Student Handbook
Welcome to Cartagena!
Palacio Molina
C/Jara, 28
30201 Cartagena (Murcia) España
www.funcarele.com
info@funcarele.com
Telf.: (0034) 968 12 89 53
Mobile: (0034) 660 63 41 71
Cartagena 2013
FUNDACIÓN DE CARTAGENA PARA LA ENSEÑANZA DE LA LENGUA Y LA CULTURA ESPAÑOLA
(SPANISH LANGUAGE AND CULTURAL FOUNDATION OF CARTAGENA)
Dear Student,
Welcome to FUNCARELE, we have planned challenging Spanish classes,
interesting and fun activities for you!
Take advantage of every opportunity to speak Spanish. This is your chance
to speak like a Spaniard! If you speak Spanish at every opportunity, we
guarantee that you will improve by the time you go home.
Remember, you will improve only as much as you speak. Here is our
challenge to you: by the time your programme ends, you must be able to
describe IN SPANISH what you most enjoyed during your programme. So
start preparing now!
We hope you enjoy your time in Cartagena and that our programme is the
highlight of your holidays.
P.S.: This handbook contains useful information for you programme in Cartagena (Spain).
Read carefully all the pages and do not hesitate to contact us for any doubt.
Best wishes,
The Management Team
MISSION STATEMENT
Spanish Language and Cultural Foundation of Cartagena (Funcarele) is dedicated to
provide safe, educational and fun courses to the international teenagers and adults, all
year round. We believe our first responsibility is to provide challenging Spanish language
instruction to non-native speakers. The activity program is designed to increase speaking
skills and introduce students to Spanish culture. We respect cultural diversity and
recognize the valuable contribution made by all cultures. To accomplish our goals we
promote and encourage open communication among our students, teachers and staff.
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FUNDACIÓN DE CARTAGENA PARA LA ENSEÑANZA DE LA LENGUA Y LA CULTURA ESPAÑOLA
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1. PLANNING YOUR TRIP
PASSPORT AND VISA
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Citizens from the European Union (and Norway) do not need a Visa and can enter Spain with
an Identification Card or valid Passport.
Citizens from Canada, Japan, Korea, New Zealand and the USA, among other do not need a
Visa if they plan to study and stay in Spain less than 90 days. Check with the nearest
Spanish Embassy or Consulate.
If citizens from these countries wish to study for more than 90 days, they need a “Visado de
Estudios”.
The student Visa must be obtained prior to departure from your country at the Spanish
Embassy or Consulate.
Together to your Visa you will need a passport to travel to Spain. It can take up to 4 weeks.
So make sure you have plenty of time if you need to apply for both.
INTERNATIONAL STUDENT IDENTITY CARD (ISIC)
The ISIC provides you with discounts at many places and offers additional health insurance while
you are travelling. You can purchase your ISIC and get more information about the card’s benefits
at www.myisic.com
HEALTH AND INSURANCE
All European Union Citizens are included in the Spanish Social Security and should bring forms
E111/E-128 from their country of origin/residence. Citizens from other countries should check at
the Spanish Embassy. Anyway students are encouraged to take extra insurance or bring proof of
their present insurance covering medical expenses, loss of luggage, cancellation...
If a student is on medical treatment, we advise him/her to bring enough supply of medicines since,
even when buying medicines is very easy, names can change from country to country.
The Foundation has the Civil Responsibility Insurance for all our enrolled in Spanish Language
courses in our centres. The additional medical insurance is also available in Cartagena; please
contact our Administration Office for more information.
HOW TO GET TO CARTAGENA.
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From Madrid Airport: take another flight to San Javier Airport. You can also take a train or
bus to Cartagena. It will takes you about 6 hours and the cost shouldn’t be more than 50
eur. To get more information check: www.renfe.es (for train service) and www.alsa.es (for
bus service).
From Alicante Airport: take a regular bus to the city centre of Alicante (about 5 eur) and
than in the same bus station you can take a bus to Cartagena. The cost: about 10 eur.
From San Javier (Murcia) Airport: you can only take a taxi to get to Cartagena. The cost
will be about 30 eur. All taxis are white with a licence number on the door.
The Foundation of Cartagena will be responsible for transfers from the airport or train/bus
station. Alicante: 130 eur. San Javier: 60 eur. All the prices are one way. Two friends
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FUNDACIÓN DE CARTAGENA PARA LA ENSEÑANZA DE LA LENGUA Y LA CULTURA ESPAÑOLA
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travelling together will pay as one single person. Please before your arrival to
Spain notify to the Administration Office your request.
If you have requested the transfer service from the train/bus station or from Alicante or
San Javier Airport to your accommodation, look for a person with a sign with your name
when exiting the terminal. Wait 30 minutes after expected time of arrival in case you don’t
find the person who will pick you up. Then call emergency number 660 63 41 71.
2. FUNCARELE
ABOUT US
FUNCARELE is an academic institution of teaching and cultural character, located in the historical
city centre, in the Palacio Molina, and integrated by the Universidad Politécnica de Cartagena, the
City Hall of Cartagena, Foundation Cajamurcia and the International Language Institute of
Cartagena.
Instituto Cervantes Accredited Centre
The Associate Centers Network is made up of institutions which are explicitly recognized as
providers of quality Spanish language services by the Instituto Cervantes. Members of the Network
comply with a set of established requirements that relate to all aspects of their activity: legal
status, academic performance, equipment and resources, administrative organization,
infrastructure and publicity.
OUR FACILITIES
The facilities of Funcarele are distributed between the Palacio Molina, property of the Town hall of
Cartagena, and the Faculty of Business Studies of the Universidad Politécnica de Cartagena.
Palacio Molina: It is a stately building of romantic style combining the Baroque and Neoclassic
styles of the XVIII and XIX centuries. The building consists of three floors which, in their origin,
were destined for family residence. The interior has been adapted for the use of our centre and
consists of 2 classrooms, teacher’s room, library and an important hall for cultural exhibitions.
Faculty of Business Studies: Built in the XVIII century, it was in service until 1999. Thousands of
young people were coming here to learn in the military marina service. Today it is rehabilitated by
the Universidad Politécnica de Cartagena who turned it into its third University Campus and lodged
the Faculty of Business Studies and the Language Centre here. Here we have at our disposal other
5 classrooms, the library, cafeteria, and all other services that each University can offer.
STAFF
Centre Director and Assistant Directors: Our Directors have worked hard to create an enjoyable
environment and program for you. All our Management team has advanced degrees and years of
management experience. In Funcarele you will meet:
María del Rosario Montero Rodríguez: President
Isabel Belmonte: Director
Miguel Martínez Bernal: Secretary
Juana Mari Belchí: Academic Coordinator
Mila Batrak: Administration, enrolment, accommodation and information
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FUNDACIÓN DE CARTAGENA PARA LA ENSEÑANZA DE LA LENGUA Y LA CULTURA ESPAÑOLA
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Teachers: All our teachers have University and Masters Degrees and many years of teaching
experience. Many of them speak English or other foreign languages and have travelled and lived
abroad at some time in their career. They have prepared a challenging, interesting and fun
academic programme for you. Our teachers are:
Juana Mari Belchí: Teacher of initial levels and Academic Coordinator.
Marta Clemente: Teacher of initial and intermediate levels.
Cristina Giménez: Teacher of intermediate levels.
Rocío Martínez Torres: Teacher of all levels. Spanish online and Spanish for specific purpose.
Marcela Benetó: Teacher of all levels. Spanish online and DELE preparation.
Noemí Solano Espinosa: Teacher of all levels.
LIBRARIES AND READING ROOMS
Any student or old student of the Foundation will be able to make use of the reference library
service we have in the Palacio Molina during the hours of opening to the public (modality of
consultation room).
The opening hours for the library of the Palacio Molina are: from Monday to Thursday from 17:00 to
19.00.
Loans Service
A small part of the material of the library shall be available for borrowing in the manner of lending
to residence. This relates to the reference books, audio-books and grammar books or manuals of
which the Center has more than one copy.
Internet
The Foundation library has at your disposal a computer with Internet access in order to facilitate
your consultation of the available resources on the web, related to the Spanish language and latinamerican culture. We have a catalogue of web pages to orient your complementary study. You will
need to consult the rules of use.
WIFI: WiFi is available in all buildings:
Red WIFI: AulaPMOL
Usuario: aulacervantes
Clave: Cervantex$
Reading rooms of the UPCT
As an international student of the UPCT you are permitted access, during the schedule of
availability, to the reading rooms and reference areas of the libraries of the Campus Alfonso XIII,
Campus Muralla del Mar (Wall of the Sea) and Facultad de Empresariales (Faculty of Business),
They have a total of almost 1,000 study spaces. Additionally you will have access to the
audiovisual and Book Library loan service, or of other available rescources that may be of aid of
aid, as found in Room 2- Muralla del Mar. Also access is permitted, providing that they are not in
use, to the multimedia language classroom that constitutes in itself an educational environment
with sufficient technological media to optimize the process of learning of the students as well as of
self-learning *
The regular opening hours of these three rooms is from Monday to Friday (inclusive) from 8,30 to
21:00 hours (subject to variation)
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In holiday periods (Christmas, Easter week and months of July and August) The hours are
from 08.45 to 14.00 h. and from 15.45 to 21.00 h.
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During Examinations (February, June-July, September, December),
The normal hours is expanded to the 02 h. and is opened Saturdays, Sundays and festivals.
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FUNDACIÓN DE CARTAGENA PARA LA ENSEÑANZA DE LA LENGUA Y LA CULTURA ESPAÑOLA
(SPANISH LANGUAGE AND CULTURAL FOUNDATION OF CARTAGENA)
Municipal Library Ramón Alonso Luzzy
As a student of the Foundation here you have:
 157 places in the reference area reserved exclusively for reading and consulting the book
library.
 28 places for reading newspapers, magazines, etc.
 Internet.
 Computer zone exclusively for consulting the web. The area has 15 computers for public
use: 11 Internet (7 are for 1 hour usage and 4 are for quick reference only, including one
adapted for the visually impaired) There are also 4 computers which have the full library
catalogue
 Study area. Set aside for reading of personal material and studying
 Loan service of books, audio CDs and DVD's
 WiFi
Normal Hours are Monday to Friday (inclusive) 09.00 to 13.00hrs and 17.00 to 20.00 In holiday
periods (Christmas, Easter, July, August and September) opening hours are from 09.00 to 14.00
EMERGENCY PLAN
The Palacio Molina has wide hallways and stairs that allow for rapid evacuation in an emergency.
There are signs for way out and emergency exit, evacuation plans in the hallways and smoke
detectors and fire extinguishers in all units. Moreover, each of the floors has properly marked fire
alarms. The Business School also has an emergency plan.
BUSINESS HOURS
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The main building of Funcarele, Palacio Molina, is open from 09:00 to 14:00 and 17:00 to
20:00. Monday to Friday.
Faculty of Business Studies: 08:30 to 21:00 Monday to Friday and 08:00 to 14:00 on
Saturdays. This building is closed in August.
In the Administration office we speak Spanish, English and Russian.
HOLIDAYS
It is important to take into account the Spanish holidays. The following days the centre will be
closed. The lessons which coincide with national, regional or local holidays will not be retaken.
"Irreplaceable" national holidays are the following ones:
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On
On
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January 1: New year
January 7: Reyes Magos
March 19: San José
March 22: Viernes de Dolores
March 28: Holy Thursday
March 29: Holy Friday
May 1: Holiday of the Work
June 9: day of the Community
August 15: Asunción de la Virgen
September 27: Carthagineses y Romanos
October 12: National holiday of Spain
November 1: Halloween.
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FUNDACIÓN DE CARTAGENA PARA LA ENSEÑANZA DE LA LENGUA Y LA CULTURA ESPAÑOLA
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On December 6: Constitution Day
On December 9: Immaculate Concepcion
On December 25: Christmas Eve
SPANISH CLASSES
The first day: On your first day, com to the Administration Office before beginning of the course in
order to check that you are enrolled on the right course. You will receive some further information
about the programme. In case that there are pending payments, please settle them at the
administration.
Once these administration matters are solved, we will show you the facilities of our centre and
explain the services, cultural program and indicate the names of your teachers and the classrooms
you will use.
Programme: Intensive, Long Duration, One to One individual lessons, Spanish online,
DELE preparation, Business Spanish and Spanish for Teachers. You can choose one of them
or combine two or more programmes. This depends on the individual needs of every student.
Levels: There are 6 class levels – A1, A2 (Beginning); B1, B2 (Intermediate) and C1, C2
(Advanced).
Skills: All classes aim to improve the four linguistic skills (speaking, listening, reading and writing).
Spanish is learnt through practice and continuous communication from the very beginning. We use
an open, flexible and interactive method of Spanish teaching, allowing you to meet your individual
Spanish learning needs quickly.
The number of students attending a class will vary between 5 and 12.
STUDENT MATERIAL
The student book is not included in the course price. Students will buy the material after completing
the placement test and have been included in one of the courses at the Centre.
The main manuals that we use in the centre are:
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Intensive and One to One (A1-B2): Aula Internacional and Etapas
Long term courses (A1-B2): Aula Internacional
Courses for University Community: Etapas
We also recommend you to bring a dictionary.
CLASS RULES
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Be on time for class.
Go to class prepared with paper and pencil and your student book.
Respect your classmates and teachers. They want to be your friends.
Participate! The more you speak Spanish the more you will learn!
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FUNDACIÓN DE CARTAGENA PARA LA ENSEÑANZA DE LA LENGUA Y LA CULTURA ESPAÑOLA
(SPANISH LANGUAGE AND CULTURAL FOUNDATION OF CARTAGENA)
PLACEMENT TEST
Before your programme starts you will be given a Spanish language test which will have writing,
speaking and grammar questions. Based on your test score you will be placed in the correct group.
Students who do not score well and the test but demonstrate more advanced skills in the first few
days of class, will be moved to a higher-level class within the first few days of the program.
CHANGES
Changes of groups are possible with the agreement of the teacher and the director of the School.
CERTIFICATE OF ATTENDANCE
At the end of your course, those students who have completed 85% of the course booked will
receive a Certificate of Attendance for your participation. Students who also pass the final level
exam will receive the Achievement Certificate.
Note that our certificate of achievement has no official validity. If you want to earn a diploma
certifying your current level officially, you should do the DELE exams.
DELE EXAMS
The Diplomas in Spanish as a Foreign Language (DELE) are official qualifications certifying the
degree of competence and mastery of Spanish, granted by Instituto Cervantes on behalf of the
Ministry of Education, Culture and Sport of Spain.
The DELE examination provides for all the different variants of the Spanish language. They are all
considered as valid to obtain the diploma.
The DELE examinations have been designed following the guidelines of the Common European
Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) of the Council of Europe, which ensures a practical
way of establishing a standard, international and objective measurement of the level that should be
reached at each teaching stage, and in evaluating results.
The University of Salamanca collaborates with Instituto Cervantes in designing exam papers and in
grading the tests leading to the Diplomas in Spanish.
These exams are given three times per year: in May, August and November. There are 6 levels:
DELE Diploma in Spanish
Framework of
Reference
Level
Diploma in Spanish Level A1
A1
Breakthrough
Diploma in Spanish Level A2
A2
Waystage
Diploma in Spanish Level B1(formerly Beginner)
B1
Threshold
Diploma in Spanish Level B2(formerly
Intermediate)
B2
Vantage
Diploma in Spanish Level C1
C1
Effective Operational Proficiency
Diploma in Spanish Level C2
C2
Mastery
You will find more information in: http://diplomas.cervantes.es/en
If you want to take this examn please ask at the Administration Office, we will help you with the
enrolment and also prepare you for this exam.
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FUNDACIÓN DE CARTAGENA PARA LA ENSEÑANZA DE LA LENGUA Y LA CULTURA ESPAÑOLA
(SPANISH LANGUAGE AND CULTURAL FOUNDATION OF CARTAGENA)
ACTIVITIES
FUNCARELE of Cartagena offers a number of activities throughout the program. The activities are
carefully planned and organized to provide the opportunity to meet others from around the world
and to use your Spanish language skills learned in class. The activities can be organised inside or
outside the Foundation, on the coast of Cartagena or on the beaches of La Manga and may range
from sports (Diving, Sailing, Canoeing, Golf, Tennis, etc.) to cultural events and local attractions
(Flamenco, Salsa, Wine Tasting, Concerts, Museums, etc.). There are also opportunities for
cultural visits within Cartagena, and excursions to other cities in Spain. However we have planned
some activities for the nights as well, like parties, dances, concerts, etc.
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Some activities may entail additional cost.
Some sport activities may require medical examination.
More information will be available through the web site and in Administration Office.
If you have a special activity request, please ask at the Administration Office or one of the
staffs.
LANGUAGES EXCHANGE
Intercambio this is your choice to practice Spanish Language with Spanish students who want to
learn your language. Ask in the Administration Office for registration or write to
bolsaidiomas@ayuto-cartagena.es
CONDUCT AND TERMINATIONS
FUNCARELE is a place where people not only learn Spanish, but also meet people from other
cultures. We are committed to having a diverse student population and to encouraging respect for
each student’s culture.
FUNCARELE is also committed to provide students with a safe and comfortable environment for
study. Disciplinary actions up to and including termination (expulsion), may be taken against
students who engage in disruptive behaviour.
Before your course is terminated, you will be given verbal warnings, and counselled to correct your
behaviour problems. If you still continue to behave badly, you will be sent home.
Reasons for terminations include but are not limited to use of illegal drugs or alcohol, shoplifting,
destruction of property, violence, and unreasonable or unsociable behaviour.
UNDER AGE STUDENTS
Minors may study at our centre with the permission of their parents or legal guardians.
Children in group will be accompanied by a monitor during the trip and extra-curricular activities (1
for every 15 students).
ACCOMMODATION
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All accommodations are carefully chosen and selected with our periodic visits and the "feedback"
of the students.
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FUNDACIÓN DE CARTAGENA PARA LA ENSEÑANZA DE LA LENGUA Y LA CULTURA ESPAÑOLA
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Most of the accommodations are not far from FUNCARELE and students can walk
from 5 to 10 minutes.
Student rooms are furnished and have all necessary items.
Please respect each and every item inside your apartment like furniture, crockery, electrical
household appliances, etc.
If there are damages or lost keys you will be expected to pay cash before departure. Do not
spend all your money at the end of the program as you may need cash to check out.
Whenever you leave the room, lock your door.
Changes of accommodation: If the student is not happy and wants to change to another
accommodation during his/her first week we will select a new one. There is no extra cost if a student
decides to change during his/her first week.
SUGGESTIONS AND COMPLAINTS
All students have the opportunity to express their opinion, suggestions and complaints about our
services using the channels like Suggestion Box, situated in the hall of the centre, the web site
http://www.funcarele.com/sugerencias.php or the satisfaction questionnaires. The complaint sheets are also
available in the Administration Office.
Please remember that we also like to receive congratulations!
3. CULTURAL RESOURCES
WEATHER
Cartagena has a rather dry Mediterranean climate, with mild temperatures throughout the year, and
limited rain in the fall and spring. Temperatures range from 12ºC in January and 30ºC in August.
Temperatures below freezing and above 40ºC are unusual and the proximity of the sea limits daily
fluctuations. Generally, winters are mild and summers are warm.
Fall
When you first arrive in Cartagena for the Fall Semester, it will be hot. The summer heat will linger
probably through the end of September, with temperatures as high as 30ºC. By October and
November it will begin to cool down.
Winter
It does not get cold in Cartagena in the winter. By mid-December and through February,
temperatures may get as low as 8 ºC at night. You will need to wear a heavy winter coat during the
day and night, although you may find it a little warm on a sunny afternoon. Please note that most
homes do not have central heating, so you will
most likely have a space heater in your room during the colder months. Make sure you have
sweaters to wear during the day and warm pyjamas for sleeping.
Spring
Sometime in March the weather will begin to warm up again. Temperatures will reach the mid to
upper 20’s, and rain will be infrequent. Again, at the beginning you may wish to wear a light jacket
at night, but by late April the weather will be warm and beautiful.
Summer
During the months of May and June, the temperature will slowly climb back up to around 30ºC. The
sun will be hot, especially during siesta, but the air will be dry. July and August are the hottest
months of the year, with temperatures as high as 30ºC. Keep cool, drink lots of water, and take
advantage of the hours of siesta to stay in your nice, cool home. Protect yourself with sunscreen and
wear a hat and sunglasses. Drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration.
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FUNDACIÓN DE CARTAGENA PARA LA ENSEÑANZA DE LA LENGUA Y LA CULTURA ESPAÑOLA
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MEALS
Breakfast or Desayuno is very light in Spain and it is never a big meal. You get up in the morning,
and have a small amount of food – probably just toast – and either coffee or hot chocolate/chocolate
milk. You would be hard pressed to find a Spanish person who had ever eaten eggs for breakfast
instead of lunch and pancakes are unheard of (although a little pancake mix and maple syrup
packed with your things can make you a hit in your host home for the entire stay)!
Coffee (café) is served many ways: solo (black, more like espresso), cortado (just a hint of milk),
con leche (half milk, half coffee; like a latte), or as leche manchada (lots of milk, very little coffee).
The other morning beverage of choice is “Cola Cao:” a powdered chocolate milk mix that can be
served hot or cold—and it’s really tasty.
Toast will be served with tomato, olive oil, butter, margarine, or jam. The bread will most likely be
fresh from the neighbourhood bakery, not store-bought sliced bread.
Lunch or Comida is the main meal for a lot of Spaniards and it’s eaten between 13:00 and 15:00.
It is comprised of two or three courses. One is usually vegetables or a soup and the other may be
some sort of meat, fish, or eggs usually with fried potatoes or a salad. You will also most likely have
either fruit or yogurt for dessert.
Dinner is usually tortilla, cold meats, salads, sandwiches, etc., and is eaten between 21:00 and
22:00.
What you might expect from Spanish food: tapas
You can expect to have bread with every meal. Many of the foods you will eat are fried in olive oil,
and olive oil is used as a topping for bread or toast as well.
There are a number of foods that will become a part of your daily life in Cartagena.
Following you’ll find a description of some of the most important, but many you’ll have to
discover once you arrive. It will be a pleasant surprise. Some of the foods you’ll have
while in Spain include:
Tortilla (tortilla española or tortilla de patatas) - This is one of the favourite and most common
dishes in Spain. It is for all intents and purposes an omelette, but not the type of omelette you are
accustomed to. This tortilla is chock full of fried potatoes (sometimes onions or another vegetable as
well), and very thick and dense.
Bocadillo- A bocadillo is a sandwich served on a baguette. It usually only has one filling, which can
be ham or pork, sausage, tuna, cheese, tortilla, and a few other items, depending on where you go.
A bocadillo may be served with mayonnaise, ketchup, or spicy salsa brava.
Tapas- Tapas could be anything- this is a way of eating rather than a type of food. Tapas are small
servings of food. You’ll get to try all sorts of things at once.
Jamón serrano- Jamón is a very important food in Spain. You will probably be surprised at how
much ham there is in Spanish cuisine. The favourite ham product in Spain is jamón serrano, a
salted, cured ham that is sliced thin and is typically served either on its own or in a bocadillo. Jamón
serrano is often compared to prosciutto. It is such a big part of life there that you will see it
everywhere. You’ll certainly see legs of jamón in bars and restaurants around the city.
QUIET TIME AND NAP
Some Spaniards have a SIESTA after the meal. Normally it would be 30 minutes and students are
expected to respect the quiet and speak in low, whispered voices.
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FUNDACIÓN DE CARTAGENA PARA LA ENSEÑANZA DE LA LENGUA Y LA CULTURA ESPAÑOLA
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SHOWERS
To help us conserve water, please limit your shower to less than 10 minutes.
PHONE CALLS
Phone service is expensive in Spain, compared to other countries, it is better if you use public
phones.
You can also buy a Spanish card for your cell phone. They are cheap. Movistar
(www.movistar.com), Vodafone (www.vodafone.es) and Orange (www.orange.es) are the
main operators in Spain.
If you want to call abroad: 00+country code+area+number
For call Spain from abroad: 00+34+number
POST OFFICE
There are 3 post offices all in the city but the main and the nearest one is in Plaza San Francisco, 1; Tel:
968 501 527 (opening hours 8:30-20:30 h).
You can buy stamps only in the post-offices and in the tobacco shops known as “estancos”. There are
post-boxes to send your post-cards and letters everywhere.
E-MAIL/FAX
Students can receive faxes and emails at our centre. Ask for this service at the Administration
Office. Students can also send faxes and will be expected to pay for it.
ELECTRICITY
Electricity in Spain is 220 volts 50 cycles AC.
SMOKING
Spanish Law: Do not smoke inside any building excluding special areas for smokers. You must be
18 years old to buy cigarettes in Spain.
If you smoke outside please be respectful. Do not throw your cigarette butts on the grass or stick
them in the flower planters. Use the ashtrays on the sidewalk.
ALCOHOL
To purchase wine, beer or alcohol in Spain you must be 18 years old. Maybe you have heard about
BOTELLEO - Spanish young people drinking on the street. For you information it’s illegal. If you do
that you can be fined 300 €.
The most popular Spanish alcohol drink in the nightclubs and discos is CUBATA, which consists of
Rom and coca-cola.
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FUNDACIÓN DE CARTAGENA PARA LA ENSEÑANZA DE LA LENGUA Y LA CULTURA ESPAÑOLA
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DRIVING IN SPAIN
You can hire a car in Cartagena if you want. Here you have some rules:
 EU driving licences are required in Spain and please remember that we DRIVE ON THE RIGHT
HAND SIDE OF THE ROAD.
 Don’t park in spaces painted yellow or (obviously) in areas with "No Parking" signs.
 Parking spaces with meters are marked in blue where a ticket can be purchased from an
attendant or machine. These spaces are usually for a maximum time of two hours.
 Do not exceed maximum lawful speeds. Police are empowered to collect fines for that.
Speed Limits (General):
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Don’t drive a motor vehicle in
Autopistas/autovías (similar to motorways)
Spain under the influence of
drugs, or alcohol.
Dual carriageways
Don’t use your mobile phone
Country roads
while you are driving (unless
your vehicle is provided with a
Urban roads
hands free system).
It
is
required
for
all
Residential areas as signed or if no pavements
occupants, whether in the
front or back seat of a car using the vehicle safety belt.
120kph
100kph
90kph
50kph
20kph
MONEY
The Spanish currency is the EURO € and it is not possible to pay with other currencies except in
airports.
Banks are open in Spain from 9:00 to 14:00 from Monday to Friday. Banks charge commission
every time you change money. The commission runs from 4 € to 7 €. Major credit cards – VISA,
Master Card, American Express, etc., are accepted everywhere. There are cash dispensers
everywhere and they work very well.
SHOPPING
Shops are generally open from Monday to Friday between 10am and 2pm and again between 5pm
and 8pm with supermarkets keeping longer hours. On Saturdays, most of the smaller shops are
closed in the afternoon but larger shops and department stores are open from 9am through to 9pm
or 10pm Monday to Saturday. On Sunday you will see most shops closed, although Corte Inglés and
some supermarkets may choose to open for a limited opening.
In Cartagena you will find 3 areas to go shopping:
•
•
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The city centre of Cartagena – from calle Mayor to Plaza de España you will find shops
like Mango, Springfield, Bershka, Zara, Sfera, Stradivarius, etc.
Department store CORTE INGLÉS – avnd. Alameda, 15 min walking from the Foundation.
In 6 floors you will find all well-known brands of all products as foods, clothes, shoes,
technology, books, furniture, etc. Opening hours from from Monday to Sunday from 10 am
to 10 pm.
Shopping Centre PARQUE MEDITERRANEO – located in the industrial area of Cartagena
offers the biggest variety of all products in stores as Decathlon, Media Markt, Leroy Merlin,
Carrefour and of course lots of clothes shops. Opening hours from 10 am to 10 pm. Bus nº4
will take you to this Shopping Centre.
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FUNDACIÓN DE CARTAGENA PARA LA ENSEÑANZA DE LA LENGUA Y LA CULTURA ESPAÑOLA
(SPANISH LANGUAGE AND CULTURAL FOUNDATION OF CARTAGENA)
EMERGENCY
In case of an emergency, don't worry about insurance issues and just head directly to the nearest
emergency room (urgencias). Under Spanish law, any health organization, public or private, is
required to treat patients in an emergency situation regardless of their insurance status.
The general emergency 24hour telephone number is 112. The responsible person will contact
emergency service for police, fire and ambulance.
You can also call 660 63 41 71; the responsible person of our Foundation will attend you 24 h in
case of emergency.
The major hospitals of Cartagena are:
NUEVO HOSPITAL SANTA LUCIA: Calle Minarete, 0. Barriada Santiago – 968 128 600.
HOSPITAL SANTA MARÍA DEL ROSELL: Paseo Alfonso XIII 61, Cartagena
968 325 000.
HOSPITAL PERPETUO SOCORRO: Sebastián Feringan, 12, CARTAGENA - 968 510 500.
MEDICAL SERVICES
Spain offers excellent standards of medical care, through the Instituto Nacional de la Salud (like the
NHS). The students of the European Union are entitled to receive free general medical treatment in
Spain. If you need to visit a doctor, please talk to the responsible person in the Administration
Office. A staff member or your group leader must accompany you to the doctor. Sometimes, you
may have to pay in cash, and then seek reimbursement from your medical insurance company when
you return home.
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
SAFETY
Do not carry large amounts of money on you. Instead, carry just enough for the day. Do not
leave purses, backpacks and cameras unattended. Do not tempt thieves. Wallets and money
should never be visible in public.
Lock your dormitory room.
Don’t carry your passport with you, take a photocopy.
If you become lost or separated from the group when on an excursion, call the telephone
number on the card you were given. We will find you.
There are three separate police organizations in Spain:
•
The National Police normally wear black uniform and white shirts. Others will wear a blue
military style uniform. Their duties include guarding public buildings, and Government
figures. They deal with most crime investigation which is important to know if you are
unfortunate enough to be the victim of some crime, such as a bag snatching. If this is the
case, you should make a statement (denuncia) at a police station. They will issue you with
a copy for your insurance company (and banks if your credit card is taken and misused).
Emergencies telephone number: 091
Police Station: Menendez Pelayo, 6, Cartagena
Phone number for reports (interpreters of several languages are provided):
968 320 722
•
The Guardia Civil wear green uniforms. They are responsible for national security,
customs and for crowd control at large events. They patrol the main highways with cars
and motorbikes and organize radar speeding checks.
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FUNDACIÓN DE CARTAGENA PARA LA ENSEÑANZA DE LA LENGUA Y LA CULTURA ESPAÑOLA
(SPANISH LANGUAGE AND CULTURAL FOUNDATION OF CARTAGENA)
Address: Angel Bruna, 29, Cartagena. Tel: 062 or 968 501117
•
The Policia Local is essentially local police and wears blue and white uniforms. They are
responsible to the mayor and town hall in each municipality, and devote much time to local
traffic control and parking violations. As ambassadors for their town they are most likely to
help tourists.
Emergencies telephone number: 092
Police headquarters: Carretera Cartagena-La Unión. Pk. 1,4. La Media Legua.
FIRE BRIGADE
Emergencies Tel: 968 128 880
OTHER USEFUL PHONE NUMBERS
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•
•
•
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Cartagena Taxi : 968 311515 and 968 510005.
Bus station: 968 505 656 (Avenida de Trovero Marín, 3).
RENFE Train station: 902432343 (Plaza de Méjico, 2).
FEVE Commuter train station: 968 503 392 (Plaza Bastarreche S/N).
Rent a car: AVIS 968 525 778; EUROPCAR 968 123 010 (Plaza de Méjico 2, Estación de
trenes).
4. SPANISH LANGUAGE RESOURSES
SPANISH STUDY TIPS
•
Read out loud.
Try reading out loud. You will get all of the benefits of reading, plus you'll get really good
pronunciation practice. In fact, as a beginner, you should read aloud as much as possible. Buy easy
reading books and magazines such as comics in Spanish, or celebrity gossip magazines, Readers
digest in Spanish etc. This type of reading material is easy and fun and gives you many useful
Spanish phrases and words.
•
Work on developing an "ear" for Spanish.
Remember that language is first and foremost oral communication. A written alphabet is merely a
collection of symbols used to represent the sounds of the language, and cannot be expected to
capture every nuance of sound and intonation. Try to develop a "good ear" for Spanish. An easy
and fun way to do this is by listening to Spanish music, watching Spanish movies, or watching
Spanish cable TV.
•
Practice SPEAKING!
The only way to learn to speak a language is by actually SPEAKING. You can study for years, and
master all of the grammar rules, but unless you actually practice speaking, you will never speak
well. When you are practicing speaking, remember to do it out loud, at normal conversational
volume.
•
Be consistent.
To really learn a language takes time and commitment. Consistency is by far the most important
factor. If you can devote a solid twenty minutes a day, nearly every day, you will be far more
successful than if you "cram" for an hour or two, but only sporadically.
•
Talk to yourself.
When learning a foreign language, it is common for listening skills to develop more rapidly than
speaking skills, leaving the learner in the unfortunate situation of being able to understand, but
unable to respond. A good way to surmount this problem is to talk to you as much as possible.
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FUNDACIÓN DE CARTAGENA PARA LA ENSEÑANZA DE LA LENGUA Y LA CULTURA ESPAÑOLA
(SPANISH LANGUAGE AND CULTURAL FOUNDATION OF CARTAGENA)
Because there is no one else around, you won't be weighed down by the inhibition that
so frequently burdens the beginning language student.
•
Use a Spanish dictionary.
If you think that you can guess all the meanings of Spanish words you are wrong. For example the
Spanish word "embarazada" means "embarrassed" in English. Well you are wrong. It means
"pregnant!". One of the best online dictionaries we have found for Spanish translations is
http://wordreference.com/. We also advise you to use the dictionary of the Real Academia
Española: http://www.rae.es .
• Use resources available online.
Do you know AVE (Spanish Virtual Classroom)? The AVE has courses that cover reference levels A1,
A2, B1, B2 and C1, preparation for DELE exam and courses specifically designed for children. It
also contains discussion forums, chat rooms, blogs, wikis and plenty of multimedia material.
Our center currently does not have the proper license, but you can get it at the University of
Murcia.
More information: http://ave.cervantes.es/ .
In the library of the Palacio Molina you can find an updated list with other online resources to help
you on your self-learning process.
•
Use flashcards.
One of the best tips we can give you is to make and use flashcards. Make cards that are small
enough to easily carry with you, and write the English (or other language) on one side and Spanish
on the other. Be sure to ALWAYS have some cards with you. This way, you can capture "wasted"
time (standing in line, riding the bus, waiting for class to start, etc.) and turn it into productive
study time. Even if you only have a couple of minutes, you can use it to study a few flashcards.
•
Label your surroundings.
Make labels for things all over your house. For example: la pared (wall), la puerta (door), el
escritorio (desk) etc. Remove the labels only after you have mastered the vocabulary.
•
Have fun learning Spanish.
Enjoy it. It is not a race so don't worry if others in your class seem to be better at learning.
Everyone has a different learning curve. Don't compare yourself with the others in your Spanish. It
is not a race. And do not be impatient with the other students in your Spanish class. Support them
instead. If you do this then you will find that they support you and everyone in your Spanish course
will benefit. If you really feel that you are too far behind or ahead, then talk to your Spanish
teacher or to the Speakeasy Spanish School desk about a change of Spanish class.
• Sing Spanish songs.
Find the lyrics to popular Spanish songs that you are hearing in the clubs and on the radio. You can
usually find these on the internet. Try www.lyrics.com or simply type the title into google.com and
write "lyrics." If you don't know the title of a song ask a bartender or DJ in a club or pub. Knowing
song lyrics is fun and at least you will learn the language of love in Spanish!
•
Be patient.
Progress in language learning does not follow a straight-line graph. You cannot expect to make the
same amount of progress, day after day, week after week. You may find yourself struggling at
times, seeming to make no progress. Don't let this discourage you. It is normal to reach plateaus in
your learning progress. If you find yourself "stuck" try spending time going back and reviewing
things that you already know well. Often this will help prepare you to break through to the next
level.
•
Find a partner.
Try to find a native speaker who can be your conversation partner. This can be your greatest asset
and perhaps you can also provide assistance to your partner in your native language.
•
Don't expect to be perfect.
Can you remember when learned to ride a bicycle? Did you ride perfectly from the first time you sat
on the seat? When learning a new language, expect that you will make mistakes, and don't be
embarrassed by them!
16
FUNDACIÓN DE CARTAGENA PARA LA ENSEÑANZA DE LA LENGUA Y LA CULTURA ESPAÑOLA
(SPANISH LANGUAGE AND CULTURAL FOUNDATION OF CARTAGENA)
Suggested Reading/Viewing/Listening
To try and get an idea of what life might be like in Spain, it’s a good idea to do a little research.
Here’s a listing of some recommended books, movies, and CDs. If you can’t find them anywhere
in Internet. You should also ask your Spanish professor or any friends who might have just
returned from studying in Spain if they have any other suggestions for you.
Books
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Federico García Lorca, Collected Poems.
•
Lope de Vega, El Mejor alcalde, el Rey.
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Miguel de Cervantes, Don Quijote.
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Gabriel García Márquez, Cien años de soledad.
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Gustavo Adolfo Bécquer, Collected Poems.
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Arturo Pérez Reverte, La reina del sur.
Movies
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Los girasoles ciegos, Directed by José Luis Cuerda, 2008.
Viky, Cristina, Barcelona. Directed by Woody Allen, 2008.
Camino, Directed by Javier Fesser, 2008.
El orfanato, Directed by Juan Antonio de Bayona, 2007.
El laberinto del fauno, Directed by Guillermo Del Toro, 2006.
Volver, Directed by Pedro Almodóvar, 2006.
Hable con ella, Directed by Pedro Almodóvar, 2001.
Todo sobre mi madre, Directed by Pedro Almodóvar, 1999.
La lengua de las mariposas, Directed by José Luis Cuerda, 1999.
Abre los ojos, Directed by Alejandro Amenábar, 1997.
Sevillanas, Directed by Carlos Saura, 1992.
Music
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Amaral, Gato negro, dragón rojo, 2008.
Miguel Bosé, Papito, 2007.
Manu Chao, La Radiolina, 2007.
Fito y los Fitipaldis, Por la boca vive el pez, 2006.
Bebe, Pa’fuera telarañas, 2004.
David Bisbal, Bulería, 2004.
Los Planetas, Encuentros con entidades, 2004.
Mano Negra, The Best of Mano Negra, 2003.
La Oreja de Van Gogh, Lo que te conté
mientras te hacías la dormida, 2003.
Estopa, Destrangis, 2002.
NEED HELP? HAVE QUESTIONS?
If you have any questions, suggestions or just need a
little help, ask any of the staff. We want you to be
happy and to have a great time with us!
Enjoy your time in Cartagena!
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