UCAM Welcome package Summer Program

 Welcome Package For incoming students enrolled in UCAM Summer Program 2014 Background information: 1. Murcia is the 7th largest city in Spain. As the regional capital, it has well­developed infrastructure and transport systems. It is a safe city that can be easily explored on foot. 2. Murcia is well­connected to the main cities of Spain and Europe by highways, trains and two international airports in the vicinity: Murcia San Javier (35 min from city center by car) and Alicante (45 min from city center by car). 3. The UCAM campus is located about 10 min from the city center by car and 30 min by public transport (bus or tram). 4. There are supermarkets, outlet shopping areas and restaurants located near the campus within walking distance. 1 Things to take note of: 1. Weather a. In July, temperatures rise to approximately 32ºC in the day with little cloud cover, so you might want to bring sunblock. On the other hand, at night, temperatures can drop to 21ºC, so please do bring a jacket if you need. The average length of daylight is 14 hours. The sun rises between 6.30­7am and sets between 9­9.30pm. Rain is highly unlikely on any given day in July. 2. Water a. The tap water is not potable. The common practice here is to buy mineral water. You can easily get 5 litres of water for €1 in the supermarket (take note that some shops and supermarkets are not open on Sundays). 3. Safety a. Always take care of yourself and your belongings (especially your passport and money). Travelling in groups is more advisable than travelling alone. 4. Electrical plugs Spanish electrical socket Adaptor 5. Internet connectivity a. You can connect to wifi on campus or purchase a Pay As You Go SIM card (from local telcos such as Vodafone, Orange, Movistar and Yoigo) that will provide mobile network connectivity. 2 Ways to get to Murcia Barcelona (Train) 1. Train: Take the Renfe train (€60) from Barcelona Sants station to Murcia train station. The journey takes about 7 hours. Madrid (Train, Bus) 1. Train: Take the Renfe train (€46) from Atocha metro to Murcia train station. The train comes every three hours and the journey is approximately 4 hours. 2. Bus: Take the Alsa bus (€30) either from the Madrid Airport or Estacion del Sur which is located at Méndez Alvaro metro station to Murcia bus station, Estación de Autobuses Murcia. The journey takes approximately 5 hours 30 mins. Alicante (Options: Taxi, Train, Bus) 1. Taxi: Costs around €85, travel time is around 1h. 2. Train: Take the free bus from Alicante airport to the main railroad station in downtown Alicante, Elche Avenida Estación de Tren. The bus goes every 40 minutes from 06:30 to 23:10 every day. Then, catch a Renfe train (€20 ­ €25) to Murcia train station. The entire journey takes about 2 hours. 3. Bus: Take the Alsa bus (€5.15) from Alicante airport directly to Murcia bus station, Estación de Autobuses Murcia. The bus departs from the bus stop at the Departure level (Level 2) of the Alicante airport, and runs up to 8 times a day, depending on the day of the week. The journey takes about 1 hour. If you arrive late and there are no more direct buses to Murcia, you can take the Alicante airport bus to Downtown Alicante and alight at Alicante’s downtown bus station. Then take an Alsa bus from Alicante to Murcia. Total cost is about €9, total travel time is around 2 hours. 3 Alternatively, you can arrange for private airport pickup services by UCAM­recognized company TWH Quality Services: Pickup point Prices San Javier Airport Standard = €55 Premium = €60 Alicante Airport (El Altet) Standard = €75 Premium = €85 Valencia Airport (Manises) Standard = €240 Premium = €260 Madrid Airport (Barajas) Standard = €360 Premium = €400 Alicante Main Train Station (RENFE) Standard = €85 Premium = €100 Albacete Main Train Station (RENFE) Standard = €135 Premium = €145 All prices inclusive of 10% VAT. To book this pickup service, send an email to [email protected] with arrival details (location, date and time) and state that you are going to Murcia for the UCAM Summer Program in order to book the services at the special prices as stated above. Please note that UCAM is not liable for any of the transactions between you and TWH Quality Services. More information can be found at: Asla: www.alsa.es Latbus: www.latbus.es Transportes de Murcia: www.tmurcia.com Renfe: www.renfe.es Tranvia de Murcia (Tram): www.tranviademurcia.es Arrival in Murcia *IMPORTANT* Please send an email to Santiago Sanchiz at [email protected] with the details of your arrival date, exact time and location (Murcia train or bus station) to arrange for pickup and transport to homestay/apartment location. 4 Host family (advice and recommendations) 1. Due to differences in language and cultural background, mutual understanding may require effort and time. We recommend that you invest in getting to know your host on a personal level to establish mutual trust and understanding. 2. Please respect your host by observing good etiquette. For example, be polite, refrain from making unnecessary noise, do not return home drunk. 3. If you have any doubts or questions, please raise them with your host. Do not make assumptions about what is appropriate or not. Summer Program Activities Weekend trips (tentative ­ subject to changes at the discretion of UCAM): Guided tours will be provided but please take note that lunch may not be provided. In this case, bring your own lunch or some money to buy food. 1st Saturday: 1.La Manga : It takes around an hour by bus from Murcia. You will be able to enjoy the coastal areas of the Mediterranean. La Manga has 44km of beaches. It is an ideal place to have a picnic and enjoy the cool sea breeze and sun. 2. Cabo de Palos: Cabo de Palos, located at the southern part of Mar Menor, is accessible from the beaches of La Manga. Take a visit to the famous lighthouse and enjoy the spectacular view of the Mediterranean sea. 5 2nd Saturday (for those in the 3­ and 4­week program): Cartagena: Cartagena, a historic old town and important harbour of Spain, is located just 40 minutes from Murcia. Walk around the famous walled city and learn more about the history of Romans and Muslims in Cartagena. Additional Information: Singapore Embassy in Spain 1. Madrid (nearer to Murcia) Address: Avenida De Bruselas 28, 28108 Alcobendas , Madrid Telephone: +34 91 662 93 73 Office hours: Mondays to Thursdays ­ 9:00 ­14:00 and 15:00 ­ 18:30 Fridays ­ 9:00­15.00 Email: [email protected] 2. Barcelona Address: Buenos Aires, 42, 1º 1 a 08036 Barcelona, Spain Tel: 001­(34)­93 363 42 37 Fax: 001­(34)­93 363 42 38 Email: [email protected] 6 Malaysia Embassy in Spain 1. Madrid Address: Paseo de la Castellana 91 ­ 10 Edificio Centro 23, 28046 Madrid Tel: (34) 91 555 0684 Fax: (34) 91 555 5208 Email: [email protected] Office Hours: Monday ­ Friday 9.00am ­ 5.00pm India Embassy in Spain 1. Madrid Address: Avenida Pio XII, 30 ­ 32, 28016 Madrid Tel: 0034­913098870, 0034­913098889 (After office hours) Fax: 0034­913451112 Email: attache@embassyindia­es Indonesia Embassy in Spain 1. Madrid Address: Reino de España, Agastia 65, 28043 Madrid Tel: +34914130294 Fax: +34914138994 Email has to be sent from this website: http://embajadaindonesia.es/contactenos/ China Embassy in Spain 1. Madrid Address: Calle Arturo Soria, 113, 28043 Madrid Tel: +34­91­5194242 Fax: +34­91­5192035 Email: [email protected] 7