Welcome Guide for International Students

Transcription

1 Welcome Guide for International Students

2 WELCOME TO UFV! WELCOME TO MADRID! WELCOME TO SPAIN! Dear Friends, You are going to enter the world of the Universidad Francisco de Vitoria at Madrid, Spain. You have chosen or are about to choose us to complete part of your studies. Thank you for your interest and welcome. We are international by origin and by mission. Our educational philosophy is centered around the well-rounded educational objective for our students, and this is the guiding force behind our efforts. Come and join us for a few minutes, while browsing our guidebook which should help you in your first contacts with UFV and Madrid. Do not hesitate to ask any questions you may have through our contact coordinators. The International Team

3 Here are some TIPS about UFV: undergraduate students postgraduate students International environment: 15% international students labs, 2 cafeterias, research centers, library, etc. 23 hectares campus with all kind of facilities: sports, cultural activities, computer labs, TV and radio studios, postproduction and animation Public bus service to and From UFV (Zone B1) From Moncloa: bus 657 From Aluche: bus 561, 561-A o 561-B From Majadahonda / Pozuelo: bus 650A o 650B Month Travel Card (Bus, Metro, Renfe) Travel card 4 Monthly coupon 20 Located in the surroundings of Madrid Ctra. Pozuelo-Majadahonda, Km 1, Pozuelo de Alarcón Madrid Spain Telephone: Zone A: Madrid City Centre Zone B1: Madrid City Centre + Northern Madrid 10 trip Ticket Single Ticket +/ Express Airport Bus Ticket 5 Make an appointment by calling this number 012 to get the Month Travel Card

4 Private bus service: Private Bus Service Departs From - To Aluche - UFV Bus 1 Bus 2 Bus 3 Bus 4 UFV - Aluche Moncloa - UFV UFV- Moncloa Colegios Mayores - UFV UFV - Colegios Mayores Plaza de Castilla - UFV UFV- Plaza Castilla 7:30 14:05 7:30 13:05 7:15 15:15 7:15 13:05 8:30 15:15 8:00 14:05 14:15 22:05 8:30 14:30 14:30 21:15 8:30 15:05 9:30 15:15 9:30 19:05 13:45 19:30 10:30 20:05 14:15 20:30 13:30 21:05 15:15 22:05 14:30 15:30 Aluche: Moncloa: Colegios Mayores: Plaza de Castilla: Metro Aluche (in front of the railway station Renfe) - Avda. de los Poblados, 58 (in front of Carrefour) - Metro ligero Colonia Jardín UFV Moncloa (c/ Isaac Peral 14, with Fernández de los Ríos) UFV Plaza Elías Ahuja Plaza de Marqués de Comillas Colegio El Pilar (Ctra. La Coruña, km. 9) - UFV Plaza Castilla (Paseo de la Castellana with Plaza Castilla) - Arcos de la Vaguada UFV

5 Download Metro map here.

6 IMPORTANT STEPS TO DO UPON ARRIVAL

7 IMPORTANT STEPS TO DO UPON ARRIVAL Once you ve landed at Madrid Barajas Airport, there are several options to get to the city. You could either go by taxi (flat fee of 30 regardless of your destination), airport bus or metro. To make your arrival and first few days as smooth as possible check out these helpful hints and tips that will get you ready to get the most out of your time abroad. For those who have never been to Madrid before, the city can be a bit overwhelming at first sight. This is why we tell everybody that they can think of the Citylife Madrid office as your home base! In their office there is a nice lounge area with free WIFI and the team is there to give you all the support you may need! Feel home at their office and take a breath to relax: All support is completely free of charge. Theywill help you to: GET ALL THE HELP YOU NEED UPON ARRIVAL: Come pick up your free Madrid Survival Kit and ask Citylife Madrid any kind of questions. Their team consists of ex-international students who are experts when it comes to Madrid. They will also explain important do's and dont's: From understanding how to protect your belongings from theft and important contacts in case of any emergency, to finding information (academic, leisure, etc.) and hints and tips on where to buy cheap things for your new room. They will give you a briefing on important topics so that you are all set to start exploring this beautiful city. FIND A ROOM & RECEIVE GENERAL ADVICE ON DO'S AND DONT'S WITH REGARDS TO HOUSING: Finding a room in Madrid can be a bit of a challenge. Citylife Madrid help you understand the must knows when it comes to housing, e.g. things to have in mind when it comes to signing a contract and paying the fianza, best neighbourhoods to live in, explication of the gastos, exterior vs. interior, contract check, noise level and more. GET A SPANISH SIM CARD: Understanding the exact costs and the fine print when it comes to choosing the best SIM card deal is a bit complicated. Citylife Madrid will explain what you need to bear in mind and watch out for. PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION CARD & ABONO (MONTHLY TICKET): Almost all students in Madrid use the public transportation system on a daily basis. The cheapest and most convenient way is to get your monthly transportation pass, which gives you full access to all Madrid public transportation. If you didn't order your transportation card online before departure, stop by Citylife Madrid office in the mornings and obtain your card instantly. Please bring a passport sized photo as well as an ID/Passport with you. This will save you time, money and hassle as the waiting time to receive your transportation card during the peak of student arrival times can be up to 3 weeks. GETTING LEGAL: There is always lots of confusion among international students when it comes to legal paperwork like the Empadronamiento and the NIE/TIE. Citylife Madrid will give you information and guidance to support you in a potential application process for these legal papers. STOP BY YOUR INTERNATIONAL OFFICE AND COMPLETE YOUR ENROLLMENT Next important step within your first days in Madrid, is to stop by your international office to finish the sign in process for your classes. Don't forget to check on the details of a potential language course offered by your university and the exact dates of the official welcome day / welcome week. Attending the official orientation day(s) of your university is always an important part of starting at a new university, so you should plan on attending in case you will be here in Madrid on

8 HOUSING

9 HOUSING Preparing for a stay abroad can be both exciting and stressful, especially as a first time traveler. But don t fret! Citylife Madrid is here to help. To make your move as smooth as possible, it is best to prepare as much as you can from the comfort of your own home! START THE HUNT FOR A ROOM FROM THE COMFORT OF YOUR SOFA Start researching information on neighbourhoods, price ranges and living situations you might be interested in. You can do this by using the following, trustworthy online plattforms: 1. helpmadrid is one of the biggest and most popular companies in Madrid offering rooms to rent at good quality and fair prices. Additionally, they offer lots of useful information on their webpage on the different neighbourhoods of Madrid etc.! 2. Aluni.net offers rooms in shared flats folr students. Wifi and cleaning service included in the price. 3. Spotahome is a secure online plattform to search and book rooms, apartments and student dorms. The properties are checked in person by their team, with video tours, photos, floorplans and descriptions in English! 4. Easypiso and Idealista are the two biggest, free platforms for young people looking for a room/flat in Madrid. 5. Other useful groups on facebook that we recommend you join are Madrid Roommate and Flat Search 2015 and Erasmus and International Students Madrid 2015/2016! 6. Housing in a dormitory, such as HouseInn Palacio de Barradas Residencia La Luna 7. If you need to locate temporary housing: Check out these 7 tips that will get you ready for your search of housing if you want to do it directly in Madrid. - - Check the distance between your potential new home and your university. - - Purchase a bus pass and a mobile card for your phone. - - Put on some comfortable shoes and be patient, you will not find your ideal apartment the first day. - - Before signing a contract, check what expenses are included. - - Always see (if it is possible) the house before renting it, sign a lease that describes the conditions, - - You can ask for a bank guarantee or deposit, we recommend that you give a deposit of one month and provided with a receipt. - - Signing a contract, and if you want, before you sign it, bring it to Citylife Madrid office for review.

10 DIRECTIONS/CONTACTS Address Ctra. Pozuelo-Majadahonda Km. 1,800 Universidad Francisco de Vitoria (EMADRID28) City / Postal code Telephone / Fax Website Pozuelo de Alarcón (Madrid) Spain Vice Rector Dr. Juan Pérez-Miranda Contact persons at the International Relations Office Dr. Belén Navajas b.navajas@ufv.es Director Mónica Alberich m.alberich@ufv.es Head of International Administrative Office Ana Fernández ai.fernández@ufv.es International Incoming Student Coordinator Elizabeth Harris e.harris@ufv.es International Outgoing Student Coordinator María José Marín mj.marin@ufv.es International Outgoing Student Coordinator Clara Gartner c.gartner@ufv.es Internationalization Projects Manager INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS OFFICE Opening Hours: MONDAY to THURSDAY Morning 10:30 to 13:00 Afternoon 16:30 to 18:00 ON FRIDAYS WE ARE NOT OPEN FOR STUDENTS

11 International students will improve their Spanish before the academic semester begins while learning about Spanish life and culture and visiting points of cultural interest in and around Madrid. Upcoming Course Dates: Fall: September 1 to September 26, 2015 Spring: January 12 to February 6, 2016 Summer: June 1 to June 26, 2016 The course is divided into two sections: - Language and Communication (50 hours) - Spanish Culture and Civilization (42 hours) As part of this course, students participate in a series of six cultural activities, including guided visits to several museums and places of historic or cultural interest in Madrid, including Prado Museum, Royal Palace, Retiro Park Students in this course also participate in one day long excursion to a nearby city of interest such as Toledo, Segovia or Ávila. For more information, please contact Elizabeth Harris by e.harris@ufv.es

12 Preparation courses for the DELE exam Students may prepare the DELE exam in private classes or small groups UFV is an official testing site for the DELE exam! Students may sign up to take the DELE exam at RRII in one of the three official exam dates offered each year. First official exam 20th of November 2015 (register before: 14th of October) What is the DELE? The DELE exam is an official exam, internationally recognized and prestigious, not only among educational institutions, but also in the business world. By obtaining a DELE Diploma, you are demonstrating your knowledge of the Spanish language for both your future educational as well as professional endeavours. This is your opportunity to obtain tangible proof of your Spanish level, which is valid for life. To find out more about the DELE exam, including dates, levels, registration, costs, visit: or contact Maite García Ramiro m.gramiro.prof@ufv.es Semester-long Spanish Language Course During the semester, international students can take a Spanish language course twice a week at no additional cost, from basic to advance levels. This course has 5 ECTS.

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14 Exchange Student Information Health Insurance Requirements EU students European Health Card. Any other kind of private insurance must include all the conditions. Without insurance students cannot be registered. Health Insurance Requirements Non-EU students The insurance must cover transportation of mortal remains in case of death. Documentation for Non-EU Students On the first day of Orientation, students must bring the documentation used in obtaining the student VISA. Learning Agreement (COMPULSORY) In order to guarantee your selection of courses, we need to receive your Learning Agreement approved by your home university before your arrival.(deadline: 15th November) Orientation Sessions (COMPULSORY): 4-5 FEBRUARY WIFI ZONE Red wifi: zona_ufv Password: zonawifiufv For the configuration of laptops contact the Department of Computer Science.

15 HEALTH Hopefully, you will be healthy and happy during your semester in Madrid. If you are not feeling well, for minor occurrences, I recommend going to a pharmacy. A pharmacist will assist you. Usually they are very helpful. If you need to see a doctor, you can go to any private clinic close by to your house and receive treatment. In most cases, you will need to pay upfront, and file with your insurance company to be reimbursed. In case of an emergency, you can go to any emergency room at any public hospital in Spain and you will be attended. Billing can be handled following treatment, giving you time to contact your insurance company to find out how to proceed. Some clinics in the center of Madrid Dr. Rubén Borras ENGLISH SPEAKING DOCTOR Rafael Clemente Callejo C/ Padilla 20, bajo dcha. Donoso Cortés 47 Ptal. B 2ºA Madrid Madrid Metro: Nuñez de Balboa (lines 9 and 5) Metro: Islas Filipinas (line 7) Clínica Aranza Centro Médico Gran Vía C/ Espronceda 33 Gran Vía Madrid Madrid Metro: Alonso Cano (line 7) or Ríos Rosas (line 1) Metro: Plaza de España (Lines 2,3, and 10) Consultorio Médico Cea Bermúdez Sociedad Española de Medicina de Familia y Comunitaria Cea Bermúdez 61 Fuencarral Madrid Madrid Metro: Islas Filipinas (line 7) Metro: Gran Vía (Lines 1 and 5) Gabinete Médico Delicias Paseo Delicias (Edificio A) Madrid Metro: Delicias (line 3)

16 SAFETY Fortunately, Madrid poses no particular safety or health hazards. However, as in any large city, it is important to take some general precautions. Girls ALWAYS must look after their bags, and guys should ALWAYS know where their wallet is. Metros and city buses, especially during key traffic hours (in the mornings when people are going to work and in the afternoons when they are going home), are places where it is not uncommon for people to get their wallets or other belongings stolen. Watch out for the people who are around you on the metro, always have your bag close to you and watch out for people who get very close to you. In the area around Puerta del Sol, at pretty much any time of day or night, you should be extra careful and aware of what is going on around you. Avoid taking money out at an ATM machine in areas like Sol, Opera, Callao late at night. Don t ever leave any belongings unattended in bars, restaurants, or clubs. Write down these numbers: EMERGENCY PHONE NUMBERS SPAIN Police attention, Ambulance, Emergency: 112/061 Fire Brigade: 080 Policía Municipal: 092 Guardia Civil: 062

17 UFV RULES OF COEXISTENCE In order to facilitate full integration into the campus we inform students of our rules of coexistence, required for the entire academic community. 1. In the classroom, please avoid: 1.1 Entering or exiting the classroom during class is being taught or exams are being held 1.2 Using mobile phones 1.3 Eating or drinking 1.4 Using technological devices for any activity not related to the course being taught 2. If a student has a reason for being absent from the classroom before the end of the class, the teacher must be informed at the very beginning of the lesson. 3. If a student, for any personal or administrative reason, is not able to attend class for two days or more, it is mandatory to inform the teacher in advance. 4. As a general rule, please dress appropriately for attendance in a University institution, especially during the summer months.

18 TRIPS, EXCURSIONS AND CULTURAL ACTIVITIES

19 TRIPS, EXCURSIONS AND CULTURAL ACTIVITIES DISFRUTA MADRID MAS ( main objective is to offer students studying in Madrid the best services available during their stay in the Spanish capital. The membership card allows you to get to know Madrid in an exclusive way, receive the best discounts, and over all, to be part of an international community of young people who are interested in getting the most out of their stay in Madrid. They offer weekend excursions or day activities: paintball, flamenco show, language exchange, entrance to nightclubs, etc. Trips: Lovin Ibiza Festival is not only Ibiza s biggest student festival, but for many their only chance to see Ibiza at its best before the season starts! Join them on this beach and party frenzy, and you will get full access to the festival (and its pre and after parties). Other trips: Lisbon, Valencia, Morocco, San Fermines-Pamplona,etc. This exclusive membership card has a cost of 21 valid for 6 months or 25 valid for 12 months. UFV ACTIVITIES Day trips: TOLEDO, SEGOVIA, ÁVILA cost 20 /each : private bus, touristic guide, insurance and entrance to monuments included. GRADUATION CEREMONY (this is mandatory, 15 th January for the first semester and 21st May for second semester and annual students), Thanksgiving, Football League, Welcome and Farewell ceremony and parties, etc. FLAMENCO CLASSES: Contact: m.gramiro.prof@ufv.es SPORTS DEPARTMENT We organize official competitions in different sports, domestic tournaments and you can make use of the facilities in the campus. Hockey Floorball : rinternacionales@unihockey-leganes.com Pilates, Zumba, Cross Fit, Volleyball, other sports: deportes@ufv.es. PASTORAL SERVICES For those who want to, the university has two Legionary priests. F. Florencio Sánchez and F. Justo. There is a daily mass in the Chapel. Contact Padre Justo: p.justo@ufv.es

20 EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES CULTURAL INDOOR ACTIVITIES Responsible: Ana Romero Pérez Contact: Coordinación de Extensión Universitaria (Next to the UFV Shop) Open from 09:00 to 15:00 Theater Group, Choir, Orchestra, Debate Society, Cultural Trips, Contests (poetry, etc..) Camino de Santiago VOLUNTEERING Responsible: Susana García Cardo Coordinación de Extensión Universitaria (Next to the UFV Shop) Open from 10:00 to 14:00 and 15:00 to 18:00 JOHN HENRY NEWMAN INSTITUTE Responsible: Rocío Solis Contact: Building H, Room 2.1 Open from 8:00 to 17:00 They organize meetings, symposia, seminars Hours Newman, etc. OFFICE OF EUROPE Responsible: Ana Gonzalez Marin Contact: Building H 2.19 Open from 10:00 to 14:00 LANGUAGE LESSONS If you are interested in language teaching in your free time, stop by the office of International Relations for more information.

21 Centro de Idiomas UNIVERSIDAD FRANCISCO DE VITORIA Language Courses ( French, Italian, Portuguese. International Activities Storytelling for Children! (only in English) Language Exchange Program Increase your Spanish & meet Spanish people! Open to all nationalities

22 Make sure you send all the following documents before your arrival to UFV: Copy of your Student Visa (if needed). Two copies of your passport. The copies have to be legible and the photo should be visible. MAKE SURE YOUR PASSPORT DOES NOT EXPIRE WHILE YOUR STAY IN SPAIN. A written proof of a valid health insurance: European Health Card or a statement to this effect by a private company. In case of a private insurance, a copy of conditions should be included. Without this document we cannot register students. Two passport photos. For extra-communitarian students only: Make sure that you bring a copy of the original documents presented in the Spanish Embassy when applying for the Student Visa. You will need them again to apply for NIE (Identity Number for foreign students) in Spain. Join our FACEBOOK:

23 DISFRUTA MADRID MAS For all your cultural activities and trips in and around Spain. We are here to help you prepare for your stay abroad! With Citylife Madrid you will settle in quickly, and start living and enjoying this new and exciting life abroad! To help you get established in Madrid, we offer many of our services for free while making things simple and easy. Remember you can open an account at office of SANTANDER on campus. It s the easiest way.

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25 Students who attended a preparatory course: change Post Factor 1: Confidence 10 8 Post Factor 2: Tolerance of Ambiguity Post: MEMO 6 4 Post Factor 3: Self-Efficacy 2 Post Factor 10: Resilience 0 Post Factor 4: Sociality Post Factor 9: Disputability Post Factor 5: Vigor Post Factor 8: Decisiveness Post Factor 6: Curiosity Post Factor 7: Serenity Pre Post statistically significant change

26 JOIN US AND LIVE THE UFV EXPERIENCE BE PART OF IT!