info pack 2015/2016 english
DESCRIPTION
All you need to know before coming to MurciaTRANSCRIPT
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INFO PACK A guide to Murcia
.
Instituto Hispánico de Murcia ®
http://www.ihmurcia.es
+34 968 900 325 Calle Enrique Villar, 13, 1ºC, 30008 Murcia
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INDEX
How to get to Murcia
Your life in Murcia
Accomodation in Murcia
Some good reasons to study with us
General information about Spain & Murcia
10 good reasons to choose Murcia
Places of interest
Health Centres and hospitals
Useful phone numbers
Rent a car services in Murcia
Golf courses in Murcia
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Please read the following information and contact us on Tel. +34 968 900 325 (Monday
– Friday, 9:00am – 21pm) or [email protected] if you have any questions or you need to
deal with any urgent issue. Our school details are:
INSTITUTO HISPANICO DE MURCIA
C/ Enrique Villar, 13, 1º
30.008 - Murcia (Spain)
Tel: +34 968 900 325
You can also visit our web page http://www.ihdemu.com and our FACEBOOK profile
https://www.facebook.com/ClubInstitutoHispanicoDeMurcia with more than 4800 fans.
☺
WELCOME TO MURCIA
WELCOME TO INSTITUTO HISPÁNICO DE MURCIA
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Most students travel by airplane,
although some European visitors travel
overland and a few by sea. Alicante,
Murcia and Madrid are the most
convenient airports to get to Murcia.
We highly recommend to take this way as flights are more frequent and road network is much better than
the one from San Javier Airport to Murcia. You can get a public transfer service at a cost of 5,151 € single ticket
(aprox. 55 min. journey).
This service is not run by our school as it is a public transport service, which we offer to our students when travelling
from Alicante airport. It is quite economic and operates everyday every 2 hours. To take the bus just leave arrivals hall
and go upstairs to the Murcia bus stand, on your right. It is clearly indicated.
Timetable from Alicante airport to Murcia bus station2:
1 All prices quoted are approximate. 2Please check timetables before your departure as these might change without previous notice (http://www.alsa.es).
HOW TO GET TO MURCIA
1) From Alicante Airport
(40min. by car)
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From Murcia airport
60€
From Alicante airport
77€
Retail price
80€ to 100€approx.
Timetable from Murcia bus station to Alicante airport:
SPECIAL PICK-UP SERVICE
If you wish to be met at Murcia or Alicante airport and driven by taxi to
your accommodation, you must inform us of your flight details at least
one week in advance (flight number, airline, city you are flying from,
and arrival time). A member of IH de Murcia team will be waiting
for you at the arrivals hall and he will have a card with our name
and logo on it. In case of emergency, you can use this Spanish
mobile number – +34 633 329 144 – to contact our school on your
arrival day.
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2) From Murcia-San Javier
Airport (25min. by car)
3) From Madrid Airport
There was a public coach direct transfer service from the airport to Murcia bus station but this service
has been recently cancelled by local authorities.
One option if you are flying to San Javier airport is to take a taxi to San Javier bus station (3 km. away)
and then, take a coach with LATBUS to Murcia.
For further information call the bus station + 34 968 292 211 or check LATBUS website
http://www.latbus.com.
But we suggest you to request OUR AIRPORT PICK-UP SERVICE!
Timetable is as it follows From Monday to Friday 7:13, 9:00, 12:34, 14:45, 15h55, 16:29, 19:00
On Saturday 9:00, 14:45, 16:29.
On Sunday 9:00, 12:34, 14h45, 16:29, 19:00.
By coach
• Get the coach to Murcia in Terminal 4 and find an automatic machine to get your ticket within the airport, in Terminal 4, level 0, in the arrival area (www.alsa.es to check timetable and prices).
• Ticket costs aproximatively 30 €.
• The journey takes around 6 hours and it’s a direct service. Coaches are comfortable, clean and safe.
By train
• From the airport take the train Cercanias in Terminal 4 to the train station “Chamartin” (11 min) or to the train station “Atocha” (25 min). Price is 2,40 €.
• Trains are much more comfortable than coaches but a bit more expensive.
• For further information please contact RENFE (National Spanish Train Network) at http://www.renfe.es
• Price ticket is around 47 € (basic price) and it takes approx. 4h15.
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Arrival in Murcia outside school opening hours
If you are staying with a Spanish host family you should make your way
directly home. You should notify IH Murcia of your flight arrival time
and we will inform your host family of your approximate time of
arrival.
Course material
Student’s book, exercise grammar book and compact disc cost 35 € per
pack, inscription is 39 €. Students can make use of the computers,
when available, and they can borrow books just leaving a deposit of
5 €. Ask and book at reception. We also have Internet WI-FI service
free of charge.
Your first Monday
The day begins with a presentation and welcome by all staff. Please be
at school at 9:50 if you have already sent your placement level test via
e-mail; otherwise you will have to take your level test on arrival and you
will miss your first day of lessons. You will be informed about your
level, your assigned class and your teachers as soon as possible. If you
are a beginner you do not have to send us your level test.
YOUR LIFE IN MURCIA
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ACCOMMODATION IN MURCIA
Instituto Hispánico provides this FREE service to our
international students and others to assist them in
searching for accommodation in safe and reliable areas of Murcia
city.
Note that a lot of rental companies (inmobilarias) post on many websites but you will
have to pay a fee.
Also, searching for a piso can be tricky if your level of Spanish
isn’t high.
We speak English, French, Italian… and of course Spanish!
So you don´t have to worry.
You can book just one night or a whole academic year from a full
flat to a single room. You can find affordable shared
apartments from 160 € a month depending on location and
availability.
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SPANISH ENGLISH
vivienda house, apartment, literally the place to live
piso apartment, flat
habitación/dormitorios rooms
alquilar, vender to rent, to sell
en alquiler for rent
anuncios announcements
Gastos incluidos certain bills like, electricity or gas or water are included in the price
fianza deposit
factura bill
luz electricity
comunidad ”community” usuallyincluded in the rentalprice (comunidadincluida), it goes towards the building’s cleaning and maintenance
amueblado furnished
planta floors, ex. planta 2 (segunda planta) the apartmentis on the second floor of the building, but in Spain it’s really the thirdfloor
inmobilaria rental company, real estate agent
casa/chalet literally a house or free-standing chalet, you won’t be looking at these, they are mostly for people to buy, like families in the suburbs. Most people in Spain live in apartments
honorarios fees for signing a contract through a rental company (inmobiliaria).
KEY WORDS
When looking for an apartment in Spain
Find us
on
internet
!
Please visit our special page in FACEBOOK
https://www.facebook.com/ihmurciaaccommodation
where you will find many options.
There is some basic information in our website:
http://www.ihdemu.com/en/accommodation/87-
students-flats.html
Note that, in spite of Murcia's increasing popularity and corresponding shortage of rental properties,
accommodation will never be problematic. This means that we will always be able to find you accommodation
suiting your needs, as it may not be in other Spanish destinations.
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We offer selected host families located 25 minutes walking distance from the
school. Your accommodation is available from the Sunday of arrival until the
Saturday of your departure. All students living with a Spanish host family must
notify IH Murcia well in advance of any special dietary requirements or health
problems. Bed linen is provided but you have to bring your own towels.
We want to know how you feel. If there is any problem with your
accommodation it is imperative you inform the school staff immediately in
order to find a solution.
Activities
Look out for special events and activities on the school notice board, our
website, Facebook and Twitter. All activities and excursions are optional
and are highly dependent on a minimum number of students taking
part. They are well worth attending and extremely enjoyable.
National public holidays
The school will be closed when local or national public holidays take
place but from September 2013, whenever there is one public holiday in
a week all lessons will be made up, and IH Murcia will decide schedule and date (this will not be
negotiable). Whenever there are two public holidays in a week we shall make up one of them. The school is
OPEN at Christmas. Please check our website for further information.
Bath towels, hair dryer, travel iron and all personal
products such as shampoo, soap, toothpaste etc… (Even students staying
with Spanish host families). Although you can buy it all once you arrive.
HOST FAMILY ACCOMODATION
A Spanish-English dictionary and Spanish verb tables and grammar book. The pocket size Collins Gem is ideal, although there are many out there.
A good pair of walking shoes/boots or sturdy trainers. A small
rucksack/backpack to use for your hand luggage.
An address book &
a camera
WE RECOMMEND THAT YOU TAKE WITH YOU..
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A FEW USEFUL PHRASES
I'm sorry, I don't understand
• Lo siento, no le comprendo
Can you speak English?
• ¿Puede hablar inglés?
Where can I catch a taxi?
•¿Dónde puedo coger un taxi?
From where can I phone?
•¿Dónde puedo llamar por teléfon?
My name is...
• Me llamo...
What's your name?
•¿Cómo te llamas?
What time is it?
•¿Qué hora es?
Hello
• ¡Hola!
Good morning
•Buenos días
See you later
• Hasta luego
Goodbye
• ¡Adiós!
Please
•Por favor
A one way ticket to...please
• Un billete de ida sólo para….por favor
What time does the train/bus leave
•¿A qué hora sale el tren/autobus?
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And… you can buy our student card (5€). Discounts in more
than 200 different stores and a special discount on our
Spanish books (for more information, take a look to our
web page:
http://www.ihdemu.com/en/courses/student-
discount-card.html
Everything is done to make our students feel at home!
The only specialists in teaching Spanish
to foreigners in Murcia.
Since year 2000.
Qualified teachers members of our
team for at least 4 years.
Small groups size. High quality
language teaching always guaranteed.
Classes on bank holidays will be always made up.
Only in IH Murcia.
School located right in the heart of the city. No need to use transportation.
19 courses to choose from.
SOME GOOD REASONS TO STUDY AT INSTITUTO HISPÁNICO DE MURCIA
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Spain is situated in South Western Europe. It occupies the Iberian
Peninsula and is bathed by the Mediterranean Sea, the Atlantic
Ocean and the Bay of Biscay. It also includes the Balearic Islands in
the Mediterranean, the Canary Islands in the Atlantic and the
cities of Ceuta and Melilla. Its total surface area is 504,788 sq.
km.
Languages Castilian Spanish throughout the country: Catalan, Valencian, Basque
(Euskera) and Galician in those respective Autonomous Communities.
Population 47, 199 000 inhabitants approximately.
Time Zone
Peninsula and Balearic Islands: GMT + 1 hour (in summer GMT + 2)
The Canary Islands: GMT (in summer GMT +1)
Religion
The Spanish Constitution guarantees religious freedom.
Electricity 220 volts AC
Measurement System Decimal Metric System
Passports / Visas Citizens and residents of the European Union do not need visa in Spain.
Nevertheless, citizens of the rest of the world need a visa in their passport if
they wish to remain in Spain more than 90 days. Please check this information
with your nearest Spanish Consulate
http://www.exteriores.gob.es/Portal/en/ServiciosAlCiudadano/Paginas/embajadasconsulados.aspx
GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT SPAIN & MURCIA
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Work
The person who wishes to work in Spain must have the permission of the
Ministry of Labour. In the case of students that are not citizens of the
European Union the diplomas must be homologated. Foreign students
who hold a student card are exceptionally allowed to work for a
maximum of 1 year or the remaining validity of their cards as long as
it is a career related job. The request should be sent to the
Delegations or Sub delegations, and the Card that authorizes to work
will be delivered in the offices of the police services (“Oficina de Extranjería”).
Security Although most of the country has not high criminality rates, the street
crimes against tourists are almost a constant, especially in the tourist
zones like Madrid and Barcelona. It is for that reason that tourists have to
be especially in visits to museums, monuments, restaurants, subways,
buses, train stations and cash dispensers. This does not occur in safe
cities like Murcia.
Robberies
Criminals usually work in pairs or groups. While one distracts
tourists (asking a direction while he shakes a map to him, or
dropping something on him) the other one takes control of its
possessions. Another way chosen by thieves is to surround its
victim in the middle of a multitude, to rob him and disappear. There
were reports of thieves who presented themselves as civilian police,
guided the tourist to a quiet place and stole him everything.
Some advice Those travellers who wish to have a peacefully stay should follow few
basic rules:
* The best way to handle with money is through traveller checks,
changing them when its needed;
* As far as possible, leave valuable articles (jewels, traveller checks, credit
cards, airplane tickets, etc) in the safe-deposit box of the hotel. It is also
possible to find companies that offer a service of safe-deposit boxes in
the Yellow Pages.
* Do not leave luggage in a car without watching.
* A travel insurance to cover the expenses of any loss or robbery that
may have its very useful.
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Health Spain has a very good medical assistance. There are public (own by the
Social Security) and private Hospitals. The basic network of medical
assistance of the Spanish Social Security is organized by doctor's offices,
ambulatory medical centres and hospitals. Spain has a medical assistance
agreement with a group of countries (among them, all the countries of the
European Union). Citizens of these countries will need to ask in their
medical doctor's office the E-111 form or similar to be able to have
access to the medical public services in Spain.
Students: Universities provide medical cover for students of the European
Union (E-128 form) and for students younger than 28 years old; after that
the student will need a private medical insurance.
Medical Insurance: For people who must take care of themselves or
who worry about their health, its better if they have a medical insurance
that allows them to benefit from the cares in private establishments,
which offer a very good service.
Customs
Travellers entering Spain may transport a series of personal items (such
as personal jewellery, cameras, musical instruments, portable video and
sound equipment, athletic gear, camping articles, etc) without having
to pay customs charges. Upon request, Spanish customs officials will
issue receipts to justify the entry into the country of any item.
For certain articles, such as cigarettes, cigars, perfume, wines and liquor,
maximum limits have been established, with customs fees required on
surpassing quantities.
There is no limit to the amount of Euros (€) tourists may bring into Spain.
Also permitted is the entry of cheques or vouchers issued against foreign
accounts in convertible Euros, as are travellers' cheques, with no limits.
Foreign currency can also be brought into Spain with no limits, both banknotes and coins, providing
they are of legal issue.
Currency The Spanish currency is the Euro (€). For currency conversion information
visit http://www.oanda.com
Coins and Banknotes Banknote fractions are 5 € 10 € 20 € 50 € 100 € 200 € and 500 €.
Coins' fractions are 0,01 € 0,02 € 0,05 € 0,10 € 0,20 € 0,50 € 1 € and 2 €
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Currency Exchange All bank branch offices offer foreign currency exchange
services, as do a considerable number of hotels and
many travel agencies. Most hotels and restaurants and
many commercial establishments also accept the
most popular international credit cards and travellers
cheques.
Pets To bring pets into Spain, visitors must present at customs
certificates of origin and good health in keeping with
international norms on such matters, and signed by officially
recognised veterinaries in the respective country of origin. The
date and nature of the vaccines administered to the animal,
especially anti-rabies vaccine, must appear on the certificate.
Many Spanish hotels permit dogs and cats under specific
conditions. The entrance of dogs and cats in restaurants is
usually prohibited, and this happens with many business
establishments.
Domestic travel
is relatively inexpensive. Competition is particularly fierce in the coach market, so fares are low.
Timetables and prices must be checked locally and seat reservations can normally be made one or
two days before travel. Similar arrangements apply for train travel, although advance bookings can
be made on mainline services.
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There are many reasons for getting to know the Region of Murcia, where there is much to see and
discover inland. Here are some of them
The weather
• We boast an average annual temperature of 18ºC and we have more than 330 days of sun each year. Winters are mild and summers are hot, but not too hot! Take off your coat and visit us!
Sea and Beaches
• If you like the sea, we have two: Mar Menor and the Mediterranean – in just one coastline of 250 km. You will find 18 natural parks, mountains, fields, forests, valleys, nearly 200 beaches and a unique landscape, in its natural state
Melting pot of cultures
• All Mediterranean cultures left their mark on this land. Murcia is like a small Spain, a mixture of Christian, Arabic and Jewish cultures.
Very safe city
• We live in a very safe city, where you can go for a walk safely through its streets at any time of the day or night
Hospitality
• We will make you feel at home. Hospitality is sacred for our people and this makes us stand out from the rest
10 GOOD REASONS TO CHOOSE MURCIA
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Gastronomic culture
• We have a first class gastronomic culture. Surprise yourself by trying some of the well-known tapas (small dishes) in all their varieties, of which we recommend those made with vegetables. Murcia is a paradise for vegetarians
Sport
• Would you like to play your favourite sports in winter? Golf, sailing, tennis, horse riding... For aquatic sports, Mar Menor is one of the most spectacular places you can imagine, and the facilities at La Manga Club are among the best in the world. Murcia is also well equipped for adventure sports, like rafting, canoeing, climbing, hang gliding, underwater sports... And you can practise skiing in Sierra Nevada, which is only two hours away driving from Murcia!
Open-air museum
• Murcia is an open-air museum. You will find 12 museums and innumerable Art Galleries and Exhibition Halls.
Festivals
• Throughout the year we can enjoy festivals that combine a Mediterranean and colourist character with a religious passion and fervour. You cannot miss the Spring Festivals, September Fair, Carnival, Easter, the Bullfighting Festival, the Mediterranean International Folk Festival, and the International Festival “Murcia -Three Cultures”.
Culture
• More than 35,000 students and nearly 2,000 university teachers and researchers provide Murcia with an exceptional vitality and interest in culture. Our cinema, theatre and music festivals –many of them in the street - and hundreds of conferences and artistic demonstrations animate the lively Murcian cultural life. It goes without saying that the nightlife in this University City does not always finish when the sun rises.
There is much more, but you will realise that when you arrive.
We can guarantee that you will not get bored!
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PLACES OF INTEREST
o Museum of Science and Water (Museo de la Ciencia y el Agua) o Museum Hydraulic Molinos del Río (Museo Hidráulico Molinos del Río) o Museum Ramón Gaya o Museum of City (Museo de la Ciudad) o Museum Bellas Artes o Museum of Archaeology (Museo Arqueológico) o Museum San Juan de Dios o Museum Salzillo
Museo de Tradiciones y ArtesPopulares- this folk
museum stands beside a large water wheel -a copy in iron of
the original 15th century wooden wheel. The three galleries
display agricultural and domestic items, same of them 300
years old. A traditional, thatched Murcian farmhouse
(barraca) forms part of the museum.
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Mar Menor (Smaller Sea)
It is really a large lagoon, and the sheltered
Mar Menor can be 5°C warmer in the summer
then the Mediterranean. Its high mineral
concentrations first drew rest-cure tourists in
the early 20th century. They stayed at the
older resorts of Santiago de la Ribera and Los
Alcazares, which still have pretty wooden
jetties protruding from their beaches. From
either La Manga or Santiago de la Ribera you
can make a ferry trip to the Isla Perdiguera,
one of the five islands in the Mar Menor. The
old saltpans at Lo Pagán, near San Pedro del
Pinatar are now a nature reserve.
Caravaca de la Cruz
This town of ancient churches got its fame
from its castle, which houses the Santuario de
la Vera Cruz (sanctuary of the true cross).
This is where a double armed-cross is said to
have appeared miraculously in 1231, 12 years
before the town was seized by the Christians.
The high light of the Vera Cruz festival is the
race of the wine horses, which
commemorates the lifting of a Moorish siege
of the castle.
Lorca
The fertile farmland around this city is an
oasis in one of the most arid areas of Europe.
The centre of the town, the Plaza de España
is lined with handsome stone buildings. One
side is occupied by the Colegiata de San
Patricio (Church of St. Patrick). At the head
of the square is the town hall, which was
formerly a prison.
Costa Cálida (Warm Coast)
This is the strip of coast where most of the
popular resorts are situated. It is the same
area as the above mentioned Mar Menor.
Between Cabo de Palos and Cabo Tiñoso the
few small beaches are dwarfed by cliffs and
head lands. These resorts are relatively quiet
for Spain.
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Standard opening hours for shops are
between 10.00 and 21.00. But most shops
close for “siesta”, usually between 14 pm
and 17.30 pm. Open-air markets are held
once or twice a week in most Spanish towns
and resorts.
The Mediterranean region
The Mediterranean region has the best year-
round climate in Spain. Temperatures in
Murcia are pleasant year round, although it
can be hot during July and August (up to
40ºC). This is also when most tourists visit
the region. During the winter months, it
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- Hospital Morales Meseguer
• Avda Marqués de los Vélez s/n.
• Tel: 968 360900
Hospital Virgen de la Arrixaca
• C/Madrid Cartagena s/n, El Palmar-Murcia.
• Tel: 968369500
Centro de salud del Carmen
• C/ Madre Elisea Oliver s/n (junto cuartel de artillería)
• Tel: 968 262 923
Centro de salud de San Andrés
• Calle del Escultor José Sánchez Lozano, 7 Murcia
• Tel: 968 394 823
Centro de salud Santa María de Gracia
• C/ Arturo Duperier s/n
• Tel: 968 290 209
-Centro de salud Simón García
• C/ Simón García
• Tel: 968 211 256/ 968 212 252
Centro de salud Vistabella
• Calle Rio Thader s/n
• Tel: 968340300
Centro de salud de Vistalegre-La Flota
• Avda. Juan de Borbón (La Flota)
• Tel: 968 242 675
CITY CENTRE HEALTH CENTRES AND HOSPITALS
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AV Autos Murcia
• Calle Jara Carrillo, 2 (PUENTE TOCINOS) 30.006 Murcia
• Tel: + 34 968204233
Avis Alquile un Coche S.A.
• Carretera Alicante, km 0,5 30.007 Murcia
• Tel: + 34 968201962
Demetrio
• Carretera Alicante, 31 30.160 Murcia
• Tel: + 34 968852002
Diesel Car
• Carretera Madrid, km 384 30.100 Murcia
• Tel : + 34 968835353
Doal Rent A Car
• Avenida Ronda de Levante, 38
• 30.006 Murcia
• Tel: +34 968 233 021
Europcar
• Avenida Miguel de Cervantes, 9
• 30.009 Murcia
• Tel: + 34 968283086
Murcia City Town Hall:
•010
County Council:
•968 36 20 00 - 012
Tourist Information:
•902 10 10 70
Radio Taxi:
•968 24 88 00
Eurotaxi (for disabled people):
•968 29 77 00 – 968 248 800 – 968 906 935
Bus/Coach Station:
•968 29 22 11- 29 22 90
San Javier Airport:
•902 404 704
Renfe (National Train Network):
• 968 25 21 54 – 25 25 72
Local Police Office:
•062
Emergencies:
• 112
LAT Bus Company:
•968 25 00 88
RENT A CAR SERVICES IN MURCIA
USEFUL PHONE NUMBERS