Seville and the surrounding communities are extremely safe, by any standard. As well, host families are very protective of our students and will contact the chaperones if anything seems amiss (usually it’s about how little our students eat, in their view). Our students should be aware, though, that they might generate negative attention if they are not hanging out with Spanish teens and are speaking loudly in English. In all cases, though, chaperones are always available to the students, at all hours. Students are given an emergency card with the chaperones’ cell phone number on it, so they can call anytime. Chaperones also have a car available.

Alcoholic beverages are available at grocery stores, cafés or supermarkets. 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. Given the health and security risks that consumption of alcohol poses, it is imperative for our program that our students understand that they are not allowed under any circumstance to drink alcoholic beverages, 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 most 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.

There are many reliable medical facilities in the area, the nearest one being a private clinic two blocks from the school. There are major hospitals within a 5-minute drive of the school, 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.

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.

Yes. We will teach everyone how to use the train (15 minutes), and how to get around. However, our students must always go with at least one other person, never alone. I especially encourage them to go with their Spanish friends. It’s very safe, but it’s very easy to get lost in the historic district.

On weeknights, we expect students to be at home around 11:30pm; on weekends, by 1:30am. If families have a different curfew, students must abide by the family standard. That varies significantly among families.