FAQ
SPAIN – General
Is Spain a safe country?
Yes! According to different studies, Spain is one of the safest places to live in the world, but it also is the top 4 for the best quality of life. Visitors say that there are three main reasons for coming to Spain: personal safety, the weather, and quality of life! While I can think of many more, let´s just leave it like that.
The biggest concern for visitors and tourists, as with many major American and European cities are pickpocketing and petty crime. With that said, you still have to be careful, just like you are at home. It is always important to be aware of your surroundings, especially in cafes, the metro, and tourist areas. Many thieves are not afraid to engage and distract victims while trying to take a wallet or phone. Conceal your valuables and never walk around with large amounts of cash. Just remember, staying alert and aware of your surroundings will make you a difficult target for pickpockets.
What is the temperature like in Spain in the summer?
Summer (June / July / August), temperatures are usually very high (around 40 °C) in Madrid. It is recommended that you bring light clothing and maybe a jacket for the evening. Although it will be hot outside both classrooms and dorms are airconditioned.
How do electrical appliances work in Spain?
Voltage in Spain is 220 watts and plugs are different from the ones in the US, so you should bring an adapter with you or buy one once you are in Spain.
Do I need a passport and a visa to come to Spain?
You do need a valid passport for the trip overseas.
US students don´t need to apply for a visa because al our programs last less than 90 days. For other countries, please contact us to verify the need for a student visa.
Will I be able to make friends?
Yes! Participants in our programs are from colleges and universities across the country, you will have the chance to meet fellow participants in your housing, in your classes and on program activities.
An important feature of our programs is that you will be meeting with business leaders, entrepreneurs, and professionals in different fields, so in addition to making friends you will have an excellent opportunity to start building your international professional network.
What should I do in case of an emergency?
Students should always keep phone numbers, emails and addresses of the program coordinators and onsite Directors, as well as other numbers from the health insurance company and other emergency numbers given during orientation. In case of an emergency you should call your local coordinator, who will give you specific instructions as to what to do.
ACCOMMODATION
Is accommodation included in the program?
Yes, all students stay at one of the most modern University Residence on Campus. It is a fully renovated historical building right in the center of town and across from the program offices and classrooms. Students stay in double rooms and have a meal plan (three meals a day). The Dorms have sports facilities, free Wi-Fi, plenty of open space and gardens and air-conditioned in every room.
The cost of accommodation + full board is included in the cost program.
Who will I be living with?
You will be staying in the University dorm in a double room. You can stay with a friend or we can match you up with a roommate. In order to do that, we will send you a Housing Questionnaire that you have to complete very carefully and honestly so we can find the right match for you.
If you have any dietary restrictions, please indicate it in the questionnaire in order to notify the Dorm cafeteria.
Can I reserve a single room if I want to live by myself?
Yes, you can do that, but you will have to pay an additional fee of 100€ per month.
Do I have access to the internet?
Yes, your Dormitory offers free Wi-Fi 24/7 and university buildings have free Wi-Fi, but these are closed on weekends. It is also quite normal to have Wi-Fi access in public places such as bars or restaurants. We recommend that you bring your own laptop or tablet.
PROGRAM
What does the cost of your program include?
The program fee includes the university tuition and fees, your official transcript & participation diploma, airport pick-up, logistical & cultural orientations, accommodation for the duration of the program in fully renovated university dorms (room & board including 3 meals a day) comprehensive medical & accident insurance, 24-hour emergency support, day trips and weekend/overnight excursions outside Barcelona, many cultural & social activities, and so much more!
How do I get from the airport to the program site in Alcala?
Infinite Spur offers a pick-up service from the Adolfo Suárez Madrid Barajas Airport for students who come to Spain on the date set at the start of the program. We will contact you regarding your arrival information.
Does the program include the cost of medical insurance?
Yes, the program includes private health insurance. Students will have access to doctors’ appointments and treatments in specific private medical facilities in Spain. More information will be provided during the orientation at the beginning of the program in Alcala.
Can I transfer the credits from the International Leadership Institute to my home university?
Of course! All our courses are accredited by Instituto Franklin - Universidad de Alcala in Spain, thus you will be receiving official credits from a Spanish University.
All courses have a duration of 45 hours, equivalent to 3 US credits.
During the registration process we work with you and your university to get your classes pre-approved by providing syllabi and course descriptions for you to take to your advisor and study abroad office. This is a necessary step you must take in order to ensure transfer credit will be accepted by your university. Our advisors and your study abroad office is here to help with any of your questions. This process should be done prior to the beginning of the program.
How old do I have to be to participate on the Leadership Institute?
Due to liability reasons and the fact that all students participating in the International Leadership Institute are registered in the Spanish University, all participants must be 18 or older. We welcome recent graduates and grad students!
I am graduating this coming May; will I still be able to register for the program?
Yes! In this case I would recommend participating in the International Leadership Institute as a way to start planning your professional future. Our Leadership Institute will provide you with the competences and skills to work in an international setting. In addition to our courses, you will be visiting businesses and meeting with leaders of the community and professionals of many different fields, providing you with an excellent opportunity of making business contacts and start building your professional network.
ENROLLMENT
Do you accept applications all year?
Yes! All programs and internships do have an application deadline, but we accept applications on a rolling basis. The earlier you apply for a specific term, the better chances for you to get all the classes, internship options, and housing preferences you want.
What´s the deadline for the registration in the program?
April 1st, 2020 is the deadline for registration for Summer Programs.
I speak little or no Spanish, can I still participate in the program?
No problem! There is no language requirement to participate in the International Leadership Institute, since all our courses are offered in English. A basic command of the Spanish Language is highly recommended (but not required) in order to relate to different business professionals, mentors and community leaders that you will meet during the program.
In addition, Students who are interested in increasing their linguistic competence in Spanish are invited to consider taking Business Spanish language that is offered as part of the program.
How do I know that I am accepted to the Program?
Each program has different requirements including GPA and, in some cases, class standing and language prerequisites. For each program’s specific requirements refer to the program page.
What documents do I need to register in the university?
∙ The only official document that you need is a valid copy of your passport.
∙ Application Form
∙ Housing Application
How do I pay my 300€ deposit?
To pay your 300€ application deposit, it’s simple to do so by credit or debit card here.
Is the deposit refundable?
The 300€ deposit is not an additional fee and is deducted from your total program cost. After you pay the deposit, you’ll move forward in our application process. If you’re not accepted, the 300€ deposit will be refunded back to you. If you’re accepted and decide not to go, the deposit will not be refunded back.
When is my program balance due?
All account balances must be paid in full 30 days prior to the program start date.
How do I pay my program balance?
If you would like to make a payment, it’s simple to do so by debit or credit card here. Please note that credit or debit card payments incur a 1.9% service charge, which will be present in the total charges of your transaction on that page.
If you prefer you can pay by Wire transfer.
WIRE TRANSFER INFORMATION
Send Wire Transfer to "Infinite Spur" and indicate the name of the student clearly and the program that the student is registered for.
Bank information:
CAIXABANK
IBAN: ES72 2100 4246 7513 0044 0204
SWIFT/BIC: CAIXESBBXXX
Send a scanned copy of the bank transfer payment to: info@infinitespur.com
Please do not send cash.
Do you offer any scholarships?
Yes! Please check out our Merit Scholarship that grants you un up to 1000€ towards the total cost of the program. There are a limited number of Merit Scholarships and they are granted on a first come first serve basis, so my recommendation will be to apply early if you are interested. In order to apply, you should complete the Application, submit a Statement of Purpose and provide two letters of recommendation.