International Student Track
The Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU) was thrilled to include a Student Track component as part of its 14th International Conference in 2024 at la Universidad de Salamanca, in Salamanca, Spain (Google Earth). This marked the fourth International Conference featuring a student component, creating an exhilarating experience for all participants.
The Student Track provided U.S. students with invaluable exposure to study abroad opportunities and highlighted the critical importance of international education for success in today’s global economy. We eagerly invite institutions to sponsor their students for future HACU International Conferences.
The Student Track began on Monday, June 3, 2024, with the conference Opening Ceremony and International Plenary. Students then visited several local universities to experience their academic programs first-hand and meet local students. On Tuesday, June 4, and Wednesday, June 5, 2024, students engaged in various panel discussions and informative workshops related to international education programs, culminating in a memorable Closing Dinner. The program also provided opportunities for students to network with local students attending universities in Spain, exchanging ideas and building their professional networks.
Contact Us for Sponsorship Opportunities and Future Events
For any questions regarding the International Conference Student Track, or if your college or university would like to learn more about sponsorship opportunities for our next international student track experience, please contact us at studenttrack@hacu.net or call us at 210-692-3805.
Stay tuned for next year's exciting events from HACU's International Services team!
Explore Previous Student Track Experiences
In the meantime, check out previous student track experiences and images of the student adventures.
Click Here to View Full Screen - HACU Student Experience 14th IC
Student Track Welcome Packet
Here is a Travel Guide to assist you as you prepare for your trip to Spain.
Agenda At-A-Glance
Agenda has been updated as of June 2024.
Sunday, June 2, 2024
|
Time |
Event |
|
All Day 3:00 p.m. |
Student Arrivals Evening Check In to Hotels Free Afternoon – Extracurricular Activities and FREE Option Tours |
Monday, June 3, 2024
|
Time |
Event |
| 8:00 am – 5:00 pm | Exhibit Area |
| 8:30 am – 5:00 pm | Registration/Information |
| 8:30 am – 9:00 am | Morning Check-In |
| 9:00 am – 5:00 pm | Cyber Café |
| 9:00 am – 10:15 am | Opening Ceremony |
| 10:15 am – 10:30 am | Coffee Break (Visit the Exhibit Area) |
| 10:30 am – 12:00 pm | Plenary Session I – International Higher Education: A Driver for Innovation and Workforce Diversity |
| 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm | Visit with the University of Salamanca Meet with Information Booth Visit the Historic Building (Edificio de Escuelas Mayores) (proximity map) |
| 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm | Lunch |
| 3:30 pm – 6:00 pm | Visit La Universidad Pontificia de Salamanca Campus Tour and Cultural Engagement Opportunity (proximity map) |
| 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm | Free Afternoon – Extracurricular Activities and FREE Option Tours |
Tuesday, June 4, 2024
|
Time |
Event |
|
8:30 am – 3:30 pm |
Registration/Information |
|
8:30 am – 9:00 am |
Morning Student Check-In |
| 9:00 am – 3:30 pm | Cyber Café |
| 9:00 am – 5:00 pm | Exhibit Area |
| 9:00 am – 10:30 am | Plenary Session II - Generative AI: Opportunities and Threats for Global Higher Education |
| 10:30 am – 10:45 am | Coffee Break (Visit the Exhibit Area) |
| 10:45 am – 2:00 pm | Sessions for Students - International Student Track |
| 10:45 am – 11:45 am | International Student Track Session 1 |
| 11:45 am – 12:45 pm | International Student Track Session 2 |
| 12:45 pm – 1:00 pm | Break |
| 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm | International Student Track Session 3 |
| 2:00 pm – 3:30 pm | Lunch |
| 3:30 pm – 5:00 pm | Visit with the University of Salamanca Visit the Campus Universitario Miguel de Unamuno (proximity map) |
| 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm | Free Afternoon – Extracurricular Activities and FREE Option Tours |
Wednesday, June 5, 2024
|
Time |
Event |
|
8:00 am – 12:00 pm |
Registration/Information |
|
8:00 am – 12:00 pm |
Exhibit Area |
|
8:30 am – 9:00 am |
Morning Check-In |
| 9:00 am – 12:00 pm | Cyber Café |
| 9:00 am – 12:00 pm | Sessions for Students - International Student Track |
| 9:00 am – 10:00 am | International Student Track Session 4 |
| 10:00 am – 11:00 am | International Student Track Session 5 |
| 11:00 am – 12:00 pm | International Student Track Session 6 |
| 12:15 pm – 1:30 pm | International Plenary Session III – Forging a Common Policy Agenda for Pan–Hispanic International Education |
| 1:30 pm – 3:00 pm | Lunch |
| 3:00 pm – 7:00 pm | Free Afternoon |
| 6:30 pm - 7:00 pm | Students Meet at Hospederia Fonseca |
| 7:00 pm – 7:15 pm | Buses will leave from Hospedería Fonseca to Hacienda Zorita |
| 8:15 pm – 9:00 pm | Reception at Hacienda Zorita |
| 9:00 pm – 11:00 pm | Closing Dinner at Hacienda Zorita |
| 10:30 pm | Buses start their return to Hospedería Fonseca |
U.S. Passport Tips and Reminders
Students/Chaperones planning on attending the HACU 14th International Conference in Salamanca, Spain: Ensure a smooth and stress-free travel experience by checking your passport validity NOW! Here's what you need to know:
Passport Validity:
Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your return date from Spain.
Double-check the expiration date on your passport. If it's expiring soon, don't wait!
Application Timeline:
Standard processing: Allow 4-6 weeks for a new passport application and 5-7 weeks for renewal.
Expedited processing: Available for an additional fee, potentially reducing processing time to 2-3 weeks for new passports and 3-5 weeks for renewals.
Why it Matters:
Entry Requirements: Spain, like most countries, requires valid passports for U.S. citizens. An expired passport will prevent you from boarding your flight and attending the conference.
Peace of Mind: Avoid last-minute scrambles and potential travel disruptions by ensuring your passport is up-to-date.
Take Action:
Visit the U.S. Department of State website (https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports.html) to:
Renew your passport if it's expiring soon.
Apply for a new passport if you don't have one.
Choose the processing option that best fits your timeline and budget.
Remember: Don't miss out on this valuable opportunity due to a passport snag. Act now and secure your passport for an unforgettable experience at the HACU 14th International Conference in Salamanca, Spain!
U.S. Students Abroad (U.S. Department of State)
Exploring new places and other cultures is rewarding and fun. But it is also important to do so safely. Take time to learn about your destination from our Country Information pages. Be mindful of your surroundings. Learn the local laws and customs.
Traveler’s Checklist
Review the recommended Traveler’s Checklist, which includes:
1) Information about travel documents you may or will need – like a passport and foreign visa.
2) Information about overseas insurance coverage.
3) Information specific to certain subsets of travelers, such as faith-based travelers, LGBTQI+ travelers, women travelers, and many others.
Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)
Consider the benefits of Enrolling in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP):
1) Directly receive important information from the Embassy about safety conditions in your destination country, helping you make informed decisions about your travel plans.
2) Help the U.S. Embassy contact you in an emergency, whether natural disaster, civil unrest, or family emergency.
3) Help family and friends get in touch with you in an emergency.
VISIT the U.S. Department of State's "Travel Information" landing page for more information on international travel and Other Resources.
Last Updated June 2024