Before the journey

• NECESSARY DOCUMENTATION

A language course abroad is an unforgettable experience, but it is necessary to prepare some details before starting this great adventure. Below is shown some of the more important documents that the student must bring in order to not have any kind of problem during the stay.

It is very important that the student has a valid passport or DNI (with an expiration date later of the course start date). The student will have to present the document (passport or DNI) at the departure aiport and at the arrival airport.

The student must not put the DNI or the passport in any of the bags that will be check-in because it is impossible to recover the documentation once the check-in is done and he or she will be unable to pass the Security Control. 

Every student that travels to the United States are obligated to have an approved authorization by the Department of National Security of the United States before travelling. The application can be presented electronically at any moment before the journey in this link: http://esta.cbp.dhs.gov

For long-term language courses abroad in some countries it is necessary to travel with a visa. You can find more information on how to apply for a visa for each country on the following websites:

- USA: www.usembassy.gov

- CAN: www.cic.gc.ca/english/visit/visas.asp

- AUS: www.spain.embassy.gov.

The students of English Summer S.A. who will take an English course abroad will receive from us all the necessary documentation for the trip. They will need to bring their course confirmation certificate and their transfer confirmation sheet. In some cases, some schools that require children under the age of 18 ask also to carry a travel authorization signed by their parents or guardians.

It's also important to bring the insurance card that we include with the documentation. 

•  CHANGE OF MONEY AND POCKET MONEY 

From English Summer S.A. We advise you to bring money already changed in the currency of the country in which the stay of the language course abroad is to be carried out. We recommend carrying out this process a few days before departure, since at certain times and, especially in summer, it is difficult to find currency at the last minute in banks.

However, it is very important that students travel with an amount that allows them to pay their personal expenses such as soft drinks, gifts, food, buses (on certain occasions), some outings not included in the program, stamps, telephone, etc. but without causing excessive concern or annoyance. The recommended amount is € 100 per week.

Students taking a language course abroad with half board or breakfast only will be required to pay all subsistence expenses during their stay.

So, it's advisable that all students always wear with them a debit card allowing its recharge from Spain and preventing complications from running out of cash.

•  MEDICATION

Some of the drugs in Spain have different names abroad, so from English Summer S.A. We advise that, if you need a special medication, you buy it in Spain.

To prevent any type of complication, our participants enrolled in a language course abroad must fill out a specific form in which any medical incident that affects the student will be detailed.

• LUGGAGE

It will depend on the time of the year and the destination. However, in general, is recommended to bring little and functional clothes. It is also recommended to always leave free space in the suitcase to incorporate purchases made during the trip abroad.

The airlines normally allow a maximum allowance of 20 kg of luggage per person, although some low cost companies limit it even more.

A very useful reminder when traveling by plane is to always carry toiletries, a change of clothes and some warm clothing (such as a sweater) in your hand luggage in case it gets lost or there is a delay with the checked luggage. It is highly recommended that students wear their marked clothing to avoid confusion during their stay abroad

• HAND LUGGAGE ON AIRPLANES

According to Regulation (EC) No. 68/2004 of the Commission January 15, 2004, there are a series of prohibited items in hand luggage on board airplanes:

-Weapons: firearms or imitations, toy guns, ball guns.

-Sharp or sharp objects: arrows, darts, knives, razors, scissors whose blades exceed 6 cm in length

-Big instruments: sticks, skateboards, poles

-Chemical, toxic or flammable substances (also prohibited in the luggage hold): gasoline, flares, matches

•  HOW TO CARRY LIQUID IN HAND LUGGAGE?

- They must be packaged in individual containers with a maximum of 100 ml contained in a single transparent plastic bag with closure and a maximum capacity of 1 l.
- They will be presented separately during the security control, as well as the medicines or special food.

- It will be allowed to transport liquids purchased the same day in the airport shops once the security controls have been passed if they are conveniently packaged and unopened to their final destination.

- Liquid: gel, pastes, lotions and material in pressurized container

 For more information: www.aena.es

•  CLOTHES AND OTHERS ADVISABLE OBJECTS

From English Summer S.A. we recommend informal and pleasant clothing for all language courses abroad, as well as comfortable and versatile footwear. You have to think about optimizing your luggage and that is why it is recommended that participants in language courses abroad wear useful clothes in any situation.

It is also advisable that students carry special mesh bags for washing machines (marked with the name) where they can accumulate dirty clothes. In this way your room will be tidier and all the clothes located.

Educational material is provided by schools, so students only need to bring a pocket dictionary and case.