Valencia Program
TRANSPORTATION ARRANGEMENTS
Nazareth College travel arrangements policy
Nazareth College students planning to study abroad are responsible for making their own transportation arrangements. This policy provides students with the freedom to purchase the most economical airline tickets they can find or wish to buy. It also allows for greater flexibility for those students who want to travel at the end of the program.
SUMMER 2008 arrival and departure dates
Summer 2008 participants should arrive in Valencia on Tuesday, May 27th. Remember that due to the 6 hour time zone difference when traveling from the US to Spain you will actually arrive in Spain on the day after you leave the US. This means that in order to arrive in Valencia on Tuesday, May 27th you need to leave the US on Monday, May 26th. Students should schedule their return to the US for Saturday, June 28th (unless you plan on traveling at the end of the program). NOTE: The 6 hour time zone difference will not effect the return trip. Students should book all return tickets for the same day.
FALL 2008 arrival and departure dates
Fall 2008 participants should arrive in Valencia on Tuesday, September 9th. Remember that due to the 6 hour time zone difference when traveling from the US to Spain you will actually arrive in Spain on the day after you leave the US. This means that in order to arrive in Valencia on Tuesday, September 9th you need to leave the US on Monday, September 8th. Students should schedule their return to the US for Saturday, December 20th (unless you plan on traveling at the end of the program). NOTE: The 6 hour time zone difference will not effect the return trip. Students should book all return tickets for the same day.
SPRING 2009 arrival and departure dates
Spring 2009 participants should arrive in Valencia on Tuesday, January 13th. Remember that due to the 6 hour time zone difference when traveling from the US to Spain you will actually arrive in Spain on the day after you leave the US. This means that in order to arrive in Valencia on Tuesday, January 13th you need to leave the US on Monday, January 12th. Students should schedule their return to the US for Saturday, May 2nd (unless you plan on traveling at the end of the program). NOTE: The 6 hour time zone difference will not effect the return trip. Students should book all return tickets for the same day.
Transportation from the airport to the homestay placement
Students arriving by plane in Valencia on the scheduled day will be met at the airport by the Resident Assistant Director (R.A.D.), Amy Sevcik. Each student is responsible for taxi transportation to and from his/her homestay placement. Upon arrival in Valencia the R.A.D. will provide each student with an information packet and cell phone and assist students with getting taxis. Taxi transportation will cost approximately 20€-25€ ($25-$30). Each student should exchange some dollars to euros before going to Spain. Depending on the size of the taxis available and the amount of luggage each student brings, it may be possible for students staying together to go in one taxi. However, each student should bring enough money to cover the cost of his or her own taxi, just in case.
Notification of transportation arrangements
Each student MUST notify the Resident Assistant Director of his or her transportation arrangements as soon as possible. They need to write to her at asevcik1@naz.edu and let her know the date of arrival, airlines flying on and flight numbers.
OTHER IMPORTANT NOTES:
1. Students should not purchase their airline tickets until they have been officially accepted into the program.
2. Students should have a AT LEAST 3 hours of connection time at each airport. Many websites that sell tickets will say that less time is all right but it really is not enough time, especially if you have to pick up your luggage at the different airports.
3. Some websites that you might look at when shopping around for tickets include:
4. It is best to try and buy all your tickets together. This will make checking luggage go much smoother. Paper tickets are also a good idea if possible.
5. Please be aware that USAir does not have an agreement with Iberia. And, they operate out of different terminals at the Madrid (Barajas) airport meaning that you have to allow for extra time to take the shuttle bus between the terminals. If you fly with USAir to Madrid it is a good idea to try and get a ticket from Madrid to Valencia with Spanair.
6. Another option that has worked in the past is to fly with JetBlue to JFK airport in New York and then get Iberia tickets from JFK to Madrid to Valencia.
7. Make sure to double check with each of your airlines regarding baggage weight limits and the number of pieces allowed. It is expensive to pay for extra weight and/or bags.
8. Keep in mind that if you want to change a flight date after purchasing a ticket it usually costs about $150 per flight plus the difference in the fare rate if there is one.
9. Most airlines will not allow you to cancel a portion of a ticket without canceling the whole itinerary.
10. Some websites with airport information:
Transportation Authority Administration (TSA)
http://www.tsa.gov/
Spanish airport guide:
http://www.aena.es/csee/Satellite?cid=1049727006353&pagename=subHome&SiteName=MAD&c=Page&Language=EN_GB
World airport guide:
http://www.worldairportguides.com/
Last updated: Wednesday, May 14, 2008 1:14 PM (GMT + 1)