University of Hawai`i Mānoa
Study Abroad Center
Pre-departure Meeting Notes
SPRING 2014 Semester in Seville
Sarita Rai, Director
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Table of Contents
Study Abroad Semester in Seville, Spain ..............................................................................................................5
Introduction .................................................................................................................................................................5
The International College of Seville (ICS) and UHM Study Abroad Center .........................................................6
Curriculum ...................................................................................................................................................................6
Student Body/Classmates ............................................................................................................................................6
Class Options ...............................................................................................................................................................6
Course Load and Credits ............................................................................................................................................7
Placement Exam ..........................................................................................................................................................8
Class Registration and Reconfirmation .....................................................................................................................8
Text Books ....................................................................................................................................................................9
Grades and Evaluation ................................................................................................................................................9
ICS Grade Explanation ...............................................................................................................................................9
UofS Grade Explanation and Evaluation (5/09) .......................................................................................................9
Meeting Spanish Students—the Intercambio program ......................................................................................... 10
Community Volunteer/Internship/Service Learning Work ................................................................................... 10
Program Dates, Excursions, and Cultural Visits .................................................................................................... 13
SPRING 2014 Calendar & Schedule ........................................................................................................................ 14
Mandatory In-Country Orientation ....................................................................................................................... 15
Placeholder Registration prior to Departure at UHM ........................................................................................... 15
Classes Taken for Letter Grades: Credit/No Credit is Not Allowed .................................................................... 15
Final Registration and Information transmittal concerning your classes in Seville ............................................ 15
Confirming your Registration with SAC ................................................................................................................. 16
On-Line Changes of Registration Using My-UH .................................................................................................... 16
Last Day to Drop a Course Without a “W” ............................................................................................................ 16
Late Withdrawal with a “W” ................................................................................................................................... 16
Complete Withdrawal from All Classes (8/10) ........................................................................................................ 17
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Grade Reports & Request for Early Grade Reports if Graduating After Completion of the Seville Semester
(5/7/08) ........................................................................................................................................................................ 17
Grade Grievances ...................................................................................................................................................... 17
The UHM Student Collection and Fees System ...................................................................................................... 18
Financial Aid Disbursements for UHM Students (8/10)......................................................................................... 18
Holds on Student UHM Student Records due to Outstanding Financial Obligations to Study Abroad Center
(12/09) ..................................................................................................................................................................... 18
Computers, Laptops and the Internet ..................................................................................................................... 19
Telephone Information (ICS policy and information from ICS Website) ............................................................ 19
Skype ....................................................................................................................................................................... 23
Accommodations ..................................................................................................................................................... 23
Supervised Residences ............................................................................................................................................ 23
Homestays with Local Families.............................................................................................................................. 23
Realistic Expectations Regarding Housing in Seville ........................................................................................... 25
Food in Spain.......................................................................................................................................................... 26
ICS Housing Rules ................................................................................................................................................. 27
Accommodations Funds and Deposit ..................................................................................................................... 30
Gifts for your Hosts ................................................................................................................................................ 31
Sevici Bicycle Service in Seville ............................................................................................................................. 31
Dressing in Seville .................................................................................................................................................. 31
Money Matters ........................................................................................................................................................ 33
Changes to Cost/Budget (11/13) ............................................................................................................................... 33
Sickness, Health Insurance, Health Emergencies................................................................................................. 35
Seeing the Local Doctor ......................................................................................................................................... 35
Emergency Illness ................................................................................................................................................... 35
Medication .............................................................................................................................................................. 35
Health Insurance .................................................................................................................................................... 35
The Student’s Responsibility Concerning His/Her Welfare and Safety ............................................................... 36
List of your responsibilities ..................................................................................................................................... 37
Grievances ............................................................................................................................................................... 39
Dismissal from the Program (4/10) ........................................................................................................................ 40
Extending for Another Term (8/10) ....................................................................................................................... 41
Returning Semester to UHM .................................................................................................................................. 41
Students’ responsibilities ........................................................................................................................................ 41
Class Standing During Returning Term at UHM ................................................................................................. 42
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Visa to Enter Spain ................................................................................................................................................. 42
Airline Ticket .......................................................................................................................................................... 43
Checked-in and Carry-on Baggage: ...................................................................................................................... 43
Airport Check-in ..................................................................................................................................................... 43
Arrival at Madrid Airport, Immigration and Transfer .......................................................................................... 44
Airport Reception for Group Flight in Seville ....................................................................................................... 44
Individual Arrivals .................................................................................................................................................. 44
Mailing Address in Seville ...................................................................................................................................... 44
Important Contact Numbers ICS International College of Seville ....................................................................... 45
UHM Resident Faculty Director in Seville for SPRING 2014 .............................................................................. 46
Understanding the Spanish Education System and ............................................................................................... 47
How U.S. Students Can Adapt and Excel in Such a System ................................................................................. 47
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Pre-Departure Meeting Notes And Reminders
SPRING 2014
Study Abroad Semester in Seville, Spain
Sarita Rai, Director
UNIVERSITY OF HAWAI‘I, MĀNOA STUDY ABROAD CENTER
Introduction
The University of Hawai`i Mānoa Study Abroad program in Seville is located in the
South of Spain. It is a provincial capital, seat of the government and parliament of the
Comunidad Autónoma de Andalucía (Regional Government). Seville has more than
700,000 inhabitants, nearly half the population of the whole province. The city of Seville
is located on the plain of the Guadalquivir river which crosses the city from North to
South. The river can be navigated from Seville all the way to its outlet near Sanlúcar de
Barrameda, on the Atlantic coast. In the past the port of Seville played an important role
in commerce between Spain and the Americas and it remains today one of the most
active river ports of the Iberian peninsula (http://www.aboutsevilla.com/).
Seville is at the heart of Andalusia, a beautiful and rugged region which covers most of
the south of Spain. Andalucía is where all of Spain’s stereotypes appear to have come
together. Bullfighters, flamenco dancers, white villages and harsh sierras are all in
abundance here.
Seville may be Spain’s fourth largest city, but it is a place where one can pick oranges
from the trees and see open countryside from the center of town. It is a compact,
relaxing and beautiful city with a rich cultural heritage. Like the rest of southern Spain,
Seville enjoys a warm Mediterranean climate throughout the year, with an average of
300 days’ sunshine a year. Palm trees, jasmine, orange blossom and an array of
flowers and bushes sprinkle the city with color and perfume.
Seville is a progressive and modern city, located some 300 miles south of Madrid.
Seville, the center and capital of Andalusia, has a rich and varied history and is so
thoroughly Spanish in personality and mood that it has long stood as the symbol of the
entire nation. Seville was once the major seaport of the nation, through which were
funneled the riches of Spain's huge 16th Century empire in the New World. The wellpreserved old quarters, the magnificent Barrio Santa Cruz, are the largest in Europe,
including its cathedral, churches, towers and palaces that bear witness to the rich
inheritance of the past.
Slightly to the north of Seville lies Cordova, the once magnificent center of Arab
civilization in Spain, to the south is Cadiz, great seaport of Spain and the most ancient
of all cities of Europe and to the east is Granada, land of Moorish palaces, ruined
fortresses, and gardens of lofty paradise. Seville is close to the famed Costa del Sol,
that international region of tourism and leisure in southern Spain and within easy reach
of Portugal and Morocco. (ICS website)
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The International College of Seville (ICS) and UHM Study Abroad Center
UHM Study Abroad Center offers its program in partnership with the ICS. Students
attend the International College of Seville (ICS) formerly known as the Institute for
International Studies, or taking your classes at the Universidad de Sevilla (UofS). ICS
provides all academic and logistical support services on behalf of the University of
Hawai‘i at Mānoa, Study Abroad Center. ICS was established in 1985 and works with
the Department of Philology and Geography and History at the UofS.
Curriculum
Apart from the Universidad de Sevilla, ICS also offers classes in English and in
Spanish. These include but are not limited to: International Relations, The European
Union, Culture and Society, History of Spain, International Business, Finance,
International Trade, The Economies of the European Union, Government and Politics of
Spain, Spanish Literature. Please refer to the ICS class schedule. Details are also
posted on the ICS website at http://www.ics-seville.org/
Universidad de Sevilla (UofS) offers a variety of courses. However, University of
Hawai‘i at Mānoa students will take classes from the Facultad de Filología and the
Facultad de Geografía e Historia, in the areas of Spanish language, literature, art,
geography, and history. All courses are taught in Spanish by professors at the
Universidad de Sevilla. Please refer to the Universidad de Sevilla class schedule.
These are also posted on the ICS website.
Student Body/Classmates
You will NOT be taking classes with local Spanish students. Rather, you will be in class
with international students who are attending the University or the International College
of Seville to learn Spanish, culture, and society. Most of your classmates may be other
U.S. students.
Class Options
Resident Director’s Course (when applicable). The Spring 2014 UHM Faculty Resident
Director is Professor Jane Moulin, UHM Music (10/13).
All UHM students in the program must take at least one course from the Resident
Director when there is a UHM faculty present on site. Exception to this requirement will
not be made. For the remaining classes, students have the following “tracks” or
“options” from which they can select their classes for their term in Seville.
In case there is no Resident Director appointed for the term, the student will take all the
courses from the options that are available, as follows:
OPTION A: Universidad de Sevilla ONLY.
There are no language placement tests to enroll at the University of Seville. Therefore,
students with no prior language may enroll (12/08).
However, it is our strong
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recommendation that those students with two years of Spanish at the University level
(202) may take classes at the University of Sevilla if they so choose (12/08). (If you wish
to enroll – try out the classes and should there be a problem – then please withdraw
and continue with your classes at ICS.) All classes are taught in Spanish. Please refer
to University of Seville Class Schedule to select your classes.
If you are only taking Universidad de Sevilla classes, please be aware of the following:
you may register in a maximum of seven courses and later drop two of them. The
maximum course load at the U of Seville is five courses, the minimum is three.
Consider very carefully in which U of Seville courses you wish to enroll, since later you
will NOT be permitted to add a course which was NOT indicated on your ORIGINAL
class enrollment list. This list becomes final at your Class Schedule Verification during
the first or second day of orientation at ICS. U of Seville must receive your preregistration 3 weeks prior to the semester start date.
OPTION B: International College of Seville ONLY. Classes are taught in Spanish
(language, literature) and in English (Anthropology, Art, Business, Economics, Finance,
History, Latin American and Iberian Studies, Marketing, Political Science, Religion, and
Sociology). We recommend that you take at least ONE class in Spanish language.
Please refer to the International College of Seville Class schedule to select your
classes.
OPTION C: Universidad de Sevilla and International College of Seville. You can take
courses at both ICS and the University of Seville simultaneously. Please note that UofS
will offer courses only in Spanish. Please refer to UofS and ICS schedule to select your
classes. If you are taking UofS and ICS classes, please make sure that the courses you
select do NOT conflict in time. The minimum course load at the University of Seville
is three courses (11/11).
Course Load and Credits
Students are required to enroll in a minimum of 12 UHM semester credits and will
receive UH-Mānoa credits for the courses completed in Seville. The 12 credits will
include the Resident Director’s course. Some courses may be offered as Writing
Intensive. Please refer to the course descriptions for UH-Mānoa credit equivalencies.
Courses that have SPANISH alphas will generally fulfill UH-Mānoa Spanish major,
certificate, elective or graduation requirements. If you are a Spanish Major or Certificate
student, please discuss your Spanish major/certificate courses that you intend to take in
Seville with your major advisor.
Students can enroll in a minimum of four courses, including the Resident Director’s
course. With a practicum, the enrollment will increase to a total of five courses. An
internship cannot be used as a substitute for a course. The maximum number of credits
that a student can carry is 15 with or without a practicum. If a student enrolls in an
additional course/three credits, which would bring the total to six courses/18 credits,
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then the student will be charged $453.00 for the additional course/three credits and the
$453.00 fee will be charged to the student’s MYUH account. (R 11/11, 7/12, 10/13)
Placement Exam
If taking courses in Spanish language or literature, students are required to take a
Spanish Proficiency Test during the first day of the Orientation at ICS in order to
determine their level of Spanish. Only those students enrolled in Beginning Spanish are
excused from the Spanish Proficiency test.
There is no language placement test administered by the University of Seville. Thus,
students who wish to enroll in at the University of Seville do not take the language
placement test. However, we suggest that you take the ICS language placement test to
determine your language level regardless of which university you wish to finally attend.
Class Registration and Reconfirmation
FOR ICS CLASSES:
After the orientation, students will have a personal meeting with the Dr. Ignacio
Martinez, Vice President for Academic Affairs (8/10) to confirm their class schedule.
Students will be given time to add/drop classes in order to finalize the semester
registration. Dr. Martinez works closely with students advising them on which classes
best meet their academic needs and linguistic capabilities.
FOR UNIVERSITY OF SEVILLE CLASSES:
Registration for those students who are taking classes at the University of Seville must
be done in advance. You have pre-registered/selected courses well ahead of time.
These courses were sent by the UHM Study Abroad Center to the ICS Vice President
for Academic Affairs well in advance if you indicated that you wish to study at the
University of Seville. University of Seville needs to have your pre-registration at least
three weeks before the start of the semester. In other words, if you have not chosen to
take classes at the University of Seville PRIOR to your departure you will not be able to
take courses at the University of Seville upon arrival. Please understand that you are
only allowed to drop classes at the University of Seville – you cannot add courses onsite.
Ultimately it is your responsibility to inform the Study Abroad Center by the add/drop
date for UHM. If you do not inform the Study Abroad Center regarding any changes in
your classes, you will not receive credits or grades for the appropriate classes. Your
ICS and/or U of Seville registration and your UHM registration must be the same. While
Dr. Martínez will confirm your final registration to the Study Abroad Center, it is your
responsibility to also communicate with the UHM Study Abroad Center concerning your
final registration.
Your Resident Director from UH-Mānoa (if applicable) will confirm the class that you are
taking with her/him only.
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Text Books
After your registration you will need to buy your textbooks in Seville. The second part of
your budget includes estimated costs for your textbooks in the amount of $150.00.
Please ensure that you have these funds to pay for your texts.
If applicable, you will need to buy the books for the class that you will be taking from the
UHM Resident Director prior to departure.
Grades and Evaluation
Courses usually have several components of assessment such as a group or individual
projects, mid-term and final exams, and/or research papers. Participation in class and
attendance are also weighted in the assessment.
At ICS the grading system is the USA letter grade system. As a result grades received
at ICS will be recorded as such without conversion on the student’s UHM transcript.
The following is the grade explanation for ICS
ICS Grade Explanation
100-95
94-89
A
A-
88-84
83-79
78-74
B+
B
B-
73-69
68-64
C+
C
63-60
C-
59-55
54-0
D
F
UofS Grade Explanation and Evaluation (5/09)
Usually, UofS grades on a mid-term and final exam basis. If you score high on the mid
term and fail to take the final exam, you will be automatically be given an “F” grade for
the entire course. Therefore, taking final exams is a must in order to receive a grade for
the course. Additionally, please be advised that you are not allowed to take an “early”
exam. You must take all exams on the scheduled times and dates. (5/09) There are no
exceptions.
The following is the Universidad de Sevilla and the UHM equivalent grade conversion.
These conversions are accepted by Mainland Universities who participate in the
program as well. Your UHM transcript will record the converted grades. All grades will
appear on UHM transcript as UHM grades and be part of your cumulative grade point
average at UHM.
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Universidad de Sevilla Grades
9-10 points
7-8.9 points
5-6.9 points
4-4.9 points
0-3.0 points
Converted Grades to UHM
Sobresaliente
Notable
Aprobado
Suspenso
Suspenso
A
B
C
D
F
Meeting Spanish Students—the Intercambio program
You are attending a Spanish Institution/University. However, you will be in class with
foreign and or other U.S. students. Don’t assume that it will be easy to “meet” and “be
friends” with Spanish students. Generally, human beings tend to “stick” with whom they
know best. Just remember here in Hawai‘i, how many of you tend to be with the same
friends that you made in your high school and remain together at UHM? The same will
be the case with Spanish and other European students. You will need to really make an
effort to meet Spanish students.
ICS offers a program of language and intercultural exchange called “Intercambio”.
Interested students can sign up for a Spanish Intercambio at the ICS main office.
American students are assigned Spanish students from the University of Seville and
agree to meet and practice both English and Spanish for generally three or four hours a
week. Both the UofS and the Spanish students set their own hours. Having an
Intercambio is an ideal way of meeting Spanish students.
Community Volunteer/Internship/Service Learning Work
Students have many opportunities to do volunteer work within the community since
classes do not meet on Friday. The volunteer service should ideally be confirmed prior
to your departure so that you may begin as soon as you arrive on-site. Students may
also receive credits for practicum as well. Please contact Study Abroad Advisor
Vanessa Chong Kuna for the application and discuss the requirements. Students in the
past have volunteered with non- governmental agencies who work with refugee
resettlement camps, health care agencies, etc. Students can earn POLS 403
Community Internship credits.
Excerpted from the ICS website, 10/13:
Community Service
The International College of Seville recognizes the interest many students have in reaching
out to the wider community by participating in social service. For this reason our College
has established agreements with a number of Non-Governmental Organizations in Seville.
Through these agreements, ICS students may collaborate with the following organizations
during their stay in Seville:
- ADIMA (Working at kids' ward at local public hospitals).
- Fundación Prodean (helping at a nearby senior center and teaching English to kids in a
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working class neighborhood).
- Asociación Benéfica Palmera Club (primarily teaching English to girls at a local
association).
- Entrepuentes (religious club that offers different services to underprivileged girls).
In order to participate in the ICS Volunteer program students must complete an application
form during Orientation. Once the first week of class has ended and class schedules are
definite, the NGOs are contacted and informative sessions are organized at the ICS.
Students are given detailed information as to what each Organization expects of its
volunteers, and are given a weekly schedule.
Students are required to write a 10-page report on their experience and the NGOs are
required to give a Certificate of Compliance for each student.
In addition to Community Service, the ICS offers its students a unique opportunity to gain
professional experience during their Study-Abroad through a number of private corporations
and public institutions. Opportunities are available at the following businesses:
1. BC Consultores.
Description: Small insurance & consulting company.
Position available: 1
Pre-requisites: None.
Duration: 4 months.
Working Hours: 80-100 per month.
2. Solchasers.
Description: Tourist company.
Position available: 1
Pre-requisites: Intermediate level of Spansih.
Duration: 4 months.
Working Hours: 80-100 per month.
Internships available through the Faculty of Philology at the University of Seville:
1. Faculty of Philology. Journal of Philologia Hispalensis.
Description: Digitalization of the Journal.
Positions available: 1
Pre-requisites: Advanced level of Spanish. Wordprocessing, scanning, and Professional
Adobe.
Duration: maximum of 6 months.
Working hours: Maximum of 100 hours per month.
2. Faculty of Philology. Cursos para Extranjeros.
Description: Academic support services American students registered at the Cursos para
Extranjeros.
Positions available: 2
Pre-requisites: Advanced level of Spanish.
Duration: maximum of 6 months.
Working hours: 9 am - 2 pm and/or 5 pm - 7 pm.
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3. Servinform. Telemarketing operator.
Positions available: 1
Pre-requisites: Advanced level of Spanish, French, and Arab.
Duration: maximum of 6 months.
Working hours: 10,00 am - 2 pm.
4. Three Cultures Foundation.
Positions available: 5 (three with linguistic competence in French, two in English, two in
Arabic).
5. Fidas Foundation
Positions available: 5 (three with linguistic competence in English, one in French, one in
German).
Pre-requisites: Advanced level of Spanish.
6. Bodeenseen. Services company.
Positions: 20 (linguistic competence in English, French, Italian, German or Arabic).
Pre-requisites: Advanced level of Spanish.
7. Editorial Anthropos. Publishing company.
Positions available: 10 alumnos (five in English and five in Spanish).
Pre-requisites: Advanced level of Spanish.
8. Escuela Superior de Hostelería de Sevilla. Hotel management.
Positions available: 5 (linguistic competence in English.
Description: assistant to hotel manager.
Pre-requisites: Advanced level of Spanish.
9. University of Seville. Departments & Programs.
Positions available: 25 (five in Italian, five in English, 5 in French, five in Arabic, and five in
German).
Description: translation, web creation and maintanence.
Pre-requisites: Advanced level of Spanish.
In all cases ICS selects qualified students only. There is a mandatory orientation session for
all interested students. The orientation is cultural and “institutional” so that students enter
into this experience with the proper mindset and attitude. Some of the settings are quite
sensitive. Topics included are dress, behavior, absence, tardiness, workplace culture,
harassment issues, etc. Students have to fill out an application form and bring in a resume
or CV. Personal interviews may be required in some cases before final acceptance.
*Due to the limited availability of computer stations at our facilities, we highly
recommend students to bring their own laptops and take advantage of the ICS
free Wi-Fi access. (10/13)
LIBRARY SERVICES
At the ICS library students have access to over 9,000 library holdings, focused primarily
on the subject matters covered in class. The books are listed by subject area in the
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catalogue guide, situated in the adjunct study lounge.
Based upon suggested bibliographies for ICS and University of Seville courses,
students can find many secondary sources for their research such as political or
economic texts; history books and manuals; encyclopedias and works of literature and
literary criticism for consultation. There is also a great number of reference books on
Spanish, English and Comparative grammar, as well as books on Spanish society,
culture, and cuisine; travel; novels (in English and Spanish) and weekly and monthly
news and business oriented magazines such as The Economist, Newsweek, Business
Week, The Atlantic Monthly, Haper’s, etc.
The ICS library provides students with space for quiet study from 10 – 1,30 and 4 - 6,
Monday through Thursday, and 10 – 1,30 on Friday.
There are several libraries located within the University of Seville. With a University of
Seville I.D. card students may borrow books from any of the departmental or general
libraries at the Schools of Philology and of Geography & History.
Most departmental and general libraries are open from 8 a.m. through 9 p.m. Those
students who do not return library books at the end of the semester do not have their
grades released until all books (University of Seville and/or ICS) have been returned.
At a short distance from the University is located Seville’s public library, the Biblioteca
Pública Infanta Elena (Avenida María Luisa, 8). With its pleasant and spacious
interiors, comfortable couches and reading chairs, and it’s numerous well-lit desks the
Infanta Elena is generally considered one of the prime spots for studying in Seville.
Here students can come to read quietly, prepare for exams, or research thoroughly
using the extensive library holdings available. The Infanta Elena is open to the public
from 9 – 9, Monday through Friday, and 9 – 2 on Saturday.
For further information, please contact Mr. Javier Durá, Librarian: library@icsseville.org
INTERNET AND E-MAIL SERVICES
The ICS building is equipped with a wireless (Wi-Fi) connection for those students who
decide to bring their laptops. Wi-Fi access is free. (10/13)
Program Dates, Excursions, and Cultural Visits
As part of the program you will participate in four excursions and six cultural events.
Please note the dates of these trips. You will NOT receive any refunds for missed
activities, as these are pre-paid and are an integral cultural component of the program.
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SPRING 2014 Calendar & Schedule
Departure from Honolulu ................................................................................ Jan. 13
Arrival at Seville airport (SVQ) ....................................................................... Jan. 15
In-country orientation by ICS
 Univ. de Sevilla and advanced Spanish students .................................... Jan. 16
 beginning and intermediate Spanish students ......................................... Jan. 17
Classes begin at ICS ...................................................................................... Jan. 20
Last day to add/drop classes at ICS and report to UHM SAC ........................ Jan. 11
Univ. de Sevilla tour and reception ................................................................. Jan. 31
Classes at Univ. de Sevilla begin ................................................................... Feb. 3
Last day to withdraw without “W” at ICS and report to UHM SAC .................. Feb. 11
Last day to add/drop classes at U of Sevilla and report to UHM SAC ............ Feb. 11
Last day to withdraw without “W” at U of Seville and report to UHM SAC ...... Feb. 21
Last day to withdraw with “W” at ICS and report to UHM SAC ....................... Mar.28
Last day to withdraw with “W” at U of Sevilla and report to UHM SAC ........... Apr. 01
Official holiday (Andalusia Day) ..................................................................... Feb. 28
Mid-term exams ICS....................................................................................... Mar. 3-6
Mid-term exams at U of Seville ...................................................................... Mar. 12-13
Official holiday (Holy Week) ........................................................................... Apr. 13-20
Final exams at Univ. de Sevilla ...................................................................... Apr. 29-30
Official holidays (April Fair) ............................................................................ May 4-11
Final exams at ICS ......................................................................................... May 12-15
End of program, homestay ends, departure from Seville ............................... May 16
Overnight stay in Los Angeles (SAC flights) ................................................... May 16
Arrival in Honolulu (SAC flights) ..................................................................... May 17
Tentative grade reporting to UHM .................................................................. July 9
EXCURSIONS
Overnight trip to Granada ............................................................................... Feb. 7-8
Morocco
Feb. 21-23
Day-trip to Córdoba ........................................................................................ Mar. 21
Day-trip to Ronda ........................................................................................... April 4
Day trip to Jerez/Cadiz
May 2
CITY/CULTURAL VISITS
Alcázar ........................................................................................................... Jan. 24
Plaza de España ............................................................................................ Jan. 31
Ciudad Romana de Itálica .............................................................................. Feb. 14
Museo de Bellas Artes ................................................................................... Mar. 14
Catedral.......................................................................................................... Mar. 28
Triana Market/San Jorge Castle ..................................................................... Apr. 25
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*Field trips and city visits are mandatory for UHM students. All students in the
program are required to participate in and attend all excursions and city cultural
visits. Attendance at and journal entries for each excursion and city cultural visit
will be part of the Resident Director’s course grade. (5/11)
Mandatory In-Country Orientation
An orientation session is conducted at ICS upon arrival. The in-country orientation is
mandatory. Please check the schedule provided earlier in this document.
If you miss the mandatory in-country orientation you will ordinarily be expelled from the
program. If however, the in-country personnel are able to provide you with make-up incountry orientation, then you will be charged $100.00 per hour. Exceptions will not be
made. (8/10)
These sessions introduce students to the country, the culture, and the academic
program, while also providing practical information about daily living in Seville. The
orientation is designed for you to get acquainted with your neighborhood, the University,
and Seville. It is also to provide you with some cultural background on the city.
Placeholder Registration prior to Departure at UHM
Right after your second pre-departure class meeting, the Study Abroad Center will
register you in a place-holder registration courses (Business 367 for 12 credits). This is
to ensure that if you are on financial aid, your financial aid monies will be disbursed
without undue delays. Your actual registration indicating the exact courses that you are
taking overseas will be completed after you have completed your final registration onsite. Therefore, please notify the UHM Study Abroad Center concerning your exact/final
courses by the above stated change of registration due date.
Classes Taken for Letter Grades: Credit/No Credit is Not Allowed
Please be aware that the classes that you take abroad must be taken for letter grades (AF) only. Exceptions will not be made.
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Please be aware that the grades that you receive for completed coursework in your
Study Abroad Program are part of your UH-Mānoa transcript and your Mānoa
cumulative grade point average. In other words, if you receive an “A” for a course in
abroad, you will receive an “A” on your UH-Mānoa transcript. Likewise if you receive an
“F” for your course abroad, you will receive an “F” on your UH-Mānoa transcript.
If you do not attend classes and/or not take the final exams, you will automatically
receive an “F” for the course.
Final Registration and Information transmittal concerning your classes in Seville
Dr. Ignacio Martinez, the Vice President for Academic Affairs at ICS is your academic
advisor at ICS for UHM students. He and other ICS personnel will be conducting your
orientation upon arrival and ensuring that you adjust to life in Seville. Please be aware
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that you may add/drop the courses that you are taking at ICS. You may only drop
courses at the University of Seville.
Your initial first choices of courses for the
University of Seville have been forwarded to ICS. You may drop courses at the
University of Seville and add course from the list at ICS. If you taking the entire course
load from ICS, then you may add/drop the classes.
Whether there are any changes in your course schedule or not please ensure that Dr.
Martinez is informed. Study Abroad Advisor Vanessa Chong Kuna will ask for your final
list of classes from Dr. Ignacio Martinez.
Please note that your registration of the actual classes that you are taking in Seville will
not be reflected until UHM SAC receives confirmation from Dr. Martinez.
Please refer to the Schedule and Calendar above for relevant dates. (5/6/08).
Confirming your Registration with SAC
Please ensure that your change of registration and/or your final registration information
has been transmitted to UHM Study Abroad Center. This is your responsibility. Be
aware if there is a discrepancy in your registration - you will NOT receive any credits for
the courses that you take abroad.
After the final registration you may withdraw from a course without a “W” on your
transcript. The deadline to drop a course for UHM is also listed on the program dates.
On-Line Changes of Registration Using My-UH
After your final registration is completed you may view your classes on MY-UH.
However, please be aware that you must not add, drop, change grading options, or
withdraw from your study abroad courses using this system. Should you make any
changes directly on MY-UH it will not be valid despite any electronic message you may
receive stating the contrary. All changes in study abroad courses must be approved by
the Study Abroad Center and processed by the Center. In addition, please be aware that
the classes that you take abroad must be taking for letter grades (A-F) only. Contact
Study Abroad Advisor Vanessa Chong Kuna at vchong@hawaii.edu for any course
changes.
Last Day to Drop a Course Without a “W”
You can drop your courses upon your arrival abroad. As noted earlier, you must inform
your UHM Resident Director and Study Abroad Advisor Vanessa Chong Kuna regarding
the final list of courses (even if you have not changed/ added/dropped any course).
Late Withdrawal with a “W”
For your information, the Center is aware that you may face difficulty halfway through a
particular class and realize that you will be failing this course. Please consult with Dr.
Martínez and discuss your options. These options may include talking to the course
teacher or withdrawing from the class.
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Withdrawal from a course is a viable option, as long as it is NOT because you refuse to
fulfill your obligations and/or responsibilities for the course. If it is a late withdrawal, a
“W” will appear on your transcript. This does not affect your grade point average. If you
need to withdraw from a course please contact Study Abroad Advisor Vanessa Chong
Kuna at vchong@hawaii.edu..
Your late withdrawal from the course must be verified by Dr. Ignacio Martínez as well.
Be aware that if you withdraw from a course and fail to notify the Study Abroad Center,
you will still be registered in that course and you will receive an “F” in the course.
Please refer to the Schedule and Calendar above for the relevant dates.
(5/7/08)
Complete Withdrawal from All Classes (8/10)
Please be aware that complete withdrawal from all Classes in a Study Abroad Program
extends to withdrawal from all aspects from the program in totality. You must vacate
the Study Abroad premises which include accommodations and related services and
activities.
Grade Reports & Request for Early Grade Reports if Graduating After Completion
of the Seville Semester (5/7/08)
Students on UHM Study Abroad programs do NOT receive their grade reports 24 hours
after their final exams. This is true only on our campus and not applicable overseas.
Please be aware that grade reporting from overseas universities usually takes
approximately 2-3 months. Once the Study Abroad Center receives these grades then
they will be recorded at the UH Mānoa Registrar’s Office.
If you are graduating after the completion of your study abroad term please inform Study
Abroad Advisor Vanessa Chong Kuna at vchong@hawaii.edu so that an early grade
report request can be made.
Additionally, please be advised that if the grades are not inputted then – your class
standing will remain the same as the term that you left for Seville. Please do not assume
that your grades will be reported on time. When you pre-register for the following
semester at UHM you may not be able to register for specific classes in your major that
require pre-requisites. (8/10)
Non-UHM Students: you will need to order your transcript so that it can be forwarded to
your home school. You may do this on-line at www.hawaii.edu/admrec/records.html
Grade Grievances
Any kind of grade dissatisfaction or problems with the teachers in Seville must be resolved
on-site. Students cannot return to UH Mānoa and expect the grades to be changed here
on their transcript. UHM Study Abroad Center will not change any grades based on the
student’s request. Changing a student’s grade after it has been reported by the host
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institution is considered to be an academic fraud. Thus, Study Abroad Center reports the
grades as submitted by the host institution and or the UHM faculty resident director.
Exceptions will not be made. (11/08)
The UHM Student Collection and Fees System
If you are a financial aid student and you have completed your financial aid paperwork
you will receive financial aid that you are eligible to receive. However, funds will be
disbursed to you ONLY after all your obligations have been paid. For example, first the
monies owed to the Study Abroad Center will be provided directly to the Study Abroad
Center. Should there be any remaining balance after paying the Center, then the
remaining funds will be deposited into your MYUH account. You will then receive a
check for this balance. The check will be mailed to the address that you have listed on
your MYUH account. Thus it is of the utmost importance that you update your address
in your MYUH account. The web address is: www.hawaii.edu/myuh/manoa. If you
would like the money to be deposited into your account, please sign up for e-refund with
the UHM Cashier’s Office.
Financial Aid Disbursements for UHM Students (8/10)
Normally financial aid students receive subsidized and unsubsidized loans. However,
there are instances when students need alternative loans (private lender) to supplement
the entire cost of the study abroad program. The alternative loans are subject to a
credit check. (8/10) You must apply for alternative loans after you receive your award
letter and if you deem that you need additional funds. Students who are receiving an
alternative loan must be in Honolulu to receive the check. Alternative loans will not be
released, if the student has an outstanding balance. Usually students who are on
financial aid DO have an outstanding balance. Therefore, the student must notify the
lender and request that the disbursement of the alternative loans occur prior to the start
of the study abroad program. Students must also notify the UHM Financial Aid Services
(FAS) if they plan on departing prior to the date of the disbursement of alternative loan
funds. FAS will then contact the lender and request the lender to disburse the funds
while the student is in Honolulu and is able to sign for the check.
If the alternative loan check is scheduled to arrive after departure, then the student must
contact Study Abroad Advisor Vanessa Chong Kuna at 956-6958 or vchong@hawaii.edu
and work out a backup plan.
Holds on Student UHM Student Records due to Outstanding Financial Obligations
to Study Abroad Center (12/09)
Usually, the study abroad program payment schedule will not be the same as the
regular on-campus UHM tuition and dorm fee schedule. Therefore, you may receive a
notice from the Mānoa Cashier’s office indicating that you have a delinquent account
concerning the Study Abroad Center. Should this occur, please contact the Study
Abroad Advisor, Vanessa Chong Kuna immediately at vchong@hawaii.edu.
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If however, at the completion of the Study Abroad program term, you have an
outstanding financial obligation to the Study Abroad Center, an automatic hold will be
placed on your records. The consequences are: 1) you will not be allowed to register
for classes for the following semester, 2) you will not receive any grades for your study
abroad term, 3) you will not progress to another level (e.g., freshman to sophomore,
etc.), 4) you will not be able to receive any transcripts, and 5) and your account will be
sent to a collections agency eventually
Should you wish to continue school then the Cashier’s office will place you on an
automatic payment plan so that you may clear your balance. Please understand that
the Study Abroad Center will not be able to change the terms of your payment plan with
the Mānoa Cashier’s Office.
Computers, Laptops and the Internet
Computers: ICS has desk top computers – however, there may not be enough
computers for everyone. Therefore please budget your computer use time. Your
instructors may accept handwritten papers in most cases. However, please check with
them to be sure.
Internet ICS building has wireless internet access. Thus you will have access to the
internet free of charge.
Please note that Telefonica, the broadband and telecommunications provider in Seville,
doesn't invest in the Porvenir neighborhood. As a result, internet access in the area is
very slow. Free wifi, on the other hand, is everywhere in Seville. (R2/012)
Laptops. You are advised to bring along a laptop with you as there may not be
sufficient number of computer terminals at ICS. Please ensure that your laptop
operates on 220 volts. More importantly, ensure that you take multiple plug adaptors
that will enable you to use Spanish electrical outlets. The adaptors can be purchased at
any Radio Shack stores or on-line at www.travelsmith.com or www.magellans.com.
Direct access to your UH e-mail account is at http://mail.hawaii.edu.
Telephone Information (ICS policy and information from ICS Website)
Phone Calls
NEVER use your host's phone without asking permission before hand. Do not get upset
if it is not granted. There are telephone booths throughout the city. Using the host's
phone without permission can be reason for being expelled from the home. Use the cell
phone provided by the program.
Dialing Instructions
How to call…
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Seville from within Seville or from anywhere in Spain:
95-number. (The ICS number, for example, is 95-423-3838)
Seville from within Europe:
# to dial out (according to the country+ country code) - 34 - 95 - number.
(The ICS number, for example, is
34-95-423-3838).
Seville from U.S.
011+34+95+423-3838
Other countries from Spain: 00 – country code - city code - number.
For example dialing the U.S. from Spain: 00+1+808-956-6958
Important phone numbers:
Telefónica information: 11818
International information: 11825
Collect calls: 1408 (5/09)
European operator: 1008
Please note that these calls are not free of charge.
Phone Cards
ICS strongly recommends that students come to Seville with an international phone
card. Sprint and MCI phone cards can be used from most phones and phone booths.
Calls made with phone cards may be made from the host family's phone only with their
permission.
It is important to note that many prepaid and U.S.-bought "global" phone cards cannot
be used in Spain. The phone card company must have an operator access number
beginning with "900" for Spain.
If the phone card company has an operator access number beginning only with "1-800",
do not buy the card for your semester abroad (even if the card company insists that you
can use it). You will not be able to use it in Spain. Major phone card companies such as
AT&T, MCI and SPRINT have such free "900" access numbers.
You can also buy a prepaid phone card once in Seville; there are now several of these
in the market. Phone cards can be purchased at most tobacco shops, kioscos, and
supermarkets. They cost between €5 to €30. A typical €5 phonecard will give you
approximately 180 minutes to the U.S.
There are also phone cards that can be used from your cell phone that give you 200
minutes to the U.S for €5.
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Cellular Phones
Parents and cooperating colleges and universities expect ICS to be able to ascertain
the whereabouts of all of our students in a very short time when an emergency takes
place. To this end, all students will either be given a SIM card that they can use with
their US cell phones or a Spanish cell phone during the first day of orientation.
**If you wish to receive a SIM card, please email Gina de los Santos at
housing@ics-seville.org with the size of the card you need (normal, micro or nano).
**If you do not want a SIM card and want us to reserve for you a basic cell phone,
please email Gina de los Santos at housing@ics-seville.org as well.
SIM cards will be distributed during the orientation sessions taking place January
16th and 17th.
Those students who do not wish to be given a SIM card for their smartphone will be
provided with a basic local cell phone (no data access/internet). All students will receive
a phone and a charger and will be able to keep the phone even after the completion of
the semester. This means that you can use the phone in Europe after your program is
over. Students will be responsible for the condition of the cell phone. Please allow the
UHM Study Abroad Center telephone numbers (808)956-6958 and (808) 956-5143
access to your phone number, in other words, please do not block our numbers from
being registered callers.
Please read the following for details about the ICS phone plan:
CELL PHONES IN SEVILLA
One of the first things students look to arrange when arriving to Sevilla - often even before they depart - is their cell
phone. And truth is, it is highly recommended that you have a working cell phone while abroad to communicate
with the program office, or in case of an emergency.
Doing like locals do: …getting a local SIM, with a data, calling and texting plan at local rates for your own
US smartphone (*) is clearly the best (…and cheapest!) way to go.
International College of Seville will include in your welcome pack a local SIM (“chip”) with your own Spanish cell
number; and unlimited free received calls and texts, and free calls to the ICS emergency line, while in Spain. You
are responsible for the cost of other outgoing calls and texts, as well as data access charges.
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(*) Using your own US smartphone is often the preferred way to go, as it let’s you keep using all your apps,
contacts, songs, photos,… in Spain, just like at home! Please email us the SIM size (normal, micro, nano) your
phone requires.
VERY IMPORTANT: To use your US smartphone in Spain, you need an unlocked, GSM phone!!! Check
with your current service provider, explain you "will be traveling to Spain and would like to use a local SIM" while
there. If your phone is not GSM compatible, they might offer you an upgrade to a "world phone"; and if your phone
is not already factory unlocked, depending on your current provider's policy and your existing contract, they will
also unlock it.
If needed or preferred, ICS can provide you with a basic local phone with calling and texting capabilities (but NO
data access).
 How much will it cost to call or text in Spain?
With your local SIM card, all received calls and text messages will be FREE while in Spain, regardless of where
they originate. You will be responsible for outgoing calls and text messages, wireless data access, and "roaming"
costs if you travel outside of Spain.
Once you receive an email with your new Spanish cell number from alów (our phone partner) you may buy “pay as
you go” call credit, or choose the “prepaid plan” that fits all your data, calling and texting needs while in Spain at
discounted rates, for a flat monthly price.
When you “pay as you go”, calls to anywhere in the US cost 0,17€/min, and within Spain 0,08€/min. To send text
messages within Spain cost 0,13€/SMS, and to the US 0,23€/SMS. “Prepaid plans” grant your preferred monthly
data, and calling and texting allowances at up to a 90% discount on pay as you go rates. See full rate details at
www.alow.es.
It is the responsibility of the students to inform their parents and home colleges and
universities regarding their cell phone numbers so that they can be reached in case of
emergency. It is the responsibility of the students to make sure that the cell phone
works appropriately and that the cell phone card carries sufficient credit to make an
international call.
Prepaid national or international phone cards can be purchased at any other locations
thorough out Seville. Please note that IVA tax is subtracted from the total price of the
card.
MagicJack – Call Home for Free
The Magic Jack is an extremely small USB telephone adapter that allows you to make
unlimited local and long distance telephone calls through a regular phone for only
$19.95 per year. In order to get the magic Jack you have to pay a one time fee of $40 to
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get the magic Jack USB adapter and one year of service. All subsequent years of
service can be purchased for just $19.95 per year. Magic Jack technology is simple; it
takes your traditional landline phone call and reroutes it over the Internet through a VoIP
network with the end result being that it works just like a regular phone.
Plug any household phone into the majicJack, plug the majicJack into any USB port on
your computer, pick up the phone and talk for free anywhere in the USA and Canada.
Majic Jack is available at any radio shack stores and at Best Buys. All set up
information is available at the time of purchase. (1/10. majicJack.com)
If you use the majic Jack from Spain, then you will be able to call the US for free of
charge as you will be using a US number. (7/10)
Skype (4/11)
Talk to anyone else on Skype, anywhere in the world, for free. You can use Skype on
your phone or computer. You will need to install Skype (go to www.skype.com
[www.skype.com]), add contacts, and then call, video call and instant message with
them for free. You can also choose to add additional services (ie: Skype for your mobile
phone) for a fee.
Accommodations
ICS offers two types of accommodations: Supervised Residences and Homestays.
Supervised Residences living arrangement is more for the student who prefers less
one-to-one contact with a Spanish family. Residences are apartments run by a woman,
a couple or a family who may or may not live there. This option should not be confused
with living in your own apartment, which is not permitted, or living in a dormitory, which
does not exist in Seville. Students should note that there is adult supervision in this
situation, as in all ICS housing.
In a supervised residence, in addition to there being less interaction between the
student and the host family there typically is also a greater number of students housed
there. One can say that there is more of a student atmosphere than of a typical Sevillian
family. Residences typically house three to five students.
(excerpted from ICS website)
Homestays with Local Families: UHM students are housed with local families in
shared rooms, depending on availability. Andalusians are gregarious and the family is
of paramount importance. In addition, they are known historically for their tolerance and
easy-going manner, particularly with foreigners. For these reasons and many more it is
easy to understand why most ICS students sign up to live with a Spanish family during
their stay in Seville. The majority feel they actually become part of the family, accepted
as another member.
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Living with a "typical Sevillian family" has its many advantages. By observing and taking
part in the family's daily customs and practices, students find themselves increasingly
becoming more immersed in the culture. What better way to learn about a people than
by sharing meals with them on a daily basis?
(excerpted from ICS website)
Your accommodations are arranged through the ICS accommodations office. The
Director of Housing is Ms. Gina de los Santos. Her e-mail address is: housing@ICSseville.org. Although ICS offers several types of accommodations, our contract with
them is to provide you accommodations with local host families for the exact dates
specified for the official Study Abroad Program on-site. Requests to arrive earlier or
stay longer in the program accommodations must be made in advance to the ICS
Accommodations Office.
All students in the program live in with local families. Furthermore you may find that
there will be other students living in the same household. One very important factor to
living with local families is that you will not stand out as a foreigner/tourist and thereby
become an easy victim of a crime. Living in local neighborhoods with local families
ensures anonymity and your personal safety. American students will be easily identified
if they were housed with a group of “foreign students” living together in a dormitory.
You will receive your homestay address and phone number as soon as you have been
placed with a family. You will be housed anywhere from 15 minutes by foot, to 20
minutes by bus to the school. Using public transportation in Seville is a way of life, so
enjoy it while you can.
All students SHARE a room with another student in the program. There may be two or
three students assigned per home. Host families are screened, and the person in
charge of housing inspects and monitors the homestays. The homes are of middleclass families who usually would like to have a student live with them because their
children have all left home or they may need supplemental income. You may be
housed with a married couple with children, a single woman—separated, divorced,
widowed—with children, or an older couple whose children generally do not live at
home. If you have dietary preferences and/ or allergies, please make sure that you
have included them in your housing request forms.
Please do not treat your host family home as your hotel. They are being paid; however,
it is important to remember that your payment covers utilities, meals, and minimum
expenses for an extra person in the house. Your host family is not having you live with
them for a semester because they are making money off of you. They are doing this to
“promote” cross-cultural understanding. Host family living is obviously the most
challenging and the most rewarding part of your semester in Seville program. While in
Hawai‘i, it may be unusual to rent rooms to strangers; it is quite customary in Spain.
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It is important to be aware that Spanish living spaces will appear to a North American as
being rather small in comparison to their U.S. homes. At any rate, the size of your
rooms and decor may vary from home to home even in Seville. Even though it may be
difficult, it is essential that you remind yourself that you are not living in the U.S.
Realistic Expectations Regarding Housing in Seville
It is important to remember that the living arrangement, while allowing you to see firsthand how a family in Seville lives, can also be conducive to you becoming a member of
the family. It is up to you how you wish to develop your relationship with your host
family. In the past students have indicated that their homestay experiences have been
one of the most rewarding aspects of the program. However, you must also have
realistic expectations regarding the homestay. For example, do not expect the family
members to include you in their family activities or to entertain you. If you are included
and you develop a relationship with them, appreciate it—but don’t expect it. It is not an
entitlement.
In order to help the student adjust to his/her new living environment, the following is a
list of suggestions and ideas.
a. Do not help yourself to the family fridge.
b. Make sure communication with the señora is clear. When you are going to miss
meals, let her know ahead in advance. Remember that you have all your food with
them—breakfast, lunch, dinner—be there for the meals. Be aware that you are not
entitled to a refund for missed meals.
c. You share the household facilities with your hosts and their family members. There
may be only one bathroom for the entire family. Be considerate of their needs too.
d. Be aware that Spanish families use household supplies and/or toilet items sparingly.
Observe and use accordingly. For example, try not to use a week’s supply of toilet
paper in two days (or if you must do so, buy your own).
e. All bedding and linen are provided by your hosts. However, please remember to
take a nice large American-size towel with you. If you use wash cloths please take
them with you too. Everyone wears shoes/slippers indoors in Seville; so should you.
f. If the household has internet connections – please ask the householder if you can
use it. Do not assume that you can use the internet. If you are offered its use, DO
NOT monopolize the family computer. Some homes may have wireless access and
students may use their laptops. Please note that the homes a NOT required to have
internet connections.
g. If at some time in your stay you think that you would like to change households,
please inform Ms. Gina de los Santos, the ICS Housing Director immediately. If the
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situation warrants, other accommodations will be provided for you. However, be
aware that once you decide to change accommodations and the program has found
a new place for you, you cannot change your mind. If indeed, you do change
households, please make sure that you let the UHM Study Abroad Center know
immediately.
h. If you are NOT receiving enough to eat, please inform Ms. Gina de los Santos
immediately. She will talk to your hosts.
i.
Participate as much as possible in the daily family life. You will learn to appreciate
and understand Seville and its culture better.
Food in Spain
Excerpted from information provided by International College of Seville (8/2012)
The Spanish diet is considered one of the healthiest in the world. Fruits and vegetables
are eaten in season and in abundance. Fresh salads accompany meals and fresh fruit
is served for dessert. Legumes, such as lentils, beans and chick peas are served
throughout the year. People drink lots of water.
The food in Spain is natural and delicious. While the appearance and presentation are
often different from what many students are used to, the prime ingredients are almost
always familiar: chicken, beef, pork, fish, vegetables, rice, pasta, potatoes, eggs, etc.
Food is usually served in a fresher state than in the U.S. Most people purchase meat at
the butcher’s shop, fish at the fish shop, fruits and vegetables at small produce stands
and bread every day at the bakery. The direct result of this centuries-old custom is that
most students notice (and often comment) that the food here seems to have more
flavor.
Meal hours in Spain are very different from what most American students are
accustomed. Breakfast, a light meal of coffee, tea or hot chocolate and toast, is
generally eaten around 8:00 a.m. Between 10:00 and 11:00 a.m. most people go out
for a midmorning breakfast which usually consists of another coffee or tea with or
without toast or pastry. Lunch, the most substantial meal of the day, consisting of two
or three courses with dessert, is served between 2:00 and 3:00 p.m. Dinner is generally
served after 9:00 p.m. and is a lighter meal than lunch.
In the United States, Spanish cuisine is often confused with Mexican cuisine. Contrary
to popular belief, while there are certain common ingredients in the two cuisines they
are not similar and should not be confused. Tacos and burritos are just as "foreign"
here as they are in the U.S. In fact, they are eaten much more in the U.S. than they are
here. The average Spaniard doesn´t even know what one is and Spanish food is not
typically hot or spicy.
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Rich in history and culture, Spanish cooking owes a great deal to the different peoples,
armies and importers that have filled the country’s past. Spain has the ancient Romans,
the Arabs, and the conquistadores who brought back spices and fruits from the New
World. It has French influence, Italian influence. In Spanish cooking are fused the best
of ingredients and cooking techniques from foreign cuisines.
People in southern Spain tend to fry their food more than in the U.S. Spain, the world´s
largest producer of olive oil, is also the leading consumer of it. Olive oil is the chief
flavoring ingredient of all Spanish cuisine. Its use is not limited to dressing salads or
frying fish, but can be found drizzled on bread, added to cakes and pastries, and even
used as a skin softener. Spaniards adore their olive oil and use it liberally. Most
students quickly adjust to the flavor, but become concerned over the calories,
particularly when it comes to fried foods. But in Spain, they notice, there is not an
endemic weight problem across the country, as there is in the U.S. In the bestseller
"French women don’t get fat" (Knopf, 2005) one can find the same basic reasons to
explain how Spanish women (and men) stay trim. They eat a wider variety of food
made from better and fresher ingredients. Portions are smaller. People don’t skip
meals. They drink lots and lots of water. They walk a great deal, every day.
Our advice to students is to just try everything. Give every meal a chance, at least
once, and if you really are unable to eat something, politely tell your housemother that
you don’t like it. Politely. That’s the key. This way she will know not to make it again.
Please keep in mind, however, that the food of a country is part of the cultural
experience - it is the student who is expected to adapt, not the housemother. ICS tries
to place vegetarian students in homes where we feel their special needs will be satisfied
but, in general students should not expect to eat just like they do back home. Look at
all they would be missing if they did!
All in all, most students usually have a such a great eating experience in Spain and
adapt so well that they truly miss the food when they go back home!
ICS Housing Rules
Excerpted from information provided by International College of Seville (7/12)
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YOUR ROOM: Each single or double room should have:
A bed, with a comfortable mattress and sufficient blankets and sheets. The
sheets should be changed once a week.
A desk for each student or table big enough for two people to study, if in a double
room. If there is not enough room for two desks or a study table, there must be a
study area available to you in another part of the house.
The room must be well-lit.
The room must be cleaned once a week. You are responsible for making your
bed and for keeping the room tidy on a regular basis.
THE BATHROOM:
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There should be sufficient toilet paper.
Students may shower in their homes no more than once a day. This shower
should not exceed 15 minutes. You should reach an agreement with the rest of
the family as to when would be the best time for you to shower.
Students should leave the bathroom tidy (pick up towels, rinse tub, etc.) after
showering.
Students are responsible for providing their own shampoo, soap, toothpaste and
other accessories.
LAUNDRY:
Students are entitled to no more than two full loads of wash a week. Sheets and
towels must be washed in a separate load.
If you need to have more than two washes done weekly, you should reach an
agreement with your host mother as to how much extra you have to pay. The
money should be paid directly to your host mother beforehand.
If a student wishes to wash clothes by hand, he/she is responsible for buying
his/her own detergent. Likewise, a student is responsible or ironing his/her own
clothes.
ELECTRICITY:
Students may study with their bedroom light on until a prudent hour. Students
should exercise caution in not falling asleep with the lights on. During exam
week, students may have the lights on to study for as long as they need.
Students should turn off lights they are no longer using and must turn off their
bedroom lights when leaving their room. Electricity in Spain is very expensive
and thus families are usually very diligent about turning off unnecessary lights.
Students may use hair dryers and electric shavers. However, please use these
appliances prudently and make sure you have a converter/transformer and an
adaptor.
AIR CONDITIONERS: A/C units should be used only when needed and for
limited amounts of time (example in the hot afternoon or to cool the room before
you go to bed). Students must turn the a/c off when going to sleep and should
exercise extreme caution in making sure the a/c is turned off when they leave
the room. Some homes may have central air conditioning.
Laptops can be hooked up to the household’s phone line. If you have a
rechargeable battery for your laptop, you can charge it at the school without
charge.
If you wish to have any other type of electrical appliance, consult with your
housemother.
MEALS
The Andalusian breakfast usually consists of toast with butter, olive oil, jam or
some other type of spread with coffee, tea or chocolate milk. In some homes,
cereal or juice is served but should not be expected. Students should not expect
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large breakfasts of eggs, bacon, waffles, etc. as this is not common breakfast
food in Spain. If your housemother gets up later than you do, she must leave
food for you so that you can prepare your own breakfast.
Lunch, the largest meal of the day, is usually served between 2:00 and 3:00 p.m.
and consists of two dishes or one large main dish. Salad and fresh bread are
usually provided. Common desserts are fresh fruit or yogurt. Water is commonly
served as a beverage but housemothers may also serve beer or soft drinks on
occasion. If you want to drink a particular beverage with your meals on a regular
basis (ex. Diet Coke) you can buy it at a local supermarket and store it in your
housemother’s refrigerator.
Dinner, usually served from 9:00-10:00 p.m. is a lighter meal than at midday. It
can consist of a sandwich or omelet or something similar.
RULES CONCERNING MEALS:
If you know that you are not going to show up for a meal, let your housemother
know in advance.
If you are going to arrive late for a meal, let your housemother know so she can
save your food for you for you to warm up later.
Students are responsible for any between-meal snacks or beverages. If you
wish to buy food of your own, your housemother can designate a cabinet in the
kitchen for you store your food. Storing your food in your room can attract bugs,
especially ants!
Students should try to eat with their host families whenever possible. Since the
dinner table is a place of open discussion, eating with your family will help you
get to know them and to feel more integrated into the family structure.
When going away on school trips or excursions, students should let their
housemother know in advance if they want a bag lunch. You can also ask your
housemother for a bag lunch if for some reason you are unable to return home
for this meal. A bag lunch usually consists of a large sandwich and fruit.
If you miss meals because you will go away on a trip or for any other reason,
these meals cannot be recuperated or refunded.
REMEMBER: Communication is an essential factor concerning meals. If there
is something you dislike, please let your housemother know. Likewise, if you
especially like a certain food or a dish she has made, let her know.
Housemothers take great pride in their cooking and like to know when you
appreciate it.
RULES CONCERNING TELEPHONEUSE:
Students may not use their house phone to make local calls. There are plenty of
phone booths throughout the city where you can make such calls. You also have
the option of buying a cell phone.
Students may use their house phone for international calls only if they use an
international phone card. This phone card MUST have a free 900 operator
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access number. AT&T, MCI and SPRINT have such a number. There are also
international phone cards you can buy in Seville that you can use as well.
It is important to remember that even though incoming calls do not cost the
household money, they are tying up the line for any other calls. Thus, please
keep the time you talk on the phone to under a half hour for long distance calls
and ten minutes for local calls.
Please notify all family and friends of the time difference between the U.S. and
Spain to avoid the phone ringing at 3:00 a.m., for example.
GUESTS:
If you wish to have a friend over to study, etc., please ask your housemother
permission beforehand. Likewise, please do not invite over more than two
friends at once.
Under NO circumstances can a student invite a friend to stay the night in his/her
bedroom. Having a friend stay over without prior permission from the family is a
cause to be expelled from the house.
Students should not show up in their home with guests for a meal. All students
are provided with three meals a day under the ICS housing program. Thus there
should be no reason why anyone has to go to anyone else’s house to eat (unless
expressly invited by the housemother, of course).
MISCELLANEOUS:
Students are expected to follow common rules of courtesy within the household
(ex. No loud music especially at night, avoid making noise late at night when
coming in from outside).
Each student should receive a copy of the house keys. If these keys are lost, the
student is responsible for paying to get new copies made. If the door locks need
to be changed, this cost must be covered as well.
It is forbidden to drink alcohol in your room.
Under no circumstances may a student move into an apartment on his/her own
or move into a house not in the ICS housing program.
Dr. Juan Durá is the Director of the ICS program in Seville. He has overall
responsibility for the academic program and student services in Seville.
Participants are expected to conduct themselves as responsible students and
adults at all times while enrolled in the program. The academic performance of
the students participating in the program is closely monitored and progress
reports and final grades are reported to home colleges/universities.
End of ICS excerpt
Accommodations Funds and Deposit
You have paid your accommodations fees. The ICS Housing Office will pay your host
family on a monthly basis. A rent deposit of $100.00 is included in your housing costs.
The deposit will be disbursed in one of three ways: 1) compensation for the student’s
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having caused damage in the household, 2) if the student moves from the house after
the first week of class. If the student moves during the first week of class, the student
will not be penalized. Or, if ICS feels that the student has a justified reason to move,
the student does not lose the housing deposit during any part of the semester, and 3) It
is returned to the student during the last week of the program.
Gifts for your Hosts
It may be a good idea to bring small inexpensive items to give to your hosts.
Chocolates, nuts, or something small that is made in Hawai‘i. Gift-giving is a custom
that is appreciated by all cultures.
Sevici Bicycle Service in Seville
There are two “for rent” Sevici bicycle pickup and drop-off stations about a block from
ICS and near the University of Seville where students can rent a bicycle for a week or a
year and get to and from ICS and their home for a minimum cost. The cost is 30,76
Euros /year or 12,30 Euros /week (as of October 2013), with the 30 first minutes of
rental for free. http://en.sevici.es/
Dressing in Seville
Dressing in Spain is different than from what we in Hawai‘i are accustomed to. Spanish
men and women generally have a more “European” taste for fashion, and comfort is
often of lesser importance. Some acceptable outfits in Hawai‘i would be far from
acceptable in Spain. In fact, dressing in an ultra-casual manner may even encourage
bothersome heckling on the streets.
For the cooler winter months, Spanish women wear heavy skirts or dresses with thick
leotards or stockings, or pants or jeans and black or brown shoes and/or boots. A
typical outfit for a Spanish male can consist of woolen pants or jeans, with button-down
shirts topped with a sweater, and dress shoes (usually black or brown).
Dark, neutral colors, such as brown, black, burgundy or olive green, are the norm in the
fall, and winter. Spanish men and women do not usually wear over-sized clothes (big
sweatshirts or baggy jeans) like those popular in the United States. Generally, in Spain
people consider appearances more important than personal comfort and dress up more
on a daily basis than do North Americans.
Many North Americans prefer to dress more for comfort than for fashion, whether at
home or abroad, but keep in mind that you may feel somewhat culturally uncomfortable
wearing your favorite comfortable clothes in Spain. If you would rather blend in more
with the “locals” and look less like a “foreigner,” you may wish to pack keeping these
tips in mind.
Items that you may wish to include in your luggage:
 comfortable walking shoes—you will walk a great deal in Seville
 umbrella for the rainy season (November-March)
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warm coat, a pair of gloves, and a few sweaters
large American bath towel and wash cloths
warm indoor slippers
Additional Information
Excerpted from information provided by the International College of Seville (8/12):
Bring warm pajamas, maybe a large shower towel (though towels will be provided, they
are often smaller then what you may be used to), machine washable slippers, and a
robe for the winter months (November/December). It is somewhat culturally
unacceptable to walk around in bare feet or socks and the floors get cold. You´ll need a
pair of gloves, a scarf and a warm jacket but nothing too heavy. While the temperature
drops to around 40º F at the lowest, it seems colder sometimes because a lot of homes
are not equipped for central heating (but they have space heaters).
If you have any special medication, you should bring a good supply with you. You’ll
probably be able to find the equivalent here, but just in case bring a supply. All other
cosmetic/toiletry items can be found in Seville with no problem. Bed linens, pillows etc.
are all provided.
During September and part of October, it can still be quite warm. For the summer
months, you might want to bring a bathing suit, beach towel, shorts (but not TOO short),
tops, light summer dresses, and sandals.
When packing you´ll also want to keep in mind that most probably you will be going out
a lot at night (most students do) and that Spaniards dress up somewhat more on a daily
basis then Americans do - that is, Americans dress a lot more casually. Large size
clothing (meaning baggy clothing) is not as popular here as in the U.S., especially
among females.
However, without a doubt, fashion here is converging with the U.S. sense of style.
Also, make sure to include a pair of comfortable walking shoes since most students
walk A LOT.
Hairdryers, alarm clocks and a small radio can be used within the home. Some
students find it is easier to buy a cheap hairdryer or alarm clock in Seville then to bring
theirs and have to deal with adapters/converters etc. Some roommates can split the
cost and share.
There is no guaranteed internet access in the homes. The ICS has WI-FI wireless
service free of charge so you may want to bring your laptop...we highly recommend it.
However, most homes have internet access as well.
VERY IMPORTANT ADVICE: Pack one change of clothing or at least underclothes
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in your carry-on. Sometimes luggage can get lost and one of the worst ways to begin
your semester is to arrive without a change of clothes.
Students are recommended to lock their luggage with TSA locks, to ensure their
valuables.
Every semester, a few students arrive and do not get their luggage – if this happens to
you, DO NOT PANIC. In 99.9% of the cases, the luggage arrives in 24 hours and is
sent to your home directly. Having packed a change of clothes or underclothes in your
carry-on assures that you will have a change of clothes for those 24 hours!
End of ICS excerpt.
Money Matters
Changes to Cost/Budget (11/13)
Please note that some items in Part 1 of your Cost/Budget sheet may increase over the
course of the term. Should this occur, student participants will be responsible for paying
the increased charges, which will be posted on student MYUH accounts. In addition, if
the US dollar is weaker than the quoted exchange rate at the time of payment to the
host institution, then students will be billed for the difference. Alternatively, if the US
dollar is stronger, then students will be reimbursed.
Automatic Teller Machine (ATM) Bank Cards
Personal funds from your U.S. bank account may be accessed by using the ATM bank
cards. The ATM cards must be part of an international network (PLUS, CIRRUS, Visa,
Mastercard logos). Use the ATMs that have these logos. Funds withdrawn in Spain will
be in Euros (€). There are bank machines all over Seville. A maximum of $300-700
can be withdrawn within a 24-hour period, depending on your bank.
While funds can be withdrawn from an ATM, it is recommended that you have two
separate bank accounts and with two accompanying separate ATM bank cards. This is
a precaution in case the ATM card is de-magnetized or “swallowed” by the machine.
Traveler’s Checks
Should you wish to carry large sums of funds, it is also recommended that you carry the
funds in U.S. dollars in the form of traveler’s checks. This is the safest way to transport
money. You can then open a savings account with a Spanish bank and deposit the
traveler’s checks, or keep them and change smaller amounts as necessary. Remember
to sign them ONCE until you need to use them.
Cash to be taken with you for immediate spending
It is recommended that you take along at least USD $200 equivalent in Euros. This is in
case you need money to spend right away. You could exchange U.S. dollars at the
airport upon arrival. However, the exchange rate is usually unfavorable at airports.
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Besides, “jet-lag” may cause disorientation and you may not want to have the anxiety of
changing money at the airport. Please note that as of June 2012 there was no
money exchange facility at the Seville airport (7/12).
Credit Cards
It is recommended that you carry a minimum of one or two credit cards. VISA is
generally more widely accepted than MasterCard in Europe. American Express is not
as widely accepted as VISA. Purchasing large items with credit cards allows one to
receive the best exchange rates and does not involve currency changing on the
individual’s part. Be aware that small grocery stores, some restaurants, pharmacy, etc.
will probably not accept credit cards.
If one runs out of money, cash advances can be easily made by going to a local bank.
However, be aware credit card cash advances have extremely high compound interest
rates.
Chip-based Credit Card
Used widely outside the USA, chip-based credit cards are embedded with a smart chip
that reduces fraud. The USA is the only developed country primarily using credit and
debit cards with magnetic strips. Chip-based credit card users insert the cards into a
slot and punch a PIN to finalize the transaction. Although card terminals overseas also
have a slot for magnetic strip cards, cashiers in less traveled areas are sometimes
confused by how to process such transactions. In other circumstances, such as train
ticket kiosks, credit cards with magnetic strips cannot be read. (2/12)
Here is a link to sign up for a smart chip credit card with Bank of America:
https://www.bankofamerica.com/credit-cards/products/bankamericard-travel-rewardscredit-card.go (12/13)
Check Cards
A check card that has the “VISA” logo will be accepted when making purchases. Be
aware though, small grocery stores, restaurants, pharmacies, etc. will probably not
accept check cards.
Personal Checks
Personal checks from a checking account are not accepted outside the United States.
Money Transfer from the U.S.
There are several ways in which a person from the U.S. can transfer funds overseas so
that the student can access them. Some of the easiest ways are:
Depositing Funds into the Student’s Local Bank Account for Access from Overseas
Deposit funds into the student’s local bank. As stated earlier, personal funds from the
student’s U.S. bank account may be accessed by using the ATM bank cards. The ATM
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cards must be part of the CIRRUS or PLUS systems. Funds withdrawn in Spain will be
in Euros (€). There are bank machines all over Seville
Western Union Wire Transfer
Need to send money? Whether you prefer to send cash at a Western Union® Agent location, call 1-800CALL-CASHSM or send money online, the choice is yours.
Learn more about money transfer options and how to send money online. Western
Union’s website address is: http://www.westernunion.com
Please note that transferring funds via the Western Union is quite expensive.
Sickness, Health Insurance, Health Emergencies
Students must inform the ICS Student Affairs Office and the UHM Study Abroad Center
if they need any health care services—no matter how minor the illness may be. Calling
home in the U.S. will not get medical attention to the student. By all means students are
encouraged to inform their family members. However, immediate medical attention can
be sought by informing the ICS Student Affairs rather than calling home.
All students will be issued a DKV Health Plan insurance card. You should keep this
card on you at all times as it is used as payment for doctor’s office visits, clinics,
hospitals, ambulances, etc. ICS provides your host family with a list of doctors from
which outpatient treatment can be obtained. Students are also provided with the names
of hospitals and doctors for emergency treatment. Students must go only to the private
clinics covered under the DKV Health Plan.
Seeing the Local Doctor
If a student needs to visit a local physician for non-emergency purposes , then a referral
and appointments will be made for you by the ICS Student Affairs Office. Please
contact them.
Emergency Illness
Students also have access to Emergency Health Care at the local Hospital. Your host
mom will be provided by ICS with a list of DKV Health Plan insurance providers. You
will also be given a list of participating doctors and hospitals. Please do not visit health
care facilities outside the list as you will risk paying out of pocket. Do not forget to
inform ICS personnel.
Medication
Any medication required must be paid up-front. The cost is affordable.
Health Insurance
Students in the program are automatically enrolled in the DKV health plan which begins
on the day of the designated group arrival in Seville and stops on the date of departure.
These dates are noted on the program dates above. (5/09) The health insurance covers
medical and accident insurance. It does NOT COVER THE COST OF MEDICATION.
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In addition, the UHM Study Abroad Center strongly recommends that students in Study
Abroad programs carry valid health insurance at home (United States). The
International Student Identity Card (ISIC), issued by the Study Abroad Center, has bare
and basic health insurance coverage. The ISIC is issued to ALL UHM Study Abroad
students.
One should be aware that U.S. health insurance is NOT accepted in Spain. If you wish
to receive reimbursement for out of pocket payments (medication) from your U.S. health
insurance provider, it is important to keep all receipts and a description of the treatment
provided by the physician. Upon return to the U.S. the student can claim
reimbursement from the appropriate health insurance companies including the ISIC
insurance. The cost of health care is affordable in Spain.
Students need to check with their health insurance company about the exact coverage
for treatment overseas and the reimbursement procedures prior to departure.
The Student’s Responsibility Concerning His/Her Welfare and Safety
Our hope is that this study abroad experience will enable you as a student to focus on the
environment that you are experiencing, and not so much on yourself. We hope that you
seek to understand, not complain about, the unfamiliar, the uncomfortable, and the
somewhat disconcerting aspects of the host culture. Above all you voluntarily participated
in this program – after all – participation in a study abroad program is not a Mānoa degree
requirement. Thus, we conclude that you are willing to abide by all the program
requirements and not ask for exceptions. They will not be given – unless they pertain to
your health and safety needs.
The University of Hawai‘i, Mānoa Study Abroad Center’s policy is to provide the highest
standard of care to ensure a safe and secure learning and living environment for both
our students and faculty who participate in our programs. To accomplish this, parents
of student participants, our host institution personnel, the participants themselves, and
the UHM Study Abroad Center personnel, must work together. The following list of
“Student Responsibilities” is provided to each Study Abroad Participant. This is with the
understanding and the recognition that you as the student participant are very much
responsible for the outcome of your behavior overseas. Please abide by and accept
these responsibilities.
The “UHM Semester in Seville, Spain Study Abroad” program is an intensive academic
and cross-cultural immersion program. Academic and cross cultural training are
ensured through classroom instruction, experiential activities, related cultural excursions
and by living in Seville with local families as paying guests throughout the duration.
Further, there are many cross-cultural exchange opportunities that will enable students
to “understand” and “appreciate” Spain. The Study Abroad program is designed so that
students can complete their academic work and experience Spain “close-up”. The
setup is there, but what each student makes of it is entirely up to him/her.
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Your voluntary participation in the program indicates that you are going to abide by all
the program requirements and rules. No exceptions will be granted unless it is
concerning your health and safety.
List of your responsibilities
Please ensure that all the materials provided regarding the Semester in Seville Study
Abroad program are read thoroughly. These materials include the “Pre-Departure
Student Handbook”, “Pre-Departure Notes”, the “Student Conduct Code, University Of
Hawai‘i at Mānoa”, and “ICS Study Abroad Program—Seville”. The information
contained in these materials, among other items include program rules and regulations.
The rules and/or requirements have evolved over a period several years to meet your
academic, health and safety needs.
It is also important to remember that the program has NO control over students’
experiences. As an adult attending a university, students and not Study Abroad are in
“charge” of their own experiences as well as the consequences of their actions
overseas. The key to a positive experience in a Study Abroad program lies in the
students’ ultimate motive to attend such a program. Following are some of the areas
that students are directly responsible for:
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Studying and learning the culture and society in such an immersion program rests
on the student’s ability to be flexible and to compromise. Seville is not Honolulu and
Sevillanos are not going to behave according to “American” expectations and
values. Students must understand these facts—not just visually but emotionally and
then rationally as well—it will help them to be flexible and to compromise.
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Informing ICS Dr. Martínez regarding any academic issues or class changes or any
other issue you may be faced with.
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Informing the ICS Housing Director Gina de los Santos regarding any problems that
arise concerning housing. Housing difficulties will be addressed, and if all fails,
students will be provided with another living arrangement if appropriate. However,
note that housing changes will not be made automatically based on your personal
conveniences.
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Informing the ICS staff regarding illnesses. (Calling home to Hawai‘i will not get the
students to the proper health care facilities.) ICS personnel will refer students to a
local doctor for any illness. However, the ICS Personnel needs to be informed so
that students may be helped. Health care in Spain is comparable to health care in
the u.s.
Please note that the UHM Study Abroad Center and ICS advise students to take all
of their prescription medications that they normally take for the duration of the
program. Do not count on receiving your prescription medication via mail.
In addition, students are asked to take a small first aid kit with them with the
necessary “over the counter” medication. A list is provided in the pre-departure
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handbook. U.S. Health insurance is not accepted in Spain. However, students are
enrolled in the DKV health insurance plan. Carry the insurance card on you at all
times. See section on health insurance for further details.
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Informing the ICS Staff and leaving a detailed itinerary of your whereabouts during
weekends/breaks if you plan to travel, or if you intend not to be at their
accommodations overnight. This is NOT an option.
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Maintaining a low profile. Students are asked not to advertise themselves as an
American by wearing University clothing or clothing which advertises American
companies or logos. They should observe and tailor their clothing and behaviors
according to the local people.
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Avoiding crowds and demonstrations. Students are asked to go in the other
direction and to keep up with local news through newspapers, radio and TV. In the
event of disturbances or protests, students are asked not to get involved.
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Being polite but firm with the people you come across. Always speak the local
language if you can.
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Do not open up your street map while trying to find a place signaling to everyone
around you that you are a tourist. Plan ahead as to where you are going or be
discrete while reading a street map.
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Avoiding night clubs, entertainment establishments, restaurants, or any other
establishments that are either owned or are frequented by Americans or foreign
nationals.
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Staying clear of unattended packages in public places and of unattended luggage in
train stations, airports, hotel, hostels, etc.
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Using common sense and caution when divulging information to strangers about
themselves, their program and their fellow students. They should not let a stranger
follow them home.
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Before traveling out of the program site, students should check with the US
Embassy in Madrid (the address is in the pre-departure workbook) or the US
Consulate in Seville of their destination for the current travel advisory information.
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Students are asked to register with the US State Department PRIOR to departure
on-line. The website address is: https://travelregistration.state.gov.
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Students are asked to keep in touch with their family on a regular basis. Students
may know that they are safe and that things are going well, however, family
members are always concerned with their welfare & appreciate hearing from them.
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During the in-country orientation ICS will explain the ICS Contingency plan in case of
an emergency. Important emergency phone numbers and addresses are also
included. Please note that at the end of the pre-departure notes these contacts are
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also included. ICS and UHM will make reasonable efforts given the circumstances
to ensure the student’s health and safety. Finally, a cell phone will be issued to you
by ICS for your use and especially in emergencies. Please ensure that you provide
SAC and your family members with you cell phone number. Please allow the UHM
SAC telephone numbers (808) 956-6958 and (808) 956-5143 access to your cell
phone number in Seville. (4/12)
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Informing Sarita Rai or any staff member at the UHM Study Abroad Center of any
changes (good or bad), or problems that arise. If students would like Sarita to speak
to the staff of ICS or the Resident Director (if applicable) regarding any matter, they
must let her know.
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Students should monitor or control all their daily personal decisions, choices and
activities.
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Be aware that driving any motor vehicle is prohibited on any UH-Mānoa Study
Abroad Program.
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Not engaging in illegal, dangerous or unwise activities. Use of illegal substance
constitutes an automatic dismissal from the program.
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Students should understand that they may experience frustration and anger because
their home-country (Hawai‘i) cultural values differ from those of Spain, and others in
the program.
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Arriving in Spain with an open mind and WITHOUT preconceived notions.
Grievances
Grievance Prior to Departure: Programmatic complaints should be directed, in writing, to
the Study Abroad Advisor. If you do not agree with the Study Abroad Advisor’s decision,
then you can file an appeal, in writing, with the Director of the Study Abroad Center. If you
do not agree with the Director’s decision, then you can file an appeal, in writing, with the
Council on Study Abroad. The Council’s decision is final. (R 11/11)
Grievance with Programmatic Decisions Involving Academics, Payments,
Accommodation, and Excursions: On-site programmatic decisions should be directed, in
writing, to the current UHM Resident Director. If you do not agree with the current UHM
Resident Director’s decision, then you can file an appeal, in writing, with the Study Abroad
Advisor. If you do not agree with the Advisor’s decision, you can file an appeal, in writing,
with the Director of the Study Abroad Center. If you do not agree with the Director’s
decision, then you can file an appeal, in writing, with the Council on Study Abroad. The
Council’s decision is final. (R 11/11)
Sexual Harassment Complaints
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Sexual harassment complaints should be directed, in writing, to the Resident Director.
The Resident Director will forward your complaint to the UHM Gender Equity Specialist.
(R 11/11)
Dismissal from the Program (4/10)
Please be informed that the UHM Study Abroad Center and the Host Institution have
the right to dismiss you as the student from the program. Based on the following
standards.
Academic Performance and Satisfaction
University of Hawai`i Mānoa (UHM) Study Abroad Center Programs provide UHM
students with a unique opportunity to further their academic progress while studying and
living abroad. The consequences of failing to fulfill a study abroad course requirement
differ significantly from those at the Mānoa Campus. Hence, UHM Study Abroad Center
Programs have developed and implemented academic satisfaction standards that differ
from what is accepted while attending the UH-Mānoa campus. The sole reason the
UHM students are allowed to go “abroad” is based primarily on the “study” component.
It is a privilege to be abroad and inherently linked to a student making satisfactory
academic progress. If not, UHM Study Abroad Center Programs would become a
vehicle for travel and/or vacation abroad.
If a student is not making satisfactory academic progress, the UHM Study Abroad
Center retains its right to terminate the student’s participation in the program and send
the student home at their own (or parent’s) expense. Further, it retains its right to sever
the student’s ties to the study abroad program at the specified location.
Some examples of violations of this requirement include but are not limited to:
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
The student’s participation in the classroom is incompatible with the interest,
harmony, comfort and welfare of the Program and other students in the class;
Non-attendance in mandatory classes and activities;
Failure to complete assigned readings and any other homework prior to attending
the class;
Failure to contribute to class discussions;
Failure to take all required exams;
Failing the class requirements
Standards of Conduct
You have agreed and signed the following as part of your Agreement and Release
document.
I will comply with the Program’s rules, standards and instructions for student behavior. I
hereby waive and release all claims against the University of Hawai`i and its agents
arising at the time when I am not under the direct supervision or to comply with such
40
rules, standards and instructions, and I agree to indemnify the University of Hawai`i and
its agents against any consequences thereof. I agree that the program shall have the
right to enforce appropriate standards of conduct, and that it may at any time terminate
my participation in the Program for failure to maintain these standards or for any actions
or conduct which the Program considers to be incompatible with the interest, harmony,
comfort and welfare of the Program and the other students. If my participation is
terminated, I consent to being sent back to Hawai`i at my own (or my parents’) expense
with no refund of fees
Extending for Another Term (8/10)
If you wish to extend your study at ICS or UofS, you will need an authorization/approval
to continue for another term from the UHM Study Abroad Center. The authorization to
continue for another term is not automatic. You will need to request for an extension by
the application deadline for the next term. You will also need to submit the following by
the due date:
1. Study Statement and why you with to extend for another term
2. Confidential Academic Reference Form from your current UHM resident director and
another one from Dr. Ignacio Martinez
The Center will then review your request and notify you of its approval or denial. If
approved then, you are required to send in your non-refundable initial payment by the
requested due date and complete the necessary paperwork. Additionally, you will need
to extend your visa to stay in Spain longer, therefore please consult with the
International Office personnel regarding this matter.
Returning Semester to UHM
UHM Study Abroad Center will notify you via e-mail when the PRE REGISTRATION
period is about to commence for your returning semester at UHM. (5/09)
You are required to register for classes via the web through your myuh account. The
address is: www.hawaii.edu/myuh.
Pertinent Information for the student’s returning semester is accessible through the web:
 Schedule of Classes …..……………. www.hawaii.edu/myuh/manoa
 Financial Aid Services & FAFSA…… www.hawaii.edu/fas
 UHM Student Housing*……………….www.housing.hawaii.edu
Students’ responsibilities
 Determining registration appointment day and time
 Clearing any holds that may prevent registration
 Registering for classes for the returning semester
 Observing registration payment deadlines
 Financial Aid Students: completing and submitting a FAFSA
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
Student Housing Students: applying for housing and observing all related
paperwork and payment deadlines*
Please contact Max Lee at uhmsac@hawaii.edu


*if you have lived in “on-campus” housing prior to your study abroad term and are
applying for on-campus housing for your returning semester. Housing requires
verification and endorsement from the Center (1/10)
if you have any problems concerning your registration for the returning semester
(1/10)
Those students whose home campuses are other than UH Mānoa please make sure
that you are in contact with your home advisor to ensure a smooth re-entry to your
campus.
Class Standing During Returning Term at UHM
Students should be aware that there will be no change in class standing if the grades of
the specific study abroad semester have not been reported. In other words, if you are a
sophomore prior to attending the study abroad term, then you will remain a sophomore
if your study abroad grades have not been posted on your UHM transcripts. When your
grades are posted and depending on the number of credits that you earned during the
Semester Abroad then you will move from sophomore to junior level. Therefore, don’t
assume that you will automatically move a class level at the time you pre-register back
on-campus at Mānoa. As noted in the “grade report” section, Study Abroad Center
does not receive grade reports immediately from abroad.
Additionally, please understand that more than likely your grades from Seville would not
have been reported on time to meet your pre-registration deadline at UHM. Therefore,
you may not be able to register in specific classes that have certain pre-requisites.
Visa to Enter Spain
As stated in your acceptance letter you will be required to obtain a student visa. The
Study Abroad Center has received permission from the Spanish Consulate General in
San Francisco to submit student visa application for Spain on behalf of the students.
When the Center receives your passports with the student visas, we will call you so that
you may pick-up your passports. Alternatively these can be mailed to you as well based
on your instructions to do so.
If you wish to submit your own student visa application then please follow the
procedure below.
The guarantee letters, admissions and program financial sponsorship will be provided to
you upon request. Please inform the Study Abroad personnel. The visa application
information was provided to you with the acceptance paperwork. Please read all the
instructions on the forms, complete the visa application, enclose all required documents,
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and submit them to the Consulate General of Spain according to your place of
permanent residence.
Remember you MUST appear in PERSON at the Spanish consulate general for an
interview for your student visa. Therefore, please ensure that you have requested an
interview date on-line. Note the interview date must be within 90 days prior to your
departure for Spain.
For students who will study in Seville for a year: In addition to the requirements for the
semester student visa, you must obtain additional items: Police Criminal Record
Clearance which must be a certificate from the FBI legalized with the Apostille of the
Hague Convention from the US Department of State and Medical Certificate from your
doctor. (7/12)
Airline Ticket
If you have booked your airline ticket through Third Eye Travel, you will receive your
tickets shortly. Please review your airline ticket to make sure that your name is spelled
correctly and that your return date is accurate. You will need to re-confirm your travel
date by calling the airlines 72 hours prior to your departure as well when you return. At
this time be sure to request a seat assignment. If there are any inaccuracies on your
ticket ensure that they are corrected with the Airlines directly by you. You will need to
do the same prior to your departure from Spain.
If you wish to change your return date to Honolulu, please call the airline directly or the
agency listed on the jacket of your ticket. You may need to pay a penalty for any date
change that you make.
Checked-in and Carry-on Baggage:
Call each airline on your flight itinerary to inquire about excess checked-in baggage, the
number of pieces you are allowed to check-in, the weight of each, and the cost of
excess pieces of baggage and/or excess weight. Inquire about carry-on baggage: how
many pieces are allowed, the weight of each and the cost of excess pieces and/or
excess weight. Rules and regulations change quite frequently and fees for excess
weight can be quite expensive at 100EUR per kilogram. Therefore, check with each
airline on your flight itinerary about baggage requirements before you depart for Spain,
as well as at the end of the program, before you return to the USA. (R 12/11)
Airport Check-in
You need to arrive at Honolulu International Airport or at the airport of your departure
city at least 2 hours before your departure. At the check-in counter be sure to check all
your non-carry-on luggage to your final destination—Seville.
Please be on-time, as the airport security is tight. In addition, people who come to see
you off at the airport will not be allowed past the security gates. Please consult the TSA
website http://www.tsa.gov/ for all allowable carry-on items prior to your departure.
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Arrival at Madrid Airport, Immigration and Transfer
If your flight is routed through Madrid as the first city of arrival in Europe (11/08) you will
need to clear immigration upon arrival. You must present your passport to the Spanish
immigration official at this point. If you arrive at Madrid as the first city of arrival –
please check with the officials to see if you need to collect your luggage and go through
customs and then transfer your luggage to Sevilla. (11/08)
In Madrid, you need to transfer to another terminal for your continuing flight to Seville.
The domestic terminal is a distance away. After you clear immigration, exit the airport
and get on the shuttle bus that will take you to another terminal.
If the first landing city in Europe is other than a Spanish city – you will go through
immigration procedures at that arrival point e.g., Frankfurt and pickup your luggage in
Seville – your final destination.
Airport Reception for Group Flight in Seville
For those of you who are taking the group flight and/or arrive when the group flight is
scheduled to arrive, ICS staff will receive you at the airport, get a taxi for you and send
you on to your accommodations.
Pick-up your luggage and exit. You will see ICS staff members outside of the luggage
area. ICS staff will know who you are because they will have received your photograph.
ICS will pay for the taxi fare to your accommodations and back to the airport on your
departure day.
Please ensure that you carry at least 25€ for your taxi fare. ICS will reimburse you the
funds a week after your arrival. Please note that as of June 2012 there was no money
exchange facility at the Seville airport (7/12). Therefore, obtain EUROS in the USA
prior to your departure for Spain. You may also exchange currency at major airports
such as Madrid and Frankfurt.
Individual Arrivals
When you arrive in Seville, whether at the central train station or at the airport, take a
taxi directly to your homestay. Budget at least 25€ for the taxi ride. Please note that as
of June 2012 there was no money exchange facility at the Seville airport (7/12).
Therefore, obtain EUROS in the USA prior to your departure for Spain. You may also
exchange currency at major airports such as Madrid and Frankfurt.
Mailing Address in Seville
Your mail can be sent either to your place of residence in Seville or ICS. Please refer to
“Mail” section in the ICS Handbook. If you choose to have your mail sent to ICS, the
address is:
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YOUR NAME
International College of Seville
c/ Porvenir 15
41013 Seville, SPAIN
Important Contact Numbers ICS International College of Seville
c/ Porvenir 15
41013 Seville
Spain
Phone:(+34)95.423.38.38, Fax: (+34) 95.423.72.70
www.ICS-seville.org
Juan Dura, President
jdura@ics-seville.org
Ignacio Martinez, Vice President for Academic Affairs
imartinez@ics-seville.org
Gina de los Santos, Housing Director
housing@ics-seville.org
Marisa González, Student Affairs.
studentaffairs@ics-seville.org
Javier Durá
library@ics-seville.org
Office Hours:
45
Monday through Thursday
8:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Friday 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
ICS Emergency Contact only
Dr. Ignacio Martínez, VP for Academic Affairs (all academic and personal welfare
matters)
Home phone: 34 95 445 5770 (emergencies only)
Dr. Juan Durá, Director
Home phone: 34 95 572 6378 (emergencies only)
UHM Resident Faculty Director in Seville SPRING 2014
Professor JANE MOULIN
Phone: TBA
e-mail: moulin@hawaii.edu
University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa, Study Abroad Center
1890 East-West Road
Honolulu, HI 96822
Tel: 808 956 5143 /6958
Fax: 808 956 9319
uhmsac@ hawaii.edu
www.studyabroad.org or www.studyabroad.hawaii.edu
Sarita Rai, Director
Tel: 808 956 4738; (home) 808 263 3752
sarita@hawaii.edu
Vanessa Chong Kuna, Advisor (student advising, welfare, student issues)
Tel: 808 956 6958
vchong@hawaii.edu
Max Lee, Advisor (student registration, advising, related issues)
Tel: 808 956 5143
maxl@hawaii.edu
Allison Yap, Advisor (student advising, welfare, student issues)
Tel: 808 956 6958
yap@hawaii.edu
Yayoi Marshall, Fiscal Specialist (fiscal matters)
Tel: 808 956 5143
46
yayoik@hawaii.edu
Lentina Villa, Administrative Specialist, website, social media
Tel: 808 956 5143
lentina@hawaii.edu
Understanding the Spanish Education System and
How U.S. Students Can Adapt and Excel in Such a System
As you prepare to study in Spain, it is important that you begin to realize and think about
the Spanish system of education. The UHM Study Abroad Center’s philosophy is that
the more informed you are - the more prepared you will be to adjust and succeed in an
environment other than Hawai‘i. The discussion below is NOT designed to imply that
one system of education is BETTER than the other—but simply to help you succeed
academically by being aware.
1. Spanish Versus the U.S. Education
On a theoretical and philosophical level it is important to note that Education systems
everywhere in the world are products of ones own society, culture, economics, politics,
history, etc. Therefore, remind yourself constantly of one essential fact which has farreaching implications: you will not be going to an American school. You will be
attending a Spanish University with Spanish instructors who have Spanish expectations,
and the Spanish system of education is significantly different than that of the American
system of education.
The key difference between the American and the Spanish systems are that the
Spaniards expect students to take a lot of initiative in pursuing their degrees and
assume that students are working toward their degrees on an independent basis.
Spanish students are prepared for this throughout their education and are “encouraged”
by having to compete to earn a place in college and to keep it. Each Spanish student
goes to college almost tuition-free and receives a government grant to pay for basic
living expenses as long as s/he can get in a college and stay in. The fact that there are
only enough places in colleges for 20 percent of the Spanish high school graduates to
pursue a bachelor’s degree says something about the fierceness of the competition.
Meanwhile in Hawai‘i, virtually every high school graduate, regardless of grade point
average, can go to a University (state or private). Further, community colleges have an
“open door” admissions policy. Because the basic motivation is very different under
such circumstances, American courses are filled with “coercive” devices to motivate
students to do at least a minimum amount of work, e.g., daily assignments,
unannounced quizzes, short test, long tests, required attendance, term papers, final
exams, etc. While it is true that you get out of a class exactly what you put into it, the
fact is, the American system forces one to work and to learn something whether the
students are internally motivated or not.
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What happens when an American student who is nurtured all his/her life, enters a
system where the teachers simply assume that students are working diligently, with no
need for particular direction? Therein lies the problem. The American student, who is
expecting to be told what to do, naturally assumes that everything is alright unless s/he
hears differently. Unfortunately, the Spanish teacher makes exactly the same
assumption. If the Spanish teacher hasn’t heard from the student, then the student
obviously knows what s/he is supposed to be doing and is doing it.
UHM Students are aware of these differences, and to an extent they are tuned into
these differences. However, quite understandably, students never completely abandon
their American perspective, so they still tend to impose an American judgment on the
experience such as “that course was easy”. This is a relevant assessment from the
American point of view, where the workload is determined by the instructor. However,
such an assessment is irrelevant to the Spanish system, where the amount of work is
determined by the students. In the Spanish system, an “easy course” is one in which
the student demands very little of her/himself, and in the Spanish system, much more
than in the American system, s/he gets out of it exactly what s/he put into it.
The key to academic survival is to ask your teachers to explain exactly what is
expected. Often, a regular Spanish class will have an extensive reading list rather than
a daily syllabus. Be sure to ask the teacher where to start on that list. Don’t wait to be
told. Don’t assume that books will be in the library whenever you get around to reading
it. Other students need the same books so you have to keep after them. Some books
may not be in the Universidad de Sevilla library, so you may have to search in other
libraries in the area.
In general, don’t take anything for granted, especially when it comes to papers and
exams. Be sure that the instructor tells you what s/he wants in detail, the length of the
essay, the structure and form of the essay, the books to focus on, the scope, and the
due dates.
2. Spanish Versus American Assignments
It is safe to say that in an American class you receive a syllabus with specified daily
assignments and you do them on a daily basis. At regular intervals you have tests on
units of materials covered, and the tests are usually true/false, multiple choice, or fill-inthe-blanks with an occasional short essay on which you are graded on facts and
concepts, but not on grammar or form. Rarely (depending on disciplines), do you write
lengthy essays or research papers. At the end of the semester you take a final exam,
and the course is over.
One cannot emphasize too strongly that this is NOT the Spanish approach. Your
instructors will assume that as students who have expressed an interest in studying in a
different system, you are ready, willing, and able to adapt to the Spanish way.
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Consequently, you must expect to be held to the Spanish system of evaluations.
Whether the instructors specify daily assignments on a syllabus or not, they will assume
that you are doing the required and recommended readings on your own, as well as
researching on your own topics of special interest to you. If you don’t have enough to
do, you are expected to ask the teacher for additional guidance and direction. (To
appreciate how very different this is from the American system, just ask yourself when
you last asked one of your teachers for more work.) Your Spanish instructors will give
few, if any, tests as Americans think of them, except possibly near the beginning of the
semester. Such early assessments will be given much less weight in the final grade
than the later, more extensive pieces of work, which will usually be essays that reflect
your mastery of required, recommended, and extra readings. You whole grade for the
semester might very well hang on one or two essays in which you demonstrate all you
know on the subject. Be sure to ask your instructors how much each assignment
counts toward your final grade, so that you know where you stand throughout the
semester.
3. Spanish Assessment Versus American Exams
In the American system objective, true/false, and multiple-choice questions are used to
test knowledge of details whereas essay questions are used to test understanding of
general points. In some courses your essay answers will actually be down-graded if
you have too much detail because the teacher will suspect you of padding your answer
with material you already used in the objective portion of the test.
In the Spanish system, on the other hand, your professors will expect an essay to
combine the general and the specific, the conclusions and the details to back them fully.
One complaint often heard about the essays submitted by American students is that
they tend to be very thin with some good general points.
Adapting to such a system can be difficult for some students, especially if, in their
hearts, they think they are still on their homes campuses. It is critically important that
you recognize the difference and that you accept the Spanish definition on its own terms
from the outset. Indeed, part of the value of the whole experience is to see another
system of education at work and to participate in it.
4. How hard are the classes?
Past students have occasionally commented that the Spanish classes are a snap.
Interestingly, the Spanish instructors have mentioned that the work of the American
students is often superficial. Why is there such a discrepancy? A partial explanation is
that, generally American students work to complete a task. Americans are used to
having every assignment specified, and then they work toward a goal.
Spanish instructors look at things very differently. For example, beyond the required
assignments, they will assume that all the books, all the articles, they mention in class
or list as “recommended readings” will be reflected in your essays. They also believe
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that what is studied in a course barely scratches the surface. Therefore, though you
might “finish your work” in the American sense, you are never really finished in the
Spanish sense because no matter how much you study, from the Spanish point of view
you have only just begun.
Generally speaking, American students are used to the teacher determining the amount
of work and the pace of study. A “hard course” is one in which the teacher piles on the
assignments day after day. The teacher makes the demands, issues the challenges,
and turns up the pressure.
In the Spanish system, the teacher is a resource person providing guidance, but the
student is expected to set h/her own pace and to work to her/his capacity. The
motivation must come from within the student, who must demand much of her/himself,
challenge her/himself, keep the pressure on her/himself.
The better you understand the fundamental pedagogical and philosophical differences
between education in the United States and in Spain, the better your academic
experience will be. Most UHM students do adjust successfully, and, in fact, come to
enjoy the experience. Most students do realize that the Spanish system is predicated
on individual initiative and self-motivation. They get a great deal out of their classes
because they put a great deal into them. They learn to demand much of themselves, to
put pressure on themselves. So will you!