspaña

ISPA3xxL RenewableEnergyinSpainNaturalScience 752 EnergíasrenovablesenEspaña

Allcoursesarethree(3)creditsunlessotherwisenoted.Studentsareencouragedtousethe‘LookAhead’featureinDegreeWorkstoseeifaprospectivecoursewillcoverarequirement.Instructionsforusingthe‘LookAhead’featurecanbefoundhere:https://www.marist.edu/registrar/pdfs/look_ahead.pdfPleasenotethatappropriateDepartmentChairapprovalmustbereceivedforanycoursenotincludedonthistable,onastudent-by-studentbasis--throughtheMIPCoursePlanningandApprovalform,availablefromyourprogramCoordinatorOverseascourseswithtwo(2)Maristequivalentsarecross-listed;studentsmustchoosewhichMaristcoursecodetheywishtoreceiveontheirauditontheirCoursePlanningandApprovalform.POLICYREGARDINGABSENCESThis university has EXTREMELY high academic standards and no absences are allowed. After the firstunjustifiedabsence,yourgradewillbeaffectedandyouwillultimatelyfailthecourse. If you arrive morethan 10´late to a class, faculty maynotletyou in theclassroomandthat would constituteanunjustifiedabsence. Furthermore, the Director of Estudios Hispanicos may require your dismissal from theprogramdue toaccumulatedunjustifiedabsences.The only way to justify absences is through the Program Director. If you feel really sick and areconsidering missing a class you should call me at that moment: I will not retroactively justifyabsences for illness that Iwasnot informedabout. In addition, after the third absenceon a rawduetohealth reasonswill need to beproven through amedical statement. Please refrain from callingme torequest that I intercedewith the professor in the case of aminor illness, delays, andproblemswith thealarm clock. It may seem to you that faculty are not really monitoring students’ absences as they willsimply pass around a sheet to sign your name on. However, they do know the number of studentsattending class; do not even think about cheating the system. Signing the name of another studenton the attendance sheetwill result in immediate expulsion from the program. This policy referstoboththesignerandtotheabsenteestudent.

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Check the calendar formidterms, quizzes,papersdeadlines, fieldtrips orextracurricular activities beforeplanningatrip.Missingclassduetoflightdelaysorexhaustionaftertheweekendisnota reasontomissaclass.

GRADES: CEHTOMARISTCOLLEGECONVERSIONSCALE

HOWTOFINDTHECLASSROOMS1. Main cafeteria. Buffet

restaurant formeal tickets.2. INFO “ESPACIO ESTUDIANTES”8. Rectorado(welcome/farewell

cocktails, CEH orientation)9. Book shop, stationary,

campusshop,reprografía.11. Spanish Language department12. Library/Reprografía.13. Sports area14. Humanities Library; computer labs15. Marist office, computer labs16. Cafeteria. Erasmus students office.17. Reprografía.

Forexample….Where is13.2.70 classroom?13 indicates thebuilding2indicatesthefloor70indicatestheclassroom

CEH Grade

MARISTGRADE

UC3M REGULAR

&CHGrades

8.8---10 A 8.8---10

8.3–8.79 A– 8.3–8.797.8–8.29 B+ 7.8–8.297.3–7.79 B 7.0–7.796.8–7.29 B– 6.20–6.996.3–6.79 C+ 5.50–6.195.5–6.29 C 5.25–5.495.0–5.49 C– 5.0–5.244.5–4.99 D+ 4.50–4.994.0–4.49 D 4.0–4.490–3.99 F 0–3.99

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ANOTEONTHETEACHINGSTYLEINSPAINImportant advice about teaching styles, strategies for learning, and the pace of academic life inEuropeanuniversities:

Teaching stylesvarygreatlybetweenEuropeandthe United States; sotoo, therefore, strategiesforlearning. In Europe, professors tend to rely on lecturesmuchmore than –indeed, to the exclusionof— out of class reading or written assignments. The final exam, a final project, or acombination thereof handed in at the end of the semester often constitutes the sole means ofevaluation.

American students succeed in this new environment so long as they attend class regularly, takecareful notes, and pace their learning of the material appropriately. Sharing notes and formingstudy groups with classmates is an important aspect of the European educational experience. Onthe other hand, some, given the lack of assignments, are lulled into concluding early in thesemester that theworkload inEurope is light,onlytobestunnedbythe frenziedpaceat theendofthesemester, inanticipationof the finalexam.

The differences may be summarized as follows: learning in the United States is often structuredby a series of external guides (a schedule of periodic, graded assignments), whereas Europeanstudents pacetheir learning largelyontheirown. Ouradvice:attendallclasses; takecopiousnotes;study them regularly; sharematerial and studywith Spanish classmates.

As a general recommendation, we suggest that you should participate actively in class and to takeadvantage of instructor´s office hours to clear up course content or receive feedback; Spanishfaculty expect students to be proactive and will hardly call to your attention. You are solelyresponsible to checkifyouaredoingwellinclass.

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UsefulacademictermsyoushouldmasterbyyourarrivalAlumno studentAprobar topassApuntes classnotesAsignatura course/classAula classroomAula de Informática Computer LabBiblioteca LibraryBolonia (Plan Bolonia) BoloniaProcessCafetería/Bar CafeteriaCarrera (especialización) MayorCarnet de estudiante Student IDCatedrático Professorwith tenureClase Course/classClave/Contraseña PasswordCoger apuntes totakenotesConserjería/conserje InformationdeskConvalidación/convalidar Fullfill/AprovalCrédito creditsCurso AcademicYear/YearDarclase toreceiveorteachaclassDeberes homeworkDecano DeanDepartamento departmentDespacho OfficeErasmus European Student Exchange ProgramExpedienteacadémico Transcripts/GPAFacultad Faculty/School (i.e. Facultad de Humanidades)Grado Major/Minor/degreeLibrería Book storeMatrícula Registration/enrolmentMatricularse to registerNotas gradesOptativas ElectivesPrácticas Internship/practicumProfesor/profesorado FacultyPrograma SyllabusRector/Rectorado Provost/ Main Administrative BuildingReprografía Photocopy andPrint center Residencia de estudiantes Student dormsSecretaría AdministrativedepartmentServicios toiletsSuspender tofailTener clase toreceiveorteachaclassTitulación degreeTrabajodeclase class paperTutor tutorUniversidad/ “Uni” (coloq.) university/collegeCommon wrong expressions:Escribir un papelPasarunaclaseColegio/escuela (instead of universidad)

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GETTINGSTARTED• YouwillreceiveaUC3mstudentIDuponyourarrival.ThatIDwillallowyoutouse

campus facilitiessuchasInternetandborrowingbooks.The IDshowsyourstudentnumber.

• TakeadvantageofopportunitiesofferedthroughtheUC3mInternationalSchool,suchastheweeklylanguageexchange!

• PriortoyouarrivalinMadrid,youhavetoactivateyourstudente-mailaccount:Student´sidentificationstudent_id_number@alumnos.uc3m.es

• Usethataccounttocommunicatewith facultyatUC3m• Check “Aula Global” and get familiar to it. It is the access to the restricted area of the

university website where faculty upload news, materials and homework. Youwill have toaccess yourAulaGlobal regularly.We advise that students ask for their instructor´s e-mailaddress to be able to contact them in case your accounts or Campus Global does notworkthe firstdaysofcourse(itusuallytakesafewdaystowork100%)

• Makesurethatyousigntheattendancesheetthatyour instructorpassesaroundeveryday in class.

• Makesurethatyouareontheinstructor´slist.• Aroundtendaysafteryour finalregistration,check inAulaGlobalthatthereareno

mistakes andthatyouhavebeenproperlyregisteredinyourclassesandgroups.Reportanymistakesto the ResidentDirector.

PRINTINGONCAMPUSAt UC3m you can print from the computers in the Computer Labs only. When you print, theoptions displayed are either building numbers or “autoservicio.” If you select a building, yourworkwill be sent to one of the photocopiers and printing services on campus (“Servicio deReprografía”) and you will havetogoandpickupyourwork.Ifyoupress“autoservicio”,yourworkwill show up in the photocopy machine closer to your Computer Lab (usually the one by thedoor). You can collect your work there. The lastmentionedoption ismuchmore recommendedasit allows you to pick up your work and keep working in the same space. Tobe able to use the“autoservicio”option, youwill need apre-paidphotocopy card, available atReprografía.SOCIAL,CULTURALANDATHLETICSACTIVITIESONCAMPUShttp://www.uc3m.es/portal/page/portal/cultura_y_deporte/deporteThere is a plethora of sports, dance classes, cooking lessons, music workshops, theater, cinema,and visits, along with the orchestra, choir and theater groups organized at university. Takingadvantage of the university cultural offerings is the best way to integrate. You will find thecomplete offerings in the website above. During orientation, we will spend some time exploringtheseopportunitiesaswell.Ifyouwanttojoinanyoftheseactivities,youshouldgoto“EspacioEstudiantes”Erasmus Student Network (ESN) is a European-wide student organization. Its goal is to supportand develop student exchange. It is composed of over 2500 members from 200 local sections in27 countries working in Higher Education Institutes (Universities, Polytechnics, UniversityColleges, etc.) ESN is organized on a local, national and international level. Our network is incontact withalmost 60000 internationalminded students.The aims of ESN are to promote the social and personal integration of exchange students. Thelocal ESN-sections offer help, guidance and other valuable information to the exchange studentshosted by their university. Newcomers find their way in the new environment more easily andthey can distribute their time in the best way possible to get as much out of their exchange aspossible. ESN also representstheneedsandexpectationsofexchangestudentsonthelocal,national

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and international level. Provision of relevant information about academic exchange programs andstudentmobilityis oneoftheaimsofESNaswell.

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HOUSING

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WHYLIVEWITHASPANISHHOSTFAMILY?

Marist Co l lege Madr id Program finds the home stay accommodation model to be the bestway for aUSstudenttobecomefullyimmersedintheSpanishculture.Everystudent´sexperiencewillbe unique and will depend on the effort of both the family and the student. Living with aSpanish family can be themost important part of your stay in Spain. You only need to listen toformer participants´ testimonies on the strong affection they developed with their “hostmoms”to understand the role that yourhost familywillplay inyourwholestudyabroadexperience.Bytheendofyourstayyouwillalso havequiteanumberofanecdotestoshareabouttheenrichingexperienceof livingtogether.You have a unique opportunity to become a part of a family from another culture. Manypeople will never be that fortunate: you will have the opportunity to form ties to a secondfamily for the rest of your life. Your Spanish family can introduce you to many people youwould not have the opportunity tomeetotherwise.Yourfamilyhasaplaceinthecommunity;thiswouldbeimpossibleforyouto attain inyourshort time inSpain.Youwillhavea first-hand lookintotheSpanishcultureandlife.You will have constant cultural interaction.

Tips,recommendations,rightsandresponsibilities:

MEALS/KITCHEN:- Follow the eating schedule established by the family and share as many meals as possible withthem.-Inform your family of a special diet you need to follow (both for health or religion reasons)or of specialproductsyouprefernottoeat.- The typical Spanish breakfast includes coffee, tea, hot chocolate ormilkand toastor somethingsimilar (muffin, croissant, cereals, etc.) If youwant somethingelse,you shoulddiscuss itwiththefamilyorbuyyourownbreakfast foods.Youmayreceivefruitforbreakfastbecausefamiliesknowyoulikeit.However,fruitisconsideredadesertinSpain!-Regardingtheamountoffood,youwillreceiveregular-sizemealsaccordingtoSpanishstandards.-Shareyourclassschedulewiththefamilysothattheycanorganizethemenu.-If youwill notbehome for lunch/dinner at the establishedhourona givenday, you should tellyour familybeforehand.-Youmay have a packed lunch for the first day of an excursion, butONLY if you tell your familythe day before.- You will receive meal-tickets to eat at the cafetería on campus twice a week. You will NOTreceive lunch at home on those two days. If you have to eat on campusmore than those twodays, tell your f am i l y and shewill give youapacked lunch.-When a program activity includes a group lunch or dinner, your are not supposed to receivethat mealathome.-Wait tobe invited intoaSpanishkitchenandnever justwalk inandhelpyourself to foodunlessthis hasbeenestablishedasacceptablebyyour family.-Ifonagivendayyouhavetoeatalone,leavethekitchenascleanasyoufoundit.-Avoideating inyour room ------ it isnot that common inSpain ------ if youdoeat inyour room,keepthe roomcleanof leftovers.

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OTHERPARTSOFTHEHOUSE-You may take one shower a day. However, you must make it short. Showers in Spain tend tobe shorterthat in theStates.Anormalshowerdoesnot lastmorethan10-15minutes.Takeyourshowers ataconvenienthour(from7a.mto11p.m).-Keepthebathroomneatandclean.-Youneedtouseyourownshampoo,showergel,toothpaste,etc.-Whenusingthefamilylivingarea,respectthecustomsofthefamilyathome.-Maintain an acceptable level of cleanliness in your room (do not leave clothes on the floor,food leftovers, etc.).-Youshouldpurchaseyourownbathroomsupplies:shampoo,bathsoap,toothpaste,etc.ThoseareNOTsupposedtobeprovidedbythefamily.

INTERNET, TELEPHONE, ELECTRICIY, ETC.-PleasebeawarethatinEuropeweareverycarefulwithourresources,andnolightistobeleftonwhen you are not in the room:to do so is considered extremely wasteful. Electricity and phonecalls areveryexpensive inSpain.Lightsmustbe turnedoffwhilenot inuse.Hotwater isalwaysscarceso donotexpecttotakelongshowers.Heatingiskepttoaminimum.- You are not allowed to make calls from the house telephone except for emergencies. You mayreceive short calls, BUT you are responsible for telling US family and friends about the timedifference so that calls are received at appropriate hour, and the family is not bothered late atnightorveryearly in the morning.-According to program rules, and to guarantee your adjustment to Spanish customs and timeschedules, you are NOT allowed to use Internet for non- a c a d em i c purposes after 1:00 am.The use of Skype,cellphones,oranyothercommunication ina loudvoice is forbiddenafter thistime.

GUESTS- Inviting friends home is not a common custom in Spain. You are allowed to invite other Mariststudents(maximumof3atthesametime), ifyouaskforpermissioninadvance.-Neverbringstrangersintoyourhome.-Noovernightguestsareallowed.-Your family IS NOT OBLIGED to host your family or friends when they visit Madrid. In caseshe accepts, the cost will be 29´5€ per day, and this does not include food but a Spanish lightbreakfast. H oweve r , t h i s m ay c a u s e awkwa rd s i t u a t i o n s w i t h your family and westrongly recommend thatyou findahoteloranapartment foryour relativesor friends. I n c a s e y o u f i n a l l y a g r e e t o h o s t y o u r g u e s t i n t h e h o u s e , r em emb e r t h a t it’s quiteimportant to avoid any other conversation on business or money so that a cordial home-stayatmospherecanbepreservedforbothyouandyourhost.OTHER ITEMS- If you are not coming back to sleep at home or you will be returning later than usual tell yourhosts; otherwise, theywillbecomeworriedandwillcall theProgramDirectororthepolice.-You should replace anything youbreak in thehome, andyoumustpay for anew lock if you losethe housekeys,oriftheyarestolenfromyou.-Alwaystreatyourfamilyasyouwouldliketobetreated:withrespectanddignity.-Observecommonsenserulesofpoliteness:say“Hola”and“hasta luego”wheneveryoucomeinorgo outofthehome.- Communicate openly and politely with the family any problem or difficulty in order to avoidmisunderstandings.- Contact theDirector as soon as you detect a problem: do not let a small problembecame a bigproblem.-Use your common sense and remember that your experience with your host family will bewhat youmakeit.Putin100%andyouwillget100%back.

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REVIEWINGKEYHOUSINGRULES...✓ Followtheeatingscheduleestablishedbythefamily.Youhavetoadjusttothemandnottheotherwayround.

✓ Inform the family beforehand if you arenot coming for lunchor dinner.Moreover,tellyourfamilyifyouarenotcomingbacktosleep.Otherwise,shewill getworried and call theDirector or the police. Failing to do somightresultonyourdismissalfromtheprogram.

✓ YouwillhaveapackedlunchforthefirstdayofyourexcursionbutONLYifyoutellyourfamilythedaybefore.

✓ Youwillgetmeal-tickets toeatat thecafeteriaoncampus twiceaweek.YouwillNOTreceiveanylunchthesetwodays.Ifyouhavetoeatoutotherdays,tellyourfamilyandshewillgiveyouapackedlunch.

✓ Have short showers and generally use electricity andwatermoderately:(i.e:turnoffthelightwhenyouleavearoom,turnoffthetapwhenyou´renotusingitandswitchoffyourcomputerwheneveryouarenotusingit,andalwayswhenyouarenotathome).

✓ Neverbringstrangersintoyourhome.

✓ TheuseofSkype,cellphonesandsimilarthingsare forbiddenafter1:00am.YoushouldalsonotbeinInternetafterthattimeneitherifitisnotforstrictlyacademicpurposes.

✓ Alwaystreatyourfamily,asyouwouldliketobetreated:withrespectanddignity.

✓ Familiesarepaidduringtheofficialprogramtimeslot,includingbotharrivalanddeparturedates.Outoftheposteddates,youarefinanciallyresponsibleofyourhousing.

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SAFETYAND

SECURITY

27

For its size,Madrid is not a dangerous city, but it is a big city and like in any other big city in theworld (i.e. New York) safety measures and a high degree of prudence must be observed toguarantee your own safety.PERSONALSECURITYADVICEFROMTHEAMERICANEMBASSYNotice toOurAmericanCitizenVisitors“Madrid isabeautifulcosmopolitancitywitharelatively lowrateofviolentcrime.However,an increasein robberies and other street crimes has prompted us to issue this personal security notice. Thesimplest and most effective precaution against theft is to leave your passport and valuables in asecureplacewhileenjoying thecity.” Morespecifically:There is a low crime rate in Spain but a high number of petty thefts. Themost typical crime inMadridisnon-violentpickpocking in tourist crowdedareasand inpublic transportation. In themajorityof thecases,distractionanddiversionskillsareemployed,and thievesusuallywork ingroups.There has been a recent increase in the number of rape cases among young Americans studying andtravelinginSpain. Someofthemhavebeenveryviolent.Rape cases among Americans in Spain occasionally involve date-rape drugs, but more commonly justexcessive alcohol consumption – as do most of our cases of late-night muggings. You may be able todrink legallyhere,butnotdoingsoresponsibly isdangerous.Simplyuse the same safety rules youwould in the States. Youwouldn’t leave your friend in a barwitha guy she just met back home, so don’t do it here.You wouldn’t contact someone online whom you’dnevermetandasktosleepoverattheirapartmentintheU.S.–sodon’tdoithere.Over 1,500American passports are lost or stolen every year in Spain. In addition to the security threatposed by U.S. passports potentially falling into the wrong hands, to replace it will cost you $100 andseveral hours at the Embassy. Avoid carrying the original if a copywill suffice. And again, if you haveto carry it, it shouldbeon yourbody somewhere –not in anything you are going toputdown, takeoff,etc.You are in a sovereign country and fall under Spanish legal jurisdictionwhile you are here. We cannotgetyououtof jail,butwetry to insureyouhavea lawyerandbasiccare inprison.Dozensof Americansare currently in jail in Spain, the vast majority for drug---related offenses. And while there are worseplaces to be incarcerated and your Spanish will be fluent by the time you are released – it’s best toavoid anything even potentially illegal. Also keep in mind that even if charges against you areeventuallydismissed,SpanishandU.S.lawenforcementagenciesoftensharedatabaseinformation. EvenacursorybackgroundcheckofcriminalhistoryconductedyearsfromnowintheU.S.might revealarecordofpriorarrest.Withregardtothecorrelationbetweendrinkingandhospitalization–yes,it isaconsistent reality. Again,wehave seen recent, gruesome cases of studentswinding up in Spanish emergency roomswith seriousinjuries they couldn’t explain.Finally, no matter where you plan on visiting outside Spain –be it Malta, Montenegro, or Morocco –there is travel information available on the State Department’s homepage for every country. Take alook at it before you go to be aware ofwhat thepossible threats are, health concerns, etc. Also,use thesite to find andmakeanote of the emergency contact information for theU.S. Embassy in the countryyouwill be visiting (if you are in a situationwhere you need it, you probably don’twant towaste a lotoftimefindingit.)(Retrieved fromStudentsOutreachbriefUSEmbassy inMadrid)

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RegistrationattheEmbassyThe United States Government recommends that all American Citizens register themselves with theirlocal Embassy or Consulate. Registering local contact information allows the Embassy to contactAmericans in the country in the event of an emergency, to distribute information on useful servicesthey may be providing (receive up-to date information, destination-specific assistance when travelling,update personal information), or to reach citizens under various othercircumstances,suchasto returnlostorstolenitems inSpain,thismeasurewillmakeiteasier for U.SEmbassyinMadridto identify youand to issue a new passport. To facilitate this process, the State Department has created an onlineregistration form that makes the process even more convenient and useful. It should be done by yourfirstweekinMadrid:Log onto: https://travelregistration.state.gov/ and click on the “Register my trip” button. The formtakesabout5---10minutestocomplete.Thousands of American students study in Spain under dozens of programs every year. If you’re notregistered with us, there’s an emergency at home, and your family can’t get a hold of you through thecontact information theyhave– they’ll call us andaskus to find you. Make it easy forus so youdon’t losevaluable time getting home.Plus, under legislation called “No Double Standard,” we’re required to sharecredible threat information we receive with Americans living abroad. We do that by sending you what iscalled a “warden message,” but only know how to reach you if you’ve registered with us. It only takes afewminutes. (Retrieved fromStudentsOutreachbriefUSEmbassy inMadrid)PRECAUTIONS

" NEVERCARRYYOURPASSPORT (a photocopy INCLUDINGPHOTOANDVISA PAGES should doalong with the Carlos III ID card. That will be enough for identification purposes in Madrid)HOWEVER, if you are going to exchange money you HAVE to take your passport -sooo– gostraight there and go straight back home. Organize your day that way. Do NOT go by thebank/AmericanExpressofficeon theway toclass,etc.)

" Keep valuables in front pockets, in a safe purse (keep the zipper closed, in the front and undercontrol)

" Carryonlyenoughcashfortheday´sneeds.

" Be awareof whois around you, especially when somebodyasks youa questionor distractsyou.Generally,beawareofyoursurroundings.

" Keepaseparaterecordofyourpassportnumber, traveler´schecknumbersandcreditcards.

" Beespeciallycareful incrowdsor touristareas.

" NEVERLEAVEYOURBACKPACK/PURSEONTHEFLOORINARESTAURANTORBAR.Keep physical contact with it all the time. 90% of thefts reported by program participantsoccurredafterhaving leftpersonalbelongingsunattended for a second.

" NEVER give your phone number or address to a stranger (a stranger is anyone you don´t knowverywell!!!)Whenmeetingupwith people you don´t know verywell, arrange tomeet in publicplaces.

" If someone harasses you on the street or you think someone is following you, go immediatelyto the nearest open business/bar/restaurant, etc. If there is nothing inthevicinity,walk towardthenearestbusystreetor intersection.

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" Always speak Spanish when in public. According to the latest statistics published by APUNE,the great majority of incidents (pick-pockets, muggings) happened when a group of studentswere speaking in English. You make yourself an easy target if you’re loudly speaking Englishand thusdrawingattention toyourself.

" Stay away from trouble. It is illegal for foreigners in Spain to participate in any type of publicdemonstration.Youcouldbearrestedandexpelled from thecountry.

" Spain suffers from a high rate of traffic accidents. Never get into a car with someone who has

been drinking or taking drugs. Never get into a car with someone you do not know. Also, bevery carefulwhen crossing the street.A red light does not alwaysmeans a carwill stop.Donotwatchonlytraffic lights:watchthecarstoo.

" During your stay in Spain, you are subject to Spain´s laws and regulations, which sometimes

differ significantly from those in the United States. Students violating Spanish laws, evenunknowingly,may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned.

" I recommend having always a taxi* phone number with you. In determinate areas and hours,

callingonewouldbebetterthanwalkingalongthestreetandstoppingone.

" If you leave Madrid overnight, you MUST send an "Extended Trip" e-mail with thisinformation (dates, hotels, contact TEL, etc.). This is for your own safety. Failure to dothismayresultindismissalfromtheprogram.

* Knowhowtotell thedifferencebetweenlegaland illegaltaxis.Specialnoteforwomen:Foreignwomenmighthavetodealwithunwantedattention.Thebestthingtodoistonottakeoffenseandto just ignoretheattention.According to theUSEmbassy last reports, therehasbeen a recent increase in thenumberof rape casesamong young Americans. If you are victim of a sexual harassment, RD will help you find professionalandmedicalsupportaswellastodeclarationprocessatthepolicestation.Nevertheless,youmust knowthat you have the right to keep it private and confidential. You can go to SAM (see page 33) andcontact theAmericanCitizen Services for further information.Womenshouldnotgohomealoneatnight.Itisworthgettingataxiandaskingthedrivertowaituntilyouhavegotteninsidethedoor(anextra0,50€tipshouldmakesurehedoesthis),ormakearrangements forsomeoneyou trust toaccompanyyou toyourdoorstep.

Theaboveprecautionsmakegoodsensewhereveryou travel.Byobserving them,yourvisit toMadrid,indeedallofSpain,should leaveonlypleasantmemoriesofahistoricandbeautifulplace.

IFYOUHAVEANYKINDOFINCIDENCE,YOUMUSTFILLOUTANINCIDENCEFORMWHICHIS

AVAILABLE INTHEOFFICE.

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Numbersyoumusthavewithyouallthetime:

• Emergencynumbers:112 (Spanish versionof911)

• Police:091

• ATele-Radiotaxinumber:914473232, 915478200, 914055500orApp

• Isabel:655150308

• US(oryour)EmbassyinMadrid24/7number:915872240,915872200

• Your homestay number

• Your home campus 24/7 security/emergencies number

ALCHOHOLCONSUMPTIONThe Spanish custom of alcohol consumption can be described as a common social activitywhichentailsmoderatequantitiesofalcohol(mostlywineandbeer),valuesthequality, tasteandaromaofthe beverage, is traditionally accompanied by food, and never views inebriation as a desirable oracceptableresult.

Spaniardsdonotdrinktraditionallytobecomedrunkorenhancetheirsocialskills,butrathertosharean enjoyable pleasure with friends during moments of leisure. Solitary drinking isnotpartofthiscustom,norisalcoholabuse.

American students need to be advised not to confuse Spanish social drinking with American style"powerdrinking"whichisconsidereduncouthanddangerousamongmostyoungpeopleofuniversityageinSpain.

Uncontrolled drinking among Spanish youth is commonly associated with younger, immature teen---agers (13---17 year olds).

Thisisanassociation(i.e.out---of---control,immatureteen---agers)whichAmericanstudy---abroad participantsshouldclearlybeencouragedtoavoidanddistancethemselvesfrom.Abusing alcohol in this context is dangerous, may cause serious health hazards, impairs theirjudgmentandcanmakethemvulnerabletothosewhomightwanttotakeadvantageofthem.

Keep inmind that according to Spanish law, at the age of 18 you are considered of legal age. Youwill be subject to the laws and judicial procedures of Spain. In case of arrest, the US consulate(and theprogramdirector) is limited to explaining lawsandmonitoringprocedures to ensure thatthere is no discrimination. US citizens are tried under the same rules as a Spanish citizen,althoughforeignerswillfinditmoredifficultthanSpaniardstoobtainreleaseonbailandthejudgeisallowedtokeepyouinjailfor72hoursbeforedecidingwhethertofix bailatall(scary!!!).Substanceabuseimpairsjudgmentandcanmakeyou,asforeigners,more vulnerable to thosewhomightwanttotakeadvantageofyou.WomenshouldNEVER,EVERacceptadrinkfromastranger(rememberthedefinitionofastranger).

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POLICEINSPAIN

Please do not take the following as scare tactics, but you should realize that you are now livingin a new culture with different standards. Policemen are allowed to ask you for identificationunder any circumstance and asking for their badge number is NOT POLITICALLY CORRECT andmaygetyou into farmoretroublethanyoubargainedfor.Unfortunately, certain ethnic groups are still the target for extra surveillance and control in Spainand there is nothing you can do about it. If a policeman does ask for your ID be as courteous aspossible, show him your Carlos III ID and tell him: “Estoy matriculado en la Universidad Carlos IIIen un curso para extranjeros.Quiero llamar a mi directora/tutora/ representante en España,” andcallme.Onceagain,ifyoueverdohaveanincidentwiththepolice,pleasefilloutanincidentform.ADVICE TO PEDESTRIANSIt ismost importanttorememberthattheSpaniardsare incredibleanarchists.Thismeansthattheydo notnecessarilystopatredlights.Therefore,beforeyoucrossthestreet,makesurethatthegreenpedestrian sign is on, and even then, it´s a good idea not to step off the curb until youmake surethat all the cars have stopped and the Spaniards have started across. Put some Spaniards betweenyourself andthecars.Watchformotorbikeszoomingupbetweenthecars.NEVERjaywalk.Yes,theSpaniardsdoitallthetime,buttheyhaveabuilt-insixthsenseof hownottogethit.INCASEOFPICK---POCKETING

✓ Cancelyourlostcredit/check/ATMcards.

✓ Changepasswordsincaseyourlaptop/Internetphonewasstolen.

✓ Ifyoulostyourkeys,notifyyourfamilyassoonaspossiblesothattheycanreplacethelock.

✓ Gototheclosestpolicestationandreportthecrime(Internetoptionavailabletooat:www.policia.es/denuncias/

✓ Renew/replaceyourstolendocuments(abonotransporte,creditcards,passportor

photocopy,studentID,etc.)

✓ Writeanincidentreportfortheprogram

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INCASEOFILLNESSLogintothewww.geobluestudents.comwebsiteandfindthelistofdoctors inMadridwhoarerecommended ormightacceptdirectpaymentfromyourinsuranceprovider.Youcansearchbyspecializationandcity.Englishspeakingdoctors inMadridassociatedwithGeoBlue(youneedtobringyourinsurancecardeverytimeyougotothedoctorforanykindofappointment).UnidadMédicaAngloamericana(Englishspeaking)C/CondedeAranda,1.MetroRetiro/Serrano914351823(GeneralPractitionersandsomespecialties)If you have time before your appointment, contactHTH to inform about your appointment details. IfG e o B l u e sends a “payment guarantee” to theclinic/hospital you may not need topayup front. Ifyoudo not have time to call HTH, you will need to pay forthe consultation/visit/service andthen complete a claimform forreimbursement.HMHospitales(Freeon-spottranslationservice)(24/7)incaseofemergency,youcanshowupatanytime.Pza.CondedelValleSuchil,16Metro:SanBernardoMadrid@tourhspain.comForappointments:9am-9pm629823493Helpline24/7:629824020,629823493,914476600

English Speaking Counselors specialized in Study Abroad

Claire Jazinski C/ Blasco de Garay 88, 1º B, Metro Islas Filipinas 91 536 24 09 / 636 397 237

Laura Rojas Marcos C/ de la Cinca, 25, despacho 25, Metro Concha Espina 686 47 73 46

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SOMEPRACTICALBASICSFORLIVINGINSPAIN

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CELLPHONESMaristCollegeMadridProgramrequires that allparticipantshave a Spanish cellphoneduring your stayinMadrid.This is forsecurityreasons.ThereisawidevarietyofcompaniesoperatinginSpainand2systems:contractandpre-paid.ContractsystemshavethemostcompetitivepricesandIwouldrecommendthembecauseyouwill neverrunoutofminutes incaseofemergency.Asyouwillalwayshaveminutes,youmayhavea “surprise” inyour bill at the end of the month though. However, there isone inconvenience,as students livingonlytemporarily inSpain, you cannot have access to a contract here. IMPORTANT: Avoid companieswhich offer an internationalcellnumber(numbersusuallystarting with8); they are extremely expensive for you, forme, for your future Spanish friends or your family to callyou.Also, someofourSpanish cellphonesmightnotwork for calling internationally. Soplease,be surethatthenumberyougetisaSpanishone(9digitsandstartingwith“6”).Another option is pre-paid cell phones, which tend to holdmore expensive deals yet this is changing.An advantage of this system is that you can control the money you spend on calls; however, it mayhappenthatyourunoutofmoneyincaseofemergency.If you already have, or decide to purchase an international cell phone before departure, please let meknow your number as soon as possible. If you prefer to acquire a phone in Spain, Iwill facilitate a visitto one or more mobile phone providers (e.g. PREPAID: YOIGO; or CONTRACT PICCEL) and will helpyou arrange for a cell phone. This is just a way to make the tedious process of acquiring a cell phoneoverseas smoother. Please know that assistance offered should not be interpreted as any type ofrecommendation fromMaristCollegeMadridProgram.

IF YOU HAVE BOUGHT (OR ARE CONTEMPLATING BUYING) A CELL PHONE FROM A RETURNINGSTUDENT– BE SURE TO HAVE BOTH THE PIN AND PUK NUMBER. If the student cannot give you boththesenumbers DONOTbuythephone. For pre-paidcell phones (“detarjeta”) whichneedtobe charged,becareful:accordingtoSpanishlaw,youcanuseonlyaSIMcardregisteredunderyourname.HelpfulVocabularyAdeadline Nohay linea/No funcionaCollect call Cobro revertidoBusy line Esta ocupado/estacomunicandoTodial Marcar unnúmeroTohangup ColgarTopickupthereceiver DescolgarThephoneisoffthehook EstádescolgadoHoldon No cuelgueMaindifferencesbetweenEuropeanandUScellphonesystem:------European mobiles and cell phone fees aremuchmore expensive than in the USA (there have beenmany students reporting ridiculously high bills).------InEuropeyouwillNEVERbechargedforincomingtextmessagesorincomingcalls.------For the pre-paid system, you do not buyminutes but investmoney. For example, you charge your cellphone with 20€. The amount of minutes that you can talk with your 20€ depends on the plan youhave.------All textmessagesand call fees (nomatter if it is a1 second call) are chargedwith an extra21%VAT(national taxes). This is mandatory for all the phone companies and, as everybody here knows,

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advertisements do not usually mention this extra charge. If you find, for instance, an offer of 0,30 centsperminute,rememberthatyoumustalsocalculate theadditional21%VATcharge.------Regardless of the deal you get, youwill always be charged a connection feewhen the voicemail orthe calledperson answers.SHIPPINGFROMTHEUSAYou can use your family address to receive letters and parcels from the States. However, there havebeenmany cases of students having problemswhen their US relatives or friends send them a packageto Spain. Before your arrival, you must bear in mind that there are items such as certain medicines,medical/dental devices (e.g. orthodontic retainers), laptops, computer accessories, electronic devices,etc. thatwillbe stoppedat theborder and thatwillbe either forbidden tobedeliveredor chargedwithtaxes which may reach $250. In case of certain medicines or medical devices, it may require thesupervision of the Spanish Ministry of Health Affairs and this might take months. For these reasons,avoid sending new goods because youmay be claimed for border exportation taxes. In case of personalbelongings,youmayberequiredtowriteasworndeclarationofproperty.So please, take this information into account and let your relatives and friends know. Bring everythingyouneedwith you and if somebody is considering sending a present or a package to you in Europe, letthem know that they should carefully consider. Otherwise, it can be more trouble than the package isworth.Incaseyouaretakingaveryspecificmedication,findoutifit islegalhereandbringasmuchas neededfor the entire semester as your prescriptionmight not be recognized or legal here and if your relativesshipittoyou,itisverylikelytobestoppedattheborder.TRANSPORTATION:GETTINGAROUNDMADRID

AbonoTransporteWhen you arrive, you will receive your Abono Transporte card (CityTransportation card) charged a n d r e a d y t o b e u s e d ( S P R I N G : y o u w i l l r e c e i v e i t c h a n g e d for the f i r s t m o n t h o n l y . Y o u w i l l b e r e s p o n s i b l e t o c h a r g e y o u r c a r d e v e r y m o n t h . Y o u w i l l r e c e i v e f u n d s f o r t h i s p u r p o s e ; F A L L : y o u w i l l r e c e i v e i t c h a r g e d f o r y o u r e n t i r e s t a y ) . Your city pass is valid for countlesstrips by city train, bus or metro and works along THE c ommun i t y o f M a d r i d a n d o t h e r d e s t i n a t i o n s s u c h a s T o l e d o .

If you lose/have stolen your abono transporte you will be responsible for

the renewalpaperwork aswell as for the renewal fee (6Euros).Bear inmind thatduring the renewingprocess thatmay take somedays, youwillneed topay for your transportation in the city. In addition,inordertorenewyourabonoyouwill needtoshowyouroriginalpassport. Don´tloseit!MetroTheMadridsubwaysystem (the “Metro”)providesgood,basic transportation throughout thecityandthesuburbs.Onceyoucatchontothesystem(anditisn´tdifficult)youcangetalmostanywhereinthecityquickly.TheMetrorunsfrom6:00amuntil2.00am.Aone-wayticketcostsaround1,50eurosand itincludestransferring fromone linetoanother.Therearemapsoutsideandinsideeverystationto helpyou.Linechanges,directions,andstreetexists(“salida”)arewellmarked.BusesThere aremany bus lines that go throughout the city and to the suburbs. The bus ticketwithin the citycosts 1,50 euros. The interurban ticket costs depend on the distances and destinations. You enter thebusatthe frontandexitat therear. Inorder tocatchthebusyoumust findasignwiththebusnumber.Busesstoponlyat theirdesignatedstopsigns.

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There are two kinds of buses in Madrid: The red or blue buses belong to the EMT (Empresa Municipalde Transporte) and run onlywithin the city. Green buses connect thecity’smainstations(Plaza Elípticain the South, Plaza de Castilla in the North, Avenida de América in the East and Principe Pío in theWest)tothesuburbs.Always keep your ticket while riding the metro or bus until you get off as there are periodical checksandyouwillbefinedifyouarecaughtridingwithoutaticket.Thereare “Metro-bus” tickets,whichcostaround12,5Eurosandaregood for10 tripsbymetroorEMTbus.Thesecanbebought inthemetrostations,attobaccoshops,ornewspaperstands.Transportation at night: “buhos”At night you can still commute in Madrid with night buses called “Buhos” (Spanish world for bowl).Theyworkafter theMetroclosesand they followsimilarroutes.Theydifferfromregularbuses becausetheirsigndisplaysan“N”before thenumber.Mostnightbusesdepart fromCibelesSquare.

TaxisTaxis are everywhere and are not expensive by U.S standards. Flagdown is approximately 2,50 Euros, and the fare is set by themeteraccording to mileage and time. Remember that there are additionalcharges to what themeter reads for suitcases, Sundays, and nights.There is also a supplement charged to go to the airport, as well astogototrainandbusstations.Tippingtaxidriversisnotmandatoryand it issuggestedto leavesmallchange.

Taxiphones:914473232/913712131

If you thinkyouarebeingover-charged, ask fora receipt andnotedown the driver´s taxi license number (displayed on a metal cardon the glove compartment). Report it to the nearest police stationortothecitycouncil.

Taxisaresafe inMadridbutmakesureyou takeanofficialone.Donotgetintoataxiinwhichthereisalreadysomebodyelse.IfyouhaveasmartphonewithInternet,youcanalsodownloadtheM y T axiApp.UberworksinSpainaswell.

USEFULINFORMATIONINMADRIDLeisureinMadridYou should make the effort to read a Spanish newspaper on a daily basis. They are handed outfreelyat metroentrancesandbusstops.Notonlywill ithelp to improveyourSpanish,butyouwillalso encounter many free activities that will round out your education and get you involved inauthentic Spanishlife.Someexamplesoffreeactivitiesarethebi-weeklyconcertsofpromisingyoungmusicians at the Juan March Foundation (Nuñez de Balboa Metro station), which also sponsorsfrequent art exhibits for free. CaixaForum is another cultural center, which holds concerts andexhibitions for free. On the “DíadelEspectador” the ticketsarecheaper. For thosewho loveauteurcinema or independent cinema can watch movies at La Filmoteca /The National FilmLibrary)/CineDoré (AtochaMetro Station) for 3 Euros. Another alternative option is....La EnanaMarrón: If you were to put a film screen in your living room, and paint the settees and sofas inbright colours, you would have something that looks like La Enana Marrón. The programme

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includes themostdaringcinematographic proposals.Don´tmissElMatadero,theformerquartersoftheslaughterhousetransformedintoaculturalcenterwhereyoucanseetheater,shareseeds,seefreeexhibitions and concerts, or spend the evening reading.And…what about visiting theGhostMetroStationinMadridoroneofthemanymarketsheldduringtheweekends?Don´tleaveMadridwithoutexploringMadrid!GuiadelOcioEvery Friday amagazine comes out called the “Guía del Ocio” (1 euro at newspaper stands). Thismagazine provides suggestions on how to spend your free time, what to do and see in Madrid,where togo tohaveadrinkorameal,orwhatexhibitionsand/or lecturesofcultural interest youmight attend. It lists all of themovies playing inMadrid for theweek aswell as plays,musicals orconcerts. It even gives some ideas of interesting stores. In short, it has a little bit of just abouteverything and is highly recommended for anybody who is interested in getting the most out ofMadrid.Check theweb: http://www.esmadrid.com/es/portal.do to be posted on special events celebrationsinMadridsuchas“LaNocheenBlanco,”“DíadelLibro,”“Lanochedelos Museos,”or“MadridFashionWeek.”

RELIGIOUS SERVICES INMADRIDBaptistC/General Lacy, 18Metro:Palosde laFrontera+915392537British Bible SocietyC/SantaEngracia,133Metro:RíosRosas+914425855Casa ÁrabeC/Alcalá,62Metro:PríncipedeVergara+915673066ChurchofJesusChristofLatterDaySaintsC/Telmo,26Metro:PíoXII+913592634Community Church of Madrid: Madrid´sInternational, Ecumenical Fellowship ofEnglish---speakingChristiansC/delaViña,3Metro:Metropolitano+917300349English SpeakingRomanCatholicParishofMadridOurLadyofMercyC/AlfonsoXIII,165Metro:PíoXIIEpiscopalAnglicanChurchofSt.GeorgeC/NúñezdeBalboa,43+915765109

Metro:NúñezdeBalboa

EvangelicalC/Noviciado,5+915321742/915555474FistChurchofChristScientistC/AlonsoCano,631CMetro: Nuevos MinisteriosGreekOrthodoxC/Nicaragua,12Metro:Colombia+913454085Immanuel Baptist ChurchC/FernándezTejada,4Metro:Arturo Soria+914074347JewishSynagogueC/Balmes ,3Metro: Iglesia+914459835Jewish AssociationC/GeneralOrgaz,5Metro: Estrecho+913029947LutheranC/PaseodelaCastellana,6Metro: Colón+914354781MoslemMosqueC/SalvadordeMadariaga,4M:Barriode laConcepción/ParquedelasAvenidas

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LibrariesTheBiblioteca onyourcampus is exceptional.Your second option for libraries is the local publiclibraries. There is one in practically everyneighborhoodandyoushouldaskyourfamilywheretheone is in your neighborhood. This is a free service and although the selection is limited, it isadequate and you should check this out. It is also a good place to study if you get there earlyenough and get a place. These libraries are open Monday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. andSaturdaymorning.OTHERUSEFULNUMBERSGay-Infor(InformationondifferentsupportgroupsforgaysinSpain)Tel.91-523-0070COGAM(ColectivoGaydeMadrid)Thiscenterplansandsupportsvarioussocial,politicalandculturalgroupsrelatedto interestsofthe gay and lesbian communities.CalleFuencarral37,1ªplanta (Entrance is throughCafeteríaUranias)Tel.91-522-4517AIDs TestingCentro Sanitario Sandoval (free testing)Sandoval,7(metroBilboa/SanBernardo)Tel.91-445-2328SAMOficinadePolicíaparalaMujer(ifyouneedtoregisteraclaimonsexualharassment)Avda.FedericoRubioyGalí,55Metrostop:FrancosRodríguez/CuatroCaminos

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PERSONALTRAVEL*** FOR YOUR OWN SECURITY, REMEMBER PROGRAM POLICY: YOU MUST INFORM THEPROGRAM DIRECTOR EVERYTIME YOU DO NOT OVERNIGHT IN MADRID. FAILURE TOCOMPLYWITHTHIS REQUIREMENTMAYRESULT INDISMISSALFROMTHEPROGRAM.At the beginning it is best to travel with an organized tour as you are guaranteedaccommodations and transportation. If you travel on your own, sometimes getting trainconnectionsistrickyandrolling intoanunknowncitywithnoaccommodationsisnotfun.Donothitch-hike.EuropeisnotwhatitusedtobeandtherearetoomanycasesofunsuspectingAmerican studentsbeinggivena liftby seeminglywell-heeled tourists and thenbeing robbedof possessions and passports.Regardless of your mode of travel you must always fill out a Travel Itinerary Form if youare planningtotraveloutsideMadridandsenditbye-mailtotheResidentDirectorindicatingwhen, where, with whom, etc. you are traveling. This is a security precaution and is not aninvasionof privacy. If you get in an accidentor have trouble anywhere in Spainwhere thereis a member program of the Association of AmericanUniversities in Spain (APUNE), the on---sitedirectorwill helpyou.Ontheotherhand,ifIknowthegeneralareayouaretravellinginanda family emergencyarises,oryoudonotreturnonmoreor lessthescheduleddate, IcangivetheAmericanEmbassysomeinformationtoworkwith inorderto locateyou.The Resident Director is not a travel agent and will not arrange accommodation or travelbookings for your individual trips.However, she can help you with recommendations: citiesor sitestosee,safetyadvice,andculturalorientationwhenplanningyourtrips.GETTINGAROUNDSPAINYoucantraveleverywhereinSpaineitherbybus,train,orplane.Plane:Gettingtotheairport.Checktheterminalyouneedbeforegoingtotheairport.ByMetrostop“Barajasaeropuerto”all terminalsbut“AeropuertoT4”whichdropsyouatT4.ByBus,number200fromAvenidadeAméricaMetrostop.Byspecialbusshuttlewhichconnectsdifferentpointsinthecitycentertotheairport.Itcosts3,5euros.Bytaxi:15-20´andwillcostyouaround30-45euros.Bus:TherearevariousBusStationsassociatedtosame---namedMetrostations:---PríncipePío---MéndezÁlvaro---Avda.DeAmerica---PlazaElíptica---PlazadeCastilla---MoncloaTrain:TherearetwomaintrainstationsinMadrid:---Atocha(SoutherndestinationsandAVE)---Chamartin(Northerndestinations)

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Recommendedtripsandrecommendedtransportation:TYPICAL1---DAYTRIPSAlcaládeHenares---CasadeCervantes,Judería,Universidad(RECOMMENDED:TRAINFROMATOCHA)

Aranjuez---JardinesdePalacio,Palacios,pueblo(RECOMMENDED:TRAINFROMATOCHA)

ElEscorial---MonasteriodeElEscorial,SilladeFelipeII,PueblodeSanLorenzodeElEscorial.(RECOMMENDED:BUSFROMMONCLOA)+VISITTOVALLEDELOSCAÍDOS(busfromElEscorial)

Segovia---Catedral,Alcázar,iglesias,barriojudío,acueducto(RECOMMENDEDBUSFROMPRÍNCIPE PÍO/TRAIN FROM CHAMARTÍN)

Toledo---CatedralPrimada,sinagogadeSantaMaríalaBlanca,museoSefarat,MezquitadelCristodelaLuz,IglesiadeSantoTomé,MuseodeSantaCruz,CasadeElGreco,SanJuandelosReyes,Judería. (RECOMMENDED BUS FROM PLAZA ELÍPTICA)TYPICALWEEKEND TRIPS

Barcelona–PalauGüell,Museud´ArtModern,Museud´Historiade laCiutat,MuseuPicasso,BasílicadeSantaMariadelMar,Catedral,Palaude laMúsicaCatalana,FundacióAntoniTapies,SagradaFamilia,CasaMilá, “LaPedrera”,Fundació JoanMiró,MuseuArqueológic,MuseuNacional d´Art de Catalunya,Parc Güell. (RECOMMENDED: SPEEDTRAIN FROMATOCHA/FLIGHT (BECAREFULTOSELECT “BARCELONAAIRPORT”MOSTCOMPANIESLAND IN“GIRONAAIRPORT”FARAWAYFROMTHECITY)

Payextraattention topickpockets inBarcelona!

Córdoba–MuseoTaurino,Alcázarde losReyesCristianos,MuseodeBellasArtes,MuseoArqueológico,MuseoRomero deTorres, LaMezquita Torre Calahorra. (RECOMMENDED:TRAINFROM ATOCHA)

Granada–Catedral,CapillaReal,Alhambra,MuseoArqueológico,Monasteriode laCartuja.(RECOMMENDED: BUS FROMMÉNDEZ ÁLVARO)

Salamanca–Universidad,CatedralViejayNueva,Conventode lasDueñas,MuseoArteNouveau,Conventode lasÚrsulas. (RECOMMENDED:BUSFROMMÉNDEZÁLVARO/TRAINFROMCHAMARTÍN)

Sevilla–MuseodeBellasArtes, Iglesiade laMagdalena,PlazadeTorosde laMaestranza,TorredeOro,CasadePilatos,Archivode Indias,CatedralandLaGiralda,RealesAlcazares,Hospitaldelos Venerables. (RECOMMENDED: SPEED TRAIN FROMATOCHA)

Valencia–Basílica de la Virgen de losDesamparados, Catedral, La Lonja,MuseoNacional deCerámica,Museo deBellasArtes, IVAM,Museo del GremioArtistas Falleros,Museo deArte yCiencia de Principe Felipe. (RECOMMENDED:FLIGHT/ SPEEDTRAINFROMATOCHA)YOUSHOUDNOTLEAVESPAINWITHOUTVISITING….TODOLIST:

• AroundMadrid:Aranjuez,ElEscorial,Hiking aroundMadrid Sierra• InMadrid:Rastro,RetiroPark,afootballmatch,walkaroundallcentralneighbours

(Chueca, Lavapies, Cahamberí, etc.), flamenco show, bullfight

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• MuseumsandMonuments:Prado,ReinaSofá,Thyssen, Sorolla,PalacioReal,TemplodeDebod

• Gastronomy:Makesure thatyou try: paella, tortillaespañola,chorizo,morcilla, jamónSerrano, cocido, lentejas,potaje, ensaladilla rusa,pisto, gazpacho (more typical insummer)…

• TypicalcafésandRestaurants:CaféGijón,elSalónde losEspejos,CaféReal,Tapas,…

• In Spain: Salamanca, Segovia, Toledo, Barcelona, at least one city in northern Spain(Cantabria, Galicia, País Vasco, or Navarra), at least one of the “Muslim tradition” cities insouthern Spain: Sevilla, Córdoba or Granada, and… “turismo rural” very fashionable inSpain:gotoaverysmallvillageandobservetheirtraditions.

• VisitanArabicBathFINANCES

Asyouknow,theMaristCollegeMadrid"package"coversroom,board,tuition,fieldtripsandsomecultural events.Generally it is a good idea tobudgethigh asMadrid is very expensive and formerstudentshavesaid that theyweren’tprepared forhowexpensive thingsarehere.You can exchange money or traveller's checks at the airport on arrival. If you want to exchangemoneyat theairport,do this asyouarewaiting foryour luggage to comeoff theplane, inside theCustoms area. Also, keep in mind that it is better to exchange the greatest amount safelymanageable at one time because the same commission is charged up to $500. Therefore it is nota good idea to exchange $100 five different times because you will be charged commission fivetimes rather than once. ($500 is just an example, I would NOT advise carrying around $500 incash!!).Have an ATM card (Visa, Amex, MasterCard) and have your parent(s) joint on your account sothat they can deposit money in your account in an emergency. You can withdraw money fromATMspractically anywhere inEuropeat thedailyexchange rate andwith the lowestcommission.Ifyouchoose thisoption,besureofyourPINnumberandadvise thebank thatyou willbegoingabroadandconfirmyourcardcanbeusedabroad.

ItisagoodideatobringsomeEurosforthefirstweek.Firstdayswillbehectictryingtogetusedtothecity:havingmoneyforpersonalexpensesfromthefirstdaymightlessenstressasyougetacclimated.

This isacostof livingestimationscalculatedbyUC3mfor internationalstudents. (LastupdatedJuly 2015.)

CostofLiving

Howmuchdoesitcost..... ? EurosHireacar fortheweekend 180.00MadridBus ticket 1.50MadridMetro ticket 1.50Metrobus (10 trips) 13.00Cinema 6.00-10.00Foodinlow-pricedrestaurants 12.00-15.00Lunchat theResidenceHallcafeteria 6.00Classical music concerts 15.00-55.00Rock concerts 20.00-60.00Discothequesorbarswithmusic 8.00-25.00Individualroominasharedflat 400 /month

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Hamburger (menu at a hamburger restaurant) 10Textbooks 35.00WorkoutatUniversitySportsFacilities 60 /monthMuseums (*) 0-10Bullfights 4.00–20,0Soccermatch1stDivision 25–150Pizza (menu) 12Sauna atUniversity Sports Facilities 10UniversityLocker 10

Ingeneral,monthlyexpensesforanexchangestudentareas follows:Housing 400€Food 275€Transport 55€Spending money 200€TOTAL 930€

Note:Thesepricesareonlyestimates,andcanvary.

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CULTURALDIFFERENCES

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ETIQUETTE&CUSTOMSINSPAINHaving some knowledge of Spanish culture and being aware of the current political situation,current events, educational system, historical background, cultural norms, customs will help youduring your adjustment process. During the first fewweeks, there will be times when youmightnot find it easy to shed the feeling that your own way of thinking and doing things is the rightway. Cultural humility and openness to Spanish culture will allow you to learn from your hosts.We expect you to be prepared and open to hearing awide array of opinions, some ofwhichmaybecontrarytoyourownviews.RecommendationsKeepanopenmindaboutnewthingsanddonotbeafraidtoexploreyournewsurroundings.Keepa lowprofileandconformtoSpanishstandards inclothing,generalappearance,andmanners,asthiswillhelpyoublendin.Moststores(exceptlargedepartmentstores)closefrom2:00pmto5pmandallstoresareclosedonSundays,exceptthe firstSundayofeverymonth.BanksareopenMondaytoFridayfrom9:00amto2:00pmonly.Since tipping isnotas important in Spainas in theUnitedStated, service isn´tusually as fastorgood.Youcan leaveup to the10% ifyouarereally satisfiedwith theservice;otherwise it isOKto leavenothing.Itdependsonthetypeofrestaurant.Inbars,thewaiterswillgenerallynotattendtoyouunlessyoucallthem.

Inrestaurants,thewaiterwillnotbringthebilluntilyouaskhimto.

When visiting religiousmonuments (churches, cathedrals, convents, etc.) observe the dresscode.Tippingintaxisisabout0-5%MeetingEtiquette

--- Dressfortheoccasion.Spaniardsarethemselvesveryclothes-consciousandalways dress inanappropriate fashion:donotwearthesameforattendinga familycelebration, apartywithpeopleofyourage,theuniversityorvisitingacathedral.

--- PeopleareoftenreferredtoasDonorDoñaandtheirfirstnamewheninformaloccasionasageneralrule.Forexample,DonPablo;DoñaMaria,etc.

--- Whenyouareintroducedtosomeone,youmusteithershakehands(mentomen)orkissbothcheeks(mentowomenandwomentowomen).Kissingcheekstakesplaceamongfriends,butnot inaprofessionalenvironment.(Atworkeverybodyshakeshands). It isagoodideatowaituntiltheotherpartyacts.

DiningEtiquette

--- If invitedtoaSpaniard'shome,youcanbringchocolates,pastries,orcakes;wine,liqueur,orbrandy;or flowersto thehostess.

--- Ifyouknowyourhostshavechildren,theymaybeincludedintheevening,soasmallgiftfor them isalwaysappreciated.

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Tablemanners--- Keepbothhandsclearlyvisibleatmealtimes;hidingthemonyourlapisconsideredbad

manners.--- Remainstandinguntil invitedtositdown.Youmaybeshowntoaparticularseat.--- Alwayskeepyourhandsvisiblewheneating.Keepyourwristsrestingontheedgeofthe

table.--- Donotbegineatinguntilthehostessstarts(donoteventouchthebread!)--- Useutensilstoeatmostfood.Evenfruitiseatenwithaknifeandfork.--- Ifyouhavenotfinishedeating,crossyourknifeandforkonyourplatewiththeforkover

the knife.--- Thehostgivesthefirsttoast.--- Anhonoredguestshouldreturnthetoastlater inthemeal.--- Itisacceptableforawomantomakeatoast.--- Indicateyouhave finishedeatingby layingyourknifeandforkparallelonyourplate,

tinesfacingup,withthehandlesfacingtotheright.--- Donotgetupuntiltheguestofhonordoes.

AtUniversity

--- Donotsitdownonthefloorinclassroomsorcorridors

--- Donoteatordrinkinclass

ThesesitesprovidegeneralinformationaboutSpain,includingSpanishsocietyandculture,etiquette,customs,andbusinessetiquette.www.kwintessential.co.uk/resources/global---etiquette/spain---country---profile.htmlhttp://www.executiveplanet.com/index.php?title=Spain

CULTURALSHOCK:USA---»MADRIDCulturalAdjustmentLiving in a new culture can be exhilarating, personally rewarding, and intellectually stimulating.Itcanalsobe frustrating. It isone thingtovisitacountry,movingonwhenyouhaveseen enough,and it is quite another to live there and function according to a different, and sometimes,mysterioussetofnorms.Participation inyourchosenabroadprogramprovidesarare opportunityfor you to begin to know another society fromwithin. But it involves certain responsibilities.Themostobviousone is toadaptone'sbehaviortothecustomsand expectations of thehost country.This is not to deny one's own culture but to respect that of others. Another, even subtler,responsibility you have is to remain open in order to become aware of similarities anddifferences, to learn rather than to judge. This can be the most rewarding experience in youreducation.CulturalShockPeople usually experience many emotions while adapting to a foreign culture, changing fromexcitement and interest in the new culture to depression and fear of the unknown. Thedifficulties that youexperienceas you integrate intoa newsociety canbe a result of what istermed "culture shock." Most experts agree that culture shock, although often delayed, isinevitable in one form or another. But adjusting to a foreign culture, and living through difficult

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times of change can be a satisfying experience, one worth the occasional discomfort and extraeffort.Attitudes come in a wide variety of species, ranging from broad and pervasive cultural attitudesto themost specific andpersonal attitudes.Becauseof the scopeof this subject, it is probably themost difficult to discuss. However, because the attitudes you take with you to your hostcountry(ies), and those you form once there, will have such a great effect upon your perceptionof the people andways of your host country, it is very important for you to be aware of the roleattitudesplay in youroverseas experience.Normally, attitudes exist on amore or less subconscious level.When faced with a new situation,most people will recognize their reaction to it, but not necessarily the underlying attituderesponsible for that particular reaction.When we deal with people who share the same basic cultural attitudes as ourselves, the systemworks well: the differences in attitude between two Americans, broadly speaking, are far morelikely tobeof thespecificandpersonalkind than theculturalkind.Whenweinteractwith peopleof different nationalities, however, the problem arises. Communications break down becausetheir cultural attitudes are fundamentally different than ours, and the results are often feelingsof confusion and hostility on both sides. This situation is called "culture shock." This can be amisleading term.One tends to get the impression that "culture shock" is some kind of disease that everyoneroutinely catches and after a certain length of time, recovers from, but nothing could be fartherfrom the truth. There are peoplewho go overseas and never recover from this condition despitethe length of their stay. This is because "culture shock" is actually caused by the aforementionedmismatch of cultural attitudes, not by some virus, as sometimes seems to be implied. And it'seasily seen that the traveller who doesn't maintain an open mind, and doesn't invest any efforttrying to understand a foreign culture, is always going to be in a state of shock. Such people hadbeststayathome,foriftheyrigidlyholdontotheirownattitudes,theywill -inreality-have neverleft!An underlying cause of negative reactions to another culture is the tendency to judge somethingthat is different as inferior. Itisimportanttobeopentowardthecultureintowhichyouare going,to try to discard stereotypes, and to read as much as you can about the culture before yourdeparture. If you educate yourself on the many aspects of the country in which you will beliving, you will better understand and appreciate your new surroundings much sooner. Beforedeparture, learn about the country's history, natural resources, social customs, religions, art, andpolitical structures. Find out the culture's set ofmanners,expected behavior,andunspoken rules.Read up on the country's present day problems and current national issues. Learning aboutcurrent affairs will help you to get a sense of how people evaluate events from differentperspectives. Talk to other studentswho have gone to your host country to learnwhat problemsyoumayencounter.Yourstudyabroadofficecanhelpputyouintouchwithreturnedstudents.But evenwith this preparation it is inevitable that youwill experiencesomesymptomsof cultureshock. Youmay be unaware that the frustrations and emotions you are experiencing are relatedto culture shock; in retrospect, this becomes apparent. If you understandthe phenomenon andits possible causes, you can decrease its effects. Try to acquaint yourself with its signs.Formoreinformation about culturaldifferencesand culture shock, checkoutExploring Cultural Differencesand Cross Cultural Adjustment.

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PhasesofCulturalAdjustmentRecent studies have shown that there are distinct phases of culture shock, which virtuallyeveryonewholivesabroadgoesthrough.Eachphasehasanumberofcharacteristicfeatures, oneofwhich isusuallypredominant.These stages include:Preliminary stage: This phase includes awareness of the host culture, preparation for thejourney, farewell activities.Initial euphoria: The initial euphoria phase begins with the arrival in the new country andendswhen thisexcitementwearsoff.Irritability: During the irritability phase you will be acclimating to your setting. This willproduce frustration because of the difficulty in coping with the elementary aspects of everydaylifewhenthingsstillappearsoforeigntoyou.Yourfocuswilllikelyturntothedifferences betweenthe host culture and your home, and these differences can be troubling. Sometimes insignificantdifficulties can seem like major problems. One typical reaction against culture shock is toassociate mainly with other North Americans, but remember, you are going abroad to get toknow the host country, its people, culture, and language. If you avoid contact with nationals ofthehostcountry,youcheatyourselfand lengthentheprocessofadaptation.Gradual adjustment:When you becomemore used to the new culture, youwill slip into thegradual adjustment stage. You may not even be aware that this is happening. You will begin toorient yourself and to be able to interpret subtle cultural clues. The culture will become familiartoyou.Adaptationandbiculturalism:Eventuallyyouwilldevelop theability to function in thenewculture. Your sense of "foreignness" diminishes significantly. And not only will you be morecomfortable with the host culture, but you may also feel a part of it. Once abroad, you can takesome steps to minimize emotional and physical ups and downs. Try to establish routines thatincorporate both the difficult and enjoyable tasks of the day or week. Treat yourself to anoccasional indulgence such as a USA magazine or newspaper, a favorite meal or beverage, or along talk with other Americans experiencing the same challenges. Keep yourself healthy throughregular exercise and eating habits. Accept invitations to activities thatwill allow you to see areasof the host culture outside the university and meet new people. Above all try to maintain yoursenseofhumor.Re-entryphase:There-entryphaseoccurswhenyoureturntoyourhomeland.Forsome,this canbe themostpainfulphaseof all.Youwillbe excited about sharing your experiences, andyou willrealizethatyouhavechanged,althoughyoumaynotbeabletoexplainhow.Onesetof values haslong been instilled in you, another you have acquired in the host country. Both may seemequally valid.TipstoEaseCulturalAdjustmentHere are some general tips for traveling and interacting with foreign cultures, which, if kept inmind,mayhelp ease culturaladjustment:

--- Travelinaspiritofhumilityandwithagenuinedesiretomeetandtalkwithlocalpeople.--- Donotexpectto find thingsasyouhavethemathomeforyouhave leftyourhometo

find things different.--- Donottakeanythingtooseriouslyforanopenmindisthebeginningofafine international

experience.

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--- Donotletothersgetonyournervesforyouhavecomealongwaytolearnasmuchasyoucan,toenjoytheexperience,andtobeagoodambassadorforyourcountry.

--- Read carefully the information in your Student Guide and from your program thosewhohavegonebeforeyouhavegoodadvicetoshare.

--- Donotworryforonewhoworrieshasnopleasure.--- Rememberyourpassportso thatyouknowwhere it isatall timesapersonwithouta

passport isapersonwithoutacountry.--- Donot judge thepeopleofacountryby theonepersonwithwhomyouhavehad trouble forthisisunfairtothepeopleasawhole.--- Youshall remember thatyouareaguest inevery land foronewho treatsahostwith

respectwillbe treatedasanhonoredguest.--- Cultivate thehabitof listeningandobserving,rather thanmerelyseeingorhearing.--- Realizethatotherpeoplemayhavethoughtpatternsandconceptsof time,whicharevery

differentthanyours-notinferior,justdifferent.--- Be aware of the feelings of local people to prevent what might be offensive behavior.

For example, photographymustbeparticularly respectful ofpersons.--- Makenopromisesto local,newfriendsthatyoucannot implementorcarrythrough.--- Spend time reflectingon youdailyexperiences in order todeepenyourunderstandingof

yourexperiences.CulturalImmersionThroughHomestaysIf you have the opportunity to participate in a homestay in your host country, it can be an eye-openingexperience.Rememberthatfamiliescomeinallshapesandsizes-nomatterwhereyou areintheworld.Your experience will depend as much on your cooperation, good will and courtesy as it does onthe family's.While your familymay be paid a small stipend for your room and board, no amountofmoney can adequately compensate them if they receive a "bad" student. You are a guest, evena boarder, and theywill probablyappreciate it if you: Bring a gift.Something that representsyour home institution, your hometown or state is almost always well received. See the sectionon gifts in the Packing section. Help out with daily household tasks, such as washing the dishes.Ask permission touse the telephone andpay adequately for your calls. Remember thatmanyhostcountry telephonesystemschargeper "click" fortelephoneusage.This isverydifferent, andmore expensive, than the USA method of a monthly charge that covers local calls. Do not raidtherefrigeratorwithoutexpresspermission.Donotuseexcessiveamountsofhotwater. Water is aprecious and expensive commodity in many countries and cultures. Be receptive to activitiesplanned by your host family. Your homestay family and program leaders may well makearrangements to show you interesting sites in the area, but this may not always be possibleduring their work week. You should relax and be yourself. Try to be flexible and fit in with thefamily's routine. If you are unsure, try to take your cues from the family and ask politequestions. By all means, feel free to write or call your homestay family after your homestay isover.Theywillbe interested inhearingaboutyourstudiesand furtheradventures.Keep these thoughts inmind as you travel to your host country(ies). The culture(s) towhich youare going are different from the one(s) you know for some very good reasons, regardless ofwhethertheyareimmediatelyvisibletoyouornot.Moreover,itisforpreciselythisreason to studythedifferencesbetweenthetwoculturesthatyouaregoingabroad.Sogotherewithan openmind,bepreparedtochange,andmakethemostofthisexperience!(REFERENCE:http://www.cie.uci.edu/world/shock.html)

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STAGES OF CULTURAL ADJUSTMENTSTAGEONE:Enthusiasm/ExcitementTheindividual:isverypositiveabouttheculture.

isoverwhelmedwithimpressions.findsthecultureexoticandisfascinatedbyit.islargelypassive,doesn'tconfronttheculture.

STAGETWO:Withdrawal/LonelinessTheindividual:beginstointeractwiththeculture.

findsthebehaviorofthepeopleunusualandunpredictable.beginstodisliketheculture/reactstothebehavior.feelsanxiety.beginstowithdraw.beginstocriticizetheculture/people.

STAGE THREE: Re---emergence/AdjustmentTheindividual:beginstounderstandmoreofthebehaviorofthepeople.

Feelsmorecomfortablelivingin/encounteringtheculture.feelsisolated.regainshis/hersenseofhumor.

STAGEFOUR:Achievement/EnthusiasmTheindividual:enjoysbeingintheculture.

functionseasilyintheculture.preferscertainculturebehaviortothatofhis/herownculture.adoptscertainbehaviors.

SYMPTOMSOFCULTURESHOCK:

• Sadness,loneliness,melancholy,homesickness• Preoccupationwithhealth;Aches,pains,andallergies• Insomnia,desiretosleeptoomuchortoolittle• Changesintemperament,depression,feelingvulnerable,feelingpowerless• Anger,irritability,resentment,unwillingnesstointeractwithothersHostility

towardlocalpeople• Identifyingwiththeoldcultureoridealizingtheoldcountry• Lossofidentity• Tryingtoohardtoabsorbeverythinginthenewcultureorcountry• Unabletosolvesimpleproblems• Lackofconfidence• Feelingsofinadequacyorinsecurity• Developingstereotypesaboutthenewculture• Developingobsessionssuchasover---cleanliness• Feelingsofbeinglost,overlooked,exploitedorabused

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References: http://www.uazone.net/Adjustment.htmlhttp://immigration.about.com/gi/dynamic/offsite.htm?site=http%3A%2F%2Fedweb.sdsu.edu%2Fpeople%2FCGuanipa%2Fcultshok.htm

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REVERSECULTURESHOCK

RETURNINGHOMEIt is never too early to begin preparing for a returnhome from a study abroad experience. It is easy tobecome bogged down in the monumental physical tasksof tying up loose ends, finding out where to store itemswhileyougoontheonefinaltrip,sellingpossessions, andpacking bags. As departure time draws near, farewellparties, goodbye gifts (more packing), and fondgoodbyes probably fill your final days. The moments forreflecting on how you have grown and changed as theresult of living overseas are usually few and farbetween.Re-Entry

In this section, you will learn how to cope with reverse culture shock you may experience uponreturn to the United States. One of the biggest challenges for students who participate in studyabroadcanbethedifficultyinre-adaptingtotherealitiesintheUnitedStates(otherwiseknown as"re-entry"). Many students who studied abroad went through many changes, re-examining theirpriorities, their values, and what they think of themselves and the United States. The "reverseculture shock"maybemoredifficult than the "culture shock" you feltwhileabroad. (See "cultureshock" formore information about the challenges of adapting to a new culture.) If return cultureshock is severe, it is important that students are able to seek help/counseling to help themthrough this.Just as culture shock can differ greatly from person to person, reverse culture shock is just aspersonal of an experience. Upon return to the United States, you may find many things aredifferent from how you left them. You may be more critical of the United States, while you nowview your host country in a more favorable light. From language adjustments to depression to asimple trip to the supermarket, reverse culture shock can hit you in more ways than you wouldexpect.Defining Reverse Culture ShockSowhatisreversecultureshock?First,let'sexaminetheprocessofre-entry.Thereareusually twoelementsthatcharacterizeastudyabroadstudent'sre-entry:

--- An idealizedviewofhome--- Theexpectationof total familiarity(thatnothingathomehaschangedwhileyouhave

been away)Often students expect to be able to pick up exactly where they left off. A problem arises whenreality doesn't meet these expectations. Home may fall short of what you had envisioned, andthingsmay have changed at home: your friends and family have their own lives, and things havehappenedsinceyou'vebeengone.Thisispartofwhyhomemayfeelsoforeign.Feelings YouMay ExperienceThe inconsistency between expectations and reality, plus the lack ofintereston thepart of familyand friends (nobody seems to really care about all of your "when I was abroad" stories) mayresult in: frustration, feelings of alienation, and mutual misunderstandings between study

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abroad students and their friends and family. Of course, the difficulty of readjustment will varyfor different individuals, but, in general, the better integrated you have become to your hostcountry’s culture and lifestyle, the harder it is to readjust during re-entry. This is where reversecultureshock(sometimescalledre-entryshock)comesintoplay.StagesofReverseCultureShock

Reversecultureshock isusuallydescribed in fourstages:

DisengagementInitial euphoriaIrritability and hostilityReadjustment and adaptationStage1beginsbeforeyou leaveyourhostcountry.Youbegin thinkingaboutre-entryand makingyour preparations for your return home. You also begin to realize that it's time to saygood-bye to your friends abroad and to the place you've come to call home. The hustle andbustle of finals, good-bye parties, and packing can intensify your feelings of sadness andfrustration. You already miss the friends you've made, and you are reluctant to leave. Or, youmaymake your last few days fly by so fast that you don't have time to reflect on your emotionsandexperiences.Stage 2usually begins shortly before departure, and it is characterized by feelings of excitementandanticipation---eveneuphoria---aboutreturninghome.Thisisverysimilartotheinitial feelings offascination and excitement youmay have when you first entered your host country. Youmaybevery happy to see your family and friends again, and they are also happy to see you. The lengthof this stage varies, and often ends with the realization that most people are not as interestedin your experiences abroad as you had hoped. They will politely listen to your stories for awhile, but youmay find that soon they are ready tomove on to the next topic of conversation.This is often one of the transitions to Stage 3.Youmay experience feelings of frustration, anger,alienation, loneliness, disorientation, and helplessness and not understand exactly why. Youmight quickly become irritated or critical of others and of U.S. culture. Depression, feeling like astranger at home, and the longing to go back abroad are also not uncommon reactions. Youmayalsofeel less independentthanyouwerewhileabroad.Mostpeople are then able tomoveontoStage4,which is a gradual readjustment to life athome.Things will start to seem a little more normal again, and you will probably fall back into someold routines, but things won't be exactly the same as how you left them. You have most likelydeveloped new attitudes, beliefs, habits, as well as personal and professional goals, and you willsee things differently now. The important thing is to try to incorporate the positive aspects ofyour international experience while abroad with the positive aspects of your life at home in theUnited States.http://www.studentsabroad.com/reentrycultureshock.html

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TOPTENRE---ENTRYCHALLENGESThere are lots of reasons to look forward to goinghome, but there are also a number of psychological,social, and cultural aspects,which canprovedifficult–oftenbecausetheyareunanticipated.The followinglist is a summary of the top ten re-entry challengesexpressed by students like you who have beentrough the experience. They are offered for yourconsideration in the hope that they will make yourreturnmore enjoyable.

1. BOREDOMAfter all the newness and stimulation of your time abroad, a return to family, friends and oldroutines (however nice and comforting) can seem very dull. It is natural to miss excitement andchallenges which characterize study in a foreign country, but it is up to you to find ways toovercomesuchnegative reactions–rememberaboredperson isalsoboring.

2. “NOONEWANTSTOHEAR”One thing you can count on upon your return: no onewill be as interested in hearing about youradventures and triumphs as you will be in telling them about those experiences. This is not arejection of you or your achievements, but simply the fact that once they have heard thehighlights, any further interest on you audiences ‘part is probably unlikely. Be realistic in yourexpectationsofhowfascinatingyour journey isgoingtobeforeveryoneelse.Bebrief.

3. YOU CAN´T EXPLAINEvenwhen given a chance to explain all the sights you saw and feelings you had while studyingabroad, it is likely to be at least a bit frustrating to relay them coherently. It is very difficult toconvey this kind of experience to people who do not have similar frames of reference or travelbackgrounds, no matter how sympathetic they are as listeners. You can tell people about yourtrip,butyoumayfailtomakethemunderstandexactlyhoworwhyyoufeltaparticularway.

4. REVERSE “HOME” SICKENESSJust as you probably missed home for a time after going overseas, it is just as natural toexperience some “reserves” home sickness for the people, places, and things that you grewaccustomed to as a student overseas. To an extent it can be reduced by writing letters,telephoning,andgenerallykeeping in contact,but feelingsof lossare integralpartof internationalsojournsandmustbeanticipatedandacceptedasanaturalresultofstudyabroad.

5. RELATIONSHIPSHAVECHANGEDIt is inevitable that when you return you will notice that some relationships with friends andfamilywill have changed. Just as you have altered someof your ideas and attitudeswhile abroad,the people at home will have experienced some changes. These changes may be positive ornegative, but expecting that no change will have occurred is unrealistic. The best preparation isflexibility, openness, minimal preconceptions, and tempered optimism.

6. PEOPLE SEE “WRONG CHANGES”Sometimes people may concentrate on small alterations in your behavior or ideas and seemthreatened or upset by them. Others may ascribe any “bad” traits to the influence on your timeabroad. These incidents may be motivated by jealousy, fear, or feelings of superiority orinferiority. To avoid or minimize them, it is necessary to monitor yourself and be aware of thereactions of those around you, especially in the first few weeks of your return. This phasenormallypassesquickly ifyoudonothing toconfirmtheirstereotypes.

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7. PEOPLEMISUNDERSTANDA few people will misinterpret your words or actions in such a way that communication isdifficult.For example,what youmayhave come to regardashumor (particularlysarcasm, banter,etc.) and a show of affection may be perceived not as wit, but as aggression or “showing off”.Offers to help in the kitchen can be seen as criticism of food preparation, new clothing styles asprovocative or inappropriate, references to the foreign country or use of that language boasting.Beawareofhowyoumaylooktoothersandhowyourbehaviorislikelytobe interpreted.

8. FEELINGS OF ALIENATION/CRITICAL “EYES”Sometimes the reality of being back “home” is not as natural or enjoyable as the place you hadconstructed as yourmental image.When real daily life is less enjoyable ormore demanding thanyour remembered, it is natural to feel some alienation, see faults in the society younever noticedbefore, or even become quite critical of everyone and everything for a time. This is no differentthan when you first left home. Mental comparisons are fine, but keep them to yourself until youregainboth your culturalbalance and judiciousperspective.

9. INABILITYTOAPPLYNEWKNOWLEDGEANDSKILLSMany returnees are frustrated by the apparent lack of opportunity to apply newly gained social,linguisticandpracticalcopyingskillsthat initiallyappeartobeunnecessaryorirrelevant.To avoidongoing annoyance: adjust to reality as necessary, change what is possible, be creative, use thecross-cultural skills you acquired to assist your own re-entry, and above all, be patient. Theseskills are yours for life; over the long term youwill havemanyopportunities to drawupon themto enhance career and family relationships.

10. LOSS/COMPARTIMENTATIONOFEXPERIENCEBeing home, coupled with pressures of job, family and friends, often combine to make returneesworriedthattheywillsomehow“lose”theexperience,becomingcompartmentalizedlike souveniror photo albums kept in a box and only occasionally taken out and looked at. You do nothaveto let that happen.Maintain your contacts.Talk topeoplewhohave experiences similar to yours.Practice your skills. Remember and honor both your hard work and the fun you had whileabroad.

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“I felt very bitter returning home. It’s hard to not be “mad” at America for some of the ideals andprinciples thathavebeen instilled inus. I didn’twant to comebackatall.Noone takes the time tostop and appreciate things here. It’s very disheartening. Over time the feeling fades, but at thebeginningitwasveryhardtobeback.”LaurenTravis,UniversityofTexasatAustin.Studied inSpain“I think the biggest challenge for me was getting back into the pace of American life. It is sodemandingand fast-paced that I justwanted to say “slowdown!”when Igothome” Janna Stansell,California StateUniversity. Studied in Spain.

RE---ENTRYThese questions are designed to encourage you to do some introspective thinking aboutyouroverseasexperience:Particularly,youwillbeaskedto recallyourexpectationsas youmoved overseas, examine your adjustment to living overseas, and remember the copingskills you used to survive. Once you have a clear picture of your personal adjustmentprocess,youwillbeinbetterpositiontorecognizehowyouhavechanged since you left theUnited States. You will be better equipped to prepare yourself for your re-entryexperience and be able to apply some of the skills you developed in adjusting overseasasyoumakethetransitiontolivingonceagainintheUSA.Checkeach itemthatapplies toyouorprovide theappropriate information:

1. Whatexitedyouaboutyour impedingmoveoverseas?o Theopportunity to studyoverseaso Living in a different cultureo Speaking another languageo Makingnewfriendso Developingprofessional skills in an internshipo Becoming more independento Other:

2. Whatwere your greatest reservations aboutmovingoverseas?o Studying inadifferentcultureo Housingarrangementso Speaking another languageo Making new friendso Financialarrangementso Leaving friends and familyo Medicalfacilitieso Other:

3. Didyouhaveexpectationsconcerninganyofthe items listedbelow?Whatwerethey?Wereyourexpectationsmet? Ifnot,whynot?

o Academicenvironmento Communicating in another languageo Housingo Transportationo Travellingo Developing new relationshipso Keeping in touchwith familyandfriendsbackhomeo Foodo Other:

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4. Try to rememberyour initialobservationsandexperiencesoverseas.Wereyousurprisedbyanythingyousaworexperienced?

--- ------ ---5. Useadjectivestodescribeyourinitialreactiontoeachitemyoulistedin#4

6. Howdoyoufeelnowabouttheitemsyoumentionedin#4

7. Didstudyingabroadcauseyoutochangeyourdailyroutine?Howis itsdifferent

fromthedailyroutineyouhadintheUnitedStatesbeforeyoumoved?

8. Didyoumakeadjustments inyourattitudetowardanyofthe following?o Punctualityo Noiseo Privacyo Spatialrelationso Touchingo Independenceo Other:Whatwerethe3easiestadjustmentsforyoutomake?Nexttoeachone,notetheapproximatelengthoftimeittookforyoutomakethisadjustment:

a. b. c.

Time to adjust:Time to adjust:Time toadjust:

9. And the3mostdifficultadjustments?a. b. c.

Time to adjust:Time to adjust:Time toadjust:

10. Isthereanythingaboutyouroverseasexperiencethatyouwereneverabletoadjust to?

11. Whatdidyouenjoymostabout livingoverseas?

12. Are thereanycustoms,sports,stylesofdressing, foods,shoppingpatterns,etc.

thatyouhaveadopted fromoverseasculture?At school Socially Athome

a.b.c.

13. WillyoubeabletocontinuethesepracticesorcustomsbackintheUnitedStates?

14. Haveyoupickedupanygreetings,gestures,orexpressionsthatyouhavebeguntouseregularly?Please list them

15. Howdoyouthinkyourfamily,friends,andprofessorswillreacttotheitemsyou

listedin13#and15#

16. PREPARINGFORTHETRANSITION.Thecleareryouare inunderstand thechangesthataregoingtooccurinyourlifewhenyoureturnhome,thebetterableyouwillbetocopewiththetransition.ThinkaboutthefollowingtopicsandwhetheryourlifewillbethesameordifferentwhenyougetbacktotheUnitedStates:Compare your lifestyle: overseas IntheUSA

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1. Greetings2. Mealtimes3. Dress4. Conceptof time5. Academicworkload6. Responsibilitiesat home/school7. Status/prestige on campus8. Paceoftime9. Materialconcerns

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THENEWYOU:WHATTODOWITHYOUR INTERNATIONALEXPERIENCEAt this point it is possible that you have begun to recognize some personal changes thathave takenplacewithinyouconcerningyourattitudes,behaviors,orvalues. It is possiblethat, as your roots have spread, they have also lengthened. Part of you may want toremain anchored in your international home, and you will want to find ways to enablethistohappen.Atsomepointinthefutureit isprobablethatyouwillhavetodecidewhatto dowith the knowledge you gained from living overseas andwhat to dowith the “newyou”.Herearea fewsuggestions:BEFORE YOU RETURN:

√ Gatherthee---mailaddresses,phonenumbers,andhomeaddressesoffriendsandfacultyyoumaywanttocontact

√Writedownfavoriterecipes√ Decidewhatmementosyouwouldliketotakehome√ PurchaseCDsofyourfavoritemusic√ Checkonhowtosubscribetothepublicationsyouwouldliketocontinuereading

ONCEYOUAREBACK:

√Locateaninternationalmagazinestoreoralibrarythatcarriesjournalswithnewsonthecountryorregion that interestsyou

√Establishcontactswith individuals fromyour internationalhome√ Locaterestaurantsthatspecializeinthefoodsyouhavecometoenjoyorfamilieswho

preparethe foodathome.Onceagain,takeamomenttothinkabouttheskillsyouhavedevelopedoverseas.Someofthefollowingmayapplytoyou:

• Increased human relations skills• Ability to interactwithdiverse individualsandgroups• Tolerance• Creative problem-solving• A cross-cultural perspective• Second-languageproficiency• Expandedworld view

Doyouhaveanyothernewlyacquiredskillstoaddtothelist?Now,takeanothermomenttothinkaboutwhatyoumayhavelearnedduringyourtimeoverseas:Canyouthinkofwaystoapplywhatyouhavelearnedoverseastoyourlifebackhome?APPLYYOUREXPERIENCEONCAMPUSAND INYOURCOMMUNITY!Sources:

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HandoutsbyDr.BruceLaBrack,Schoolof InternationalStudies,Universityof thePacificBackintheUSA.NAFSA,byDawnKepetswww.glipmseabroad.org

RecommendedReadings:BackintheUSA.NAFSA,byDawnKepetsSurvival Kit forOverseasLiving,byL.RobertKohlsTheArtofCrossingCultures,byCraigStortihttp://www.culturegrams.org/

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APENDIX

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“TheValuesAmericansLiveBy”byL.RobertKohlsIf aforeignanthropologistcouldobserveAmericans he/shecouldproducealistofcommonvaluesthatwouldfitmostAmericans.Thislistwouldstandinsharpcontrasttothe values commonly held by the people of many other countries. The differentbehaviorsofapeopleoraculturemakesenseonlywhenseenthroughthebasicbeliefs,assumptionsandvaluesofthatparticulargroup.Whenyouencounteranaction,orheara statement in Spain that surprises you, try to see it as an expression of a value ofSpanishsocietyincontrasttothevaluesheldintheU.S.Belowisalistofvaluespresentinmostcultures.Thedescriptionsofferanexplanationof American values, which influences how the American culture is perceived bySpaniardsandothercultures.Understanding this and reflecting upon Spanish values through your personalobservations here in Spain will undoubtedly facilitate your transition into the localculture.1. PERSONALCONTROLOVERTHEENVIRONMENTIntheUnitedStates,peopleconsideritnormalandrightthatManshouldcontrolNature,rather than the other way around. More specifically, people believe every singleindividual should have control over whatever in the environment might potentiallyaffecthimorher.Theproblemsofone’s lifearenot seenashavingresulted frombadluckasmuchashavingcomefromone’slazinessinpursuingabetterlife.Furthermore,itisconsiderednormalthatanyoneshouldlookoutforhisorherownself---interestsfirstandforemost.2. CHANGEIn the American mind, change is seen as an indisputably good condition. Change isstronglylinkedtodevelopment,improvement,progress,andgrowth.Itcanbecommonin Spain to consider change as a disruptive, destructive force, to be avoided if at allpossible.Insteadofchange,suchsocietiesvaluestability,continuity,tradition,andarichandancientheritage—noneofwhicharevaluedverymuchintheUnitedStates.3. TIMEANDITSCONTROLTime is, for theaverageAmerican, ofutmost importance.Americans seem tobemoreconcerned with getting things accomplished on time (according to a predeterminedschedule)thantheyarewithdevelopingdeepinterpersonalrelations.Schedules,fortheAmerican, are meant to be planned and then followed in the smallest detail. AnAmericanconsidersveryrudetobe late−evenbytenminutes−foranappointment intheUnitedStates.Spaniardsaremuchmorerelaxedabouttime.4. EQUALITY/EGALITARIANISMEqualityis,forAmericans,oneoftheirmostcherishedvalues.Forthemallpeoplehaveanequalopportunitytosucceedinlife.InSpainrankandstatusandauthorityareseenas much more desirable considerations –even if they personally happen to findthemselvesnearthebottomofthesocialorder.Classandauthorityseemtogivepeopleinthissocietyasenseofsecurityandcertainty.5. INDIVIDUALANDPRIVACYPrivacy, the ultimate result of individualism is perhaps even more difficult for theforeignertocomprehend.Theword"privacy"doesnotevenexistinmanylanguages.Ifit does, it is likely to have a strongly negative connotation, suggesting loneliness or

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isolationfromthegroup.IntheUnitedStates,privacyisnotonlyseenasaverypositivecondition, but it is also viewed as a requirement that all humans would find equallynecessary,desirableandsatisfying.6. SELF-HELPCONTROLIntheUnitedStates,apersoncantakecreditonlyforwhatheorshehasaccomplishedbyhimselforherself.Americansgetnocreditwhatsoever forhavingbeenborn intoarich family but pride themselves in having been born poor and, through their ownsacrificeandhardwork,havingclimbedthedifficultladderofsuccesstowhateverleveltheyhaveachieved—allbythemselves.7. COMPETITIONANDFREEENTERPRISEAmericans believe that competition brings out the best in any individual. They assertthat it challenges or forces each person to produce the very best that is humanlypossible.MostEuropeansocietiespromotecooperationratherthancompetition.8. FUTUREORIENTATIONAmericans have traditionally been hopeful that the future would bring even greaterhappiness.Almostallenergyisdirectedtowardrealizingthatbetterfuture.9. ACTION/WORKORIENTATIONAmericansroutinelyplanandscheduleanextremelyactiveday.Anyrelaxationmustbelimitedintime,pre-planned,andaimedat"recreating"theirabilitytoworkharderandmore productively once the recreation is over. Americans believe leisure activitiesshouldassumearelativelysmallportionofone’stotallife.10. INFORMALITYIfyoucomefromamoreformalsociety,youwilllikelyfindAmericanstobeextremelyinformal, andwill probably feel that they are evendisrespectful of those in authority.Americans are one of the most informal and casual people in the world, even whencomparedtotheirnearrelative—theWesternEuropean.11. DIRECTNESS,OPENNESSANDHONESTYMany other countries have developed subtle, sometimes highly ritualistic, ways ofinforming other people of unpleasant information. Americans, however, have alwayspreferredthefirstapproach.Theyarelikelytobecompletelyhonestindeliveringtheirnegativeevaluations.12. PRACTICALITYANDEFFICIENCYAmericans have a reputation of being an extremely realistic, practical and efficientpeople.Thepracticalconsideration is likely tobegivenhighestpriority inmakinganyimportantdecisionintheUnitedStates.13. MATERIALISM/ACQUISITIVENESSAmericanswould like to think that theirmaterial objects are just thenatural benefitsthat always result from hard work and serious intent—a reward, they think, that allpeoplecouldenjoyweretheyasindustriousandhard---workingasAmericans.Butbyanystandard,Americansarematerialistic.Thismeansthattheyvalueandcollectmorematerialobjectsthanmostpeoplewouldeverdreamofowning.Italsomeansthey

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givehigherprioritytoobtaining,maintainingandprotectingtheirmaterialobjectsthantheydoindevelopingandenjoyinginterpersonalrelationships.

SUMMARYNowthatwehavediscussedeachof these13valuesseparately, ifall toobriefly, letuslook at them in list form (on the left) and then consider them paired with thecounterpartvaluesfromamoretraditionalcountry(ontheright):

U.S.Values Spanish´sandSomeOtherCountries´

ValuesPersonalControlovertheEnvironment FateChange TraditionTime&ItsControl HumanInteractionEquality Hierarchy/Rank/StatusIndividualism/Privacy Group’sWelfareSelf---Help BirthrightInheritanceCompetition CooperationFutureOrientation PastOrientationAction/WorkOrientation "Being"OrientationInformality FormalityDirectness/Openness/Honesty Indirectness/Ritual/"Face"Practicality/EfficiencyMaterialism/Acquisitiveness

Idealism/Spiritualism/Detachment

(Adaptedfrom“TheValuesAmericansLiveBy”byL.RobertKohls,ExecutiveDirector,TheWashingtonInternationalCenter,Washington,D.C.,April1984;fulltextavailableinInternet)

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CULTURALDIFFERENCES

Filloutthefollowingtableandmakeyourowndeductions:

SPAIN USAverageSalary AverageRent AverageVacationDays PercentageofWomenover50thatwork AverageHouseholdswithInternetAccess Average PriceofamealataRestaurant Averagenumberofmonthsbeforeyouareintroducedtoyour“significantother´sparent

Averagenumberofsmokers Averagehourofarrivinghomeafteranightout Averagesizeofahome AveragenumberoftimesyouwillseePDAaday Averagenumberofpeopleover18thatownacard

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“TheGreenBanana”ByDonaldBatchelderAlthough itmight have happened anywhere,my encounterwith the green banana started on asteepmountainroadintheinteriorofBrazil.Myancientjeepwasstrainingupthroughspectacularcountrysidewhentheradiatorbegantoleak,tenmilesfromthenearestmechanic.Theover---heatedengine forcedme to stopat thenextvillage,whichconsistedofa small storeanda scatteringofhouses.Peoplegatheredaroundtolook.Threefinestreamsofhotwaterspoutedfromholesinthejacket of the radiator. “That’s easy to fix,” a man said. He sent a boy running for some greenbananas.Hepattedmeontheshoulder,assuringmeeverythingwouldworkout.“Greenbananas,”hesmiled.Everyonenoddedinagreement.We exchanged pleasantries while I mulled over the ramifications of the green banana. Askingquestions would expose my ignorance, so I remarked on the beauty of the terrain. Huge rockformationsroseupallaroundus.“Doyouseethattallonerightoverthere?”askedmybenefactor,pointingtoaparticularlytall,slenderpinnacleofdarkrock.“Thatrockmarksthecenteroftheworld.” I looked to see if hewas teasingme, but his facewas serious.He in turn inspectedmecarefullytobesureIgraspedthesignificanceofhisstatement.Theoccasiondemandedsomeshowof recognitiononmypart. “Thecenterof theworld?” I repeated, trying toconvey interest ifnotcompleteacceptance.Henodded,“Theabsolutecenter.Everyoneonearoundhereknowsit.”Atthatmomenttheboyreturnedwithmygreenbananas.Themanslicedoneinhalfandpressedthe cut end against the radiator jacket. The banana melted into a glue against the hot metalpluggingtheleaksinstantly.Everyonelaughedatmyastonishment.Theyrefilledmyradiatorandgavemeafewadditionalgreenbananastotakealong.Anhourlater,afteronemoreapplicationofgreenbanana,mypeskyradiatorandIreachedourdestination.Thelocalmechanicsmiled.“Whotaughtyouaboutthegreenbanana?”Isharedmygoodfortunewithhim.“Didtheyshowyoutherockmarking thecenterof theworld?”heasked. I assuredhim theyhad. “Mygrandfather camefromthere,”hesaid.“Theexactcenter.Everyonearoundherehasalwaysknownaboutit.”Upon returning to the US, I took time to internalize the possible meanings of these events. Aroadway led to temporary difficulty, resulting in a discoverywhich resolved the problemwhileopeningupawholenewperspectiveof sharedbelief and speculation.AsaproductofAmericanhighereducation,Ihadneverpaidtheslightestattentiontothegreenbanana,excepttoregarditasa fruitwhosetimehadnotyetcome.Suddenlyonthatmountainroad, its timeandmyneedhadconverged.ButasIreflectedonitfurther,Irealizedthatthegreenbananahadbeenthereallalong.Itstimereachedbacktotheveryoriginsofthebanana.Thepeopleinthathamlethadknownaboutitforyears.Myowntimehadcomeinrelationtoit.Thischanceencountershowedmethespecialgenius of those people, and the special potential of the green banana. I had beenwondering forsome time about those episodes of claritywhich educators like to call “learningmoments,” andknewIhadjustexperiencedtwoofthematonce.Theimportanceoftherockmarkingthecenteroftheworldtookawhilelongertofilterthrough.Ihadinitiallydoubtedtheirclaim,knowingforafactthatthecenterwaslocatedsomewhereinNewEngland.Afterall,mygrandfatherhadcomefromthere.Butgradually Irealizedtheyhadavalidbelief, if not auniversal concept, and I agreedwith them.Wetend todefine thecenterofourworldasthatspecialplacewhereweareknown,whereweknowothers,wherethingsmeanmuchto us, and where we ourselves have both identity and meaning; family, school, town, region,culture, and religion. The lesson which gradually filtered through was the simple concept thateveryplacehasspecialmeaningsforthepeopleinit;inaway,everyplacerepresentsthecenterofthe world. The number of such centers is incalculable, and no one student or traveler canexperienceallofthem,butonceaconsciousbreakthroughtoasecondcenterismade,alife---longperspectiveisformedandthecollectioncanbegin.

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BIBLIOGRAPHYHopper,J.:TheNewSpaniards,Penguin,2006.Llvt,SpanishAngstorWhatIWishI´dKnownBEFOREIMovedtoMadrid,Authorhouse,2007.MichaelPaige,R.,Cohen,A.D.,Kappler,B.,andChi,J.:MaximizingStudyAbroad:AStudent'sGuidetoStrategiesforLanguageandCultureLearningandUse.2004.Raphan,M.:WheninMadrid,LivelikeaLocal.TheultimateStudyAbroadGuideTremlett,G.:GhostsofSpain.TravelsThroughSpainandItsSilentPast.Walker&Company.2008.

Wattley---Ames,H.:SpainisDifferent,NicholasBrealeyPublishing,1999.

LonelyPlanetMadridCityGuideStudyAbroadLIKETHEIRFBpages!www.apune.org/eng/students/students.htmwww.studyabroad.com/guides/index.html

Madrid:www.descubremadrid.orgwww.madrid.es/www.esmadrid.com/www.guiadelocio.com/www.madridbabel.es/www.tbsmagazine.com/http://www.nakedmadrid.com

UC3m:www.uc3m.es/portal/page/portal/internacional/estudiantesUCM:https://www.ucm.es/universidades-norteamericanas-reunidas

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DeMadrid al Cielohas been compiled to help you adapt toMadrid, find important information,guideyouintherightdirectionforculturalactivities,serveasacademicorientation.As of July 2017 all telephone numbers and addresses have been checked for accuracy. A quicknoteaboutbusfares,etc.indicatedinthishandbook:intheupcomingmonthindirecttaxeswillbeincreasedbytheSpanishGovernment;hencepricesmightbehigherbythetimeofyourarrival.Ifyoufindanyerrorsorwouldliketosuggestsomethingbeaddedoranythingthatneedstobeup-dated, please complete the following form and turn it in to the Program Director beforedeparture.Pleasenotebelowanywrongtelephonenumbersoraddresses:Informationtobeaddedoradjusted:Thanksforyourcooperation!!

********The following must be turned in to your Program Director by the individual meeting duringorientation.IhavethoroughlyreadandfamiliarizedmyselfwiththecontentsofDeMadridalCielo.IhavehadanopportunitytoclarifyanyquestionsIhaveaboutthecontentsofthishandbook.

StudentSignatureMadrid,SpainJanuary2018

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ITHACAWhenyousetoutonyourjourneytoIthaca,praythattheroadislong,fullofadventure,fullofknowledge.TheLestrygoniansandtheCyclops,theangryPoseidon------donotfearthem:Youwillneverfindsuchastheseonyourpath,ifyourthoughtsremainlofty,ifafineemotiontouchesyourspiritandyourbody.TheLestrygoniansandtheCyclops,thefiercePoseidonyouwillneverencounter,ifyoudonotcarrythemwithinyoursoul,ifyoursouldoesnotsetthemupbeforeyou.Praythattheroadislong.Thatthesummermorningsaremany,when,withsuchpleasure,withsuchjoyyouwillenterportsseenforthefirsttime;stopatPhoenicianmarkets,andpurchasefinemerchandise,motherofpearlandcoral,amberandebony,andsensualperfumesofallkinds,asmanysensualperfumesasyoucan;visitmanyEgyptiancities,tolearnandlearnfromscholars.AlwayskeepIthacainyourmind.Toarrivethereisyourultimategoal.Butdonothurrythevoyageatall.Itisbettertoletitlastformanyyears;andtoanchorattheislandwhenyouareold,richwithallyouhavegainedontheway,notexpectingthatIthacawillofferyouriches.Ithacahasgivenyouthebeautifulvoyage.Withoutheryouwouldhaveneversetoutontheroad.Shehasnothingmoretogiveyou.Andifyoufindherpoor,Ithacahasnotdeceivedyou.Wiseasyouhavebecome,withsomuchexperience,youmustalreadyhaveunderstoodwhatIthacasmean.ConstantineP.Cavafy(1911)