Parking at Leaving Airports - O'Hare

If you are not lucky to have someone drive you to the airport, you have to find a safe place for your vehicle for the time you are out of the country.
In my case with 5 weeks trip, the best will be The Economy LOT G, recommended for a long time parking. Yes, it is Economy being $10 versus the Main parking with its $40 a day.

Another option for leaving your car will be at the parking off-site preferably a one that offers 24/7 airport shuttle and no room reservation require. 

Here is an offer of a reputable hotel for parking and shuttle every one hour. 

To be safe you have to be about 4hs before departure for parking and getting to the airport before the required 2 hs mark.

Seems reasonable offer 

The airports - O'Hare

I would say it is extremely important to get yourself familiar to the airports you're going to use, so when the time comes you can enjoy all the mixed feeling that comes with one departure rather frantically trying to find something important.

O'Hare, Chicago, IL will be my point of exit for the US for this trip. We have been at their International terminal 5 before but is always nice to take refresh look for a change of layout, travel policies and so on.
That is the map of O'Hare airport





"If you plan on parking your car at O'Hare International Airport for an extended period of time, then the Economy Lots are the best option. The daily rates range between $10 and $17 per day with Lot G providing the most economical on-airport parking with a rate of $10 per day."

Lot G  is at the entrance of the airport and a long way from Int. Terminal. 

The O’Hare Airport Transit System​ (ATS or “people mover) is closed 24/7 
Shuttle buses instead transport passengers and employees between terminals (Terminals 1, 2, 3 and 5) and from the terminals to each economy parking lot (Lots E, G, H)

What to pack for study abroad – Clothes

Study abroad regarding clothes, stay between being on your "timeshare resort" and “just travel” nomadic style.

Traveling with great big luggage and couple, more handbags can spoil your vacation time. Packing the right clothes is crucial especially when you want to "travel" staying 1-3 dais at one place.

 "In the beginning was the Word" in John's Gospel. In this situation means – that first have to get comfortable with the idea of limited options – including clothes.

Little sample for a 14 day trip in Europe during the summer. No, it is not necessary to be in a Study Abroad program - you could just wander around for a month- there is plenty to see. 
And of course, all this needs to be modified according to your personal situation 
Another resource 

What is different in Europe

It is in Europe after all

The power cords

Boost your Spaish with travel videos in Spanish

When they play low - you play high 2

I find this other "only women" college dorm opportunity and request reservation for 5 days to complement the one that I already gave for a month. This time I put a few facts about us. and here was the result.

***********************************

I explain you that our Residence is for girls, students or workers  
from 18 to 35 years old, and we do not book rooms for passing guests.
I hope I can please you on another occasion.
Best regards,
Director,

***********************************

Despite the email sounded irritated and almost vicious I decide to ask for help after I calm down

*****************************

Thank you for your quick response.
I am a registered student at XYZ for the month of July. I am traveling with my 16 yo daughter and that had defined my choice for you.
I need accommodation for June 26 to Jul 01 as I already have one for the rest of July.
Would you be kind to recommend me a safe accommodation in close proximity of Campus of XYZ?

*****************************

As you can see, the next email is totally different 

In these conditions, and for a few days (you do not exactly conform to the ages that we receive), we could admit you. And now, we would like to introduce ourselves, our services and conditions. Information about prices and booking is also listed below.

You should bring your own linen, towels, and kitchenware.Total prices for 5 night, VAT included (no other additional expense):  115€ each one.

These prices include accommodation, household expenses, staff  expenses, cleaning of the shared spaces and Wi-Fi in all the bedrooms.
To confirm the reservation you must make a payment on account of €  150, which will be deducted from the total amount of your stayYou can make this initial payment with a credit card. In this case, I  have to send you the link.
The Account Holder’s Name: Institución Javeriana – ResidenciaPlease, do not forget to write your name on the bank transfer receipt.

The reservation will not be confirmed until you make the payment of the reservation and deposit. Please, scanned the following documents and emailed them to me:- Identity Card o passport- Enrolment form, work placement agreement, working contract or similar- A photograph And when you arrive at the residence:- Registering document 

We ask you to:
- The door is closed at 12 pm from Sunday to Thursday, at 3 am on  Friday and at 5 am on Saturday. It is opened at 6,30 am from Monday to  Friday and at 7 am at the weekend and on holidays.- Smoking is allowed only on the terrace and alcohol is prohibited.

If you have any queries, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Best regards,

Director,

When they play low - you play high

Good morning,

I am XYZ. I am admitted to YOUR University. 

My classes will be conducted at their Campus. 

As your hall is very close to the campus I was interested if you have openings for the Summer of 20HY from XX  to YY.

I need a double room - half board for me and my daughter (16 )

I like the idea of a breakfast buffet. My classes are from 9 am to 6.30 pm. Is it possible to take advantage of the supper? 

Sincerely 

XYZ

******************************************************

The answer was 

Hello! Thanks for your interest. Where are you from?

At this time, we could assure you the stay from July 1 to 26. The two days of June would be pending until they know when the young women of the full academic year are leaving.

There would be no problem in a double room.

The price per person would be the payment of a full month, because if not they should reserve for days and it is more expensive:

- The pack has chosen (half board 836 € p.p.) + 150 euros of registration.

Also, a single deposit of 200 euros, to return at the end of the stay, checked the room.

Full payment via bank transfer: € 836 + € 836 + € 150 + € 150 + € 200 = 2172 euros.

Look at the conditions of short stays, please: https://www.reinadelapau.com/index.php/en/short-stays

Thank you very much!

******************************************************

I told them more about myself and ask for detail.

We agree on the details 

******************************************************

So I received  this 

Hello! Thanks!

If you want to book, I need the passports and the registration of the university.

If you want to book with full month's payment even if you do not leave before, I will send you our account number. The total would be the one that I offered before or without a half pension.

Our residence is quiet, for people who are looking for a safe place and who can also study.

1- I need you to fill in the enclosed registration form, one for you and one for your daughter. I only have it in Spanish, our English is very poor. Thanks for the documents you have already sent me.

2- For the booking, you can make the transfer to the number attached:

                -  Price: The pack has chosen (half board 836 € p.p.) + 150 euros of registration. Also, a single deposit of 200 euros, to return at the end of the stay, checked the room. Full payment via bank transfer: € 836 + € 836 + € 150 + € 150 + € 200 = 2.172 euros. When you have made the payment, send me the voucher.

DOUBLE ROOM - HALF BOARD

€ 836 p.p.

Double room with en-suite bathroom.

Varied full buffet breakfast every day.

Weekly cleaning service of the room (Including a change of linen and towels once a week).

Lunch or dinner, permanently, according to your academic timetable. Monday to Friday excluding holidays.

Fitness gym free.

Fast internet connection (cable RJ-45 and WIFI).

Heating and air conditioning. Water and electricity.

3- For June 29 and 30 we must wait until the academic year ends here. I will keep you informed.

Read all the information and look at the times of the house, please!

**************************************************

I saw an opportunity and I spent time to translate a or rather create bilingual for they were missing.

**************************************************

And here is the result 

Thank you so much for everything! And for the translation !!! When you arrive you will have to sign, but if you need, when you know, your time of arrival and departure. Thank you, I'll be aware of your receipt.

Cordially,

**************************************************

As you see the tone of their letter has changed 

Overseas payment

Finally today my payment cleared in Barcelona. I said finally because I worked for this almost 4 days.
I found this small convent of Dominican fate in the heart of Barcelona and I like the idea is a female convent. They offer accommodation for local students. After the initial negotiation and setting boundaries, I choose to stay with them. They send me their financial information and I went to the local bank request the payment the Barcelona. Tuscola ways down the 5000 and no many foreign payments are made. The clerk was clearly lost and did not know how to convert the dollars from my account to the necessary euros.
Initially, I thought this will be a problem but realized that the problem is in her inexperience.
Champaign Illinois has 150,000 population and is sit of the University of Illinois major university in the United States. About 60% of their students are foreigners. I ask for help from this town and immediately understood that the clerk knows how to do it.
In the United States international payment need to be sent in a time frame of 9 to 2:30 p.m. in order to be received on the same day in Europe. As it was late 2 days ago afternoon I fell the transfer request with the assurance of the clerk that's when you'll be sent on the next day morning - yesterday. I explicitly request a confirmation email when the money was sent and received in Barcelona.
Around 11 am yesterday I called back to ask for my confirmation email. I was told that the supervisor will send it to me first thing after lunch at 1 PM.
I want to believe that's in the United States common sense for business it's very well-developed and I as many other things Americans strive for excellence in the business field 2.
For my great amazement, the confirmation email hold one single line
Your money was sent.
No date no confirmation number not from whom to whom.
I had to ask second time on something more substantial and I received it.
Immediately I forwarded this information to the convent in Barcelona they confirm it and promised to send me confirmation when the money AR accountants in their account
This just happened a couple minutes ago I received a confirmation email from the convent that they had received my payments and I officially have a room paid for this July.

Lesson learned
International payment takes at least two and a half days to clear. From u.s. there is $75 fee for the transaction
You have to find a knowledgeable person with international money transfer experience.

Day by day student's accomodation

Project Maria, Reina de Pau was my last choice and here is why

Unfortunately, Reina de la Pau can commit only the month of July, I had to look for other options and hear what else I have found - La Residencia Xaveriana - again female Cristian college dorm.

Accomodation - beyond the recomendations - Project Maria, Reina de Pau

If you have chosen to study in Barcelona and need accommodation for a month, Dominican Sisters of the Presentation - Project Maria, Reina de Pau is another accommodation option.
You also can request daily accomodation on a basis for a higher price.

DOs and DON"Ts in Spain

Accommodation choices

So I picked for my new residence in Barcelona the closest dorm possible
It is a good package -

• cheap, 
• close, 
• the walkable distance save me from the guilt of trying/eating all I would see, and guess what - 
• If I get "homesick" - McDonald's is right on my route.

So far I am happy with my choice 

Transporttion - AVE high-speed train

The program offers classes from Monday to Thursday so I think I should spare one of the weekend days to go places.
There is always an option to rent a car, but public transportation in Spain is well developed.
They have high-speed train service sown with the solid red line. Seems they conveniently connect the main cities with touristic interests.

Accommodation - What to consider

It gets very frustrating when it comes to making an accommodation reservation
The University has the best interest to make referrals to reputable accommodation options with reasonable prices.  So that was my starting point.

A couple of thinks was in my wishlist for the accomodation
- to be safe
- to have A/C
- to be close to the campus
- to be reasonable price wise

In Spain, RESA manages college dormitories in many cities. In Barcelona, I have 2 options for the humble E36/nigt. !!!! NO  A/C, NO food, 5% discount if you already have a roommate picked. 

Since we will be two - my daughter and  I,  works better for us the Double studio with the kitchen option. 

If I was single and Double studio with the kitchen for 571 was not an option I will not pay the second bed to be alone. Even if there is 5% applied, still will be extra 439 extra to pay, that could be redirected to something more meaningful. I am sure there are plenty of common spaces designed for study.

Given that the information that I have so far is that the prices of the public laundry are rather unreasonable paying 24 for a month is not that bad or it is ?!? Will see. 

Weekly cleaning is totally doable in my mind so will deny this charge.

The Class Schedule

One of the many exciting moments when arranging study abroad is when register for classes.

Just like the universities in the USA ISS at Pompeu Fabra has one too.

It needs to download!?!? and it stays somehow unimportant and hidden on the webpage. 

Actually is very well done and tells clearly that "Thinking Time and Photography" has no chance if I want to have Spanish. Needless to say, all my hopes and plans are scorched.

Alea iacta est

Alea iasta est - The die is cast
I picked my classes and paid them today

PRBB Parc de Recerca
Biomèdica de Barcelona