DEAR FUTURE ACA SPAIN STUDENT,
Packing up your life and moving to another country for a year can be a daunting, and even
scary experience. However, it can also be a very exciting and fun adventure.
You are about to embark on an adventure at Escuela Superior De Español de Sagunto. Most
of this adventure involves figuring out some things on your own and experiencing mishaps,
but we decided to give you some packing guidelines and some helpful hints that we hope
will make the start of your adventure more enjoyable and a little less stressful.
Think of it as a set of guidelines or suggestions, not rules. Enjoy and don't be afraid to try
new things, have crazy adventures, and learn Spanish!
From,
Returned ACA students who know what you will be going through
Clothes: There are great sales at the shopping centers, and it is nice to buy new
things, so don't bring too many clothes.
Church clothes: It is relatively casual all year, especially in the summer. For
women, skirts with nice shirts or sundresses and sandals are fine. For men, polo
shirts and khakis are fine.
Flip-flops: There are community showers definitely in the men’s dorm and
possibly for the women’s dorm, so bring flip flops! You will also need them for the
beach.
Exercise: There is a gymnasium with sports, and there is an aerobics class
sometimes. Bring tennis shoes and modest exercise clothes. You will also have
the opportunity to go swimming, so make sure to bring a swimsuit.
Seasonal wear: A lightweight rain jacket, lightweight fleece jacket, waterproof
athletic shoes and quick dry base layers are great for traveling light and fast.
They have mild winters, but you might want to pack for everything in case you
travel to a cold place.
Dress code: You can wear what you want at the school—there is not a specific
dress code, but try not to bring expensive clothing or anything that requires dry
cleaning.
Average Low and High Temperatures in Sagunto, Spain (˚F)
January
41-60
July
68-87
February
42-63
August
70-88
March
46-67
September
64-82
April
49-70
October
57-75
May
56-75
November
48-67
June
63-82
December
43-61
International Student Identity card: Getting this gives you a lot of discounts while you travel.
School supplies: You can find what you need regarding school supplies, but index cards are difficult to
find.
501 Spanish Verbs book: Very useful and hard to find in Spain (not to mention expensive!).
Spanish-English dictionary: You will need this in class! Also expensive and hard to find in Spain.
Bible: The university will give you a Spanish Bible, but you may want to bring a Bible in your own
language. It is also nice to have a dual-language Bible, but you should buy that before you go abroad.
Devotional book in English: This keeps your spirituality accessible and separate from the frustrations
of another language.
Devotional book in Spanish: This will help you connect your spirituality with Spanish and help you learn
religious words.
Computer, iPod, webcam device: Skype is one of the most convenient ways to
keep in touch with loved ones while you’re abroad. You may need to bring a
computer for school assignments.
External hard drive, flash drive: You will need to make space for all the potential
pictures and videos from your year. Having them backed up online can save a lot of
trouble if these devices break or are lost or stolen. It would be a good idea to back
up your files online.
Cell phones: It is best to buy prepaid phone and buy a SIM card for each country
that you go to. If not, you can just bring your smart phone and use a skype number,
it may be cheaper, all you need is wifi.
Voltage converter/adapter: Voltage and outlets are different from the U.S. You
can ruin your electronics if you don’t have a 220 volt converter and adapter.
Credit card: You need to have a credit card for some
airlines because they won’t take a debit card.
Bring snacks: Nutritious, compact snacks will be
useful when traveling.
Journal: You’ll want this to keep track of your
memories. You can also keep a photo journal of your
experiences.
Difficult to find and expensive: Batteries and shaving
razors.
Pictures from home: Put them on your dorm wall!
Your roommates and friends will love to see what your
family looks like, and the pictures will help with
homesickness.
Daniel and Jonathan in the Spanish Pyrenees.
Feminine hygiene products: You
will be able to go to Carrefour on a
regular basis, you should not have
to worry about bringing a years
supply of products. But your
favorite brand names may not be in
stock. If you are bringing a yea;rs
supply of something, it would
probably be deodorant.
Blow dryer and flat iron: These
items may not work upon arrival due
to power adapter issues. If so, you
can buy them at Carrefour for a good
price.
Jessica and some friends enjoying a nice day in Spain
Internet: It can be unreliable. If you try to Skype, it can be difficult. It
depends on how many people are using the Internet, so early in the morning
and late at night are better.
Theft: be aware of your surroundings when in the city because there will be
people that will want to take your stuff. Your rooms are key locked, but there
is a possibility of it happening if you keep your door unlocked.
Small first-aid kit: Basic first-aid products come in handy for small
emergencies.
Check your courses: Make sure you compare your courses with those of
your home college and make sure that they will count for something when
you get back.
Packages: Some people will receive packages and some will not. The mailing system is very
unreliable. There is no guarantee that it will make it. And you may have to pay a duty when you
receive it.
Laundry: The laundry machines and hard water are rather tough on clothes and will slowly degrade
everything you own. There are a couple of washers/dryers. You can do one load free every week,
but if you need to do more loads, you have to pay a euro for each one.
Recreational activities: There is a recreational period in the evening where you can play
basketball, soccer, volleyball. If you are interested in playing these sports, bring appropriate gear
because there are tournaments where you can play against other teams from other schools and
churches. There is also a workout room that is pretty decent.
Integrate yourself: CAS is an awesome school, but you will be tempted to spend most of your time
with other Americans. You will have to make a strong effort to spend more time with the locals.
Learn the basics: All instructions and classes are in Spanish from the start. You will be very
confused if you do not know a significant amount before you arrive.
Credit/debit cards: They are necessary for buying plane and train tickets. They
are great for emergencies. Make sure you’ve notified your bank because some
banks will freeze the card as soon as they see international transactions. Be aware
of fees for withdrawals and card usage in stores. Withdrawing a larger amount of
cash is more economical than withdrawing a little bit at a time.
Exchange rate:
http://www.xe.com/currencyconverter/convert/?Amount=1&From=EUR&To=USD
Exchanging money: Have some U.S. cash on hand when you arrive at the airport
as you will be able to exchange it for euros or francs at one of the money exchange
booths/banks located in the airport. There are also several ATMs at the Geneva
airport.
Passports: Keep your passport with you at all times
while traveling. Do not leave it unattended. It should
be kept in a safe place while traveling and during
your stay at the dorms.
Other important documents: Make sure you have
all your papers when you arrive and when you leave
Spain (passport, visa, birth certificate, etc.). During
the year make sure all documents are stored in an
inconspicuous, locked area. Make and keep copies of
all important documents.
Jessica admiring the exquisite architecture of
the Alhambra Palace in Granada
Backpack: Have a good quality travel backpack.
Sleeping bag: Lightweight sleeping bag or liner.
Water bottle: Get a water bottle that has a filter within the bottle.
Utensils: Have a lightweight spork, plastic knife, and plate with you to make “on
the go” meals. It is much cheaper than eating out all the time.
Misc: Air mattress, head lamp, quick-dry travel towel, light weight dry bags, small
travel alarm clock, good camera
Emergency clothes: Pack a couple days of clothes in your carry-on
bag in case your luggage gets lost.
Go lightweight: Choose lightweight clothing. It will take up less space
and weigh less.
Bring a luggage scale on all trips: If you travel discount airlines
(Ryanair), you will be heavily charged if your luggage is even a few
ounces overweight. Use a backpack because it is more flexible when
stuffing it into overhead compartments.
Think ahead: Plan everything in advance. Trains are the most efficient form of
travel and can be really cheap when you plan ahead. Book everything you can in
advance. Hostels, hotels, and all travel tickets will generally be cheaper and more
available weeks in advance.
Schedule it out: Triple check dates on tickets before buying them. Most of the time
it is very hard or impossible to change and it will ruin your trip. Enjoy your travels,
but be aware of your surroundings. Have a simple watch to keep track of time.
Choose an efficient travel route, plan trips to multiple countries in the most direct
route possible.
Do not over plan your trips: Choosing too many destinations is more expensive,
more stressful, and less enjoyable than spending more time in a few places.
Hand sanitizer/toilet paper: Have hand sanitizer and toilet paper at all
times.
Arrive early: Arrive at plane, train and bus stations at least an hour early.
Two hours early is better.
Keep your mementos: Save all the ticket stubs, maps, pamphlets, and hard
material you get. This will be invaluable to you when you want to remember
your travels after you get back.
First aid kit: Put together a small first aid kit containing aspirin, Dramamine,
anti-diarrhea medication, a small roll of athletic tape, mole skin, band aids,
Neosporin, and butterfly closures. Airborne is always a great defense
against colds.
Get enough sleep: Traveling tired is like driving tired; it is dangerous. You
are much more likely to forget your stuff, an important stop, and directions
if you are sleep deprived.
Explore everything: Cities are great, but over time you will see that they
are a lot alike. Get out in nature and see the natural wonders of your
destination. There will be less tourists, it will be more relaxed, and the views
will be more memorable.
Think smart: While at the beach, stash your wallet or other small valuables
in a clean empty sunscreen bottle. Similarly, put emergency cash in an
empty chapstick container and always keep it in your pocket. It will not draw
any attention and you will always have money on you just in case.
Skiing: There may be an opportunity to go
skiing, so take skiing equipment if you have it.
Campout: There is a school campout. You will
need a sleeping bag and some kind of sleeping
wear. It is in a camping area, but you will stay
in cabins.
Formal Dress Wear: There is one formal
night that is like a banquet where you dress up
with a shirt and tie/dress with heels.
Jessica enjoying a beautiful view
 Sheets
 Pillows
 A nice kitchenette with stove top and microwave
 You will need to bring a towel and washcloth
Chloe, Camrie, and Megan enjoying a day out in Andalucía
Be nice. When needing to talk to advisors, teachers or even peers at the
school it is more likely that they will help if you are nice first. Outside of
school try not to argue with vendors; just smile, disconnect eye contact, and
keep walking if not interested in their merchandise.
Be frugal. Everyone's financial situation is different, but the more money
you can hang on to, the more confident you will be when traveling. Always try
to find good deals and live cheap. Occasionally it is fun to splurge on a nice
dinner, show or clothing item.
Talk to people. One of the best ways to learn about the local culture is by
chatting with people on transportation, or in markets. They will have plenty
of questions to ask you, too.