I am hoping someone out there can help me.

I am scheduled to travel to Madrid for a semester abroad on August 27th, 2011.  I received my acceptance letter at the end of May; the semester ends January 20th, so I will be there more than 90 days.  In mid June, I logged into the Spanish Consulate Visa Scheduling site…the first available appointment was AUGUST 24th!!  We booked it, but I am learning that they want to keep your passport for up to 7 weeks, and I am supposed to leave three days later.  I have called the consulate 12-15 times and left messages, but no one will return my call.  I don’t know what to do, and I don’t know anything about the visa process.  I live in NY, about a 6 hour drive to the Spanish consulate in New York City, which is the one I am serviced out of.  Please help, I am desparate!!!  Thank you!!

they probably won’t do anything for you. It’s so horrible, but true. Go to your appointment and explain your situation and see what they say… good luck, I hope it works out!

you didnt get a hold of anyone at the NYC consulate? normally someone answers the phone. just ask them. 212-355-4080 ?