FAQ about Your Spanish Stay

Frequently asked questions

• What is the telephone prefix for Spain? +34
  
  
• What can I find in the library? Dictionaries, grammar books, newspapers, magazines, guidebooks, tourist information from around Spain, Spanish literature and easy readers.
  
  
• Can I take books home? Yes, everything except dictionaries and grammar books.
  
  
• How old do I have to be to rent a car? You must be at least 21 and have had your license for one year. If you rent locally you will be required to leave a deposit.
  
  
• Are there ever any last minute changes to the monthly free time program? From time to time, so keep your eye on the notice boards for news.
  
  
• Is it necessary for me to have health insurance?Yes it is. If you are from the European Union you are already covered but be sure to bring your EHIC (European Health Insurance Card) card with you. If you are not a EU citizen the best option is to acquire travel insurance with health coverage when you get your flight.
  
  
• Does the school have an accident insurance for trips and transfers? Yes, it does.
  
  
• My Spanish isn’t so great yet. What happens if I need to go to the doctor or pharmacy? One of our team will go with you.
  
  
• How long in advance do I have to book? In theory, you can just turn up on the day of the course but for accommodation booking it’s better to give us at least 2 weeks notice (and at least 4 weeks if you require a private apartment).
  
  
• Is it worth opening a bank account? If you are going to be here for a while (3 months or more) yes, so you can avoid ATM charges. A member of the team will help you set up the account.
  
  
• Do I pay for my lodging directly, or to ISLA? ISLA.
  
  
• Where do I sign up for activities? On the board in the entrance halls of the schools.
  
  
• Are ISLA excursions always guided? Yes.
  
  
• Where can I find out about cultural events in Salamanca? On the office notice boards, and by asking the teams who will be happy to help you with tickets. etc.
  
  
• What kind of clothes should I bring? winter (November - February) can be very cold so bring some warm boots and a big coat. For the rest of the year, count on just about everything - so bring a swimsuit even in March/September!
  
  
• Shall I bring my car with me? Not for use in the cities - bear in mind that you will have to put it in a garage if it has foreign plates. If you are going to be here for a while, though, it is great to have a car for weekend travelling.
  
  
• Are trips and excursions guaranteed to take place? We have a minimum amount of participants but these are almost always covered so it is fairly rare that a trip should be cancelled.