Going beyond your visa...?

[Jeffmet3]

Hi,

I will be studying in Spain this spring, and unfortunately it is unlikely that I would be able to get a student visa in time for me to leave. My American passport can get me into Spain, and I can stay there for a maximum of 90 days. The program lasts 111 days, so assuming I go without a student visa, the last 21 days I would be in the country illegally.

I talked to my program, and they've said that people have done this in the past and that it hasn't been a problem. The only thing is I won't be able to leave Spain during those last 21 days, so we will probably travel outside during the beginning of the program, and then maybe hit up some cities in Spain during the last few weekends.

The few questions I have is, what happens if I'm somehow caught overstaying my visa?

And, when I fly out, it will be obvious at customs that I've overstayed the 90 days. Will they do anything?

If anyone has any thoughts or ideas, please let me know

thanks

jeff