To travel to Spain is to journey through its singular and breathtaking countryside, to delight in the stunning, starkly contrasting scenery, to study the customs of its people and towns, and to share in the local fiestas and traditions. To choose Spain is to opt for diversity, to be the central character in what is sure to be a truly unforgettable trip.

This is what makes Spain such a prized destination worldwide, and why the vast majority of those who visit it once, return...in order to share in the enjoyment of a climate, countryside and culture which embody a rather special way of life.

History has left its traces everywhere in a country with a unique legacy: Prehistoric caves, Roman remains, Jewish and Arabic architecture. The awesome bloom of Roman and Gothic art, followed by finest examples of Baroque and Neoclassical architecture, is just one example of the diversity that can be found in Spain.

Not surprisingly, 30 Spanish sites are considered World Heritage sites by UNESCO. This contrasts with the thriving new trends in architecture that attract ever more tourists, like the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao or the City of Arts and Sciences in Valencia.

The art experience in Spain is completed by its extensive offer of museums, featuring the best from the classics to the most avant-garde painters and sculptors. Come and learn Spanish in Spain!

Art
Spain has an extraordinary artistic heritage. The art world in the early 20th century was influenced by a remarkable group of Spanish artists: Pablo Picasso, Juan Gris, Joan Miró and Salvador Dalí. Spain's architecture ranges from prehistoric monuments in Menorca in the Balearic Islands, through to the Roman ruins of Meacuterida and Tarragona, the decorative Islamic Alhambra in Granada, Mudéjar buildings, Gothic cathedrals, castles and palaces, fantastic modernist monuments and Gaudí's intricate fabulist sculptures.

Dance
Flamenco is experiencing a revival, and you are sure to see dramatic performances in Andalucía, its traditional home, accompanied by excellent guitar. You will also see flamenco at Spanish fiestas, which are not to be missed.

Food
Spanish food has a deservedly fantastic reputation and tapas, Paella, gazpacho and chorizo may be familiar to most Western diners, but the choice and range of meals goes well beyond this, with a smorgasbord of rich stews, soups, beans, seafood and meats, all of which have been influential in Latin American cooking.

Is Spain Safe?
The people throughout Spain are very friendly and are always willing to help. Do however be cautious and well aware of your personal space at all times. Never let someone you do not know watch your luggage and never accept rides from anyone other than official taxi drivers.

Remember: you are in another country with a different set of social rules and regulations. What might be acceptable at home is not necessarily acceptable abroad. Ask questions and find out more about your city. Learn to adapt to different cultures and customs, part of your study abroad experience is to learn more about the world around you, be open and friendly.

What is the local currency?
The Euro.

Are a passport, visa, or vaccinations necessary?
Important: Please Read!
Citizens of the United States and Canada in possession of a valid US or Canadian passport, are not required to obtain a visa for Spain for a period of up to three months if traveling as a tourist.

In case that a stay of more than three but less than six months is intended, a visa is required. If you are a resident of the U.S. but do not hold U.S. citizenship, a visa may be required.

Visitors from the U.S./Canada do not need inoculations.

How do you get there from here?
Spain has 3 main international airports, which include Madrid, Barcelona and Malaga. International and domestic flights arrive at Barajas Airport (Tel. 305 61 12), which is 12 kilometers (7 miles) east from Madrid's center; a taxi into town costs about 2,000 pesetas (US$17). Alternatively, for 380 pesetas ($2) you can board an airport bus, which leaves every 15 minutes or so to the centrally located Plaza de Col-n, where taxis wait to take you to your school or accommodation.

What is the weather like?
WINTER: Dec to mid-March
Though cold, winter in Madrid is usually quite dry, and for those not looking for sun-tanning weather it can be a very refreshing time of the year to visit the city. It occasionally snows in the center, but it rarely accumulates. While there is certainly no shortage of activity in the city, there are far less tourist than at other times of the year, resulting in smaller crowds at museums and other tourist centers, off-season rates at hotels etc.

SPRING: mid-March through May
Spring is one of the most pleasant times of the year to visit Madrid. The long days are generally warm and the nights cool. The nightlife goes up a notch, as the warmth seems to get the blood (and beer) flowing. Large numbers of young people take to the streets for the all-night 'marcha' and all the outdoor cafes open up.

SUMMER: June through August
Temperature-wise, Madrid's summer should really be divided into two sections; the pleasant summer and very hot summer. The former may or may not last all through June, and then begins again in mid to late August. This is a good time of the year to visit Madrid, especially to enjoy the long warm nights in June, when the street life is at its best.

AUTUMN:
Like spring, autumn is an excellent time for a visit. The city's mood is quite different as everyone has recently returned to work or school after the August holidays, and people are relieved that the intense July sun is behind them. There are also plenty of cultural activities going on. Late in autumn there is always the risk of some rain, but its rarely so much that an umbrella can't cope. suitable clothing: Like spring you have to bring clothes for a range of temperatures. Its unlikely to get so cold that a decent sweater can't cope though.

Will my electrical gadgets work?
Electric current in Spain is 220 volts AC at 50 Cycles per second. To operate small appliances, laptop computers or other electronic gadgets, you will need a multi-adapter. Check with a large electronics store in your area. Electric clocks, record players and tape recorders will not work properly even on converters because they use the 60 Cycle American/Canadian standard.

What is the best way to phone home?
There are numerous public phones around the city, which use phone cards and/or coins. All these phones can be used for both local and long distance phone calls. Phone cards can be purchased in estancos, and other shops which advertise "tarjetas telef-nicas" (phone cards). These come in units of 1000 and 2000 ptas. There are also telefonica offices on Gran V'a and at Plaza de Col-n from which long distance phone calls can be paid for after making the call. The long distance prefix for international numbers is 07. For national numbers outside Madrid, dial 9.

It is also smart to obtain an overseas phone card (they are usually free-of-charge) from your long-distance carrier, such as MCI, ATT or Sprint. MCI's Worldphone Program, for example, lets you phone the US/Canada from Spain or any other European countries at greatly reduced rates from what you would pay from the regular charge. The long distance carrier will give you a special number to call when placing your call.

What major holidays are there in Spain?
New Years Day, Jan 6, May Day, May 1, June 6, Aug 25, Oct 12, Nov 1, Dec 6, Dec 8, and Christmas.