Q: What is the application deadline?
The application deadline is October 1st (for spring semester) and March 1st (for fall semester). If those dates fall on a non-working day, applications will be accepted the first working day after.
Q: When will applications be accepted? When will I know if I have been accepted or no?
Since early application is strongly recommended for this program, many students submit applications early. Concerning acceptances, the Program Director will accept students on a rolling basis as the applications come in. Generally, if your application is complete, the Director will review your application a short time after you have submitted it, and notify you of your acceptance a few days later.
Q: Where do I get an application and how do I fill it out?
See the "How to Apply" page by clicking here.
Q: I see that the program fee is estimated. Will this change?
Normally, the estimated program fee is what the program will cost. However, with fluctuations in the euro to dollar conversion, unexpected expenses or more (or fewer) students, the program fee can change. The Program Director will do everything they can to ensure that students are charged as little as possible.
Q: The program dates are tentative. Will these change?
The Program Directors reserve the right to change the program dates and amenities at any time. Normally, the advertised program dates are correct. In unusual circumstances, however, the dates could be shifted a day or two in either direction. Before purchasing airfare, check with the directors to make sure the dates are accurate.
Q: How do I travel to Madrid?
Students are encouraged to purchase their own airfare to Spain in conjunction with the program dates. Click here for information regarding arrival and departure to/from Madrid. The program does not organize airfare because many students decide to travel before or after the program, use frequent flyer miles, or simply find a better fare than the director can find.
Q: Once arriving in Madrid, what do I do?
Students are given a detailed map and information on the Madrid meeting point. Also, many students will opt to go early and stay in Madrid or travel in Spain before the program begins. The Program Director from Cáceres will meet you at the designated meeting point on the day the program begins.
Q: What is included in the program fee and what do I have to pay out of pocket?
See information about the program by clicking here. Scroll down the page and read about the program fee and what it includes, as well as about other expenses.
Q: I have scholarships and/or financial aid. Does my scholarship apply? What about my financial aid?
On the "About the Program" page, you will find information related to Scholarships and Financial Aid. In most cases all financial aid and scholarships will apply to this program. Please check with your scholarship administrator or talk with representatives in Financial Aid.
Q: Will I live with a Spanish family? Can I choose my roommate? Where will we be housed?
Yes! You have the opportunity to live by yourself, or be housed with another ISU student in a home with a Spanish family. Homestays are excellent ways to understand Spain, Spanish culture, and improve your Spanish--even if you are starting for the first time! Students are encouraged to choose their own roommate from among the students participating in the program. However, the housing preferences on each roommate's housing forms must be the same. Students are generally housed in the center of Cáceres, and this might mean you will be within walking distance of the downtown area, the old quarter, etc. In most cases, students will need to take the bus to get to the university, but not for moving about the center of Cáceres.
Q: What courses can I take? Will courses count at ISU?
The program offers a large selection of courses in Spanish. See the "About the Program" page and scroll down to see information related to courses. All courses are for ISU students only and students are directly enrolled in courses for ISU credit.
Q: Are there orientation sessions once I am accepted?
Yes! Once you are accepted you will be required to attend several orientation sessions. Besides discussing administrative aspects of the program (course selections, family preferences, insurance, etc.), the Program Director will also discuss health and safety, living with a family, traveling in Spain and the E.U., daily life in Spain, as well as many other aspects about leaving the U.S. and studying abroad. The dates for the orientation sessions will be listed on the web site.
Q: How can I get information about traveling in Spain or around Europe?
The Program Director will talk about traveling during the orientation sessions. We will discuss great places to visit, inexpensive means to travel, and point out travel concerns.
Q: How much does the bus cost?
The price per trip is 60 céntimos; a "bono-bus normal" (10 trips) is 4.70 euros. The monthly pass "el bono-bus mensual" is 19.80 euros.
Q: What academic items should I bring?
Bring a smaller, travel dictionary &/or phrase book that fits in a bag (or purse). Some school supplies would be helpful, too. But, most things can be purchased in Spain.
Q: What items should I not bring?
Don't worry about hygiene or feminine products including cosmetics. Plenty of places to buy those items. Same with soap, shampoo, deodorant, shaving items, etc. Don't waste the space in your suitcase.
Q: What about phone cards?
In Cáceres, Madrid and other major cities you can buy inexpensive cards that allow you to call the U.S. However, it is a good idea to get a phone card from Sam's Club or Wal-Mart, or another store. But, make sure you know the toll-free access number to call from Spain for AT&T, Spring, or MCI (depending on your type of phone card).
Q: What about keeping warm in the winter months?
Most homes are not kept as warm as homes in the U.S. during cold weather, so bring a winter coat, a fleece pull over, and sweatshirts. Maybe even long-sleeved shirts. But, remember, it will be quite warm for at least part of the time.
Q: What other clothes should I bring?
Bring slippers. Houses in Spain have tiled floors and your feet or socks can get dirty.
Always have the Director's and Coordinator's phone numbers and contact information. You might be surprised when you need to call one of them!
Bring comfortable walking shoes! No need to even bring a lot of tea-shirts or sweatshirts - they never wear them outside the house. The clothes in Spain are much more similar than one would think (can be compared to "big-city" style) and they do wear color. By the way, nearly all clothes is air dried so your clothing may be a bit stiff when you are ready to wear it.
Q: Should I bring my laptop?
Yes, if you have a laptop and you think you will use it, bring it along. But, your home likely will not have internet access. To check e-mail of browse the web, simply use computers at the university or go to a ciber-café.
Q: When will I have time to travel?
Plan your weekends & weeks off (Semana Santa, Thanksgiving) as far ahead as possible to get the best deals for your money. Dont wait until the last minute!!! Plan on traveling almost every weekend (lots of $).
Q: When I use my ATM card in Spain, how do I know how much money is withdrawn from my account in the U.S.? What about the exchange rates?
Check the exchange rates before you go, and watch them every few days to take advantage of the best rates. A good site for this is www.xe.com. Also, get online banking so that you can consult the transactions in your account.
Q: Are there any food items I should bring along?
Not really, but there are some things you probably will not find in Spain such as Mexican-style salsa or small packets of salad dressings (they only sell oil and vinegar), and peanut butte.
Q: What's the food like in Spain.
This is a tough question because the food varies a great deal from city to city and from region to region. In
most cases the food is like it is in the U.S. However, they
do eat a lot more seafood (of all types!) and cured meats
such as jamón serrano (cured ham) or salchichón (sausage). In fact, they do eat a lot of pork. In Cáceres, they eat more meat than on the coasts, for example.
Q: Will I walk a lot in Cáceres or while traveling?
YES! In fact, start a few weeks before you leave! Walk a lot before you leave and you will be in good shape to do so when you arrive. Bring comfortable shoes, especially for when you travel on the weekends.
Q: Is the milk in Spain like it is in the U.S.?
Yes and no. Milk in Spain is usually ultra-pasteurized. This means that it will last longer, but it also means that it is often sold warm and drank cold. It also has a more pronounced pasteurized taste, but you will get used to it. Fresh milk (like in the U.S.) is available at most supermarkets, too.