FAQ's
Please note: All this information applies for college students studying abroad with us.
What type of accommodation is provided?
All students participating in the SAIIE program must live with Spanish families as part of the cultural immersion program. The Spanish families that work with SAIIE can consist of a married couple with children; a single woman (separated, divorced, widowed) with or without children; or an older couple whose children do or do not live at home. We house students in pairs or 3–4 students per house. We never mix boys with girls in a house.
Can I pick my roommate or live with a friend?
Yes. When you fill out the housing questionnaire make sure to write down the name of the person you want to live with and vice versa. The sooner you fill out this form, the more options you will have available to you. Please note, both students have to request to live with each other or SAIIE will not house them together. SAIIE cannot always guarantee students will get the roommate they have listed because it will depend as well on availability.
Are meals included in the total program cost?
Breakfast and mid-day meals are included Monday through Friday and evening meals Sunday through Thursday.
Are laundry services included in the total program cost?
Each student is allowed 1 load of laundry per week. Your Spanish landlady will give you a bag for whites and another for colours.
How far is the accommodation from the school?
All students are placed in accommodation no more than 30–40 minutes’ walking distance from the school or a 10–20 minute bike ride.
What if I am vegetarian / have a food allergy?
Please let us know in advance if you are vegetarian or are allergic to a certain type of food and we will ensure you are placed with a family who will cater for your needs.
How can I do additional laundry washes if needed?
You must talk to your Spanish landlady and reach an agreement or you can use local launderettes around the city.
What time will we eat?
Lunchtime is generally at 3:00 p.m. and dinner around 9:00 p.m. Breakfast is normally at 8–9 a.m.
How many courses can I take at the University of Seville?
1–3 courses.
Is there any required courses?
All students participating in any of the academic programs offered through SAIIE during fall and spring must take a Spanish language course at SAIIE or a literature course taught in Spanish, as well as the Artistic Monuments of Seville course taught in English or Spanish at SAIIE.
What level of Spanish do I need?
SAIIE offers programs to students with any level of Spanish, from beginner to advanced.
Are courses at the University of Seville or EUSA University taught in English or Spanish?
Students can choose to take their courses at the University of Seville or EUSA University in English or Spanish.
Will I have access to WiFi?
There will be access to WiFi in your accommodation, at university and at SAIIE. You can also find cafes around the city with WiFi such as Starbucks.
Do we offer any financial aid opportunities?
There’s many opportunities out there for students to be eligible for financial aid. Please check out our financial aid page on all the different financial aid opportunities you have at: https://saiie.com/student-resources/financial-aid/
Can I go to the gym in my free time?
Yes you can! There’s a gym located where the SAIIE facilities are located and our students get a special fee discount. Also some athletic programs include gym training.
Are the training sessions flexible?
Yes, training sessions are flexible, it is ok if you have to miss some.
How far away is the accommodation from the club?
It differs but the accommodation is usually about a 20–45 minute walk or a 30–40 minute bus ride from the club.
Will I need to get public transport to the club?
It depends where you are housed but public transport is easy to use in Seville.
Are the training sessions varied? (a mix of gym and practice)
It depends on the sport. Training sessions will include a variety of activities. Please visit our athletic website to learn more.
When do trainings happen?
It varies but most sports start training anywhere from 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Some sports like swimming and rowing offer the chance to train in the mornings around 8:00 a.m. or early evening around 5:00 p.m. Please note: schedules of practice can vary and we will not know them until a month before starting practice.
Will I be living with other athletes?
We try to house student-athletes together but it is not guaranteed.
Are the athletes at the club a similar age?
Our college students will be training and competing with athletes from age 18–25 years old on most teams. Gap students will be joining teams where the Spanish athletes will be 17–18 years old. Please note: if a gap student is +18 years they will have to join the older team.
Do I need a passport to study in Spain?
Note: For students who already have a passport, please check BEFORE coming abroad that your passport is not due to expire and that it will be valid for the full length of your stay.
Yes, no matter how long you plan to spend abroad it is your responsibility to obtain a passport. If you do not have a U.S. passport you can learn here how to obtain one.
Do I need a visa to study in Spain for the Spring or Fall terms?
U.S. students studying for a semester or academic year program that last longer than 90 days are required by Spanish law to obtain a student visa. Please contact Alexis Bergstrom, from the International Education & Engagement (IEE) office at UW-La Crosse, at abergstrom@uwlax.edu for more information. Gap students please contact Sean Chipres, program manager at the SAIIE study abroad program, at seanrc@saiie.com.
Do I need a visa to study in Spain for the Summer or Winterim terms?
No, you will only need a visa if you plan on staying in Spain for more than 90 days.
What happens if I lose my passport?
If you lose your passport or it gets stolen at any point whilst you are abroad you will need to go to the Police Department and file a report. You will then have to take this report to the Embassy who will give you a temporary passport until you can have a new one issued. We will help you with the entire process.
Is the airfare included in the total program cost?
No, airfare is not included in our programs.
What day should I arrive?
The first day of the program which is listed on the website should be your departure date. Don’t forget to take the time difference into account when travelling from the US to Spain.
Will I be picked up at the airport upon arrival?
Airport reception is included in the total program cost, but airport transfer to your accommodation is not included. A member of SAIIE staff will be at the airport to greet you and help you get transportation to your Spanish home. Please note: airport transfer to Spanish homes from airport or train station is included on arrival date to our gap student participants.
What day should I depart at the end of the program?
You will need to leave the day after your final exams are done. If you would like to stay longer you need to make the appropriate arrangements with your landladies.
Will I be taken to the airport upon departure of the host country?
Airport transportation at the end of the semester is not included in the program cost.
Will I need a credit card?
Although the use of American Express is becoming more useable abroad, not everywhere will take these cards in Seville. Most places in Seville will accept Visa and Master cards and we recommend that you also bring some cash for smaller purchases.
What should I pack?
We recommend that you pack accordingly for the season that you will be visiting Seville:
Fall — bring cool clothing as it will be hot until about November, and bring a few sweaters/jackets for when the weather starts to cool down. September is generally a really warm month with many days of 90’s ºF and warm nights. You will probably not need a jacket until November.
Winter — bring relatively warm clothes such as long sleeves, sweaters, jumpers, jackets and trousers. It won’t be freezing weather; you don’t need hats, scarves and gloves. Spanish homes may be cold inside as there isn’t central heating so bring sweaters and long pyjamas (avg. temp: 52–53°F).
Spring — bring a rain jacket and one jacket/sweater for colder days. Bring cooler clothes as it can also be very hot (avg. temp: 52–69°F).
Summer — bring cool clothing; Seville can be very hot in the summer. No need to bring jackets. During the day averaging mid 90’s ºF, and even reaching the 100’s ºF.
Keep in mind that you may be taking back more than you came with so you might want to pack more minimally on your way to Seville!
Will I be refunded for activities that are included in the program cost that I can't take part in?
No, there are no refunds.
Will meals be included in the cost of the trips?
Cost does not include meals unless noted otherwise.
Will transport be included in the cost of the trips?
During the fall and spring, transport is included to the following trips:
• Weekend trip
• Ronda day trip
• Córdoba day trip
• Itálica day trip