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PASSPORT SECURITY: If you don’t already have a passport, apply for it now! There is a passport office at the Huntington Beach Main Post Office located at 6771 Warner Avenue, near Golden West Street. Before you leave the U.S., make 3 copies of the passport page which has your picture and personal information. Place a copy in your wallet, suitcase and carry-on bag or purse. While abroad avoid carrying it in fanny packs, belly bags or book bags. Do not carry it with you unless you are exchanging money or traveling. Use money belts to carry your passport.
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LUGGAGE: Take only luggage that you can personally carry. Airlines generally allow you to check two pieces of reasonably-sized baggage. They treat frame backpacks as one piece of luggage. In addition, they allow you to take one small carry-on bag that must be able to fit under your seat or in the overhead compartment. If you plan to take a musical instrument, it will probably be considered as one of your two pieces of checked luggage. If you have a specific question about baggage allowance on your flight, it is best to call the airline directly. Luggage will be transferred from Madrid to Barcelona for students in the semester program.
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CLOTHING: Former students suggest you travel light and avoid sending surplus supplies ahead. European students tend not to vary dress from day to day as much as American students. Your California wardrobe with a few modifications to meet the cooler weather will be fine. Barcelona and Madrid are quite warm in the summer and for the first few weeks in the fall. It will probably still be moderate throughout the fall semester stay in Madrid, but Barcelona in November cools down quite a bit and when it does, the cold comes as a surprise to many California students. It's a good idea to dress in layers so you can add or subtract clothing as conditions change. Remember that most European women do not wear shorts, halter tops, or revealing clothing on the street, in class, and especially in churches and museums. If you do, you are likely to attract unwanted, crude, and annoying comments and attention. Abbreviated clothing is acceptable and common at the beach and resort areas.
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WOMEN: Jeans, skirts, sweaters, and other casual attire are sufficient for everyday wear; include easycare light-weight cotton blouses, skirts and/or shorts so you're comfortable the first few weeks. Take a dressier outfit for nights at the opera or theater. Take comfortable leather or rubber soled walking shoes, an umbrella, raincoat, and something warm to sleep in--sweat suits are great for sleeping and lounging around apartments which are not often heated to the same extent that they are in the U.S. Turtlenecks, vests, and tights or leotards are good for layering when the weather cools down, and then it can get very cold. Be prepared for it.
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MEN: Coordinate colors so fewer clothes are needed. One pair each of Levis, dress slacks, and casual pants; heavy cords are frequently worn in winter in Europe. Take sensible walking shoes; if one pair looks like gym shoes, take another that are dark leather (light shoes such as Rockport). Take light cotton underwear, and (if you have room) a set of sweats for lounging and a robe, slippers or thongs for the shower; turtle necks are great all-around wear and for layering; a good rain jacket--not too bulky or heavy, but something that will fit over a shirt and sweater; sweaters of wool, even light wool, work better than bulky cotton knits for travel; bring good, comfortable socks in dark colors. Take a small toilette bag that you can easily carry to the shower.
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LAUNDRY: Washing clothes in laundromats is costly--up to $7 per load. Apart from your winter clothes, take lightweight easy-to-care-for clothing that can be washed at home and drip-dried.
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ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES: The current in most of Europe is 220 volts at 50 cycles, instead of the 100 volts at 60 cycles found in the U.S. Adaptors and transformers are available in the U.S. for European current and outlets but most experienced travelers recommend against taking any electrical appliances. Hair dryers, curlers, razors, and irons can be reasonably purchased abroad. If you do intend to take these items with you, it is probably a good idea to purchase those with built-in adaptors for all currents.
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MISCELLANEOUS: Former students suggest the following to make your stay more comfortable:
You do not need to take bedding, but definitely should take towel and washcloth and a toilette or cosmetic bag that you can easily carry to the shower. Europe has most toiletry articles and over-the-counter medicines found in the USA, but expect to pay more for American brands.
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GIFTS: You might consider taking a few small, typically American gifts with you for your host family. Some suggestions are music cassettes or cd's; T-shirts with area, state, or school logos; chocolate such as See's, Hershey's, or Ghirardelli; California almonds or pistachio nuts; stationery; scenic calendars, posters, or cards; scarves; beach towels, dish towels, or placemats with American prints; US style paraphernalia (i.e. things from Disneyland, NBA, NFL, etc.); any hand-made craft or jewelry (especially Native American) indigenous to your area.
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