Facilitating English Program in Caseres, Spain

with Professors Farron-Davis and Tyner, the Office of International Education, and Pueblo Inglés

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July 2024

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Overview of the Course

EDUC 3121: Facilitating English Immersion in Spain

3 credits

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The cost of a 3-credit SGOCE Undergraduate Summer Course is $981.

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Students on Financial Aid should talk to their financial aid advisor/academic advisor to see if they are able to take another course during the summer for a total of 6 credits.

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Upcoming Class Schedule

EDUC 3121: Facilitating English Immersion in Spain

3 credits

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Spain

• Country located in southwestern Europe
• Capital: Madrid
• Population: 47.42 million
• Official language: Spanish

Departure/Day 1

• Fly from Boston to Madrid, Spain
• Flight Information: TBD

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Day 2

• Arrive to Madrid early in the morning
• Check into hotel and leave luggage
• Free time in Madrid!
• Stay overnight in hotel

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Day 3

• Morning: Catch bus to Pueblo Ingles in Valverde de Fresno
• Accommodations in Valverde de Fresno
• 4 1/2 hour drive

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Day to Day Activities (Day 4-9)

• Facilitating English immersion to Spaniards through activities, conversations, and more under the instruction of Professors Farron-Davis and Tyner

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Day to Day Activities (Day 4-9)

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Day 10

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• Pick up at Valverde de Fresno back to Madrid
• Free evening in Madrid

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Departure/Day 11

• Fly from Madrid to Boston
• Flight Information: TBD

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Reminders from the Office of International Education

• Total price of the program: $2,000 (TDB)
• First Payment: February 2024

Second Payment: March 2024

Third Payment: April 2024

• GLOBAL AMBASSADOR SCHOLARSHIP due in January 2024 in Academic Works
• Passports!

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Stay Connected with Fitchburg State!

I Instagram oieatfsu

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Facebook Office for International Education

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The following slides are for future and more detailed information sessions!

Packing List Basics Part 1

• Passport (must be valid at least three months beyond the period of stay)
• Always have a copy of your passport, vaccine card, and your medical insurance card in your wallet or phone.
• Drivers license or state ID (You will not want to carry your passport everywhere)
• Never pack your laptop, passport, jewelry, or medications in your checked bag! Make sure that your medications have the prescription label on them.
• Covid Vaccine Card
• Bring some PCR tests, those are provided from Housing
• and in the Hammond Building as well
• Masks are strongly recommended for students
• (especially on plane/crowded indoor areas)
• 50 lb checked bag included, one carry on and one personal item, you bring whatever it is that you can carry!

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Carry on

Packing List Basics Part 2

• Clothing that can be worn multiple times and have layers and comfortable shoes (it will be warm there!)
• A money belt or travel wallet
• If you carry any liquid or gel on the plane, it must be under 3.4 ounces. Store these in a clear bag if you carry them on the plane. See TSA details at http://www.tsa.gov/311/index.shtm.
• Hand Sanitizer, Disinfectant wipes
• Cash (recommended $200- minimum) for meals in Madrid, spending money, busses and taxi)
• Converters 230V supply voltage

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Other Reminders

• Travelers health kit ; imodium, pepto bismol, advil etc.
• STEP Registration https://step.state.gov/step/

The Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) is a free service to allow U.S. citizens and nationals traveling and living abroad to enroll their trip with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate.

• Additional vaccines consult with your primary care doctor and Travel Clinic, Passport Health (Worcester)

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General Safety Tips

• Save all documentation (receipts) if you need to go to the hospital so that you can file an insurance claim.
• Pharmacists will be able to diagnose minor illnesses and prescribe medication
• Protect your ATM pin and monitor your bank account to protect against identity theft
• Avoid walking at night especially in unfamiliar or non public areas. Instead take a taxi from a staff-recommended company
• Keep a hand on your purse or backpack and do NOT keep your wallet in your back pocket to avoid pickpockets
• Be aware of local news and laws
• Always travel with someone and communicate with the on-site staff
• Do NOT drink to the point of drunkenness and do NOT leave your drink unattended

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Money

Spain currency = Euro

1 Euro = 1.06 US Dollars

10 Euros = 10.60 US Dollars

20 Euros = 21.19 US Dollars

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• Bring debit/atm card and credit card if you’re able to. You can check the atm fees and foreign transaction fees.
• A foreign transaction fee is a fee charged by a credit card (not all cards charge foreign transaction fees) issuer or bank for every transaction made in a country outside of the U.S. Fees vary depending on the credit card or bank’s terms and conditions, but usually fall between 1% and 5% of the purchase amount. Check with your bank beforehand!
• Let your bank know where and when you are traveling.
• Feel free to exchange money before or when you get to Spain at your bank or credit union. When you arrive to Spain, you can exchange money at a currency exchange store (on-site staff can help with this) or at an airport kiosk, even though you likely won’t get the best rate.

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Phones

OPTION 1

Sign up for an international plan with your current carrier (Verizon, AT&T, etc.). Verizon and AT&T charge $10 per day for an international plan. You will keep your phone number, but this may be more expensive than Option 2.

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OPTION 2

Only connect to WIFI at the hotel and other places with wifi. If your phone is connected to WiFi, you can access the internet and your phone’s apps for free. Turn off roaming.

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FREE ways to keep in touch if your phone is connected to WiFi:

• Texting on iMessage. (Must turn off “Send as SMS”!)
• Texting on Whatsapp (incl. photos and video); Whatsapp also has voice and video calling
• Facetime and Skype

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(Problem: If you’re lost and want to look up directions on your phone)

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