<p>Has anyone had any experience with Study Abroad through ISA? D, who is a junior, is planning on studying in Seville, Spain at Menendez Pelayo International University in the spring (can’t miss football season). We’ve not traveled to Europe and are totally unfamiliar with the mechanics of exchange rates, money transfers, mobile phone use, etc. Can anyone shed some light on these “mom obsessions”?</p>
<p>I’m not sure which program ISA is.</p>
<p>I know that many really like the summer abroad program - Spain Language and Culture </p>
<p>[Capstone</a> International Academic Program Spain](<a href=“http://international.ua.edu/programs/newsite/faculty-led-group-programs/spain/]Capstone”>http://international.ua.edu/programs/newsite/faculty-led-group-programs/spain/)</p>
<p>Many really like this program with Dr. Cano</p>
<p>UA affiliates itself with many different companies/organizations that do study abroad, one of which must be ISA. I’ve met people that have gone with the different organizations, UA, and those that dealt directly with the university. Be sure you know what is included in the fee and what is not. I don’t know if your D is in UHP/IHP, but IHP 105 might be a good preparation course for her.</p>
<p>I haven’t been to Europe since 2007, but I keep myself updated with current travel happenings. The general rule is that things you need in Europe like a mobile phone and local currency are cheapest when done in Europe. Especially with money, using a debit card at an ATM is the way to go. It’s okay to get a little bit of local currency before you go, but the rates will probably be bad. The airport should have an ATM and most places these days accept credit cards (some places may only take cards with a chip, but most will have a machine nearby that reads credit card’s magnetic stripe, this is not an issue with ATM’s). Be sure to look at what her financial institution charges for ATM withdrawals at other banks and also about any foreign transaction fees, of which 0-3% is common. With the money she will be spending, you want a 0% or 1% fee, hopefully with rewards. Credit unions generally have lower foreign transaction fees.</p>
<p>Your D will enjoy her study abroad. As a general tip for Europe, read any of Rick Steves’ travel guidebooks (especially Europe through the Back Door) or visit his website.</p>