FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Below is a full list of common study abroad questions that we receive from students, parents, teachers and schools. Please search for your questions below. However, do not hesitate to contact us if you would like to ask us a question over the phone or if you cannot find what you are looking for here.
Our onsite directors are available exclusively for our participants 24/7 and families in the US can contact their son or daughter at anytime. Whenever a participant has a problem they should contact their onsite director immediately. All participants are provided with the contact information for our staff overseas and in the US.
If there is a medical emergency while you abroad we will make sure your emergency contact is notified before making any major decisions.
- HEALTH AND SAFETY
Spain and France are relatively safe countries but the normal precautions should be taken. In the summer you should be wary of sunburn and dehydration.
At Camp Sol Spain we provide a safe and supervised program environment. Our onsite directors and staff are available to assist you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. If medical attention is needed while abroad, our onsite staff will accompany you to an appropriate healthcare facility. We only choose program locations that we deem completely safe and healthy, and this extra precaution ensures that our students have a wonderful experience without worry.
Airfare (return)
AIRPORTS TRANSFERS
Ground transportation to and from your program city is included on the established travel dates.
ACCOMODATIONS
MEALS
Five meals a day. We can accommodate any dietary requirement, such as kosher, vegan,food allergies,Gluten Free, Dairie free, vegetarian…
LAUNDRY
Laundry is included once a week
ONSITE DIRECTORS & STAFF
Camp Sol Spain recognizes the importance of knowledgeable, friendly, and well trained onsite staff. Our onsite directors and staff are available 24 hours a day and 7 days a week to assist you with any needs. Our goal is to ensure you are as comfortable as possible while abroad.
RECEPTION & FAREWELL ACTIVITY
We welcome you to your host city with a reception activity to meet the other participants and your directors. And, of course, a farewell activity is provided as a chance to say goodbye to friends and celebrate your new experience.
TUITION & BOOKS
Tuition, books and fees are included for the classes taken abroad. Program includes 3 hours of Spanish/French class per weekday.
PROGRAM ORIENTATION
When you arrive at your study abroad destination, our onsite staff will provide you with a welcome orientation. This will cover important topics such as health, safety, academics and cultural awareness, and end with a tour of your host city.
EXCURSIONS
Travel outings are fundamental and included. We carefully choose weekend excursions that allow you to discover more about the country in which you are studying. We select trips based on cultural and educational importance or sites of natural beauty. All entrance and transportation fees are always included.
CULTURAL ACTIVITIES
Cultural activities are an integral part of the Camp Sol Spain experience, providing you further exposure to the language and cultural facets of the country. Several cultural activities are planned each week; examples include cooking and dance classes, city tours, hiking , and much more!
INTERNATIONAL MEDICAL INSURANCE
Full medical insurance is included in your program fee.
PRE-DEPARTURE ADVISING
All of us at Camp Sol Spain are always available to answer your questions throughout the pre-departure process.
LANGUAGE EXCHANGE
Interaction with locals is an important aspect of our language program. We strive to create cultural and language exchange opportunities at each of our sites.
COLLEGE CREDIT (only for College students)
College credit is included or available.
TRANSCRIPT OR CERTIFICATE (only for College students)
You will receive a university transcript or Spanish/French school certificate upon the completion of your program. Sol Abroad maintains an original document in our offices in the event that you need a copy in the future.
LANGUAGE ASSESSMENT EXAM
Your language level is evaluated upon arrival. We measure your ability by a written placement exam and/or an oral exam with local professors. The language assessment is intended to ensure you get the best Spanish training possible while attending our program. For some sites, a written placement exam may be given prior to your departure overseas.
Pocket money
Airport food
Generally, Europeans dress very similarly to Americans. However, clothing brands and styles do set Europeans apart from Americans. We suggest you bring the clothes that you are normally used to wearing. The points below are a few things to keep in mind:
- Europeans do not tend to dress “sporty” and normally do not walk around in athletic clothing unless they are actually playing sports.
- For summer programs we recommend bringing all summer clothing. However, evenings can be cool so bring a light jacket or sweater for going out.
- Pack light: leave a little room for the things you will buy while abroad!
- Lightweight clothing. Air conditioning is not common – pack accordingly!
- Swimsuit, sun hat, sun glasses, beach towel, sunblock.
- Comfortable walking shoes! Make sure you break them in before your trip to avoid blisters. Also, if you plan on jogging or doing any sports you’ll want to bring the appropriate footwear.
- Flip flops; typically you have one pair for inside the home. House shoes are an important cultural aspect of European cultures.
MISCELLANEOUS
- Small duffel or backpack for weekend or afternoon trips.
- Towel, toiletries, and sunblock.
- Camera, batteries, and charger.
- European electric socket adaptors (for camera battery chargers, iPod chargers, etc). You will need a European-style prong in order to plug into European sockets. This can be bought at outdoor or travel stores.
LAPTOPS
In general, we do not suggest students bring a laptop for short programs (1 month or less) because it is one more item that could be lost, stolen or damaged. There are computer labs at the school and Internet cafés all over town. You will not need it for class.
CARRY-ON
- Bring an extra pair of clothes & toothbrush in case your luggage gets lost or delayed by your airline.
MEDICAL/SAFETY ITEMS
Bring any prescription drugs that you may use. Make sure they are labeled and if possible, carry your doctor’s prescription.
- PASSPORTS
Your passport must be valid at for at least six months or longer beyond the dates of your trip. Some immigration officers may not allow you to enter the country otherwise.
If you do not have a passport, or need to renew your current one, you can find an application at your local post office. Please visit the USPS PASSPORT PAGE.
- TRAVEL VISA
For summer students that do not exceed 60 days , no special visa is needed .
- US DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Camp Sol Spain recommends that all students register with the US State Department (this is now known as Smart Traveler Enrollment Program “STEP”) while overseas. This is very simple to do. Please visit the website to enter in the requested information. You will need an address and a telephone number to register.
Under the section titled “International Travel” (located on the bottom left hand side), click on the “Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)” link. STEP (formerly known as “Travel Registration” or “Registration with Embassies”) is a free service provided by the U.S. Government to U.S. citizens who are traveling to, or living in, a foreign country. You can read more about the benefits of this program on the website.
You will need an address and a telephone number to register. This will be provided to you 1 month prior to travel.
Yes , Residence will have WIFI plus student will have full access to the computer lab.
Language school / Residence have computers available for student use. Keeping in contact with friends and family is a great way to share your experience. Just remember, though, it can take away from your Spanish/French learning. Attempt to write as little as possible in English/French while you are there.
Spain and France uses 220 V AC at 50 Hz, the same as the rest of Europe. Plugs have two round pins so if you bring any electrical items from the US you will need to bring an adapter plug. These can be bought at travel or outdoor stores or in the airport. Be wary of plugging electrical items in from the US—check to make sure the item can handle the different electrical current. Hairdryers brought from the US, for example, often short ou.. Most new electronics, such as digital cameras, and laptops are of the 110 V AC – 240 V AC range. If the electrical plug they use has a small box on the cord then you have the built-in converter.
Spain and France are part of the European Union and as such uses the euro €. To find the most up-to-date conversion please visit XE. You could also bring some cash.
Spain and France are 6 hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time (EST). The country observes daylight savings (from the last Sunday in March to the last Sunday in September).
Vegetarian, vegan, and kosher students, or whatever dietary needs you may have! If you have any special dietary needs just let us know beforehand.
If your daughter/son has food allergies, sensitivities, or dietary restrictions, you are at the right place. We accommodate campers with gluten-free and dairy-free diets, as well as other food allergies, such as seeds, fish, shellfish, and eggs.
Policy (included in your program price).
Camp Sol Spain insurance policy will cover absolutely any medical expenses internationally up to USD $50,000 with MultiNational Underwriters. If you take prescription medication with you make sure that you have a doctor’s prescription in the event that customs officials question you about it. This is rare, but it’s always a good idea to be prepared.