STUDY GALICIA

Valid Passport – US participants must have more than 6 months of validity from the first day of entry into the EU.

ETIAS – at the moment, this entry system is not up and running, but if it does start, we will inform everyone, and getting yours is easy to do online.

Flight parental authorization – This will not be needed as a team member will be accompanying the students on the flights to and from Madrid. So any students under 16 will not need any extra prior authorization.

Our team provides clear guidance and support throughout the entire process to make sure all travel arrangements and documentation are correctly prepared before departure.

Travel assistance – We handle all travel arrangements, including flights, for a coordinated group departure from Boston.  The airfare chosen will be Iberia’s optimal economy level.  This will include a carry-on, a meal, and one checked bag.  The layover in Madrid will only be a few hours, but enough to allow us to enter through the new computer entry system (no more passport stampings) 

Students will be brought to the airport by their parents to meet the team member, give any last-minute information, and give a loving departure, “hasta luego”.

Upon arrival, host families will be at the A Couna airport to receive their student. The host family will also be the one to bring the student to the airport for the return to Boston. Pickup upon return to Boston will be down by the parents. If another arrangement needs to be made, the program must be informed.

We are proud to maintain high safety protocols.  Throughout the student’s travel, parents will have updates.

Arrivals and Departure timings – All students are expected to arrive at the airports at specified times to be given later to allow for a group process, including check-in and going through security.

Some months before traveling, we will email an info packet which will contain a checklist for what is recommended for a student to travel with, agreements on expectations of behavior, and other information to make the journey easy for all.

We do not allow for solo travel.  Nor late arrivals or early departures.  The dates for the program will be set and final.  Of course, anything beyond our control would be taken into consideration, but we want to keep everything on a specific timetable.

Late arrival/early departure – as stated, we wish to keep to the schedule.  If an early departure is needed for any unforeseen reason, we will make the accommodations.  The host families have adjusted their summer schedules to be a part of this experience, and we would like to ensure that their personal time is not disrupted.

Each host family goes through an extensive screening and selection process, which includes a background check for the ability to work with minors.

Each will provide a warm and welcoming home, which includes a private bedroom, meals, support, safety, and cultural exchange.

The families we work with come from the local community that we trust and already have experience in hosting students.  The families live in safe residential neighborhoods that have easy access to the school.

Our families are genuinely open-minded people who wish to share in the cultural exchange journey because it is as much of an experience for them as it will be for the student.  They are committed to the students’ well-being and supporting their daily lives while in Spain.

Host families will either live within the city center or in the suburbs, which is a short 10-minute commute.  A suburban setting is more likely and more beneficial to host families, as their home will be big enough to accommodate a guest.

While a student will have their own room, they likely will need to share a bathroom with other members of the home. They will take their meals with the family and share experiences with their host family.

While students are expected to follow the program and host rules, being abroad will allow them to experience a certain level of independence, as teens in Spain generally do.  This happens because of how safe the country is.

Students are encouraged to have autonomy.  Managing their time is important.  From school work, to excursions, and spending time with the host family and new friends they make.

Age may determine the amount of independence that is given, but maturity and common sense are rewarded.

That said, students are not allowed to wander around freely alone and must communicate any freedom time with the permission of the host family and program.

We look for host families that have a basic understanding of English, but if the student’s level of Spanish is higher than most, they are encouraged to practice daily communication in Spanish with the family.  Of course, using English with the family is perfectly acceptable as it helps both sides connect.  The key thing is to embrace the new challenge, and it will increase one’s confidence and ability with the use of the language. 

Regarding any health or dietary restrictions.  We require a full medical debrief for the student, so the host family and the StudyGalcia team are aware in case of an emergency.  Accommodations can generally be made, but it is best to know what can or cannot be managed if one wants to participate.

While multiple students who are friends may attend the program together, it cannot be guaranteed that they can stay with the same family due to housing limitations.  Also, they will have plenty of time together outside of class, and having some separation at other homes makes for a better experience in our eyes.

Any difficulties that could arise between a student and host family are taken very seriously. If a student is determined to have broken the rules severely, immediate expulsion from the program will take place, and arrangements for the student to depart early from the program may need to be made.

The same goes for the host family.  They are aware of the program’s expectation, and if there is any reason to remove the student from a home and be rehomed, we will do so without hesitation.

We know adapting to a new environment can be a challenge, and the program and host family will do their very best to help with the transition.  Once the student has moved in, we suggest the host family and student place a video call to their parents to show that they are settled and safe, and each family can say hello and feel a sense of ease knowing the student is going to be ok.

Open communication from all parties is essential.  That is why we are confident in our host families, because they have been selected due to their distinguished record in being model families.

Is Spain safe? Extremely.  A Coruña, Very much so!

The Spanish lifestyle is an outgoing and public one.  Teenagers enjoy spending their time outside of the classroom with friends and family.  Whether it is at a beach, in parks, or in athletics. Spain is known for being able to be social and safe at the same time.  

Spain is highly regarded as a safe country for all, especially in the northwest region of Galicia.  This area has a long tradition of community safety and taking care of each other.

That said, proper education and basic common sense are always important. Students will never be by themselves outside of class or the hosting home.

Yes, students are covered by their medical/travel insurance throughout the program. We will set up a policy before the day of travel, running through the day of return.

If, by any chance, medical attention is needed for any reason, the student will be covered. Here in Spain, there is universal healthcare, and anyone and everyone, even tourists, will receive the same level of care as a citizen. The insurance that will be set up for the student will be there in case of serious emergencies or something unexpected, such as repatriation due to injury. General elective medical items, like dermatology and similar, are not covered.

Parents can remain calm in knowing that in Spain, their child will be covered if any such occurrence should take place.

Students are fully supported at all times. If a student needs to attend a hospital, they will be accompanied by the host family and/or a staff member. Never will a student be left to their own devices.

Yes, the students will have a high level of supervision throughout the program, both at home, in class, and on excursions.

While under the care of the host families, students may be allowed to go out with a family member or in a group of other students. If this happens, it can only be allowed once both the host families have agreed and informed the StudyGalicia staff (who gives final permission). Students will be required to check out and check in.

Remember, we do believe in freedom and having the experience to learn how to have independence and autonomy, but it is an earned privilege. These boundaries are what allow the program, families, and students to work together in synergy.

Students and families can contact the StudyGalicia team 24/7. If it is not an emergency, but you cannot get through directly to your child, you can reach out to the host family or us, and we will arrange for your child to connect with you.

The team is easily reached by email or through WHATSAPP.

The same is said for the students. Whether they need to contact the staff or their host family, the student will always be answered.
Students can reach out to their families if needed, but if there are no issues, we do hope the student will enjoy their time in their new environment and then share all their amazing stories with everyone once back home.

Yes, the other aspect of this program is enjoying the culture of Galicia and Spain.  

During weekday afternoons and weekends, the students will experience events, locations, and activities.  This experience is more than just “visiting” Spain.

Amongst these are visits to the historical city of Santiago de Compostela and the lively Vigo and its CIES Islands.  Also, numerous beach days will be had at the iconic, clear blue ocean waters of the Atlantic.  

As for activities, we have conceived a variety of fun and exciting ones for the students to partake in.  They may include sports like surfing, paddle surfing, swimming, padel tennis, and other popular outdoor games. Ability to take part in guided city tours and shopping in the fashion capital of Spain (A Coruña).  Students will try typical Spanish and Galician dishes and even learn to cook one.

Students will have structured schedules with a mix of busy time and downtime.  From the activities and excursions to sharing moments wth friends and the host families, students will still have a routine to go by, but a bit different than as they did back in the States.  Forging connections with their host families and new friends means using meal times to get to know one another and getting used to those unconventional meal times. 

Making friends will happen quickly. The students will be thrown into icebreakers and other situations to help forge strong connections.  Families with similarly aged children are encouraged to spend time with the students and help them experience life in their hometown.  Throughout the two weeks, students will find themselves interacting with locals, using the Spanish they are learning to allow themselves to become a small part of the community.

Students will have free/downtime everyday.  After lunch on days with shorter activities, students can arrange time to relax at the host home or, with permission, as a group, spend time exploring the city.  Sundays will be a light day, spending quality time with their host family.