Medical Care and Insurance
All students attending Spanish Studies ECC Program you are provided with health insurance for the duration of the program through IATI Insurance Iati Estudios Estrella (website in English available soon, meanwhile see more here).
The insurance covers medical fees up to 100.000€ for emergencies, hospitalization and medical assistance coming up during your stay. For this purpose, the school collaborates with the International Department at the Hospital Nuestra Señora de la Salud. An English - Spanish Interpreter provided 24 hours a day, 7 days a week so that you can be assisted in English. Besides, you will benefit from a priority assistance with shortened queues and the International Department will help you with the insurance paperwork.
Independent travel information
For health and safety reasons before travelling on their own during their enrolment at ECC, students are required to fill out the independent travel form online.
Important Advice for your Safety
Even if Granada can be considered quite a secure city, there are some risks you should pay attention to in order to stay safe.
Pickpockets
Crowded places and tourist areas attract pickpockets. As a general rule, it is better not to carry large amounts of cash with you, your credit cards nor your passport (but always a copy) unless you have to. The wallet will be safer in your front pockets and if you must carry a bag, wear it in front of you. Do not carry valuables and always have an eye on your mobile phone and camera.
Theft
It is recommendable to be always aware of your surroundings and the people around you. Try to keep valuable items out of sight when walking around in the city and avoid wearing jewelry, whether it is valuable or not. Do not hang your bag off the back of your chair in a restaurant or café as it can be easily taken away.
Unwanted attention
To avoid unwanted attention it is advised to go out with a group and stay with the group, especially at night. Rather than walking home alone at night, use the buddy system. In case of doubt it is always better to take a taxi, they are not expensive at all.
Sexual harassment
Our school is committed to providing a safe place of work and study that is free of sexual and other forms of violence, harassment and any form of intimidation or exploitation.
Should you observe or be victim of any type of these aggressions during your stay, outside or inside the school: do not doubt and report to our Program Director.
Links for more information
Emergencies
Register with the US State Department
Please make sure you register with the U.S. State Department (Smart Traveler Enrollement Program “STEP”: https://step.state.gov/step/) before your departure. Registration is essential in order to be able to benefit from adequate assistance emergency procedures in case of a personal emergency or in the unlikely event of a local or national crisis (in Granada the risk of natural disaster, war and terror is extremely low).
Up-to-date information on Emergency Procedures and Security can be found on the website of the US Department of State http://studentsabroad.state.gov.
Sexual assault
Many victims of sexual assault don’t know what to do and how to feel after a sexual aggression. It is very important to know what options exist after such a tragic and traumatizing experience. Most importantly is to know how to secure your safety and where to seek professional help if you have been victim of a sexual aggression.
Your safety: If you are in immediate danger or seriously injured call 112 (088 from a mobile phone) and call the School’s 24h emergency number 636 261 966 or directly the 24 hours helpline from the Hospital Nuestra Señora de la Salud 618 671 168. They have a special service for victims of sexual assault.
Something happened to you that you didn’t want to happen: It is not your fault.
Other contact:
24 h Hotline for women in Andalucia: 900 200 999