Question 1

What are the main differences between this program and university-sponsored study abroad programs?

Accepted Answer

Our program is designed for individuals who are not seeking academic credit but want to experience linguistic and cultural immersion. While our program is independent from any university and does not include formal academic coursework, it is fundamentally educational in nature. We have developed a less formal study abroad model ideal for curious, self-motivated individuals and lifelong learners. Our model is rooted in experiential learning and it is based on the premise that participants are intrinsically motivated to partake in the immersion experience for their personal enrichment.

Question 2

Are all the activities listed on the Cultural Activities page included in the program cost?

Accepted Answer

Some activities and visits are included and others will be optional. Activities that we consider fundamental to experiencing Granada are included in the program at no cost. These include visiting the Alhambra, touring the Albaicín, seeing a flamenco performance, and going on a tapas route, among others. In order to customize the program to suit the particular interests of the group, we like to learn about each participant before we finalize the cultural programming. We plan to offer many optional activities at no cost and suggest some optional activities for an additional cost. Program coordinators are more than happy to assist participants in planning additional activities and excursions for their free time.

Question 3

What does the 24 hour on-site support include?

Accepted Answer

Our program coordinators are there to support participants in many ways throughout the month. They serve as both cultural guides and logistical aids. Not only do they accompany the group on all excursions and activities, but they are also eager to help participants navigate the challenges presented by the immersion experience. Additionally, program coordinators are accessible around the clock for the duration of the program to assist in any emergency situation. If a participant needs medical attention, a program coordinator will accompany them to the hospital, clinic, or pharmacy to translate and support the participant in any way they can. Program coordinators are also there to help facilitate communication with host families if any issue or miscommunication arises.

Question 4

What is the purpose of the non-refundable deposit?

Accepted Answer

The non-refundable deposit reserves your spot in the program and demonstrates your commitment to participate. Because we must meet a minimum of 10 participants in order for the program to run, we cannot risk applicants casually withdrawing from the program, as this may affect the program's financial viability.

Question 5

What size is the group? Do you have a limit to how many participants you accept?

Accepted Answer

While we don't have a hard cap to our group size, we aim for groups of between 10 and 15 participants in order to provide a more intimate, personalized experience. This enables us to customize the experience to the group's interests and needs more than is possible with a larger group.

Question 6

Is Spain a safe travel destination?

Accepted Answer

Generally speaking, Spain is a safe travel destination. Crime rates are low, and mostly consist of petty crime and theft; violent crime in Spain is rare. We require participants to enroll in the U.S. State Department Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) prior to departure. This program keeps track of all U.S. citizens traveling abroad, and sends travel alerts and updates regarding the safety and security of the travel destination.

Question 7

It says on the excursion page that the Sevilla trip is tentative. When will we know if it will be included?

Accepted Answer

A group excursion to Sevilla will be included if budget allows; in other words, if the program enrolls a sufficient number of participants to make this excursion financially viable. If included, it will be combined with the excursion to Córdoba and include a one-night stay in Sevilla. If we are unable to include this as a group excursion, participants can choose to travel to Sevilla on their own during their free weekend.

Question 8

Do I have to be a current student or a recent graduate to participate?

Accepted Answer

Not necessarily. While the program is designed to best suit this general age group, we accept non-students who are not recent grads, but we encourage you to get in touch with us before applying to make sure the program will be a good fit.

Question 9

Can I participate in the program while I'm taking an online course through my university?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! We have designed the program to make this feasible by including a healthy balance of programmed activities and free time. As long as your course involves asynchronous instruction, this should be entirely possible. If the course is synchronous, the time difference and schedule of group meetups and cultural activities may present some difficulties, however it may still be possible. See our tentative program calendar for an idea of how the month will look on a day-to-day basis.

Question 10

What if I have zero knowledge of Spanish, can I still participate?"

Accepted Answer

We recommend that participants have some basic knowledge of Spanish prior to joining our program, such as one semester of college-level Spanish or the equivalent. Having a basic foundation of the language will provide some basis upon which participants can build throughout the month. Additionally, having some basic Spanish communication skills will facilitate your homestay experience, as most of our host families speak little, if any, English. However, if your Spanish is very limited, we will do our best to place you in a homestay where at least one member of the host family speaks some English.

Question 11

Can I participate in the program while I'm working remotely or doing an online internship?

Accepted Answer

Most likely yes, but it depends on how time-consuming your work will be. We want all participants to make the most of their experience. While we do offer a healthy balance of free time and programmed activities, it may be difficult to work a full-time job (remotely) and still fully enjoy your month in Spain. See our tentative program calendar for an idea of how the month will look on a day-to-day basis.

Question 12

Since airfare is not included, what do I need to know to book my flights and how do I connect with the group once I arrive?"

Accepted Answer

Participants must book round-trip flights to Madrid, arriving on the program start date and departing on the program end date. Program coordinators will meet participants in the Madrid-Barajas airport and transport the group to the hotel upon arrival. For departure, we will travel back to Madrid as a group on an overnight bus, as many U.S. bound departing flights leave Madrid in the morning. Once participants book their flights, they will provide us with their flight itinerary so we can arrange the timing of group arrival and departure airport transfers.

Question 13

How should I go about booking flights?

Accepted Answer

Flights can be booked online or through a travel agent. We recommend a direct flight to Madrid if possible. You may depart from any airport in the U.S. that is convenient for you, but you will need to arrive in Madrid on the published start date of the program. Keep in mind that flights to Europe out of the U.S. are usually overnight flights so you will be departing the U.S. on the day prior to the start date of the program.

Question 14

How much should I budget for airfare?

Accepted Answer

Depending on your location of origin, roundtrip flights to Madrid at this time of year can vary greatly, ranging between $600-$1400. Flights departing from large international airports such as JFK (in New York) or Miami International tend to be less costly and offer more nonstop flights to Madrid. For planning purposes, we recommend budgeting approximately $1000 for your roundtrip airfare, keeping in mind, however, that it could cost more or less.

Question 15

What If I can't commit to the exact dates of the program?

Accepted Answer

We make these considerations on a case-by-case basis, so if you can't commit to the exact program dates, please contact us and we will review your situation to determine if it will work. Generally speaking, arriving a day or two late or departing a day or two early may still be feasible, however it may require you to arrange your own transportation to/from Granada.

Question 16

Do I need any special visa to stay in Spain for 4 weeks?

Accepted Answer

No. U.S. citizens may enter Spain for up to 90 days for tourism or business without a visa. However, your passport should be valid for at least three months beyond the period of stay.

Question 17

What if I want to extend my stay beyond the program dates?

Accepted Answer

By all means! While we cannot guarantee the option for extending your stay with your host family, if you wish to extend your time in Granada/Spain/Europe on your own account and plan your own accommodations, you are more than welcome to do so. Keep in mind that U.S. citizens staying in Spain for more than 90 days are required to have a work or student visa, which must be applied for in the U.S. prior to departure. Also, your passport should be valid for at least three months beyond the period of your stay.

Question 18

Who are the host families and how are they chosen?

Accepted Answer

Host families are local Spanish families who value cultural exchange as much as we do. Our host families are selected with the help of our on-site housing liaison, and the majority of our host families have years of experience hosting exchange students. Additionally, program coordinators have worked with several of our host families in homestay programs through other universities. Please visit our Homestay Description to learn more about host families and the homestay experience.

Question 19

Do host families speak any English?

Accepted Answer

Generally speaking, host families do not speak English. One of the main benefits of the homestay experience is the linguistic immersion - challenging yourself to communicate entirely in Spanish is the most effective way to improve your language proficiency. Some host families do speak some English, or have a member of the family who speaks English, however they tend to reserve this for necessity only and encourage participants to practice their Spanish as much as possible. Host families are very patient and accustomed to interacting with exchange students of all levels of proficiency in Spanish. If your Spanish is very limited, we will do our best to place you in a homestay where at least one member of the host family speaks some English.

Question 20

Do host families have Wi-Fi?

Accepted Answer

Yes, all host families have  Wi-Fi.

Question 21

My friend and I are signing up to participate and we'd like to room together with a host family...is there a way to request this?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. Once you are accepted into the program, you will complete a housing form where you can request to room with your friend.

Question 22

I'm interested in the program but not sure about living with a host family. Can I participate but live on my own instead?

Accepted Answer

The homestay experience is one of the most valuable and enriching parts of our immersion program. Living with a Spanish family gives participants an insider experience of the culture and enables you to fully embrace the Spanish lifestyle. With that said, if you have a strong reason as to why you wish to participate in the program but not the homestay, please contact us directly and we will consider your situation.

Question 23

What are Spain's requirements for tourists to enter the country during the pandemic?

Accepted Answer

As of June 2021, Spain allows tourists to enter with a proof of vaccination, and a negative COVID test performed within 48 of arrival in Spain. While it is difficult to predict what will happen over the next year, we expect the restrictions to ease as we move past the pandemic. We will keep participants informed as policies change and we approach the program start date.

Question 24

Is it safe to go to Spain during the pandemic?

Accepted Answer

The rate of vaccinations in Spain is increasing rapidly and the rate of cases is decreasing significantly. All travel - during a pandemic or otherwise - presents some risk. The best way to avoid illness or injury is to take proper precautions and to use common sense.

Question 25

Do I have to be vaccinated to participate?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Spain requires visitors entering the country to show proof of vaccination. See link for further information.

Question 26

What will happen if there is a spike in COVID cases prior to departure or during the program?

Accepted Answer

The health, safety, and wellbeing of our participants remains our highest priority. Beyond Language Immersion will closely monitor the state of the pandemic and how it affects travel to Spain, as well as on-site accommodations and services. Should our program need to be cancelled for health, safety, and/or global mobility reasons before departure or while the group is onsite, we will make our best effort to refund all recoverable program costs. Fees and refunds depend upon timing, program requirements, and the specific circumstances of cancellation or termination.