Accommodation Options
FAQ

isla spanish courses - learning spanish in spain - the isla team writes:

ACCOMMODATION. FAQ
  • Can I request a double room if I am coming alone? You can, and we will do our best to match you up with someone, but if no one is available you will be placed in and charged for a single room.

  • How is the quality of accommodations guaranteed? We always visit student accommodations prior to sending students there and receive constant feedback from our student questionnaires.

  • Can I change lodging after I arrive? Well, usually only in exceptional circumstances, such as if it was clear that our standards had not been maintained. We ask you to think carefully about which option you would prefer as last minute changes involve letting someone down. If you are not sure, it is better to have us book you a hostal for your first few days while you view the accommodation options and decide, though bear in mind your choices may be limited. All this said, it is quite possible that you can change after one month without inconveniencing anyone, so feel free to consult with our accommodation office once you are here.

  • Can I have visitors while staying with the family or in my student flat? We regret that it is usually not possible but we are happy to try and help find alternative accommodation for your visitor.

  • Can I request a family with specific characteristics? (With kids, non smokers etc) Yes you can, and we will do our very best to accommodate you.

  • Do I get a key for the front door? Yes, you do.

  • Do I have to be home by a certain time? No, if you are over 18, certainly not. Minors should contact our office about ISLA rules for them.

  • Which option should I choose – full or half board? This is up to you. Most people find half board suits them better to be a bit freer to eat out at the pool, on the beach or in the evenings, but full board is a relatively good deal.

  • What are the meal times? This depends a bit on the family but lunch is usually around 15h and dinner from 21.00 to 21.30.

  • Should I bring sheets and towels? Sheets are provided in all accommodation options, but bring your own towels if you are staying in a self-catering or private apartment.

  • Is there a telephone that I can use? You can receive calls if you are staying with a host family and some student flats have lines to receive calls too. To make calls, use your mobile phone – ISLA will help you get a local SIM card - or get a calling card.

  • Does the family speak any other languages? We do not encourage this, as are you here to practice your Spanish. Though usually somebody will speak a little English in case of emergency!

  • Can I have a room with a private bathroom? This is usually not possible – you share the bathroom or bathrooms with the family/flatmates.

  • Is washing included? Yes, it is. We advise students to bring clothes that don’t need ironing, as this will be up to you!

  • Do the shared flats have a washing machine? Yes, they do.

  • What exactly is a shared flat? A shared flat usually has about 3 rooms with 3 to 5 people living there, one bathroom, a kitchen and one living room. You cook, wash and clean for themselves!

  • Are bills included (gas, electricity, water)? Yes, these are included in the price.

  • Do I have to sign a contract? No, not usually.

  • If I go away on a weekend trip, do I have to pay for these days if I am living with a family? Yes, but the family will provide you with a packed lunch for at least the first day.

  • Will someone be home when I arrive? Yes, if you have informed us the week before your arrival at what time you will be going to your accommodation, we will arrange for someone to be home for you.

  • Do you have an emergency number? Yes they are (0034) 646980353 or (0034) 660479333.

  • Can I have parties in my flat? You can have a few friends over for a quiet dinner as long as they are all out by 24h. You may not have the whole school around for a sangria party until 05.00.

  • Which address should I give my friends? The ISLA school addresses. This way we can make sure your mail gets forwarded if it arrives after you leave.

  • Are flats separated by sex? No, not usually, though from time to time this happens by coincidence so if you have a preference, please let us know and we will try to bear it in mind.

  • I’m not over 18. Can I stay in a flat and stay out as long as I like? Please contact ISLA regarding policy on minors and parental consent.

  • Is there air conditioning and heating in the flats? Air conditioning is very uncommon in either city. All flats have central heating and neighbours agree collectively on times when the heating is to be switched on. This will invariably be fewer hours than you would expect!

  • Can I combine different accommodation options? Yes, you can.

  • Will I be the only foreigner staying with the family? You will usually be with at least one other student, but let us know your preference and we will try to accommodate you.

  • Should I bring the family a present? Yes, why not? But something very small.

  • Can you find me a garage? Yes, no problem.

  • Should I let the family know if I’m not coming home for the night? Yes, it is better to do so or they will worry.

  • Which price category of hotels or hostels is on offer? From very cheap hostels (30 euros per day) to 5 star hotels.

  • Do I book hotel accommodation myself? We are happy to do this for you free of charge and this often means a discount.

  • When should I book my lodging? By the latest 2 weeks prior to your course, and if you require a private apartment you should give at least 1 month’s notice.

  • Once I’ve got my address, might it change? It’s possible, as often students extend their stay and opt to occupy their accommodation a little longer. But we will find you other accommodation of the same characteristics and qualities so don’t worry if this happens.

  • And when should I leave the lodging by? Usually the Saturday after your course, but again if you need to stay longer let us know and we will see what we can do.

  • Does accommodation get cheaper if I stay a long time? With families and residences, no, as these are charged on a daily basis. Flats are progressively cheaper for each week you stay in your first month but from the second month, the price is the same. For long-termers we can negotiate special cheap lets.

  • Do I pay my accommodation in full, or can I pay monthly? If you are staying less than a month, you pay in full. If you stay more than one month, you can pay monthly.

  • Will I be living with Spaniards or other foreign students? Usually with other foreigners, although we have a few flats with Spanish people. Please let us know your preferences.

  • What are the advantages of living in a private apartment? While considerably more expensive than the shared flat option, this does mean that you have complete privacy and do not have to share you space with anybody else!