Jca - Escola Pia Exchange Program

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JCA EXCHANGE PROGRAM TO SPAIN April 1-15, 2015 Vilanova i la Geltrù

Transcript of Jca - Escola Pia Exchange Program

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JCA EXCHANGE PROGRAM TO SPAIN

April 1-15, 2015

Vilanova i la Geltrù

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JCA INTERNATIONAL STUDENT AMBASSADORS

CLASS OF 2013

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JCA INTERNATIONAL STUDENT AMBASSADORS

CLASS OF 2012

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Madrid

Toledo

BarcelonaVilanova

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WHO ARE OUR 2015 AMBASSADORS?

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24 JCA INTERNATIONAL AMBASSADORSAND TWO CHAPERONES

Akre, BreannaCardenas, NatalyCorless,CaseyCourtright, KaciDeBenedetti, SamanthaDemick, EmilyFarrell, MiaGulden, RyanGunning, MollyHilke, ThomasJones, DaltonLambert, JaceyMcNulty, Connor

McTee, ReneeMihalakakos,

AlexandraPapesh, KaitlinPoplawski, MichelleRodriguez, LenaSeneker,

MadelineThompson,

AmyTrizna, AdrianaTyler, MadelynVonch, MatthewWilliams, Kaitlyn

Profe FinaldiMrs. Herron

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15 SENIORS (CLASS OF 2015)

Akre, BreannaCardenas, NatalyCorless,CaseyCourtright, KaciDeBenedetti, SamanthaDemick, EmilyFarrell, MiaGulden, RyanGunning, MollyHilke, ThomasJones, DaltonLambert, JaceyMcNulty, Connor

McTee, ReneeMihalakakos,

AlexandraPapesh, KaitlinPoplawski, MichelleRodriguez, LenaSeneker,

MadelineThompson,

AmyTrizna, AdrianaTyler, MadelynVonch, MatthewWilliams, Kaitlyn

Profe FinaldiMrs. Herron

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8 JUNIORS (CLASS OF 2016)

Akre, BreannaCardenas, NatalyCorless,CaseyCourtright, KaciDeBenedetti, SamanthaDemick, EmilyFarrell, MiaGulden, RyanGunning, MollyHilke, ThomasJones, DaltonLambert, JaceyMcNulty, Connor

McTee, ReneeMihalakakos,

AlexandraPapesh, KaitlinPoplawski, MichelleRodriguez, LenaSeneker,

MadelineThompson,

AmyTrizna, AdrianaTyler, MadelynVonch, MatthewWilliams, Kaitlyn

Profe FinaldiMrs. Herron

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18 YOUNG WOMEN

Akre, BreannaCardenas, NatalyCorless,CaseyCourtright, KaciDeBenedetti, SamanthaDemick, EmilyFarrell, MiaGulden, RyanGunning, MollyHilke, ThomasJones, DaltonLambert, JaceyMcNulty, Connor

McTee, ReneeMihalakakos,

AlexandraPapesh, KaitlinPoplawski, MichelleRodriguez, LenaSeneker,

MadelineThompson,

AmyTrizna, AdrianaTyler, MadelynVonch, MatthewWilliams, Kaitlyn

Profe FinaldiMrs. Herron

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2 NOT-SO-YOUNG WOMEN

Akre, BreannaCardenas, NatalyCorless,CaseyCourtright, KaciDeBenedetti, SamanthaDemick, EmilyFarrell, MiaGulden, RyanGunning, MollyHilke, ThomasJones, DaltonLambert, JaceyMcNulty, Connor

McTee, ReneeMihalakakos,

AlexandraPapesh, KaitlinPoplawski, MichelleRodriguez, LenaSeneker,

MadelineThompson,

AmyTrizna, AdrianaTyler, MadelynVonch, MatthewWilliams, Kaitlyn

Profe FinaldiMrs. Herron

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6 YOUNG MEN

Akre, BreannaCardenas, NatalyCorless,CaseyCourtright, KaciDeBenedetti, SamanthaDemick, EmilyFarrell, MiaGulden, RyanGunning, MollyHilke, ThomasJones, DaltonLambert, JaceyMcNulty, Connor

McTee, ReneeMihalakakos,

AlexandraPapesh, KaitlinPoplawski, MichelleRodriguez, LenaSeneker,

MadelineThompson,

AmyTrizna, AdrianaTyler, MadelynVonch, MatthewWilliams, Kaitlyn

Profe FinaldiMrs. Herron

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PACKING

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LARGE SUITCASEYou may check-in 1 large piece of luggage, preferably with wheels. It should weigh no more than 50lbs.

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Any liquids over 3 oz must be transported in the luggage you check in. Wrap these items in several plastic bags and/or place

in zippered pouches.

Weigh luggage by weighing yourself, then weighing yourself holding the suitcase. The difference is the weight of your

suitcase. Aim to leave some room for souvenirs.

Pack most of your clothing, gifts for your family, make-up bag or shaving kit in this suitcase.

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Europeans do not tend to have as many clothes as we do. They buy quality garments and wear them more frequently. Do not feel as if you have to be a fashion model and have a new outfit

to wear every day.

You will be charged extra for extra weight.

You are not allowed to have any type of lock on your suitcase.

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CLOTHING TO PACKFigure on the average temperature being a windy 60 degrees

Mostly casual clothing

2-3 “going out” of outfits

Sweatpants, basketball shorts & yoga pants are for sports, not shopping or school

1 light coat (such as North Face jacket)

2-3 pairs of shoes, including a comfortable pair for walking

2-3 light sweaters (layers you can easily put on or take off)

Approximately 4 pairs of jeans, 2-3 pairs of shorts

Approximately 6 shirts or T-shirts

Undergarments for a week

Modest pajamas and perhaps a robe

Slippers to wear around the house (take shoes off at the door…floors can be cold)

Bathing suit (just in case)

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LEAVE AT HOME…•Towels (the hotel and host family will provide)

•Large bottles of shampoo, etc. (travel sizes will do, and you can buy products there if you need them)

•Bedding or pillows

•Formal clothing

•Expensive jewelry

•Excessive amounts of make-up (they don’t typically wear as much)

•Suntan lotion

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CARRY-ONYou may bring one piece of carry-on luggage with you on the plane, again, preferably with wheels. It must fit in the overhead compartment.

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(Absolutely no liquids over 3oz. It is easy to forget, so double check)

A journal

Homework

Think of a few items you want to have easy access to while on the plane, such as a tablet, books, toothbrush…

Chargers for your electronics

Comb or brush

You may want a headrest/travel pillow

Snacks for the plane ride

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BACKPACK/PURSEPurse or murse (man-purse) or small backpack

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Items you want easy access to while on the planeYou can get away with a smaller backpack or large bag that you carry like a purse.

Passport and boarding pass

Debit card and some cash here

Gum (especially if your ears pop on planes)

Tissues

Medications (including inhalers) you need access to for the night of the trip or in case of emergency. Perhaps some ibuprofen.

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WHAT TO WEAR ON THE PLANE

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oIf we have a group shirt, wear it.

oWear comfortable layers. Sometimes the planes are cold at night.

oWear the coat/jacket you are bringing because it frees up space in your luggage (plus, it will probably be cold in IL anyway!)

oIt is my rule that yoga pants are not allowed on the plane or for school or shopping while in Spain. Sorry.

o You will be more comfortable resting or sleeping on the plane with your shoes off. Wear comfortable socks to keep your feet warm if you do.

oA wristwatch is recommended.

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ELECTRONICS

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WiFi is available in Starbucks when we are in Madrid. If you buy something you get the code to sign on.

If you want to use WiFi at the hotel, you may have to pay for it. You buy a certain amount of time from the lobby clerks and you get a code for it. This depends on the hotel.

Your host family may or may not have WiFi. Most of them do. Just ask your host brother/sister and ask for the password.

As long as you have WiFi, you can text for free (including sending photos and voice messages) from WhatsApp. Download it for free on your mobile devices and set it up so you can communicate for free with your family and friends.

It is not worth it to try to use your own cell phone provider from overseas. It is extremely expensive. If you want to actually hear each other’s voices, I recommend going to a “Locutorio.” It is a place to make long distance phone calls. You go into a booth and make the call. It is very cheap this way. You can talk for a half an hour for about five dollars. I can show everyone how to do it.

I will have a local cell phone the exchange organization gives me to use. I will give everyone my number and if you need to reach me, you can always have your host brother or sister call me.

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Be very careful with your cell phone and wallet, especially in the big cities!

Wifi is pronounced with the Spanish “i” soundWeeFee!

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ELECTRONICS: VOLTAGE AND OUTLETSIf you plan to bring any of these items, they will automatically change to the correct amount of voltage: cell phone, laptop, tablet. However, you will still need to charge this items, and to do so, you will need a different kind of outlet plug.

I recommend Amazon.com. Search: Adapter USA Spain. You will find them for around $5. You can probably find one at Radio Shack as well.

Europlug, Schuko

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Now, if you are thinking of bringing your own hair dryer, straightener or curling iron…that is a different story.

First of all, just bring what you REALLY are going to need. It is healthy to let your hair air dry once and awhile! Also, the hotel we are staying at has built-in hair dryers in the restrooms. You may want to ask your how sister/brother if you can share with them while at their house.

If you insist on bringing your own, you must buy one that has the capability of switching the voltage from 110-120 (what we use in USA) to 220-240 (what is needed in Spain. You must remember to flip that little switch on these items in order to use them in Spain. You may have an electric fire on your hands if you don’t remember this!

Try amazon again. Search: Blow dryer (or straightener, etc.) travel dual voltage.

You will use the same outlet plug I recommended on the previous page. The only difference here is that you need to remember to flip that switch!

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GIFTS & PHOTO ALBUMS

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A GIFT FOR YOUR HOST FAMILYIt is customary to bring a token of your appreciation to the family for their hospitality. We usually have group T-shirts made and give one to the host brother or sister.

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PHOTO ALBUM TO SHOW HOST FAMILY

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PHOTO ALBUM TO SHOW HOST FAMILYMake a small photo album that includes photographs of some or all of the following:

Your family

Your house

Your school

Your team

Your friends

Your vacation

Your pet(s)

Your boyfriend/girlfriend

Your grandparents

Your bedroom

Your favorite singer/group/actress/actor/movie, etc.

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Practice talking about the pictures in Spanish.

The first or second day, take the album out before or after a meal or any time when the whole family is present, and tell them you would like to tell them some things about your life back home.

This is important because it shows that you want to communicate about yourself to the family.

Also prepare some questions that you may like to ask them (in Spanish).

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LIVING WITH YOUR HOST FAMILY

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RULES OF THE HOUSE

Spend time getting to know the family. Ask questions. Share your experiences.

Learn and obey the rules of the house.

If you are sharing a bathroom, find out what time is best for you to take showers.

Don’t take long showers! Some homes do not have unlimited hot water.Be present for family meals or give plenty of notice if you will not be there. Outside of food allergies, try to taste everything and show your appreciation for the meals they are preparing, in many cases, especially for you! (Please communicate any food issues with your host sister/brother before the trip.)Always let your host parents know where you will be. Don’t abandon your host sister/brother to be alone with your JCA friends.

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LAUNDRYThe first 3 ½ days will be in Madrid. It will be cool weather and you will not be able to wash your clothes.

Once in Vilanova, ask your host brother/sister or mom/dad about doing laundry. Someone may do it for you and you will need to know where to put it, or they will tell you how to do it. All homes have washing machines, but dryers are not as common. You may have to let your clothes hang dry, so don’t wait until the last minute!

It is very common for washing machine (and dryer if they have one) to be located in the kitchen

They are not as modest about hanging their clothing (including underwear) out to dry!

Don’t be shy about asking to do your laundry.

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Spaniards eat for 17 hours a day… which means that meals run LATE into the night. They start around 7am and stop around midnight.

MEAL #1: Desayuno @ 7am (Breakfast)A very light meal…typically a coffee, pastry and maybe a

juice.

EATING SCHEDULE

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•MEAL #2: Almuerzo @ 10:30am(ish) (Snack)Time for a break! In between the morning schedule of classes, everyone takes a break to eat. Typically a half-sandwich, coffee, and maybe juice. Your host family may pack you something to eat or you can buy yourself something at a local café. It may seem odd, but when you think about it, for some of us, it is close to the time we eat lunch here at school!

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MEAL #3: Comida @ 2pm (Lunch) - This is the big one – a hot meal,

prepared at home and shared with family when possible. Kids go home from school, parents come home from work (unless they work in another town). In fact, the magnitude of the meal often requires a siesta afterward, which is why practically EVERYTHING closes from 2-4pm. There are typically two dishes served consecutively. They do not serve different foods on the same plate! A typical COMIDA could be paella.

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•MEAL #4: Merienda @ 6:30pm(ish) (Light Meal/Snack)

- Well, at this point it’s been a few hours, so you probably need a snack

again. Typically a pastry, or a cookie, or a piece of fruit, to ensure you

don’t go hungry before the final meal of the day.

Pictured is a typical favorite snack in Barcelona is pictured. They cut the bread so it is open-faced, drizzle a little olive oil on it and then take a tomato and rub it to squeeze the juices over the top.

This is a typical time to eat the famous Spanish “tapas”, which is typical in Madrid. They are small portions of food that are free when you buy a drink. This is typical at the end of the school/work day.

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In Spain you have.

•MEAL #5: Cena @ 10pm (Dinner)

- Ahhh, time for dinner in Spain, typically a full meal of salad/meat/pasta etc. 10pm to us seems like a ridiculous time to eat. Unfortunately it is extremely difficult to find a restaurant that will serve you before 9pm, and if you show up at 9pm half-starved, it’s likely you’ll be the only ones in the restaurant. It is not a big meal, and don’t be surprised to have sunny-side up eggs, which is never served for breakfast.

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TYPICAL FOODS OF SPAIN

Bread (Pan) is the staple food of Spain. Their bread is delicious and will be served at almost every meal.

Valencia is home of the orange. Freshly squeezed orange juice is the probably the best you will ever taste!

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Churros y Chocolate(Madrid)

La tortilla espanola

Soup-Porrusalda

Paella (Valencia)

Flan

Jamon Serrano

Bocadillo

Calamares-Squid (Madrid)

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In the US, we generally don’t like to see or be served animals in a way we can easily recognize the animal. Not so in Spain. Don’t be surprised to see butcher shops with ham still on the leg, including the foot, or the head of a pig. You may be served dinner including shrimp or fish with the heads still on!

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TABLE MANNERSForget everything you learned from your parents about table manners, because they are completely different in Europe!1. In Spain, the knife is kept in your right hand and the fork in your left. So, you do NOT switch back after cutting your food.

2. It IS correct in Spain to keep your fork turned upside-down as you bring the food to your mouth.

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3. Your hands should not be on your lap at any time. Both hands should be rested on the edge of the table so they are visible.

4. Spaniards are changing a bit, but traditionally, they find it barbaric to eat anything without utensils…including hamburgers, corn-on-the-cob, and even fruit!

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Restaurant etiquette

1. Remember the different meal times in Spain. Restaurants do not stay open in-between meals.(And stores actually close down between 2-4pm,

when everyone is eating the big meal of the day)

2. You will never be handed your check without asking. They believe it is rude to for the waiter (most servers are male) to give the customer the check before it is requested because it gives the impression they are trying to rush the clients to leave.3. If you ask for water, they will ask “con o sin gas,” meaning regular or seltzer water. It will not be free.

4. Fee refills on coffee and soda are unheard of.

5. They do not leave 10-20% tips. A few coins is customary.

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MONEY

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MONEY: HOW TO EXCHANGE IT

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MONEY

Spain is a part of the European Union, so their currency is the Euro.

At the time of making this slideshow, the current exchange rate is: $1 = .88 euros, or 1 euro =$1.14

You can exchange money at a local bank here, but I really do not think it is necessary.

The more money you exchange, the less you pay in fees. I like to get a big group together at the airport and exchange it all at once to get the best rate and lower fees.

The debit card is the best way to go for most purchases. Chase Bank offers a free card for high school and college students. You can also get a Chase Liquid card.

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MONEY: HOW MUCH?

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How much money you put aside to spend on this trip depends on how much you have and how much you want to spend, of course!

The least amount you should have available would be approximately $400. Keep in mind that most meals are covered. However, you will want to try some new

things here and there, so you will want some money for treats. Are there particular items you want to buy in Spain? Does everyone in your family

expect a souvenir? Remember not to carry a lot of cash with you at once. There are usually lockboxes in

the hotel rooms and you should lock your passport and excess money inside when you leave.

When the trip is over, you cannot exchange coins (and they have coins worth 1 Euro and more) and it is not worth the exchange fees to change back a small amount, so don’t take out more than you plan to spend.

You may need a little bit of money ($30 total) for transportation, such as taking the train.

The students usually go to an amusement park. If you want to do something like that, you should bring $75 for that.

If you want to go to a soccer match, please let your host brother/sister know ahead of time and ask how much the tickets will be.

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MONEY: WHAT SHOULD I THINK ABOUT BUYING?

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For the students: Clothing (wide range of prices), Shoes (pretty expensive), Official Soccer Jerseys ($100), Scarves, Purses, Leather Products, Perfume, Swords or souvenir swords or scissors or jewelry made in Toledo.

For the parents: Traditional candies (we will be there around Easter and there are many different local candies at various prices), Turron, Saffron, Leather Products, Lladro figures ($100 and up), T-shirts, decorative plates.It is not illegal to bring food out of the country (with the exception of pork, I think). Local foods you may want include olive oil, olives, almonds, almond candies.

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MONEY

Exercise caution when it comes to carrying money around with you, especially in the large, cosmopolitan cities of Madrid and Barcelona.

MORE ADVICE…

Don’t exchange more money than you think you will lose because you will be paying an extra fee for changing it back.

If you want to exchange money in a bank in Spain, you will need to have your passport with you. That should be the only time you have your passport on you.

You can get money out with your debit card at local ATMs. This is the easiest way!

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TAXES Taxes are included on prices in Spain, so the amount you see on the price tag is the price you pay.

If you spend over $124 in one store, you can get the tax money back. However, to do so, you must ask the clerk for a VAT card when you are paying. If you spend over that amount at any other store, they can add the amount onto your existing card. When we go to the airport to return home, we must go to a special customs office to redeem this. Please let me know ahead of time if you will need to do this

Also, when we are on the plane trip to come home, you will be asked to fill out a customs form to claim your purchases while abroad. You will just give an estimate of how much money you spent and what you spent it on. The chaperones will help you with this.

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LET’S GO!!!!!!

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COME TO SCHOOL AS USUAL ON WEDNESDAY, MARCH 1. PUT YOUR BAGS UP IN ROOM 227.

ATTEND PERIODS 1-3

COME TO THE SMALL CHAPEL PERIOD 4 FOR BLESSINGS FOR OUR TRIP

APPROXIMATELY 11:30AM WE WILL TAKE THE BUS TO O’HARE!

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O’HARE……………..

……….MADRID-BARAJAS

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DAY 1: USA / MADRID Wednesday, April 1 Fly through the night to

DAY 2: MADRID Thursday, April 2

1. Walking tour of Madrid. Discover Plaza de España, La Puerta del Sol, Gran Via, Calle de Alcalá and the heart of Old Madrid.

2. Later enjoy a guided tour of the Royal Palace - an immense 18th century palace twice the size of Buckingham Palace and one of the most beautiful in Europe.

3. Tonight, enjoy dinner with your group in a local restaurant

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Hotel Lock Box

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PALACIO REAL/ROYAL PALACEThe Palacio Real, or Royal Palace, is Madrid's largest building and possibly its most beautiful. Madrid's Royal Palace is the largest royal palace in Western Europe. It was built on the site of the old Alcázar, the Moorish castle destroyed by fire in 1734. 1,450,000 sq ft, 3,418 rooms. Today’s royal family of Spain chooses not to reside here, but it is still used for state functions.

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In Madrid you will see many human statues, or street artists. If you want to take a picture of/with them, customarily you give them a tip (they have a box for donations). You can do this if you want, but be careful. There may be pickpockets lurking to grab something out of your back while you are distracted taking a picture!

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Past JCA International Student Ambassadors dining in a typical Spanish restaurant in Madrid

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DAY 3: MADRID Friday, April 3

1. Museo del Prado Art Museum

2. Next, relax in the Parque del Retiro, a park initially intended as a playground for royalty. Free time for lunch.

3. This afternoon enjoy seeing the Semana Santa Processions. Dinner in a local restaurant.

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Diego Velasquez

El Greco

Francisco Goya

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Spain is known especially and for its Holy Week traditions or Semana Santa. The celebration of Holy Week regarding popular piety relays almost exclusively in the processions of the brotherhoods or fraternities. These associations have their origins in the Middle Age, but a number of them were created during the Baroque Period, and also during the 20th and 21st centuries. The membership is usually open to any Catholic person and family tradition is an important element to become a member or "brother.”

A common feature is the almost general usage of the nazareno or penitential robe for some of the participants in the processions. This garment consists in a tunic, a hood with conical tip used to conceal the face of the wearer, and sometimes a cloak. The exact colors and forms of these robes depend on the particular procession. The robes were widely used in the medieval period for penitents, who could demonstrate their penance while still masking their identity. These nazarenos carry processional candles or rough-hewn wooden crosses, may walk the city streets barefoot, and, in some places may carry shackles and chains on their feet as penance.

The other common feature is that every brotherhood carries magnificent floats with sculptures that depict different scenes from the gospels related to the Passion of Christ or the Sorrows of Virgin Mary. Many of these floats are art pieces created by Spanish. Brotherhoods have owned and preserved these "pasos" for centuries in some cases. Usually, the "pasos" are accompanied by marching bands.

SEMANA SANTA: HOLY WEEK PROCESSION

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Nazarenos: penitential robes

Pasos: Floats carried by men of the brotherhood

Mother Mary being carried on a float.

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DAY 4: TOLEDO / MADRID Saturday, April 4

1. This morning after breakfast, board your private motor coach to Toledo, historic capital of Castilla la Mancha.

2. Start your day with a visit to a traditional sword workshop where you will learn how the metal is forged into elaborate weaponry. At the end of your visit you will have the opportunity to purchase souvenirs.

3. Enter Toledo’s monumental Cathedral, the spiritual heart of the Spanish Church.

4. Visit the church of Santo Tomé to admire one of El Greco’s masterpieces: The Burial of the Count of Orgaz.

5. Later, take some free time to explore the city at your own pace, consider a stop at the Pasteleria Santo Tomé to taste the locally made marzipan pastries.

6. Return to Madrid later in the afternoon and enjoy some free time for shopping -don’t miss El Corte Inglés, Spain’s largest department store.

7. Enjoy dinner with your group at a local restaurant.

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No cars are allowed in

the city…they do not fit down the

narrow streets.

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MARTO SWORD/DAMASK STUDIO

Gifts at any price-point

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TOLEDO CATHEDRAL

The beautiful cathedral in Toledo Spain, is ranked among the greatest Gothic structures in Europe. Inside, the cathedral contains important masterpieces including a spectacular baroque high altar and two paintings by El Greco.

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DAY 5: MADRID / BARCELONA Sunday, April 5

1. Easter Mass

2. Later catch your AVE high speed train to Barcelona.

3. Upon arrival at Escola Pia de Vilanova, meet your host families

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1. Easter Mass

2. High-speed Ave train to Barcelona

3. Meet host family!

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VILANOVA I LA GELTRU

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DAY 6 to 8: Monday to Wednesday, April 6 to 8 EXCHANGE PROGRAM

1. On Monday, spend the day with your host families.

2. Tuesday and Wednesday, attend school with your host brother/sister.

Students on a past trip went to an Amusement Park in Barcelona with their host brothers and sisters

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Others took the train with their host brothers and sisters to get a first glimpse of

Barcelona

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NEW FRIENDS

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RAINY DAYS

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SCHOOL DAYS

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BEACH DAYS

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MOUNTAIN DAYS (MONTSERRAT)

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BOATING DAYS

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SOCCER DAYS

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TOWN HALL TO MEET THE MAYOR

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DAY 9: BARCELONA Thursday, April 9

1. Take the train to Barcelona.

2. A guided visit to Sagrada Familia Cathedral designed by Antoni Gaudí.

3. Parc Guell, Gaudi’s “Garden City”, a town unto itself with a view of the ocean. 4. Next, have a gentle stroll along Las Ramblas – this beautiful boulevard is lined with shops and cafes.

5. Stop at the city's main food market, the glorious Mercat Sant Josep, known locally as the Boqueria, is a paradise for the senses!

6. Enjoy some free time for discovering the city at your own pace before returning to your host families in Vilanova i la Geltrú by train.

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PARC GUELL

1. It was intended to be an exclusive, beautiful community inspired by the English garden city movement. It was named after Count Guell, who lived in there in 1906. Count Güell and architect Gaudí came up with the idea. They imagined an organized grouping of high-quality homes decked out with all the latest technological advancements to ensure maximum comfort with an artistic touch.

2. In 1906 it became the home of Gaudi, along with his family. The home he lived in was meant to be the model home for the development, but when nobody was interested in buying, Gaudi moved in.. That home is now the Gaudi House Museum. In 1969 it was declared an historical artistic monument of national interest.

3. It has since been converted into a municipal garden. Park Güell is skillfully designed and bring the peace and calm that one would expect from a park. The focal point of the park is the main terrace, surrounded by a long bench in the form of a sea serpent. The curves of the serpent bench form a number of enclaves, creating a more social atmosphere. Gaudí incorporated many motifs of Catalan nationalism, and elements from religious mysticism and ancient poetry into the Park.

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LA SAGRADA FAMILIA

They say that if you have time for only one sightseeing outing, this should be it. La Sagrada Família inspires awe by its sheer verticality, and in the manner of the medieval cathedrals it emulates. It is still under construction after more than 100 years.

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2.8 million people visit per year a year making it the most visited monument in Spain. The most important visitor was Pope Benedict XVI, who consecrated the church in a huge ceremony in November 2010.

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The Temple Expiatori de la Sagrada Família (Expiatory Temple of the Holy Family) was Antoni Gaudí’s all-consuming obsession. Given the commission by a conservative society that wished to build a temple as atonement for the city’s sins of modernity, Gaudí saw its completion as his holy mission

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Gaudí devised a temple 95m long and 60m wide, able to seat 13,000 people, with a central tower 170m high above the transept (representing Christ) and another 17 of 100m or more. The 12 along the three facades represent the Apostles, while the remaining five represent the Virgin Mary and the four Evangelists. With his characteristic dislike for straight lines (there were none in nature, he said), Gaudí gave his towers swelling outlines inspired by the weird peaks of the holy mountain Montserrat outside Barcelona, and encrusted them with a tangle of sculpture that seems an outgrowth of the stone.

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At Gaudí’s death, only the crypt, the apse walls, one portal and one tower had been finished. Three more towers were added by 1930, completing the northeast (Nativity) facade. In 1936 anarchists burned and smashed the interior, including workshops, plans and models. Work began again in 1952 using new architects who tried to follow in Gaudi’s vision.

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Guesses on when construction might be complete range from the 2020s to the 2040s. Even before reaching that point, some of the oldest parts of the church, especially the apse, have required restoration work.

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BARCELONA’S GOTHIC NEIGHBORHOOD

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DAYs 10 to 14: EXCHANGE PROGRAM Friday to Tuesday, April 10 to 14

1. Attend school with your host brother/sister.

2. Spend the afternoons with your host brother/sister and their families.

3. Enjoy the weekend with your host brother/sister and their families

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GOODBYE PARTYPreparing tortillas for the contest at the party!

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DAY 15: DEPART Wednesday, April 15

Today say hasta pronto to your Spanish hosts, transfer the airport by private motor coach and catch your flight back to the USA

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DAY 15: DEPART Wednesday, April 15 Today say hasta pronto to your Spanish hosts, transfer the airport by private motor coach and catch your flight back to the USA

We will arrive back at JCA Wednesday evening. We will be experiencing jet lag and culture shock, so will be recuperating Thursday, April 16 and returning to school Friday, April 17.

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