Dos and Dont´s

DO

• Expect to be kissed on both cheeks when you meet someone for the first time.
• Learn appropriate greetings for different times of day and different occasions.
• Remember that the Spanish tend to run 5-10 minutes behind schedule.
• Be prepared to eat lunch and dinner later than you´re used to.
• Remember that the Spanish tend to be fairly formal.
• Take an interest in how you look; Spaniards are clothes conscious and always dress appropriately for the occasion.
• Treat shrines, sanctuaries, churches and cathedrals with respect.

DON´T

• Forget to call your parents when you arrive!
• Be afraid to try new things, talk to new people, and explore new places.
• Be frustrated with the slow paced Spanish life style. Things may take a while to happen, but they will eventually!
• Yawn, or stretch in public since, believe it or not, this is considered very bad manners.
• Forget you are representing your country. Behave appropriately and maturely.

SAFETY

Salamanca is a small student city, which generally feels safe and comfortable. However safety is always relative to what you are accustomed to. Whether you are from a city or a rural community, whether you are well-traveled or a first-timer, it is important to be aware of your surroundings because as a foreigner, you may be seen as a target for petty crimes.

Here are a few tips to keep you safe during your stay here:

• Carry the minimum amount of money with you when you go out.
• Do not carry passports or any other important documents on your person. Ask for a photocopy at the school’s office (first floor) and leave the original at home.
• When traveling by bus, always keep your bag or purse in front of you. Keep your hand on the zipper.
• Do not speak in your language loudly in public. This makes you stand out as a tourist thus making you an easy target.
• Do not walk home alone at night. Always save some money for a taxi at the end of the night or go home in a group.
• When sitting outside a café or in a bar, never leave your bag unattended.