Frequently Asked Questions about coming to Spain during COVID-19.

And doing your Spanish course.

In these uncertain times, when you don’t know what’s going to happen next week, surely you have lots of questions about your upcoming stay in Spain. Or, if the health crisis caught you here, you want to know what your options are.

We’ve prepared some questions here that you and other students have raised during these months. So, let’s get to it.

Is it safe to stay with a host family?

Yes. Rest assured that our accommodations staff is visiting host families and providing them with information on all the mandatory measures they must follow so you’ll be safe and comfortable during your stay. In short, the idea is that you’ll do exactly what you’d do in your own home: wash your hands when you arrive, always go out on the street wearing your mask, and wash it (if it is reusable) or change it regularly. The family will take special care to keep the house free of COVID-19 with thorough cleaning throughout your entire stay.

Can I change families if I’m not comfortable with their anti-COVID-19 measures?

Yes. We’re very flexible here, and even more so now. If you don’t feel comfortable with the family, talk to us, and we’ll find another option that better suits your situation. It’s totally alright to change families. We want you to feel safe and comfortable while you’re with us.

What do I have to do at school to avoid getting infected?

The measures we use at the school are those recommended by the government and by our association, FEDELE. These are: wear a mask while you’re at the school, put disinfectant gel on your hands when you enter (you’ll find many healthcare stations throughout the center), and avoid sharing personal belongings with other students (pens, notebooks, etc.).

What are the classes like? Do I have to wear a face mask in class? And the teacher?

Spanish classes are just like they’ve always been. Your teachers will help you learn in a way that is fun and dynamic. The only difference is that the maximum number of students now is six, you’ll be separated from your classmates by 1.5 meters (about 5 feet), and you must wear a mask. Your teacher will also wear a mask and follow the same health measures and recommendations.

How are activities done now? Are the places we visit safe?

Activities are done in very small groups and always in places where health measures are met. Your teachers know how to organize the activities and avoid the most crowded times of day, so you can discover the city safely. We always have a cultural walk or outdoor activity so you can feel safe and at ease.

If they cancel my flight, can I postpone my course? Or cancel it?

If your airline cancels your flight and you can’t find another connection, please write or call us and we’ll try to help you depending on your situation. If they cancel your flight a week in advance, don’t worry. We’ll have time to organize everything and offer you different options: postpone your course, do it online, or ask for a refund. And if your flight is canceled over the weekend, please remember to call us at the emergency number (+34 616 41 55 59) as soon as possible.

If your government decides that foreigners must go back to their home country, what happens with my course and accommodations?

No worries, you won’t lose your course. If you’re already here, we’ll help you find a flight and will talk to the host family to arrange your departure. As for your course, you can always follow the classes online or get a credit for when you can come back. If you prefer to cancel the part you haven’t used, we’ll give you the corresponding refund.

Do I have to pay a penalty if I have to return sooner to my country because of COVID-19?

If your return is due to the COVID-19 crisis, you have nothing to worry about. We know it’s not up to you and we’ll do our best to find the best solution for your situation. We will not apply penalties for cases directly related to COVID-19.

Can I switch my face-to-face classes for classes online?

Of course, whenever you want. If you haven’t been able to come to Spain, or decide to return to your home country before your course ends, or simply don’t have time to come to the school and prefer to have classes from home, just speak with us. We’ll switch your credit for face-to-face classes to online classes via Zoom.

Do I need to confirm my attendance before I travel?

It’s not necessary to confirm your stay. Still, it’s highly recommended to do so and helps us a lot in organizing the classes. However, it is not mandatory and we’ll be expecting you the day you’ve reserved to begin your Spanish classes.

Up to what day can I postpone or cancel my course without any penalty?

In accordance with our cancellation policy, there is no penalty if you notify us two weeks before the start of the course. Now, due to the COVID-19 crisis, we try to be as flexible as possible. We’ll study each case individually so you don’t miss the opportunity to come in the future or to cancel without complications.

What if I get infected in Spain? If I feel unwell and need to go to the doctor, what can I do?

This is probably the most popular question being asked about coming to Spain by our students. If for any reason you think you may have been in contact with someone infected or you feel ill, talk to us to schedule a medical appointment as soon as possible and help you with whatever you need.

Can I use public transportation in Spain?

Yes, in Spain public transportation can be used without restrictions. There are mandatory measures to follow, such as always wearing a face mask and avoiding big crowds. For us, we recommend you carry hydroalcoholic gel and use it frequently whenever you use public transportation. 

What general measures should I follow in shops and businesses?

When you enter a shop or supermarket, you’ll see they always have a health station where you can find hydroalcoholic gel and/or gloves. You should at least use the gel so you can buy things safely.

Photo by Camylla Battani on Unsplash