Optional Blackberry Lease Program in Alicante, Barcelona, and Seville

Students admitted to Seville,Alicante, and Barcelona programs have Blackberrys available to them for lease through Spanish Studies Abroad. This service improves the overall safety of travel and allows students to keep in touch with friends and family.

Do not expect to use your American cell phone while in Spain – many will not work with the European system, or can be very expensive if they do.

Why should I take advantage of leasing a Blackberry through Spanish Studies?

1. Upon your arrival at orientation in Spain, a Blackberry will be provided for your immediate use, ready to make and receive calls. It is a great way to send a quick message to let your family know that you have arrived safely in Spain.
   
2. You will have unlimited internet access, even when you travel, through your Blackberry as part of your plan for a fee of 10€ per month.  You will also have GPS, which is useful in learning your way around Spain and also when you travel!
3. Homestay families do not permit students to use the home phone for personal calls (except in case of emergency), as landlines are very expensive in Spain. A cell phone offers better conversations than a public phone booth on a busy street corner. It also allows you to make plans with your friends in Spain more easily. Local calls between Spanish Studies cell phones are  free, and local calls within Spain to other cell phone providers cost just 0.10€ per minute, plus 0.15€ connecting fee.
   
4. All incoming calls, from anywhere, are free when you’re in Spain – you can stay in touch without spending all your money on phone cards! Rates for outgoing calls are competitive. Use text messaging for less expensive communication.
   
5. You can use your Blackberry throughout your European travels! All you have to do is activate the roaming service through MOVISTAR and anticipate roaming charges.
   
6. Cell phones offer a sense of security should you ever get lost or need assistance.
   
7. If you have any questions, there is always a place to go for help. Before you go on your program, please contact Ms. Beth Savage Marchese in the U.S. office at 413-256-0011 or at info[at]spanishstudies.org with any questions. Once on the program, you may talk to onsite Spanish Studies Abroad staff.

Blackberry phones are available on a first-come, first-served basis, so please let us know right away if you would like to lease one!

Do I have a choice about leasing a Blackberry through Spanish Studies Abroad?
Yes. Every student has the choice to opt out of leasing a cell phone through Spanish Studies Abroad.  In this case, you will be responsible for obtaining a cell phone (if you wish to have one) through other means, and therefore Spanish Studies Abroad will not be able to provide cost information or terms of use of any other cellular phones. 

Other Blackberry FAQs: 

• Can I call the U.S. with the Blackberry?
  You can call the U.S. with your cell phone, but it is expensive. You will be charged approximately 1.20 euro (approximately $1.75) for the first minute and .75 euros (approximately $1.10) for each minute after.  One possible way to help manage your costs is to buy a cell phone card when you get to Spain to use along with your cell phone.
  
• Will I be charged for incoming calls and text messages?
  No. Whether from the U.S. or from Spain, you will not be charged for incoming calls and text messages while you are in Spain. Many students call their homes in the United States and have their parents call them right back. To get the best rate for calling Spain, your parents should research international calling options.
  
• When am I charged for the connection fee?
  You will be charged for the connection fee as soon as the connection is made to the other phone. This means that if you call someone and their answering machine picks up, you will still be charged the connection fee. The connection fee is charged only once per phone call. 
  
• How do I check my Blackberry's balance?
  To consult your current balance at any time, please contact the Center in Seville to run a report for you.
• What happens if I do not pay my bill on time?
  If you do not pay your Blackberry lease bill on time, your service will be cancelled. 
  
• What if I get an international chip in my U.S. cell phone?
  An international chip will allow you to use your U.S. cell phone abroad. However, it is important to realize that you will be charged for calling from a U.S. number to a Spain number when calling other phone numbers within Spain.
  If you decide to  get an international chip, warn your friends in Spain that they will be making an international call when calling your U.S. cell phone, even if you are in Spain. Your friends will be charged approximately 1.20 euros (approximately $1.75) for the first minute of every call and .75 euros (approximately $1.10) for each minute after that.  
  
• If I leave Spain, can I use my Blackberry?
  If you decide to travel outside of Spain, you can use your Blackberry. Call the cell phone customer service to activate roaming in your cell card. You will then be able to use your cell in a foreign country. However, make sure that you are prepared for roaming charges. The costs for all phone calls are more expensive and you will be charged for both incoming and outgoing calls.

For more information, please refer to your "Cell Phone Information Sheet" in your acceptance packet.