Pre-departure meetings

To prepare you for the program, you're required to attend several meetings on the Cornell campus this spring. Off-campus students will be sent meeting updates.

The meetings will cover topics including purchasing airline tickets, what to pack and which course materials to bring, behavioral expectations, emergency contacts, in-country travel, and forms to be completed.

Departure flights

You should plan to arrive in Madrid by May 24, 2020. The program begins on May 25, 2020.

You are responsible for purchasing your own round-trip plane ticket.

Travel insurance

We strongly advise you to purchase travel cancellation insurance in case the program is cancelled or you find you are unable to attend.

Passports and visas

You must have a passport to enter Spain.

  • If you don't have a passport, we encourage you to apply for one immediately.
  • If you do have a passport, please check it to be sure it has not expired and is good through September 2020.

For information and passport forms, visit the Office of the Tompkins County Clerk in downtown Ithaca (320 N. Tioga Street) or the U.S. State Department website.

Contact the program director for visa requirements.

It is helpful to make two photocopies of your passport/visa and other important documents before you leave home. Bring one copy with you (stored separately from the originals) and leave another copy at home with your family and friends in case of an emergency.

General study abroad information

The Cornell Global Learning office has prepared an advice section for Cornell students studying abroad as well as general tips for travelers.

Please review their pages on

And, if relevant, see study abroad for students with disabilities.