Considerations and questions for the Penncrest Spanish exchange
How to handle school work while traveling to Spain
This is a school-sponsored trip, and it is treated as such by all other teachers. The
student participating in the exchange is expected to request all work in advance (not
at the last minute) to take along during the exchange. Making up a quiz or a test
should be arranged upon return.
Technology during the trip
We do not recommend students take their computers or Ipads (or other expensive
electronic devices) on the trip. We are not responsible for anything that is left
behind, lost or stolen. In the past, students have brought photocopies of the
sections in textbooks that they need and have worked together during our travels
on the bus, in the hotels and in the airport. We do advise you to contact your host
student and arrange the use of their computer while in Spain.
How to contact your student while they’re in Spain
Many students/parents have cell phones and plans that have coverage in Spain as
well. We advise you to contact your cell phone company to see what your best
options are while traveling. The chaperones also have cell phones that can be
contacted in case of an emergency. Each family will receive contact information
(home address, email and phone number) of their Spanish family and vice-versa.
Important documents
If you plan on participating, we advise you to start the passport process as soon as
possible. Details are found on the following website:
http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/english.html
As you will learn in our exchange meetings, you will make various copies of your
passport (first page, photo ID page) to keep at home and on your person during the
trip. Your chaperones will hold onto your passport once we arrive in Spain. We do
not let the American Consulate know when our group travels, but the State
Department provides a program that individuals can enroll in for free to let the
nearest US Embassy or Consulate know when and where they are traveling.
https://step.state.gov/step/
Payment
As mentioned in the interest meeting, the total cost will be roughly $3,500-$4,000.
This price range includes the activities fee ($325). This fee will most likely be due
either at the end of March or the beginning of April (when we have returned from
spring break). We will announce this due date via school announcements and Mrs
Wiegner’s website. The remaining cost of the trip will depend on how many
students we have secured for the trip. The breakdown of due dates can be found on
the power point from the interest meeting.
Travel/health insurance
You may request a copy (from Mrs Wiegner) of the 2015 travel insurance that
Cultural Quest (CQ) has or visit their website:
http://www.cqtours.com/highschool/parents-students for a brief overview of
what they cover. The insurance coverage CQ provides includes medical coverage
and travelers’ assistance-support available 24-hrs a day, 365 days per year to assist
with medical emergencies. All travelers will receive a temporary insurance card
that contains the contact information and policy number that they will need in the
event of an emergency.
Flights are not covered in the insurance – in the case of flights canceled due to
inclement weather, the airlines would rebook the group. If a student cancels at the
last minute, CQ would work directly with the airlines to request a voucher that could
be used towards a future flight.
School location in Tavernes
The school is located in a town in Valencia by the name of Tavernes de la Valldigna.
It is near the Mediterranean coast and south of Valencia City. Please take a look at
the school’s website:
http://ieseljust.edu.gva.es/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1&Ite
mid=18