The IFMSA-SPAIN Survival Kit for Incomings
INDEX In the following pages you will be able to find a lot of content about Spain. We tried to to inform you in a funny way about things you can encounter here. But be careful! You will be able to live, experience and feel way more things that we can just wrte down on a piece of paper. We recommend you to start in this first pages, where we welcome you to Spain and show you other things IFMSA-Spain does. Following comes a part of utmost importance in page 6 about How to mve on with the exchange: bureaucracy and visas, to help you with all the paper work. In page 10 we will show you how to get to Spain and how to move inside it. From page 14 up to 19, we explained you some facts about Spain that you might find interesting and that will help you to understand our culture. In page false?
20 we start talking about different Spanish clichés...true or
From page
26 to 33, we give you some hints about places you could visit in Spain...there are so many!!! You will be a little bit
overwhelmed because of the lack of time to do everything!
We will also inform you about some “must” festivities in Spain that you just have to attend if you happen to be around in page 34. To top it all off, we will finish with some tips
40!
and FAQs in page
We also encourage you to check all the links and hyperlinks to get a better idea!
WELCOME LETTER from our glamorous, bright and superb President Hola amigos! Congratulations on your exchange to Spain! It is my greatest pleasure to Take advantage of all our country has welcome you to our amazing country to offer! Your only regret once you get for a month. I can assure you it will back will be that you didn't have time definitely be an incredibly enriching to enjoy it all. experience, both academically and personally. You will be sharing this experience We are really glad that you have with many students from all around chosen Spain. You will soon learn the world. Each year our NMO gets that we are very proud of our health around 500 incomings! I advise you to system, of its quality and its use this opportunity to learn as much universal coverage. We hope you as you can about different cultures, learn as much as possible from it health systems, and experiences. This and share your experiences back is one of the greatest gifts and IFMSA home. Ask as many questions as you Exchange can give you, since you will wish, be proactive during your gain incredible knowledge in different rotations or research work and take cultures and perspectives and you will your time to learn about Spanish go back with lasting friendships from policies on public health. The all over the world. knowledge you will gain through this experience will be an incredible asset With all of this, I wish you a wonderful towards your future medical career. exchange and a lovely stay in Spain. After all the hard work, Spain gives you the opportunity to enjoy Oleee amazing beaches, incredible tapas and great people. You will always be surrounded by wonderful Spanish Emma Pereira Arias students that have invested a lot of their time in making your stay as IFMSA-Spain enjoyable as possible.
President 16/17
WHAT ELSE DOES IFMSA-SPAIN DO?
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Human Rights Activisim W e have a r adio prog ram!
We have beautiful projects! We a re Fa rmac ritix!
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WELCOME LETTER from our flawless Exchange Team
Dear incoming student, Let us, first of all, welcome you and show you our gratitude for choosing our NMO as your exchange destination. Finally, after applying and waiting for so long, you are coming to Spain. The second thing we would like you to know is that you will not find yourself alone since hundreds of students, along with our national exchange ones, are coming to one of our 24 Local Committees for a month that will be unique. We wholeheartedly believe that this will be one of those “once in a lifetime” experiences that remain in your memory for decades!
We like to say that Spain has “duende”, naively defined as “having soul, a heightened state of emotion, expression and authenticity”. With nothing more to say we just hope you have a great time here, so enjoy your stay and make the most of it. Please receive our warmest coldest if summer) hug! IFMSA-Spain Exchange Team
Although you may think that 6 National Officers are few to organize such a project we must confess that we are counting with our more than 50 Local Officers and uncountable Contact People to come up with all these expectations. For that reason, we have prepared this welcome kit. Very useful information can be found in the following pages, including transport, tips or facts about our country, but we must warn you that, despite our oldfashioned latin national motto, our most popular one is “Spain is different”. What does it mean? That most of our traditions, way of life, actions or the way we understand life cannot be explain.
Nagore Rojo NEO In Fernando García NEO Out Marcos Larrosa NEO Assistant Noemí García NONE Jürgen Solis NONE Rosa Carrasco NORE
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HOW TO ON WIT EXCHA BUREAUCR VIS
O MOVE TH THE ANGE: RACY AND SAS
If you are reading this is because you already got your Card of Acceptance and got in touch with your Contact Person. To complete the exchange procedure, we highly recommend you to go through the following steps:
1. Visa:
2. Plane tickets:
in case you need a visa (you can check if you require one in the next page) we encourage you to ask for it AS SOON AS POSSIBLE in the closest Spanish consulate or embassy. If you need an invitation letter you can ask your Contact Person. In case your visa application is rejected please contact the National Exchange Officer right away. Please always apply for a TOURIST VISA. We won’t take responsibility for any other type of visa application but for the tourist one. buy your plane tickets! You can check which airport suits you best in the “Moving around” section. Also your Contact Person can guide you on this.
3. Insurance:
all our Local Committees require at least a health insurance, but check if the Local Committee you were assigned to requires other extra type of insurance! (European Union citizens can travel with the European Health Insurance Card)
4. CC:
send the Card of Confirmation: through ifmsa.org with the information above you need to complete and submit the Card of Confirmation. It is of utmost importance to send it ONE MONTH BEFORE ARRIVAL or you might find your exchange cancelled.
5. EF:
one week before your departure we will ask you to fill the Evaluation Form in ifmsa.org database. THIS IS COMPULSORY IN ORDER TO GET THE CERTIFICATE.
SPANISH VISA REQUIREMENTS We have made simple list to help you checking the visa requirements to enter Spain. However you need to take into consideration that: a) We will not assume any responsibility if you don’t check this information with the local authorities. b) The fact of not needing a visa DOES NOT MEAN that you cannot be required any other document (such as passport or invitation letter). Please check our Foreign Affairs Ministry for further and detailed information. You do need to get a visa if you are from one of the following countries: Algeria Armenia Azerbaijan Bahrain Benin Bolivia Burkina Faso Burundi China (*) Ecuador Egypt Ethiopia Fiji Ghana
Haiti Indonesia Iran Jamaica Jordan Kazakhstan Kenya Kyrgyzstan Kuwait Lebanon Morocco Nepal Nigeria Oman
Pakistan Russia Rwanda Saudi Arabia Sierra Leone South Africa Sudan Thailand Tunisia Turkey Ukraine Uganda United Kingdom (**) Zimbabwe
(*) Citizens with a valid passport from Hong-Kong, Macao or Taiwan do not need a visa. (**) Only overseas territories citizens.
Don’t forget to be in touch with your Contact Person at all times, since we might require additional information from you!
MOV AROU
Traveling to an
VING UND
nd inside Spain
So you are interested in coming to our beautiful country, Spain, but still don’t know how to arrive here? Or maybe once you are here you don’t really know how to get from one place to another? Let us help you with some tips about the main ways to reach Spain and move around the country. First of all, we recommend you visit the website www.spain.info, where you can look for pretty good information about our country in general, including interesting events held in Spain during the year and much more touristical information, and also about how to get to here (there is a chart in the right part of the website where flights, bus and trains trips are offered).
ARRIVE BY PLANE The best option is arriving by plane. Spain is not a big country, so planes might not be so important for travelling around the country. However, most airlines’ websites have available flights between different Spanish cities and if you find nice offers on them, it could be a good (and specially fast) option. For further information regarding the Spanish airports (there are more than 40 all over the country, but the main are: Aeropuerto Adolfo SuárezMadrid-Barajas, near Madrid; and Aeropuerto El Prat, near Barcelona) and specially, those
who you are planning to travel to, we recommend you to visit the official airport website, where your doubts might be solved.
Remember to check the low-cost airlines to fly in the cheapest way around Europe!
Did you know that Barajas and El Prat airports are the 4th and 5th busiest ones in Europe?
Spanish public transportation is... Punctual Safe Highly advisable Reliable Environmentally friendly Affordable
TRAIN Spain has a wide train network that keeps connected the main cities through long-distance trains and high-speed trains (AVE), which will take you, for instance, from Madrid to Barcelona (separated by around 700 km) in 3 hours. There are also short-distance trains (Commuter trains: CercanĂas and Feve) which allow you to move around the main Spanish cities. You can also find more information on the routes you are interested in and buy tickets online at the RENFE website, we created a guide with the only purpose to make it easier for you since the English interface does not always work.
BUS Another option could be coming to Spain by bus, specially if, as well as in the previous case, your trip is not very long. There are some companies that offer direct bus lines from several European countries to different destinations in Spain. In case you need more detailed information, this website has information about schedules, direct and connecting routes, companies and also the option of booking your ticket online and obtaining discounts. For both national and international destinations!!!
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SPA
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FACTS AND
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Did you know that the Spanish National Anthem is the only one in the World without lyrics?
DIFFERENT KINDS OF SPAIN OUR LANGUAGES Our country is widely known as a retreat for many Europeans and vacation destination for families. The Spanish are often spontaneous and informal, like enjoying outdoors life, spending time in terraces, having tapas and going shopping. However this is not all there is to Spain, as there are also a lot of nature spots to enjoy, both mountain and beach, modern and lively cities next to small towns frozen in time, and great places for sports, whether it be snowboarding in the Pyrenees, to surfing in the wild waves of the Cantabric sea and kite-surfing carried by the winds of the strait of Gibraltar. Spain is a very varied country in terms of culture, climate, environment, history and the character of its people. As a visitor in our country, you can discover whole different worlds depending on which part of our unique country you visit. Spain in divided in regions called Comunidades Autónomas of which there are 17. The regions are at the same time divided in smaller provinces, for a total of 50.
The official language spoken in the totality of the Spanish territory is Spanish, being the mother tongue of 90% of the Spanish people. The Spanish language is spoken very differently in different regions, being particularly characteristic the dialects of the southern parts of Spain. While we all speak the same language, sometimes we can have trouble understanding people from other regions! Other official languages spoken in Spain are :Catalan, spoken officially in Catalonia, Valencia, and the Balearic Islands, and non-officially in small parts of Aragón and Murcia. Galician, spoken in Galicia and, incidentally, in parts of Asturias and Euskera, spoken in the Basque Country and a good part of Navarre. There are more languages spoken in Spain which aren’t official in any Community and are in danger of dissappearance.
OH SUNNY SPAIN
Unlike common thought, climate in Spain is very diverse. Mostly it is a Mediterranean climate with mild temperatures and abundant raining throughout the year except in Summer. This is especially true in coastal areas. As we move further into the country, the climate transforms into one called continental Mediterranean, which consists of hot temperatures in summer, cold in winter and with scarce precipitations. The regions in northern Spain (the ones bathed by the Cantabric sea) possess a characteristic oceanic climate, with cool temperatures and abundant raining all year long. There are some small areas in Spain with particular climates. In some mountainous regions such as the Pyrenees we can find the typical mountain climate, with low temperatures (cold or very cold winters) and frequent raining and snowing. In western and southern areas of the country, such as the valley of river Ebro, Alicante, or AlmerĂa, there is an arid (semi desertical) climate, with close to no raining at all throughout the year. Finally, in the Canary Islands people enjoy a subtropical climate, with warm temperatures all year long and few raining.
Did you know that Spain hosts over 60 million international tourists every year?
RELIGION
SEXUALITY
According to a study of 2014, Almost 70% of Spanish people consider themselves Catholics, althought you won’t see anyone in churches. 25% claim to be atheists or agnostics and a small percentage say to be believers of another religion, these being mostly Protestants and other Christians, and Muslims. In religious terms, Spain is a very tolerant country and you will not have any problems regarding this matter.
Homosexual marriage and adoption by homosexual couples is legal in Spain, and is well regarded in Spanish society. In fact Spain is one of the most tolerant countries in the world towards same sex marriage and adoption, with an overall 75% of the population supporting equality. As of today, abortion is also legal as long as it is informed and carried out by medical professionals.
PRICES The currency in Spain is the Euro (â‚Ź). In general terms, the prices in our country are cheaper than in the rest of Europe. However, since the main source of income is tourism, those places with the most visitors tend to raise their prices a lot. We encourage you to contact your LEOs or Contact Person who will provide you information about what is worth expending money and what is not! This webpage might help you compare the prices between different cities!
UNIVERSITIES There are two kinds of universities in Spain: public and private. Public universities are owned and maintained by the State or the region they are in, and therefore the fees are cheaper than in private ones. The quality in the teaching does not depend on whether the university is private or public; actually public universities are better considered than private ones.
DRUGS
HEALTH CARE SYSTEM
The only drugs that can be used for recreational uses in Spain are tobacco and alcohol. Anyone over 18 years old can purchase them, but there are some restrictions regarding their use. There are some laws in progress, but the regulations can differ amongst different cities! In some it is forbidden to drink on the streets, and you could get a pretty big fine for it. So we recommend that when in doubt, you do what the Spanish do. Drinking in bars is not particularly expensive, but if you expect to drink in clubs, be ready to pay a big sum! Regarding tobacco, there are very strict laws and regulations. It is currently forbidden to smoke in any place open to the public or of collective use, as well as some open air places. This includes bars and cafÊs, schools, hospitals and other places dedicated to health care, children’s parks, closed spaces in airports, sports centres‌ if you have doubts about whether you can smoke in some place, ask the locals, since if you get caught smoking in a forbidden space, the fine can be great.
The healthcare system in Spain aims to provide whole and equal attention to everyone in the country. Every Spanish person and people residing permanently in Spain have a right to receive medical attention for free. The payment of medicines depends on whether it is included in the Social Security system (which many are) or not. For those included, the average person pays 40% of the price, and for people who have a pension and in some special situations they are totally free. For foreigners, those coming from countries in the EU have the same coverage as Spanish residents if they bring the European Sanitary Card. For people coming from other countries, the cost and payment of the services will depend on the agreements with the country they come from. However, every person has a right to medical attention and treatment in case of an emergency, if they are under 18 years of age and during pregnancy, childbirth and early recovery after childbirth, no matter where they come from or how they got into the country.
WHEN IN
DO
WHAT SPA D
Or how to recognize a Sp see o
N SPAIN
O...
ANIARDS O
panish person when you one
IS SIESTA EVEN A THING?
Here we would like to break some clichĂŠs about Spaniards, but also verify some others that are actually true!!!
Yes. It exists. And yes, we love it (you will understand us when you try). Although we don’t always have time for it, we love sleeping after lunch and some studies actually confirmed that it is healthy!! So we recommend it to you 100%! Moreover, since 2007 siesta is proved to decrease coronary diseases!!
PARTY CRAZY? YOU BETTER BET ON US! we could start talking about how cool discos here are...but we like to give you data, because according to the DJ magazine 5 from the top10 clubs in the World are located in Spain. We are undoubtedly a country that knows how to party. However, not only we have discos and huge clubs, but also you will be able to find smaller dancefloors, bars and an infinite wide range of nightlife variety!! No body parties like us ;)
OUR SCHEDULE!
AND.... WE ARE NICE
Breakfast 7-8
Shops close around 21
Lunch 14-15
Parties 1-6
Dinner 21-22 15 minutes late is polite! Although at the beginning we might look shy and not so friendly, if you are courage enough to exchange 3 sentences and a bier with a Spaniard, he will become your best friend within seconds!! We really love new people and share stories and experiences so don’t be shy and try to discover every single one of us! Among one of the Spanish customs which result quite peculiar to foreigners BUT ALSO QUITE STYLISH it is our way of greeting: Spanish You might not be aware but right greet people ( friends, relatives or now you are probably wearing some strangers) with two kisses on the Spanish fashion. Although we don’t cheek. So if someone is about to like to boast about it, the truth is give you two kisses, do not panic, that Spanish fashion is the World’s here is normal...and sometimes it fashion right now. Companies even gets us in awkward situations like Zara, Mango, Pull and Bear, with people who are not used to it... Desigual are just some examples like during the first meeting of the of retailers that you can find in any Spanish with the German prime middle city around the globe! minister!!!
SIESTA SOUNDS GOOD...BUT YOU GUYS ARE LAZY
IF HEAVEN EXISTS, THEY SERVE SPANISH FOOD
No we are not! Lots of foreigners see Spain as the “beach and party” country. Well, we do are, but that doesn’t mean that we don’t work. It only means that we have accomplished the perfect balance in life quality. If you don’t believe us wait to see how doctors and researchers work! Or you can also check who the 4th richest person in the World is…
Spain has a Mediterranean diet, considered one of the healthiest diet. Here we use olive oil in almost all our meals. We also eat a lot of fish, fruit and vegetables. Regarding the fruit, many foreigners see eating melon with jamón serrano incomprehensible, a very common dish in Spain. With regard to the vegetables, one of the most typical dishes in summer is the gazpacho (a cold soup mainly made with from tomato, pepper and onion). Of course, you can not come back to your country without trying the famous tortilla española and paella. And what about “tapas”? That is very common in our country and, especially, among young people, because it is quite cheap! You order a drink and it comes with something to eat (a pinchito of tortilla, a camperito...). Besides, it is not usual for us to spend the whole time at the same place, we usually go from one place to another by eating different things. Make sure you work out when doing your exchange because when can assure that you will gain weight!
AND WHILE EATING... WE ALSO NEED TO DRINK! Wine is our typical drink (both red and sweet). Mainly during summer, it is very common to drink it as the well known “Sangría” and it is really tasty and refreshing. Also can you mix it with coke to make “Kalimotxo”...After a couple of this you will be ready to rock.
WHAT I TO BE
What Spa
IS HERE SEEN?
ain hides
THE SPANISH CENTRAL MESETA MADRID You can’t miss Madrid, the capital city of our country, and its cosmopolitan atmosphere when travelling to Spain. There are lots of tourist attractions in it: Museo del Prado (one of the most popular museums all over the world), Palacio Real, Puerta del Sol, Puerta de Alcalá, Gran Vía, Parque del Retiro and more.
TOLEDO Toledo is probably the richest city in cultural aspects after Madrid (or maybe even more) with lots of monuments (the city is World Heritage Site by the UNESCO) and reminders of the medieval age. It is just 70 km away from Madrid, but prepare yourself for walking uphill!
SEGOVIA Many people know Segovia because of its wonderfully conserved Roman aqueduct (II century). It is just 90 km away from Madrid and maybe you should go and eat the typical pig dishes of the zone.
ÁVILA If you like quiet atmospheres outside the noisy main cities, Ávila could be a good option to visit. Its population is just 50.000 people and it is famous for its medieval wall, built in the XII century. And only 110 km away from Madrid!
VALLADOLID Valladolid is a land of wine. Its downtown is worth a visit and the city has also an artificial beach in the Pisuerga river, which crosses Valladolid (so you can’t say we don’t have beaches in the center of Spain!)
CUENCA Cuenca is a small city located just 160 km from Madrid well known for its “Casas colgadas” (Hanging houses), which are buildings on a rock over the Huecar river, and the “Ciudad Encantada”, a natural area near the city with a beautiful karst landscape.
ZARAGOZA Zaragoza is a big city bathed by the Ebro river in the middle between Madrid (325 km) and Barcelona (300 km). Its most famous symbols are the “Basilica de Nuestra Señora del Pilar” and the Aljafería Palace.
SALAMANCA Salamanca is a city located 215 km away from Madrid, considered World Heritage Site by UNESCO. It is famous for its Major Square and its historical downtown.
ALCALÁ DE HENARES Alcalá is a city of 200.000 people located just 30 km away from Madrid, named World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1998. It is also well known for being the place of birth of Miguel de Cervantes (El Quijote’s author).
SUNNY EAST COSTA BRAVA
If you come to Costa Brava you can’t miss the Greek and Roman remains of the city of “Empúries”, Dali’s Museum, the city of Girona, beautiful towns like “Cadaqués”, “Pals” and “Palafrugell” and the gorgeous beaches.
BARCELONA
It is one of the biggest MUST if you come to Spain and Europe. The city, bathed by the Mediterranean sea, will envelop you into different architecture styles, Gothic, Modernism and Contemporary.
COSTA DEL AZAHAR Cities like “Peñiscola” where you’ll find the castle of Benedict XIII (the Antipope) or the Music Festivals that took place there (FIB, Arenal Sound, Rototom) deserve a visit.
VALENCIA
Valencia has one of the biggest downtowns, of Spain, where you can find the Cathedral and the “Llotja de la Seda” (World Heritage Site). Also, the City of Arts and Science and the Albufera Lake are indispensable visits.
ALICANTE You can’t miss the city of Alicante and its castle, so as not the villages and beaches of Denia, Jávea and Moraira. The Tabarca island its highly recommended.
MURCIA
Taking a bath in the Minor Sea and visiting Cartagena and Murcia are the essentials in that region.
THE KINGDOM IN THE NORTH GALICIA
Although rainy, it probably hides the most wonderful forests and landscapes. Each year millions of people make a pelgrinage to Santiago de Compostela, where the apostle St James is said to be buried.
ASTURIAS
Land of Sidra (like cider, but better), pristine waters, untouched nature and wild mountais are waiting for you... but also incredible beaches less busy than other parts of Spain
CANTABRIA You will be able to jump from cliffs, walk around natural parks, and do hundreds of outdoor activities...like walking and swimming in the Playa del Sardinero, one of the most wonderful beaches in Spain! Also you will find the best fish!
PAร S VASCO
San Sebatiรกn is one of the favourites cities in Spain for a lot of Spaniards...but also in Bilbao you will find one of the Guggenheim museums. In between we invite you to explore the beautiful hills!
MAGICAL ISLANDS
BALEARES
Located in the Mediterranean Sea, the islands of Mallorca, Menorca, Ibiza, Formentera and Cabrera make together a unique place in the World, and thats why they are one of the most visited places in Spain. Not only will you be able to attend the best clubs of the World in the far-famed Ibiza, but also pristine landscapes in the marvelous natural park of Formentera. The beaches here are impossible to imagine, but also the scenery can be highlighted for the nature lovers, since the Tramontana mountains host a renowned biological reserve. Not to forget for those history lovers, the breathtaking cathedral of the capital: Palma de Mallorca as well as the architecture surrounding it.
CANARIAS
Located in front of the African coast, they are also known as the islands of paradise‌ do you guess why? Lanzarote, Fuerteventura, Gran Canaria, Tenerife, La Palma, La Gomera y El Hierro are the 7 islands which make this archipielago. Each of them is totally different from the other, but they also have some things in common‌ Outstanding sea bottoms, waves where you would like to surf day and night, sun and high temperatures during the whole year! Amazing cliffs, volcanoes and tropical flora. No matter if you are a hiker, surfer, diver, partymaker or good eater, you will be able to find everything in this piece of volcanic land, spot for vacation of Spaniards during the whole year.
TASTE FROM THE SOUTH SEVILLA
The capital of the south. The Golden Tower, the Giralda, the Spanish square or the Triana’s bridge are one of the highlights of the city. Its people is just as warm as the weather...but it is worth a visit!!
MÁLAGA Walking down the city centre will make you feel like a travel around history: the Roman theatre, muslim mosques, cathedrals, the ancient walls of the city... but also the most popular beaches in Spain (and expensive places) are here!
GRANADA Next to sea, next to the mountains, universitary city...and probably the most important monument in Spain: The Alhambra. It is one of the must in your month here!
CÁDIZ
Kilometric beaches to surf are with no doubt one of the interests of the area; but it is historically renamed due to being the city from where Cristobal Colombus departured to America.
CÓRDOBA Capital of the muslim Empire in Spain, it is the perfect place to see how muslims, jewishs and catholics lived together for years. Moreover, its mosque is well known and belovd all around the world
FESTIV
Events you shouldn Spain by
VITIES
n’t miss if you are in the time
In Spain there are a great variety of festivals and folklore. Parties, concerts by international stars, outdoor markets, amusement rides, fireworks, competitions, ... The cultural diversity of the country favors that, along the Iberian Peninsula ,religious celebrations are combined with others that are not. We'll show here some of the most important during the year with some videos!!
JANUARY
We find the Tamborrada of San Sebastiรกn. During 24 hours, more than a hundred drums will be roaming the streets of San Sebastian accompanied by a brass band.
FEBRUARY
It is the turn of the Carnival. There are two that have been recognized as International Tourist Interest: the Carnival of Santa Cruz de Tenerife (the second in the list, behind Rio de Janeiro one) and the Carnival of Cadiz (highlighting its songs which criticize some aspect of society with a humorous twist).
MARCH
The spotlight is on Valencia, when they celebrate the Fallas, that literally light up the city with people, music, colors and fireworks.
APRIL
When spring arrives, the most popular religious party take place during Easter, or the Holy Week. They are of great importance those held in Seville Malaga, and Valladolid.
In the April Fair in Seville you will be amazed by the passion of flamenco dresses, horse carriages, songs and dances in a huge outdoor festivity.
Did you know that Spain has around 50 million inhabitants?
JUNE
The Bonfires of San Juan, specially important in Alicante.
JULY
One of the most internationally recognized festivals is San Fermin in Pamplona, which takes place in July. The most characteristic feature of the celebrations are the running of the bulls.
AUGUST
We also find La Tomatina, a festival that every year attracts thousands of tourists to the Valencian town of Buñol, to participate in the traditional tomato fight, which stains the streets and the attendants clothing in red. Besides, during August , several fairs take place in multiple towns and cities in all Spain!
DECEMBER
However, it is in December when the most popular festivity takes place in Spain. During New Years Eve, at 23:59 you will be able to see how Spaniards get ready to eat 12 grapes (one for each month) when the bells from the Puerta del Sol in Madrid ring. It’s our way to start every new year, and you will be punished with 12 months of bad luck if you don’t do it!
Watch out! Thousends of more festivities are waiting for you in Spain during the whole year!
IS THA
AT ALL?
Of course this is only the beginning!! You will need to discover this and thousend other incredible things in Spain by yourself!!! Now we just want to give you some tips and try to repply some frequent questions
REGARDING LIVING IN SPAIN Emergency number: 112 What do I do if I get sick? As you could read, Spain has a public health care system for emergencies. In case of emergency, just go to the closest hospital and they will treat you. In case of other sickness, you might find more trouble, but as long as you carry your health insurance card it will be perfectly fine.
I have no idea of Spanish! Most of Spanish people (specially the youngest ones) speak English, however, on a daily life we never use it, and sometimes you might run into people who are shy about their accent. That’s why we encourage you to learn some words to make them fall in love with you automatically! In order to make it easy for you, you can check this unofficial EnglishSpanish basic dictionary we have created for you!
If you have feedback about this Survival Kit or about the exchange procedure or anything at all, please write us to ifmsaspainsurvivalkit@gmail.com All your feedback will be extremely appreciated!!
REGARDING YOUR EXCHANGE Can I change the city/dates? No. You need to understand that we have over 500 applicants and lmited spots!! However...we never get a engative feedback from the cities!! All our Local Committees are placed in big cities, with a lot going on during the whole year!! If you arrive or leave sooner or later it will be under your own expenses, although we will help you a lot!
Do I have to bring something?
Yes. You need to remember: 1. All your documents and visa. 2. Insurances required by Local Committees 3. White coat. 4. Sthethoscope in case you are doing a clinical exchange. 5. Logbook. Your LEO or NEO should provide you with a copy that you need to print, fill in and show to your Contact Person in order to get your certificate. We take this very seriously! 6. Any other things your Contact Person tells you that are especific for each city.
Will I be the only one? Almost 100% of the times there are at least 2 incomings per city. Especially if you are coming in the Summer, it is very likely that you will be a big group! Your Contact Person will arrange a Facebook Group so you can all meet before arriving, so make sure you have your Contact Person in Facebook! In case you are a small work or that you are alone (extremely unlikely) don’t worry because you will have a bunch of Spanish Medical Students to keep you in the move!!
How do I get my certificate? You will need to show the logbook to your Contact Person, fill in the Evaluation Form in the database and attend at least 80% of the clerkship.
Can I be expelled from the exchange? Yes, although it has never happened before. You need to live according to your flat’s, Local Committee and hospital regulations. You will be informed about them the first day. But don’t be the first one!
Layout by David Fernández Morales NEOin 2014/2015 Last update March 2017
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