technical university of madrid - Universidad Politécnica de Madrid
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GUIDE FOR FOREIGN STUDENTS 2007/2008 ACADEMIC YEAR At the Technical University of Madrid (UPM – Universidad Politécnica de Madrid) we firmly intend to be a university with a strong international outlook. We have taken this as a challenge and have therefore promoted student exchanges at all levels of study, in both undergraduate and postgraduate courses, for several years. Foreign students, wherever they are from and whether they are at undergraduate, postgraduate or doctorate level, are therefore particularly welcome at the UPM. We have established, and continue to maintain and encourage, exchange programmes with other universities throughout the world. Through such exchanges foreign students are able to access our education system and culture and are also able to undergo a range of experiences that without the chance to take part in a student exchange programme they would undoubtedly miss out on. We hope that students who spend time at our university will be our best ambassadors. At the same time, their comments and suggestions will enable us to guarantee that you receive a warm welcome and find the appropriate facilities if you do decide to become a student of the UPM. This guide has been prepared in order to help you with your stay. It is intended to provide information on practical, useful matters about our city and our university and to help you to integrate with us as much as possible. Javier Uceda Antolín Rector of the Technical University of Madrid CONTENTS 1. INTRODUCTION 1.1. MADRID 1.2. HISTORY OF THE UNIVERSITY 2. GOVERNING BODIES OF THE UPM 3. CENTRES, DEGREES AND QUALIFICATIONS AND ERASMUS PROGRAMME COORDINATORS DOUBLE DEGREES 4. THE ERASMUS PROGRAMME 5. FORMALITIES REQUIRED BEFORE YOU ARRIVE 6. OTHER ADMINISTRATIVE FORMALITIES 6.1. ENTRY INTO SPAIN 6.2. HEALTH INSURANCE 7. GETTING TO MADRID 8. TRANSPORT IN MADRID 9. YOUR FIRST STEPS AT THE UPM 9.1. REGISTRATION OF ARRIVAL 9.2. ENROLMENT 9.3. MENTOR PROGRAMME 10. FORMALITIES STUDIES REQUIRED ON COMPLETING 11. THE SPANISH UNIVERSITY SYSTEM 12. THE SPANISH SYSTEM OF CREDITS AND GRADES. EUROPEAN CREDITS 13. ACADEMIC CALENDAR 1 YOUR 14. ACCOMMODATION 15. SERVICES AT THE UPM 15.1. PSYCHOLOGIST 15.2. ASSISTANCE FOR THE DISABLED 15.3. SPANISH LANGUAGE COURSES 15.4. STUDENT CLUBS 15.5. CULTURAL ACTIVITIES 15.6. SPORTS 15.7. TRAVEL GRANTS 15.8. LIBRARIES AND USE OF COMPUTERS 15.9. WI-FI ON CAMPUS 15.10. COIE - CAREER GUIDANCE AND INFORMATION CENTRE 15.11. STUDENT COUNCIL 15.12. UNIVERSITY OMBUDSMAN 15.13. NEWSLETTERS, MAGAZINES AND NEWSPAPERS 16. DISCOUNT CARDS 16.1. UPM STUDENT ID CARD 16.2. EURO <26 YOUTH CARD 16.3. ISIC INTERNATIONAL STUDENT CARD 16.4. FIYTO (International Federation of Youth Travel Organisations) 16.5. YOUTH HOSTELS (ALBERGUES JUVENILES - REAJ AND IYHF) 16.6. OVER 26 YOUTH CARD 17. LIVING IN MADRID 17.1. CURRENCY 17.2. COST OF LIVING 17.3. POST 17.4. BANKS AND SAVINGS BANKS 17.5. CLIMATE 18. CULTURAL TOURISM 19. USEFUL ADDRESSES AND PHONE NUMBERS 1. INTRODUCTION 1.1. MADRID Situated in the geographical centre of the country, Madrid is the capital of Spain and of the Community of Madrid. With a population of over five and a half million it is considered to be Spain’s largest city and the third largest urban area in the European Union. As the capital of the country, Madrid is the location for the central offices of the Government and Parliament and the main centres of the central public administration. It is also the official place of residence of the Spanish royal family. In terms of the economy, Madrid is noted for being a major financial and industrial centre, home to the head offices of numerous Spanish companies and several of the world’s largest corporations. Madrid is known for its major cultural and artistic attractions and its internationally renowned museums include the Prado Art Museum, the Thyssen Bornemisza Art Musem and the Queen Sofia National Art Museum. In recent years Madrid has become a multicultural city welcoming tourists, students and people of a variety of nationalities who are interested in learning about the history, customs and traditions of the Spanish capital. 1.2. HISTORY OF THE UNIVERSITY The UPM Centres of Study have a short combined history, although each on its own has a long, prestigious existence. The UPM (Technical University of Madrid) became a university as such 1971, although most of its Centres of Study date from centuries before, having been founded in the 18th and 19th centuries. Each Centre maintained an independent existence until they were merged to form the UPM. It is no exaggeration to say that a large part of the history of Spanish technology in the last 150 years has been written by the Schools of Architecture and Engineering of the UPM, as for many years these were practically the only schools of their kind in existence (in some cases the only schools) and all of the major Spanish figures in teaching and research spent time at the respective Centres of Studies as students or lecturers. The UPM is also home to several Research Institutes: the Juan de Herrera Research Institute, the José Antonio de Artigas Industrial Research Institute, the Solar Energy Research Institute, the Automobile Research Institute, the Automatic Control Research Institute and the Agustín Bethencourt InstituteFoundation. The following Centres of Study are affiliated to the UPM: the Higher Centre of Fashion Design and the Higher School of Beer and Malt. In the 1972-73 academic year the Institute of Education Sciences became part of the UPM. 3 2. GOVERNING BODIES OF THE UNIVERSITY - Boards: University Board, Governing Board, Consultative Board and the Society and Community Board. - Positions held by one person: Rector, Vice-Rectors, Secretary General and Director. Schools and Faculties: - Boards: The School or Faculty Board and the Governing Commission. - Positions held by one person: Director or Dean; Deputy Directors or Deputy Deans. 3. CENTRES OF STUDY, QUALIFICATIONS AND ERASMUS PROGRAMME COORDINATORS Most of the Centres of the UPM are located in Ciudad Universitaria, in the west of Madrid. The web page of each Centre includes a map. There are currently around 36,500 students enrolled at the UPM, studying at 20 Centres of Study. UNIVERSIDAD POLITÉCNICA UNIVERSITY OF MADRID) RECTORADO (Rector’s Office) Edificio A Calle Ramiro de Maeztu, 7 28040-Madrid DE MADRID – UPM (TECHNICAL UNIVERSIDAD POLITÉCNICA UNIVERSITY OF MADRID) RECTORADO (Rector’s Office) Edificio B y Edificio C Paseo Juan XXIII, 11 28040-Madrid Tel: 91 3366000 Fax: 91 3366173 www.upm.es DE MADRID – UPM (TECHNICAL Vicerrectorado de Alumnos (Vice-Rector’s Office for Student Affairs) Servicio de Atención al Alumno y Extensión Universitaria (Student Services and University Extension) Movilidad de Estudiantes (Student Mobility). Erasmus Programme: Spanish and Foreign Students. Paseo Juan XXIII, 11 28040-Madrid Tel: 91 3367986/91 3366018 Fax: 91 3367980 E-mail: [email protected] Office open from Monday to Friday from 9.00 am to 2.00 pm. http://www.upm.es/alumnos/intercambios/becaserasmus.html 4 The following table shows the names of the Erasmus Programme Coordinators. Abbreviations: ETS: Escuela Técnica Superior (Higher Technical School) ETSI: Escuela Técnica Superior de Ingenieros (Higher Technical Engineering School) EU: Escuela Universitaria (University School) EUIT: Escuela Universitaria de Ingeniería Técnica (University School of Technical Engineering) CENTRE AND ERASMUS CO-ORDINATORSQUALIFICATIONS ARCHITECT ETS DE ARQUITECTURA Carmen Espegel Alonso Subdirectora de Relaciones Externas y Titulación (Sub-director of External Relations and Qualifications) Avenida Juan de Herrera, 4 Ciudad Universitaria 28040-Madrid Tel: 91 3365249 Fax:91 3366521 e-mail: [email protected] http://www.aq.upm.es further information ETSI AERONAUTICOS José Luis Sagrado Ruiz Subdirector de Relaciones Exteriores (Subdirector of External Relations) Plaza Cardenal Cisneros, 3 Ciudad Universitaria 28040-Madrid Tel: 91 3366356 Fax. 91 3366356 e-mail: [email protected] http://www.aero.upm.es further information ETSI AGRONOMOS Carmen González Chamorro Subdirectora de Extensión Universitaria (Sub-director of University Extension) Avenida Complutense Ciudad Universitaria 28040-Madrid Tel: 91 3365807 Fax: 91 543 48 79 e-mail: [email protected] http://www.etsia.upm.es further information 5 AERONAUTICAL ENGINEER AGRICULTURAL ENGINEER DEGREE IN FOOD SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY (2nd CYCLE) CIVIL ENGINEER ETSI CAMINOS, CANALES Y PUERTOS MATERIALS SCIENCE Luis Garrote de Marcos Subdirector de Relaciones Internacionales ENGINEER (2nd CYCLE) (Sub-director of International Relations) Ciudad Universitaria 28040-Madrid Tel:91 3366734 Fax: 91 5492628 e-mail: [email protected] http://www.caminos.upm.es http://www.mater.upm.es/materiales/ further information INDUSTRIAL ENGINEER ETSI INDUSTRIALES CHEMICAL ENGINEER Teresa Riesgo Alcalde AUTOMATION AND Subdirectora de Investigación y Relaciones Internacionales ELECTRONICS ENGINEER º (2nd (Sub-director of Research and International CYCLE) INDUSTRIAL ORGANISATION Relations) Calle José Gutiérrez Abascal, 2 ENGINEER 28006-Madrid (2nd CYCLE) Tel: 91 3366472 Fax:91 3363279 e-mail: [email protected] http://www.etsii.upm.es further information MINING ENGINEER ETSI MINAS GEOLOGY ENGINEER Ramón Rodríguez Pons TECHNICAL MINING Subdirector de Alumnos y Extensión Universitaria ENGINEER (Subdirector of Student Affairs and specialising in energy University Extension) resources, fuels and explosives. Calle Ríos Rosas, 21 28003- Madrid Tel: 91 3363241 Fax:91 3367068 e-mail: [email protected] http://www.minas.upm.es further information FORESTRY ENGINEER ETSI MONTES DEGREE IN ENVIRONMENTAL Diego García de Jalón Lastra Subdirector de Estudiantes y Extensión SCIENCES (2nd CYCLE) Universitaria (Sub-director of Student Affairs and University Extension) Ciudad Universitaria 28040-Madrid Tel:91 3367092 Fax:91 3367093 e-mail: [email protected] http://www.montes.upm.es further information 6 NAVAL ENGINEER ETSI NAVALES Miguel Angel Herreros Sierra Secretary Avenida Arco de la Victoria Ciudad Universitaria 28040-Madrid Tel: 91 3367213 Fax: 91 5442149 e-mail: [email protected] http://www.etsin.upm.es further information TELECOMMUNICATIONS ETSI TELECOMUNICACION Alberto Almendra Sánchez ENGINEER Subdirector de Alumnos y Programas de Intercambio (Subdirector of Student Affairs and Exchange Programmes) Ciudad Universitaria 28040-Madrid Tel: 91 3367299 Fax:91 3367299 e-mail: [email protected] http://www.etsit.upm.es further information GEODESY AND ETSI EN TOPOGRAFIA, GEODESIA Y CARTOGRAPHY ENGINEER CARTOGRAFÍA ….(2nd CYCLE) José María Fábrega Golpe TECHNICAL ENGINEER IN Subdirector de Extensión Universitaria y Estudiantes TOPOGRAPHY (Subdirector of University Extension and Student Affairs) Campus Sur. Camino de la Arboleda Km.7 de la Carretera de Valencia 28031-Madrid Tel. 91 3366475 Fax:91 332256 e-mail: [email protected] http://www.topografia.upm.es further information DEGREE IN PHYSICAL FACULTAD DE CIENCIAS DE LA ACTIVITY AND ACTIVIDAD FISICA Y DEL DEPORTE SPORTS SCIENCES Pedro Jesús Jiménez Martín Vicedecano de Estudiantes y Orientación Laboral (Deputy Dean of Student Affairs and Career Guidance) Avenida Martín Fierro Ciudad Universitaria 28040-Madrid Tel: 91 3364012 Fax: 91 3364069 e-mail: [email protected] 7 http://www.inef.upm.es further information ENGINEER IN COMPUTER FACULTAD DE INFORMATICA Marinela García Fernández SCIENCE Vicedecana de Relaciones Internacionales (Deputy Dean of International Relations) Campus de Montegancedo 28660-Boadilla del Monte Tel. 91 3366895 Fax: 91 3363667 e-mail: [email protected] http://www.fi.upm.es further information TECHNICAL ARCHITECT IN EU DE ARQUITECTURA TECNICA Mariano de las Heras Fernández PROJECT EXECUTION Profesor de la Cátedra de Mediciones Presupuestos y Valoraciones (Lecturer of the Chair of Measuring, Budgets and Valuations) Ciudad Universitaria 28040-Madrid Tel:91 3367622 Fax. 91 3367644 e-mail: [email protected] http://www.euatm.upm.es further information TECHNICAL AERONAUTICAL EUIT AERONAUTICA Juan Manuel Holgado Vicente ENGINEER Subdirector de Relaciones con el Exterior specialising in Aero-engines TECHNICAL AERONAUTICAL (Sub-director of External Relations) Ciudad Universitaria ENGINEER 28040-Madrid specialising in Air Navigation Tel:91 3367479 TECHNICAL AERONAUTICAL Fax:91 5447409 ENGINEER e-mail: [email protected] specialising in Aircraft TECHNICAL AERONAUTICAL http://www.euita.upm.es further information ENGINEER specialising in Airports TECHNICAL AERONAUTICAL ENGINEER specialising in Aerospace Equipment and Materials TECHNICAL AGRICULTURAL EUIT AGRICOLA Joaquín Fuentes-Pila Estrada ENGINEER Subdirector de Relaciones Externas yspecialising in Agriculture and Movilidad Livestock Farming TECHNICAL AGRICULTURAL (Sub-director of External Relations and Mobility ENGINEER Ciudad Universitaria specialising in Horticulture 28040-Madrid TECHNICAL AGRICULTURAL Tel: 91 3365405 ENGINEER Fax:91 3363727 specialising in Agriculture and Food 8 e-mail: [email protected] http://www.agricolas.upm.es further information Industries TECHNICAL AGRICULTURAL ENGINEER specialising in Rural Mechanisation and Construction TECHNICAL FORESTRY EUIT FORESTAL Leticia de Salas Regalado ENGINEER Subdirectora de Extensión Universitaria y Relaciones Externas (Sub-director of University Extension and External Relations Ciudad Universitaria 28040-Madrid Tel: 91 336652 Fax: 91 3367554 e-mail: [email protected]; [email protected] http://www.forestales.upm.es further information TECHNICAL INDUSTRIAL EUIT INDUSTRIAL ENGINEER Victoria Machuca Charro Subdirectora de Relaciones Externas y specialising in Electricity TECHNICAL INDUSTRIAL Extensión Universitaria (Sub-director of External Relations and ENGINEER University Extension) specialising in Industria Calle Ronda de Valencia, 3 Electronics 28012-Madrid TECHNICAL INDUSTRIAL Tel: 91 3367566 ENGINEER Fax:91 3365588 specialising in Mechanics e-mail: [email protected] TECHNICAL INDUSTRIAL http://www.euiti.upm.es ENGINEER further information specialising in Industrial Chemistry TECHNICAL ENGINEER IN EUIT OBRAS PUBLICAS PUBLIC WORKS Luis Surroca Piñel Subdirector de Relaciones Externas (Sub-director of External Relations) Calle Alfonso XII, 3 28014-Madrid Tel: 91 336 7740 Fax. 91 3367961 e-mail:[email protected] http://www.op.upm.es further information TECHNICAL ENGINEER IN EUIT TELECOMUNICACIÓN Irina Argüelles Álvarez TELECOMMUNICATIONS Subdirectora de Relaciones Externas especialising in Telecommunications Institucionales Systems TECHNICAL ENGINEER IN (Sub-director of External and Institutiona Relations) TELECOMMUNICATIONS Campus Sur. Camino de la Arboleda specialising in Electronic Systems 9 Km.7 de la Carretera de Valencia TECHNICAL ENGINEER IN 28031-Madrid TELECOMMUNICATIONS Tel: 91 3367792 specialising in Sound and Image Fax: 91 3319229 TECHNICAL ENGINEER IN e-mail: [email protected] TELECOMMUNICATIONS http:/www.euitt.upm.es specialising in Telematics further information TECHNICAL ENGINEER IN EU INFORMATICA Abraham Gutiérrez Rodríguez MANAGEMENT INFORMATICS TECHNICAL ENGINEER IN Subdirector de Convergencia Europea y Nuevas Titulaciones COMPUTER SYSTEMS (Sub-director of European Convergence and New Qualifications) Campus Sur. Camino de la Arboleda Km.7 de la Carretera de Valencia 28031-Madrid Tel: 91 3367894 Fax:91 3367893 e-mail: [email protected] http://www.eui.upm.es further information AFFILIATED CENTRES CENTRE QUALIFICATIONS CENTRO SUPERIOR DE DISEÑO ADVANCED FASHION DESIGNER DE MODA DE MADRID Miguel Ángel Pascual Iglesias Director Campus Sur de la UPM Km. 7 de la Carretera de Valencia Bloque I, planta baja 28031 Madrid Tel: 91 3310126 Fax: 91 3321767 e-mail: [email protected] http://www.csdmm.upm.es/ UPM DOUBLE DEGREES A double degree gives students the chance to study for an international degree by combining studies in two types of engineering, at the same time as it equips students better for working towards their future career. On completing their studies, students will simultaneously obtain the degree of their home university and that of the foreign university they attended on exchange. The UPM has signed 87 specific double degree agreements with renowned Centres of Study at a number of European Universities. 10 www.upm.es/2titulaciones 4. THE ERASMUS PROGRAMME The European Union (EU), with twenty-seven member states, covers a large part of the European continent and has a population of almost 500 million. The Union aims to be a fair and caring society. All EU countries are committed to peace, democracy, the rule of law and respect for human rights, and they work together to promote these values in the wider world. In order to become competitive and prosperous, the EU is creating new and better jobs and providing its citizens with new skills. In association with its near neighbours, the EU is working to spread prosperity and democratic progress beyond its borders. The Single Market multiplies the opportunities for young people to study, reside, look for work and carry on a profession in different countries of the European Union. In view of this, everything that helps to encourage education exchanges and the free circulation of ideas and knowledge of other cultures among young Europeans is of major importance. In order to achieve this aim the European Union has set up mobility programmes in the field of education. The European Union’s most successful programme is the Erasmus Programme, whose named is formed from the acronym of the programme’s official name: European Community Action Scheme for the Mobility of University Students. The programme seeks to enhance the quality and reinforce the European dimension of higher education by encouraging trans-national cooperation between universities, boosting European mobility and improving the transparency and full academic recognition of studies and qualifications throughout the Union. The name of the programme was also chosen as a tribute to the philosopher, theologian and humanist Erasmus of Rotterdam. The Erasmus Programme was established in 1987, with a first phase which lasted until 1995. It then became part of the Socrates Programme, which was divided into two stages. The first of these ran from 1995 to 1999, while the second stage, called Socrates II, improved on the first stage, concluding on 31 December 2006. On 1 January 2007 the new programme came into existence. This was the successor of Socrates II, known as the LLP (acronym of Lifelong Learning Programme), which covers a seven-year period from 2007 to 2013. There are now 2199 higher education establishments participating in the Erasmus Programme, from the 27 countries of the European Union as well as Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and three candidates to join the Union – the Former Yugoslavian Republic of Macedonia; Croatia; and Turkey. The general objective of the Lifelong Learning Programme is to contribute through lifelong learning to the development of the European Union as an advanced knowledge-based society, with sustainable economic development, more and better jobs and greater social cohesion, while ensuring adequate protection of the environment for future generations. In particular, it aims to foster interchange, cooperation and mobility between education and training 11 systems within the European Union so that they become a world quality reference. The Lifelong Learning Programme was established in order to deal with the modernisation and adaptation of the education and training systems of the member states, particularly in the context of the strategic Lisbon Objectives. It provides added European value directly to individual citizens who take part in the mobility programmes and other cooperation activities. The structure of the LLP differs from that of its predecessors. It consists of an integrated programme involving four sectorial sub-programmes, a transversal programme and a support programme for teaching, research and debate on European integration and key European institutions. One of these sub-programmes is the Erasmus Programme. The Erasmus sub-programme addresses the teaching and learning needs of all those in formal higher education and professional education and training at a tertiary level, whatever the length of the degree or qualification, including doctorate studies and the institutions and organisations providing or facilitating such education and training. The programme covers two types of student mobility: Student mobility for the purpose of study. Student mobility for work experience. This type of mobility was previously included in the Leonardo da Vinci Programme. The Erasmus Programme was established at the UPM during the 1988-1989 academic year, and has grown from the initial 63 students sent on exchange in that year to the 750 students in the 2007-2008 academic year, in which a similar number of students came to the UPM through the same programme. The UPM has signed a total of 736 bilateral agreements for the Erasmus Programme with 337 universities www.upm.es/alumnos/intercambios/documentos/acuerdos_bilaterales07-08 including double degrees www.upm.es/2titulaciones 5. FORMALITIES BEFORE YOU ARRIVE AS AN EXCHANGE STUDENT Once you have been selected as an exchange student by your home university and if you have chosen the UPM as your destination, you will need to send the completed application form, which is available at http://www.upm.es/alumnos/intercambios/becaserasmus07-08.html , to the coordinator responsible for the Erasmus Exchange at the UPM Centre where you wish to study, accompanied by the following documents: 12 Photocopy of the document showing that you are a student participating in a European Union Exchange Programme: Erasmus (issued by your home university, centre of studies or tutor). Photocopy of your student record or transcript of records. Photocopy of your passport or identity document. European Health Insurance Card (you will need to apply for this in your country of origin) or documents E-111 or E-128, or, where applicable, a photocopy of private health insurance documentation in the case of students from outside the European Union. Certification of sufficient level of language ability. Learning Agreement duly signed by the mobility programme coordinator of your home university, in accordance with the form on the web page http://www.upm.es/alumnos/intercambios/becaserasmus07-08.html. If you intend to study sbjects at everal Centres you will need to obtain the approval of all the Erasmus Coordinators where the subjects are taught in accordance with the instructions on the form. Detailed report clearly stating the type of studies you wish to undertake at the UPM: full academic year, double degree, final degree project, individual subjects. The corresponding documentation. Centre of Study may ask you for additional Deadline for receipt of applications: 30 June for students wishing to study a full academic year 31 December for students arriving in the second semester If everything is in order, the tutor, coordinator or lecturer responsible for exchanges at the UPM Centre of Study will send a letter of acceptance to the student or tutor stating the studies the student may undertake, as well as the signed Learning Agreement. You will find all the information on the curriculums of each Centre of Study on the following web site: http://www.upm.es/estudios/oficiales/titulaciones.html For all other information or possible modifications to your exchange, see the UPM website on the Erasmus Programme: www.upm.es/alumnos/intercambios/becaserasmus.html 6. OTHER ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES 6.1. ENTRY INTO SPAIN Citizens of the European Union, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein or Switzerland: Entry into Spain for citizens of European Union member states is permitted with a valid passport or identity card. Ministry of Internal Affairs Information: Tel. 900.150.000 Citizens from outside the European Union: 13 Citizens from outside the European Union will need to ask at the Spanish embassy or consulate before departure whether they require a visa. 6.2. HEALTH INSURANCE Social Security If you are from a country within the European Union, all you need to do is apply for the European Health Insurance Card in your own country. With this card you will be able to access the Spanish Social Security during your time in Spain. Once you are in Madrid, you will need to find out which is your designated health centre. This will depend on which part of the Community of Madrid you are resident in. You can receive information about your health centre or any other information on Social Security in Spain by calling 900-166565. If you are from outside the European Union but from a country which has signed a medical assistance agreement with Spain (find out about this before departure), you will need to bring the corresponding form with you and proceed in the same manner as European Union citizens. www.seg-social.es Private health insurance If you have no Social Security in your country of origin or there is no kind of medical agreement with Spain, you will need to take out private health insurance. This must in all cases provide full health cover during your time at the UPM. You may take out a policy in your country of origin or when you arrive in Spain. 7. GETTING TO MADRID By plane: There are daily flights between Madrid-Barajas Airport and the main capital cities in Europe and capitals in other parts of the world. There are also several daily flights to the other principal Spanish airports. The Madrid-Barajas airport is located at Km. 13 of the Barcelona Motorway. It consists of 4 terminals: T1, T2, T3 and T4. Transport to the city centre is by bus, with departures every ten minutes, or by Metro (line 8). There is also a taxi service. Barajas Airport Information: 0034 - 91 305 83 43 0034- 91 305 83 44 0034- 91 305 83 45 General Information AENA (Spanish Airports Authority): 902 404 704 By train: Madrid has three train stations: 14 Chamartín: Located in the north of the city, this station connects with the cities of Albacete, Alicante, Avila, Barcelona, Bilbao, Cadiz, Cartagena, Ciudad Real, Cordova, Irún, León, Málaga, Palencia, Salamanca, Santander, Segovia, Seville, Soria, Valladolid, Vitoria, Zaragoza and stations in the region of Galicia, and is also the station for trains to and from France. Address: Calle Agustín de Foxá. Metro station: Chamartín. Atocha: Located in the south of the city, this station connects with Andalusia, Estremadura and Portugal. It is the point of arrival and departure for the highspeed train (AVE) and also the station for local trains in and around the capital. There is an underground train connection to the Chamartín station. Address: Glorieta Emperador Carlos V. Metro station: Atocha-Renfe. Further information: www.renfe.es Information and bookings: 902 24 02 02 International information: 902 24 34 02 Internet sales information: 902 15 75 07 International discount train passes: - Interail. This pass allows train travel in more than 30 European countries in first or second class over several days. Further information on the web page: www.interrailnet.com - Eurail This is an international pass, with no limits depending on the kind of pass chosen, which may be purchased by persons with permanent residence outside of Europe, the Federation of Russia or Turkey. This is an individual, nontransferable pass requiring ID. - Rail Plus This is an individual, non-transferable card which allows holders to purchase train tickets at special prices from participating companies. By bus: Eurolines (Tel: (902) 405 040; e-mail: [email protected]; web page: http://www.eurolines.es/) is responsible for transport to the main European cities and further destinations, including Berlin, Fez, Frankfurt, Hamburg, Lisbon, Marrakech, Munich, Naples, Prague, Toulouse and Warsaw. Several agencies organise journeys from most European countries: Germany, Andorra, Belgium, Bulgaria, France, Holland, Italy, Poland, Portugal, Czech Republic, Rumania, Switzerland and the Ukraine, arriving at the Madrid South bus station (Estación Sur de Autobuses). Due to possible changes you should find out about these bus services in your country of origin. 15 La Estación Sur de Autobuses is the largest bus station in Madrid. You can take a bus from this station to most Spanish cities. Several bus companies operate from here. Calle Méndez Álvaro, 83 28045- Madrid Tel: 91 468 42 00 www.estaciondeautobuses.com Estación de la Sepulvedana. Destinations: Avila, Jaén and Segovia. Paseo de la Florida, 11, Tel: 91 5598955 www.lasepulvedana.es By road Entry into Spain by road is through France or Portugal. Coming from France you can take one of the following expressways: A1: Irun-Burgos-Madrid A2: La Junquera-Barcelona-Zaragoza-Madrid A7: French border-Barcelona; A2: Barcelona-Madrid From Portugal: A5 Badajoz-Madrid Provincial Traffic Headquarters (Jefatura Provincial de Information: Tel: 00 34 91 30185 00/ 00 34 91 510 44 70 Tráfico) Travel times to Madrid: From Barcelona - 6 hours 30 minutes; from Sevilla - 6 hours; from Lisbon - 6 hours 30 minutes. Expressways (autovías) are indicated with the letter A; motorways (autopistas) are indicated with the letters AP; national roads with more than one carriageway between cities and towns are indicated with the letter N; and the Madrid ring roads are indicated by the letter M. Expressways, motorways and the main national roads are indicated by a letter followed by either one, two or three digits. Many of the motorways are toll roads. In Spain driving is on the right and no one under the age of 18 may hire or drive a vehicle of more than 75 cc. Seatbelts are compulsory in the front seats of cars, and helmets are compulsory on motorcycles. The speed limits for cars and motorcycles are 120 km/h on expressways, 100 km/h on dual carriageways, 90 km/h on roads outside built-up areas and 50 km/h in cities or towns. The legal blood alcohol limit is 0.50mg/l and anyone over this limit will be fined €600. The use of mobile telephones or any other medium or system of communication while driving is prohibited. A points system operates in Spain whereby all drivers are awarded an initial credit of 12 points. Certain driving offences result in the loss of points. Foreign visitors need a driving licence valid for Spain. Driving licences from all European Union countries are accepted, although citizens of countries such as the USA, Canada or Australia must obtain an international licence. Third party insurance is recommended and car insurance and documentation must be carried at all times. A Green Card (Tarjeta Verde) is also recommended, although it is only compulsory for persons from outside the European Union. 16 Drivers in trouble can contact Ayuda en Carretera (Road Assistance), a service operated by the Civil Guard. SOS phones are located along the roadsides for this purpose. 8. TRANSPORT IN MADRID Metro: This is the quickest way to move around Madrid, with regular services running at very frequent intervals from 6.00 am to 1.30 am every day of the week. There are single tickets and 10-trip tickets as well as monthly passes that let you travel as many times as you want during the month. The price of a monthly ticket varies depending on the zone and on the age of the user and is valid for travel on both the metro and buses. You can see a map of the metro and check the prices on the web page www.metromadrid.es Tel: 902 44 44 03 Urban buses (EMT): There are more than 193 regular bus routes in Madrid, run by the Municipal Transport Company (EMT - Empresa Municipal de Transportes), which go to all parts of the city, running from 6:00 am to midnight. There a single tickets and 10-trip tickets, which are valid for both the metro and buses. Buses are usually red or blue. There are also night buses which run from midnight to 6.00 am. Information on bus routes and fares: www.emtmadrid.es Customer services office Tel: 902 50 78 50 Local trains (Cercanías): Local trains: The local train network of the Spanish train company (RENFE) runs between most of the towns around Madrid and the city centre. Local train fares vary depending on the zone. Further information: www.ctm-madrid.es Trains run from 5:00 am or 6:00 am (depending on the line) until midnight or 1:00 am. There are several types of tickets and fares. Information: www.renfe.es/cercanias/madrid/index.html Information and bookings: 902 24 02 02 Taxis: Madrid taxis are white with a diagonal maroon-coloured stripe and the city shield on the side. A green light or a sign saying libre (available) shows when taxis are not carrying passengers. The fare consists of an initial fixed rate, known as the flag fall (bajada de bandera), which increases in accordance with the number of kilometres covered. There are additional charges for fares to the airport or train stations, for the carriage of suitcases and for night rates and public holidays. All taxis must display information on the rate for the flag fall and additional charges. 17 Radio-taxi phone numbers: 902 478 200/ 91 5478 200 91 405 12 13 / 91 40 55 500 902 50 11 30 / 91 371 21 31 91 447 32 32 91 539 04 00 www. Taxiflot www. Radio Teléfono Taxi Madrid www. Tele Taxi Madrid Information on taxi fares is also available on the web page of the Madrid City Hall www.munimadrid.es 9. FIRST STEPS AT THE UPM 9.1. REGISTRATION It is a good idea to arrive a week before classes start in order to find accommodation and complete the academic formalities required. To obtain updated information, you can consult the following web page: http://www.upm.es/alumnos/intercambios/becaserasmus.html Once you are in Madrid you will need to go to the Student Services and University Extension Office (Servicio de Atención al Alumno y Extensión Universitaria), which is located in The UPM Rector's Office-Edificio B, Paseo Juan XXIII, 28040-Madrid, in order to register as an Erasmus student and collect your UPM student ID card. You will be required to show: - Original document demonstrating that you are a student who has been selected for the Erasmus Programme. - Photocopy of your valid passport or identity document. - European Health Insurance Card or Social Security form E-111 or E-128, or documentation showing that you have health insurance. - 2 passport-size photos. - Learning Agreement if you have not already sent it. You will also be given information about: - How to find accommodation (if you have not already received this before your arrival): Halls of Residence, University Residences, student flats and homestays. - Information on cultural and sports activities. - Practical information on life in and around Madrid. You will be given a pack containing a number of t ourist brochures about Madrid, maps on the methods of transport available and information on the UPM. - Help with problems you may encounter during your time in Spain. 18 You will then need to go to the Erasmus Office of the Centre where you will be studying for information on how to enrol, timetables and so on. 9.2. ENROLMENT Before enrolling it is a good idea to seek the advice of your Erasmus UPM Coordinator on the Learning Agreement reached or to finalise this if you have not already done so. You may then enrol with the help of the office in charge of the Erasmus Programme at the Centre of Study. To complete enrolment you will need to attach the filled in Learning Agreement, which states the studies you will do. This must be signed and stamped by the coordinators of your home university and the host university. You will also need to attach a photocopy of the European Health Insurance Card, E-111, E-128 or private health insurance which covers you in Spain. You will only be able to enrol in the subjects shown on the Learning Agreement. Enrolment takes place at the secretariat of the Centre of Study. The regular enrolment dates are: Period for general enrolments and first semester subjects: from 6 to 28 September 2007 Period for enrolment for second semester subjects: from 30 January to 28 February 2008 9.3. MENTOR PROGRAMME The UPM mentoring project aims to develop a guidance and assistance programme for new students, including first-year and ERASMUS students. This activity is carried out by more senior students, under the supervision of lecturers. At the Erasmus Exchange Office of the Centre where you are studying you will be told if the mentor programme is running and who the mentors are, so they can help you adapt to life at the UPM. The main aim of the MENTOR programme is to set up help and guidance mechanisms for new students (first-year and ERASMUS students), to ensure the continuation and success of their university studies and to help them integrate into the university both academically and socially. This is achieved in the following manner: 1. Academic guidance: To provide mentored students the help they need to cope with the subjects they are studying, from the point of view of the mentor as a former student of these subjects. 2. Social guidance: To help new students adapt to the university, with particular attention to diversity. 3. Administrative guidance: To provide new students with guidance in relation to general administrative procedures. For all queries or information: Servicio de Atención al Alumno y Extensión Universitaria (Student Services and University Extension) Paseo Juan XXIII, 11 28040-Madrid Tel: +34 91 3367986 +34 91 3366018 e-mail: [email protected] www.upm.es/alumnos/intercambios/intercambios 19 10. FORMALITIES STUDIES REQUIRED ON COMPLETING YOUR On completing your studies you will need to go through the following formalities before returning home: Request the following documents from the Erasmus Coordinator of the UPM Centre where you have studied: - Attendance Certificate stating the period of time you studied at the UPM - Transcript of Records You will need to provide the originals of these documents at your home university or centre of study. Within ten days of completing your studies you will need to provide the following to the Student Services and University Extension Office (UPM Rector's Office - Edificio B; Paseo Juan XXIII, 11- Madrid): - Photocopies of the aforementioned documents - Survey or report on your time at the UPM If the Transcript of Records is not available when you leave, the office in charge of the Erasmus Programme at the Centre where you have studied will forward it to your home address or to your home university or centre of study and will also send a photocopy to the Student Services and University Extension Office. 11. THE SPANISH UNIVERSITY SYSTEM Official university studies in Spain, valid throughout the country, are structured in Cycles. In the new curriculums there are First Cycle Studies, First and Second Cycle Studies, studies belonging only to the Second Cycle, and Third Cycle or Doctorate Studies. First Cycle Studies Passing the First Cycle entitles students to obtain the qualifications of University Diploma, Technical Engineer, Technical Architect or Primary School Teacher. This cycle has a duration of three academic years. First and Second Cycle Studies The qualifications obtained by passing the first and second cycles are that of Degree, Engineer or Architect. The long cycle consists of two cycles. The first of these has a duration of at least two academic years, in which the contents are more general. The second cycle, in which the contents are more specialised, also has a duration of at least two academic years. The duration of these studies ranges from four to six academic years. Second Cycle Only Studies To access this mode of study it is necessary to have completed the First Cycle qualification or the complete First Cycle of other Long Cycle Studies – a Degree, Engineering or Architecture. 20 Passing Second Cycle Only Studies entitles students to obtain the qualification of Degree or Engineer. In order to access certain Second Cycle Studies students must do complementary training (extra subjects). The duration of the Second Cycle is two academic years or occasionally three. Third Cycle Studies These are called Doctorate Studies and their duration ranges from two to five years. It is compulsory to have obtained the qualification of Higher Engineer, Architect or Degree. On completion of the Third Cycle a Doctorate is obtained. 12. SPANISH SYSTEM OF UNIVERSITY QUALIFICATIONS: EUROPEAN CREDITS CREDITS AND Most curriculums of the UPM have been updated, which means that each subject has a number of credits (one credit is equivalent to 10 hours of study or class time, either theory or practical). Some curriculums have not been updated, which means that the subjects do not have credits assigned to them. The Spanish grades system is a decimal system from 0 to 10. These grades are accompanied on the student record by a non-numerical grade. To pass a subject it is necessary to obtain a grade of at least 5. Most subjects have a final written or oral exam which must be passed in order to pass the subject. If students do not pass the end of semester exam, they will have the opportunity to re-sit the exam during the September exams. 0 - 4.9: Suspenso – SS (Fail) 5.0 - 6.9: Aprobado – AP (Pass) 7.0 - 8.9: Notable – NT (Very good) 9.0 - 10: Sobresaliente – SB (Excellent) EUROPEAN CREDITS (ECTS) The European Credits Transfer System is the standard of measure to which current studies at Spanish universities must be adapted by 2010. The ECTS is a measure of the total time required to pass a subject, consisting of theory classes, practicals, study, assignments and so on. The ECTS states that the total workload for a full time student to complete during one academic year is 60 credits, which means that a semester is equivalent to 30 credits and a term is equivalent to 20 credits. As a guideline, taking academic activity to be approximately 40 weeks a year with a workload of around 40 hours a week, a European credit is established as a workload of between 25 and 30 hours (1500 - 1800 hours of student work per year). The minimum number of hours per credit is 25 and the maximum is 30. Enquire at the Centre where you wish to study whether they have the ECTS curriculum. For further information see: www.upm.es/laupm/servicios/bibliotecas/ceyde/index_educacion - this has full information on the European Credits Transfer System. Some courses have already had their curriculums adapted to the ECTS. You will need to check the curriculum for each course. 21 13. ACADEMIC CALENDAR The Opening Event for the academic year will be held on 9 October. Classes will start between 3 September and 1 October. First Semester: starting between 3 September and 1 October and continuing until the end of January. Second Semester: From 1 February until the end of June. Each Centre of Study shall determine the exact date for the beginning and end of classes. At the end of each semester there will be exams with two chances to sit each subject: the ordinary session and the additional session. First semester: Ordinary session: at the end of the first semester. Additional session: at the end of the second semester. Second semester: Ordinary session: at the end of the second semester. Additional session: in September. Holidays during the academic year. Christmas holidays: from 20 December to 8 January (approximately) Easter holidays: One week at the end of March or beginning of April Summer holidays: July, August and September www.upm.es/alumnos/calendario2007-2008 14. ACCOMMODATION The best way to find accommodation is to check what’s available on the following accommodation web pages: http://www.upm.es/alojamientos/ and www.upm.es/rinternacional/housing/index in order to book provisional accommodation in Madrid before you arrive. This will enable you to find accommodation more appropriate to your needs once you are established in Madrid. This service is solely and exclusively for the purposes of providing information on accommodation available. It does not organise accommodation for students. If you have not organised accommodation before your arrival you can go to the Student Accommodation Office (Oficina de Alojamiento de Estudiantes), where you will be informed about the different types of accommodation, or to the Student Mobility Office (Oficina de Movilidad de Estudiantes) or the International Relations Office (Relaciones Internacionales) of your Centre of studies, where you will also receive advice. Open from Monday to Friday from 9.00 am to 2.00 pm. Information is provided on the following types of accommodation: Apartments to rent or share, halls of residence and university accommodation, hostels, the VIVE Y CONVIVE (Live and Share Your Life) programme and so on. VIVE Y CONVIVE Intergenerational Programme 22 The VIVE Y CONVIVE programme is an intergenerational programme through which elderly persons share accommodation with university students. The twofold objective consists, on the one hand, of relieving the loneliness of elderly persons living alone, and, on the other hand, of helping young students who are not from Madrid to find accommodation. At the same time, the programme encourages an exchange of mutual assistance, not only in material terms but also in terms of experience, help and company between young students and the elderly. www.upm.es/alumnos/vivienda/programa_intergeneracional Other useful addresses: Information on the Community of Madrid Youth Housing Facilities (Bolsa de Vivienda Joven) Through this service provided by the Community of Madrid you can obtain general information on accommodation, specialised legal information and, in particular, a list of apartments for rental to young persons. This service is available for young people aged from 18 to 35. For further information: Calle Braganza, Madrid. Tel: 91 580 47 56 http://www.madrid.org/inforjoven The Directorate General of Universities and Research of the Community of Madrid provides a service known as the Virtual University Accommodation Service (Vivienda Virtual Universitaria) which lists all kinds of accommodation (shared rooms, homestays, apartments to rent and so on) for university students in the Community of Madrid. http://www.emes.es/VivirenMadrid/Alojamientoestudiantes/tabid/219/Default.as px Other useful links: http://www.provivienda.org/index_a-php http://www.softdoc.es http://www.madridinsider.com/guppy/index.php http://www.accommadrid.com/alojamiento-madrid.html http://www.casaswap.com 15. UPM SERVICES 15.1. PSYCHOLOGIST This service provides advice and psychological support to students of the UPM. The aim of the service is to improve students’ academic performance by acting on factors of a psychological nature which may have a negative effect during academic training. For further information: Medycsa, Tel: 902-181543 15.2. ASSISTANCE FOR THE DISABLED The UPM (Technical University of Madrid) has an agreement with FeSoRCaM (Community of Madrid Federation of the Deaf) in order to provide assistance for hearing impaired students at the UPM: www.fesorcam.org In addition, Assistance Grants are made through the UPM to students who are normally from the same Centre of Study as the disabled student, so that they 23 can help them with whatever needs they may have, such as transport from their accommodation to the Centre of Study, collecting lecture notes and so on. 15.3. SPANISH LANGUAGE COURSES The UPM has a language programme with an international focus which includes: Intensive online course to bring Erasmus students up to the appropriate level Spanish courses applied to Science and Technology Intensive foreign language courses. Exchange programmes DELE - Diploma of Spanish as a Foreign Language Courses for foreign Erasmus students start in September for those who arrive in the first semester and in February for those who arrive in the second semester. There are also courses on line. For further information see the web page: http://www.upm.es/rinternacional/ari/es/ 15.4. STUDENT CLUBS Student Clubs play a major role at the UPM. There are currently 178 clubs operating, with activities in a variety of fields ranging from all kinds of cultural activities such as cinema, theatre, tunas (student musical groups in traditional costumes) and photography to professionally-oriented clubs for exchange and research. If you would like to be a member of a club or take part in their activities, you can find out about the clubs at your Centre of studies, or by going to the Sub-director responsible for University Extension, the Student Council at your Centre of Study, or the Student Services and University Extension Office. You can also find information on http://www.upm.es/alumnos/asociaciones e-mail: [email protected] the following web page: 15.5. CULTURAL ACTIVITIES The UPM organises a large number of cultural activities at low prices aimed at all UPM students, including Erasmus students or students on any other exchange programme. The Cultural Service (Aula de Cultura) organises courses of all kinds: photography, cinema, short films, storytelling, public speaking, astronomy, visits to art museums, ballroom dancing, Latin dancing, Flamenco, gardening, biodancing, magic and illusionism, music and much more. During the academic year courses are held from October to February and from March to June. Every year the UPM holds its highly successful Theatre Festival. The university’s 11 theatre groups put on more than 20 plays, including comedy, drama, theatre of the absurd and musicals. The performances are seen by more than 6500 spectators and all interested students may take part. 24 For further information on these cultural activities, see the web page: http://www.upm.es/alumnos Foreign students wishing to take part in any of these activities should request information from: Servicio de Atención al Alumno y Extensión Universitaria Rectorado. Edificio B Paseo Juan XXIII, nº 11 28040-Madrid, Tel: 91 33679 84 or 91 336 62 54 e-mail: [email protected] 15.6. SPORTS The UPM promotes and encourages sports activities by organising and participating in internal and Spanish universities championships and running a variety of activities at its sports facilities. For students interested in taking part in sports, the university runs the following activities: aerobics, chess, badminton, basketball, handball, fencing, football, indoor football, 7-a-side football, fitness, gym-jazz, karate, kung-fu, bodybuilding, swimming, paddle tennis, rugby, squash, taekwondo, tennis, table tennis, volleyball and beach volleyball. For further information: Deportes (Sports Office) Paseo Juan XXIII, nº 11 28040 Madrid Tel: 91 336 62 34/91 336 62 28 www.upm.es/laupm/servicios/deportes 15.7. TRAVEL GRANTS Travel grants provide financial assistance which UPM students may apply for in order to travel (within Spain or abroad) for activities related to their studies. www.upm.es/alumnos/becas 15.8. LIBRARIES AND USE OF COMPUTERS The UPM has a large library network consisting of 20 libraries at the different Centres of Study and 2 Documentation Centres: the CEYDE (European Documentation Centre – Scientific Documentation Centre) and the Faculty of Computer Science Documentation Centre. The university library is a busy centre containing resources on scientific, technical and cultural information, whose purpose is to provide assistance to library members in their learning process, research and ongoing education and to help to raise the level of quality of the UPM integral education model. All students of the UPM may request the use of computers. They must have a mail account with the UPM and may only use the facilities located in the libraries. Library opening hours are Monday to Friday from 9.00 am to 9.00 pm. During exams some of the libraries are open longer. 25 For further information: Servicio de Coordinación de Bibliotecas (Library Coordination Service) Rectorado. Edificio. A Avenida Ramiro de Maeztu, 7 28040-Madrid http://www.upm.es/laupm/servicios/bibliotecas/ 15.9. WI-FI ON CAMPUS Wireless networks were devised as an alternative connection to the university’s wired network as a way to provide mobility and allow access to the network from any point within coverage. The Wi-Fi network is available at all the Schools of the UPM and at the Rector’s Office. This means that users from any School can connect to the network at the areas provided for this purpose at any other School of the UPM. In order to access the wireless network you will need to set up an email account at the university and have a portable computer with a wireless network card. 15.10. COIE – CAREER GUIDANCE AND INFORMATION CENTRE (CENTRO DE ORIENTACIÓN E INFORMACIÓN DE EMPLEO) The purpose of the UPM Career Guidance and Information Centre is to provide information and guidance to students in relation to joining the workforce, particularly in terms of work experience and looking for their first job. For further information: COIE Rectorado. Edificio B Paseo Juan XXIII, 11 28040 Madrid Tel: 91 336 62 32/20 Open from 9.00 am to 2.00 pm from Monday to Friday. http://www.coie.upm.es/public/index.php e-mail: [email protected] 15.11. STUDENT COUNCIL (DELEGACIÓN DE ALUMNOS) The Student Council represents students and defends their interests, providing them with advice and assistance concerning academic and other matters which affect university life. The Council also promotes cultural and sports activities and supports activities undertaken by students at each Centre of Study. Each Centre has a Student Council office. The UPM Student Council is located in: Rectorado de la UPM Edificio A Avenida Ramiro de Maeztu, 7 Sótano 1 28040 Madrid http://da.slashdat.org/ Tel:91 336 60 12/11 E-mail: delegació[email protected] 26 15.12. UNIVERSITY OMBUDSMAN (DEFENSOR UNIVERSITARIO) The University Ombudsman watches over the rights and liberties of teaching staff, students and administration and service staff. At the UPM, the objective is to perform these functions in an efficient, sympathetic manner with particular emphasis on improving the quality of the university through all the undertakings of this office. Rectorado. Edificio A Avenida Ramiro de Maeztu, 7 Sótano 1 28040 Madrid www.upm.es/laupm/defensor 15.13. NEWSLETTER, MAGAZINES AND NEWSPAPERS The UPM keeps the entire university community informed about events, activities, news, grants, contests and cultural and sports activities using a number of media, including the UPM magazine, press summaries and epolitécnica, the UPM’s electronic newsletter, which includes a section in English for foreign students. Further information is available on the web page www.upm.es 16. DISCOUNT CARDS 16.1. UPM STUDENT ID CARD The UPM provides all of its students with ID cards, including students on exchange programmes. Student ID cards entitle holders to use all the services and facilities at the UPM. They can also be used to obtain discounts at certain establishments such as shops, cinemas, theatres and so on. 16.2. EURO<26 YOUTH CARD This card is part of the European Network aimed at young people from the ages of 14 to 25. It allows cardholders to benefit from discounts and services offered to young people throughout Europe: transport, shops, sports, gifts, computers and a lot more. It also includes travel insurance which covers cardholders from a distance of 25 km beyond their usual place of residence. EURO<26 cards are valid for two years. 16.3. ISIC INTERNATIONAL STUDENT IDENTITY CARD This card identifies the holder as a student from outside of Spain and provides discounts on transport, accommodation, admission to museums and so on. You must prove you are a student in order to obtain this card. The minimum age is 12. The card is valid from September of the current year until December of the following year, starting from the date the card is issued. 16.4. FIYTO (Federation of International Youth Travel Organisations) This organisation is responsible for the International Youth Card, which entitles holders to the same services as the International Student Card, although they do not need to be students. The card is valid for young people aged from 14 to 25. It is valid from September of the current year until December of the following year, starting from the date the card is issued. 27 16.5. YOUTH HOSTELS (ALBERGUES JUVENILES – REAJ AND IYHF) An International Youth Hostel Federation card entitles holders to use the 206 Youth Hostels in Spain, through the Spanish Youth Hostels Network (Red Española de Albergues Juveniles) and gives them access to more than 4200 youth hostels in other countries participating in the IYHF. All young people may apply for an IYHF card, of which different types exist: Youth (ages 14 to 29); Adult (ages 30 and over); Group (minimum 10 persons) for under 30s, including at least one person over the age of 18; and Family, for Spanish couples with children under the age of 14. 16.6. OVER 26 YOUTH CARD This programme aims to make culture and leisure available to young people in Madrid aged from 26 to 29 (inclusive). An initiative of the Community of Madrid Directorate General for Youth, in conjunction with the savings bank Caja Madrid, this card will entitle you to major discounts. You can obtain information on how to obtain these cards before leaving home. In Madrid they are issued at: Oficina de Turismo Juvenil – TIVE (Youth Tourism Office) Calle Fernando el Católico 88 28015- Madrid Tel: 91-5437412 E-mail: [email protected] Open from Monday to Friday from 9.00 am to 2.00 pm. Dirección General de Juventud (Directorate General for Youth) Calle Gran Vía, 10 From Monday to Friday from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm and from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm. Tel: 900 70 80 10 Email: [email protected] www.madrid.org Other useful links for discount cards: www.isic.org www.euro26.org www.fiyto.org 17. LIVING IN MADRID 17.1. CURRENCY The official currency in Spain is the euro (€). 17.2. COST OF LIVING The approximate cost of staying in Madrid ranges from 600 to 900 euros a month (accommodation and food), taking into account that this will depend on the cost of your accommodation. For example, sharing a rented flat will cost around 400 euros (accommodation only). The following list of articles and prices is provided as a guideline: 28 A one-way ticket for a journey by bus or metro: 1 euro 10-trip metrobus ticket: 6.40 euros Cinema ticket: 6.50 euros (approx.) Loaf of bread: 70 cents (approx.) Soft drink or beer: 2.00 euros Newspaper: 1 euro 17.3. POST Post offices are generally open from 8:30 am to 2:30 pm from Monday to Friday, although some offices are also open in the afternoon, depending on the services provided. There is an on-campus post office in Ciudad Universitaria, located at Avenida de la Complutense number 99, open from 8:30 am to 2:30 pm. For further information call 902 197 197. www.correos.es 17.4. BANKS AND SAVINGS BANKS Usual opening hours for banks and savings banks are from 8:30 am to 2:00 pm. In the winter months savings banks also open on Thursday afternoons. To open an account you will need a resident or non-resident certificate and your passport. If you already have a resident certificate, that is all you will need to provide at the bank when you open an account. If you are a non-resident you will need to obtain a non-resident certificate from the Comisaría General de Documentación (Foreign Office) in Calle General Pardiñas, number 90 (metro station Diego León) in Madrid. You will need the original and a photocopy of your passport. Applications are processed in around ten days. With your passport and this certificate you will be able to open an account at any bank. 17.5. CLIMATE Winter in Madrid is not very cold, with minimum temperatures of around 2ºC and maximums of around 15ºC. Spring and autumn are very pleasant, with maximum temperatures of around 20.5ºC and minimums of 7.5ºC. Summer in Madrid is normally hot, with maximum temperatures ranging from 30ºC to 40ºC. Madrid is fortunate to have a majority of sunny days throughout the year. 18. CULTURAL TOURISM The city of Madrid has an extensive range of cultural attractions which students should take the time to discover. The large number of museums include the History Museum, Museum of Archaeology, Museum of Natural Sciences, the Army Museum and the Museum of America, although the most important ones are: 29 Museo del Prado (El Prado Art Museum): This is one of the world’s major art museums. It is located in Paseo del Prado and is open from Tuesday to Sunday and on public holidays from 9:00 am to 8:00 pm. Closed on Mondays. Metro stations: Banco de España and Atocha Centro de Atención al Visitante (Visitors’ Information Centre): 902 107077 http://museoprado.mcu.es/home.html Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza: Exhibition of paintings covering a wide range of masters and schools, from early Netherlandish painting to the contemporary avant-garde. Located in the Palacio de Villahermosa, Paseo del Prado number 8. Open from Tuesday to Sunday from 10.00 am to 7.00 pm. Closed on Mondays. Metro station: Banco de España Tel: 91- 369 01 51 www.museothyssen.org Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía (Queen Sofia National Art Museum): Modern and contemporary paintings and sculptures. Located in Calle Santa Isabel, number 52. Open on Mondays and from Wednesday to Saturday from 10:00 am to 9:00 pm and on Sundays from 10:00 am to 2.30 pm. Closed on Tuesdays. Metro station: Atocha Tel: 91 7741000 www.museoreinasofia.es El Palacio Real (Royal Palace): The Spanish royal palace is one of the best in Europe. It opens from Monday to Saturday from 9:30 am to 5:00 pm and on Sundays and public holidays from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm. Closed on the occasion of official events. Tel: 91 4548800 Metro station: Ópera www.patrimonionacional.es Plaza Mayor: This is a large square surrounded by balconied buildings constructed between 1617 and 1619. The most emblematic buildings are the Casa de la Panadería and the Casa de la Carnicería. Metro station: Sol. El Parque del Retiro (Retiro Park): This is the most historically and artistically important park in Madrid. Located in Plaza de la Independencia. Metro Station: Retiro and Menéndez Pelayo. El Rastro de Madrid. The Rastro is a street market covering several streets of Madrid, around Plaza de Cascorro, La Latina, Calle Embajadores and the surrounding area. It is held on Sundays from 9:00 am to 3.00 pm. Metro station: La Latina. Parque de Atracciones de Madrid (Fun Park): Located in the natural setting of La Casa de Campo. Metro station: Batán. It can also be reached by bus, numbers 33 or 65. Tel: 91 463.29.00 www.parquedeatracciones.es 30 Other places to visit: Catedral de Nuestra Señora de la Almudena (Cathedral of Our Lady of Almudena), Iglesia San Francisco El Grande (Church of Saint Francis the Great), Ermita de San Antonio de la Florida (Saint Anthony’s Chapel), Faro de Moncloa (viewing tower), Monasterio de las Descalzas Reales (Convent of the Royal Barefoot Nuns), Monasterio de la Encarnación, Real Fábrica de Tapices (Royal Tapestry Factory), Museo Sorolla (Sorolla Art Museum), other art galleries and so on. Nearby tourist attractions: Alcalá de Henares (30 km from Madrid); Aranjuez (47 km from Madrid); Chinchón (45 km from Madrid); El Escorial (50 km from Madrid); Toledo (71 km from Madrid); Segovia (91 km from Madrid); Ávila (113 km from Madrid); and Cuenca (167 km from Madrid). Madrid also has a large number of cinemas, theatres and shows. For information on current shows look in the newspapers or the Guía del Ocio (What’s On Guide), available at newsstands. On your arrival, you will be given tourist brochures at the Student Services and University Extension Office. 19. USEFUL ADDRESSES AND TELEPHONE NUMBERS Information on procedures required for entry into Spain: Ministry of Internal Affairs..................................................... Citizens’ Information (City Hall)............................................ Citizens’ Information (Community of Madrid)……………… Information on General State Administration ……………… Telephone Directory Service…………………………………. International Directory Service……………….………………. Civil Guard……………………………………..…..………... National Police.......................................................................... Municipal Police....................................................................... Fire Service................................................................................ Emergency Services of the Community of Madrid, Fire Service, National Police and Municipal Police……………… Medical Emergencies (INSALUD – Spanish Health System) Red Cross……………………………….………………….…... After-hours Chemists….............................................................. 31 00 34 900 150 000 010 012 060 11818 11825 062 091 092 080 112 061 91 522 22 22 010 Traffic Information……..…....................................................... Lost Property…........................................................................... Radio Taxi…................................................................................ 900 123 505 Transport Information Service…............................................... Madrid-Barajas Airport……………………………................ 91.580.19.80 Train information RENFE….................................................... 91 527 95 90 91 547 82 00/ 447 50 80 91 593 20 20/ 4459008 91.305.83.43 44 / 45/46 – 902.24.02.02 EMT Buses…………………………………………..………….. / 902 507 850 Madrid South Bus Station (Estación Sur de 91-4684202 Autobuses)……………………………………………………..... Metro…………………………………………………..………… 902 444 403 Instituto de la Juventud – INJUVE (Youth Institute) Calle José Ortega y Gasset, 71 28006-Madrid Tel: 91- 3637700 Centro Regional de Información y documentación Juvenil – CRIDJ (Regional Youth Information and Documentation Centre) Calle Gran Vía 10; planta baja 28013- Madrid www.madrid.org/inforjoven [email protected] Tel: 901 510 610 Oficina de Información Juvenil de Sol (Plaza de Sol Youth Information Office) Sol metro station, main lobby. Open from Monday to Friday from 10:30 am to 2.00 pm and from 4:30 pm to 7.00 pm. Tel: 91- 5219511 Tourist information: www.spain.info www.descubremadrid.com Embassies 32 Information service on embassies, from Monday to Friday from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm. Provides information on diplomatic representation in Spain and Spanish diplomatic representation abroad. Tel: 91 379 96 00 www.embajada-online.com 33
