How safe is the host community?
Seville and surrounding communities are very safe, by any urban standard. As well, the Spanish hosts are very protective of our students and will contact the chaperones if anything seems amiss. Our students should be aware, though, that they will generate negative attention if they are not hanging out with Spanish teens and are speaking loudly in English. They should also keep in mind that they are in an urban setting, so the usual cautions should be observed. Modesty, discretion and friendliness should be the characteristics of our behavior, in all cases. Students MUST contact chaperones immediately if they feel unsafe in any way.

What’s the situation with alcohol in Spain?
Alcoholic beverages are available at grocery stores, cafes or supermarkets with few restrictions in fact, despite legal constraints. In Spain it has traditionally been considered acceptable for 16 or 17-year -olds to consume alcoholic beverages, although there is a growing concern with alcohol abuse among young people, and it is now illegal to sell alcohol to persons under 18. We have seen staff at cafes ask for ID, though that is still a novelty. Our students should expect that they will be surrounded by Spanish teens, many of whom will be consuming alcohol. Students should also be aware that they may be in situations where there will be some peer pressure to drink. Given the health and security risks that consumption of alcohol poses, it is imperative for the safety of our students that they understand that they are not allowed, under any circumstance, to drink alcoholic beverages in any amount, and must explicitly pledge to remain alcohol/drug free for the entire trip. Despite the fact that chaperones will be with or near the students much of the time, students will have a considerable amount of independence. If you think the availability of alcohol may be an issue for your son/daughter, this may not be the right program for him/her.

PLEASE NOTE: In every case, if a student is found to be consuming alcohol, they will be removed from the program without exception. The parents will be notified and expected to make arrangements for their son/daughter’s immediate return to the United States. There will be no refunds.

What happens if my son/daughter gets sick?
There are many reliable medical facilities in the area, and an efficient system of neighborhood clinics. There are major hospitals within a short drive, and a number of private specialty clinics. If a student has more than a minor ailment, or anything involving fever, dizziness, vomiting, or bleeding, parents will be contacted immediately. Students must have their own medical insurance coverage.

Can our son/daughter call us? Can we call them?
Students can receive phone calls in their host home, but CANNOT make international calls from there. The most convenient (and private) way for students to make international calls is from a payphone.

Do students have a curfew in the evenings?
Students must abide by the family standard, in every case. The curfews are 11:00pm, except for Saturday nights, 12:30-1:00am

Can they bring a cell phone?
We STRONGLY suggest that student leave their cell phones at home. In our experience, the students who do best on this program are sufficiently mature and independent to live without constant contact home. There are rarely cases in which the cell phone has had any bona fide logistical function (airports, e.g.). Students who take their cell phones almost always use them to call home. This has almost always complicated and lengthened the student’s adaptation process, and has significantly diminished the development of their maturity and self-reliance. If students or their parents need to have frequent contact with their son/daughter (more than once a week), this may not be a good program for them. Additonally, roaming rates can be a high as $2.00 per minute and not all USA cell phones will even work in Spain.

Can I take public transportation?
We will go into the historic part of Seville by train regularly, and we will show you how to that process works. If some occasion calls for using the bus system, we will help you with that as well, though that is more rare. In all cases, though, we need to know where you are at all times, so consult with us first.

If I take tennis classes, how do I get there?
Nico and his team will pick you up at the Dos Hermanas train station and drop you back off there after classes.

Will my Spanish host have central air conditioning?
Probably NOT. Central air conditioning is still rare in Spain, most people have one or two local units, typically in the living room. In Andalucia, these systems are very expensive to run, so most families only turn on the units for an hour or two a day, and only on certain days.

Will my Spanish host have children?
The Spanish hosts will always have a “Señora” in charge of the house. Some Señoras are married with children, some are widows, some are single parents, some are married with adult children that don’t live at home, some are the adult children of other Señoras, … etc. The Geranios School will make the match, with our input. In all cases, though, keep in mind that hosting is a huge responsibility and a significant investment of time and attention on the part of the hosts. Therefore, whatever the structure of the host home is like, our students are expected to be excellent guests, to adapt to the norms of the home and invest time in getting to know these people.

What if I’m a vegetarian, or if I have other food restrictions?
Spanish hosts are somewhat familiar with, and have always been very accommodating to, students with religious or vegetarian restrictions. Please let us know if the restrictions are of a different nature. Any restriction that is compatible with their normal diet will be fine; restrictions that involve eating specific foods at specific times, for instance, will probably not be compatible.

Are there luggage restrictions?
Depending on the airline that you fly on, there may be additional fees for luggage or for overweight. Especially on the return flight, be aware that overweight charges can be steep; it’s not uncommon for some students to pay 150 euros. Consult with your airline before departure.

How much spending money will I need?
My recommendation is 50 euros per week, depending on 1) how much you want to snack, and 2) how much you want to buy.

Can I bring my hair dryer, hair straightener and other electrical appliances?
The electrical current in Spain is different that in the US. None of the US electrical appliances will work unless specifically made for 220W 60V current source.