What are Barcelona SAE’s specific metrics to cancel a program?

If the Spanish government does not allow US citizens to enter Spain, even for academic purposes, Barcelona SAE would not be allowed to offer an in-person program but would work with our university partners to find a virtual solution for academic and cultural programming.

If the Spanish government forces all US citizens to leave Spain, we will facilitate the logistics of returning home by working in close contact with the US Consulate and sending universities, and we remain committed to continuing the academic portion of the program online, as well as cultural programming.

Do you offer any sort of cancellation insurance?

No. We recommend that students or universities research options for CFAR and IFAR if they are interested.

What if I get hurt or sick?

If you find yourself needing a doctor, we’re here to help! The last thing you want to worry about in the case of an emergency is translating the issue to a medical professional and finding someone you can trust so we went ahead and did that already. We have personally established contact with several English-speaking doctors, both female and male, so they are prepared to provide assistance to any of our students.

And remember, all of our participants always have around-the-clock support…upon your arrival in Barcelona, you will be given our 24-hour emergency phone number which will repeated, repeated, and repeated again. Your welcome orientation will ensure you have the number memorized so there is no delay if you need us.

What happens when I use the emergency number?

• Our staff is trained to handle emergencies and takes every phone call very seriously.
• If needed, a staff member will personally accompany you to the hospital.
• We will create a detailed report of all incidents, no matter how large or small.
• We will help you with logistics, paperwork, and follow up.
• We’re your “familia” while you’re in Barcelona, which means that in the unlikely case that something does happen, you will not be alone!

How has Barcelona SAE established their medical support and is it kept up to date with current risks?

Although most students have no issues during their time in Spain, traveling abroad comes with inherent risks. Barcelona SAE utilizes a variety or resources to stay on top of health, political, and educational issues to be sure we can respond to the specific health and safety needs of each student.

What type of training and experience do the Barcelona SAE staff have?

Our on-site staff all have studied or interned abroad themselves, and we have years of experience advising and supporting students.

What will I learn during my pre-departure and welcome orientations?

Through our extremely detailed and engaging orientations, learning all about Barcelona will begin well before you ever get on your flight. We provide all students with a pre-departure webinar, a welcome orientation the day you arrive, and a cultural orientation during your first week in Barcelona. Orientation and information is subject to change, but always includes applicable information as you begin safely navigate your new home.

Barcelona SAE has a health and safety code of conduct in accordance with specific laws and site specific dangers inherent to Spain and Catalonia. These rules are disseminated in pre-departure information and discussed at length and agreed upon with students when they arrive.

• Students are provided with specific laws and important site information that regard the Barcelona SAE safety code of conduct
• We require each student to send us their personal travel itineraries to staff before they go away so we can contact them in case of emergency
• Health forms for all students are carried at all times by our staff so important records are literally at our fingertips
• Safety in Barcelona – where to take the most care in the city and areas to avoid
• Tips for avoiding pickpockets in Barcelona
• What to do in case of an emergency
• How to avoid dangerous situations
• Cultural differences that could lead to problems
• Risk aversion tactics
• Each student receives the US consulate travelers’ advisories upon arrival

Great! Is the welcome orientation the only time that health and safety is covered?

No! Health and safety is always our number one priority, and therefore, we encourage our students to make choices that keep them healthy, safe, and happy throughout their time abroad.

We also maintain constant communication with local universities so we are aware of student attendance. This is a safety precaution, but also helps ensure the academic side of the program is going well.

I’m afraid I will get homesick and lonely. Do you offer mental health services while I’m abroad?

Not all issues are physical. In fact some of the most common problems abroad include homesickness, anxiety, and other personal issues that can arise no matter where you are. Some issues such as anxiety, depression, eating disorders, and learning disabilities can be exacerbated when in new environments. We offer support in these areas too. We have taken the same precautions with these situations as with other medical issues. So you can call us at any time as well as rely on a network of professionals we have know and trust.

Do I need special health insurance while studying in Spain?

Spain does not require international students to have medical insurance, but we still believe it is very important. All of our students are covered by our $5 million general liability policy. The insurance policy is through a US provider that specializes in the medical needs of international students so you will be well covered by experts.

Who should I tell if I have a problem or am concerned about something?

You can always feel free to tell any of our staff members. We stress the importance of communication between student and staff and value the relationships we build every term. Meeting you is the best part of our job and the most effective way for us to know how to help – never hesitate to discuss any issues with us. Constant communication with onsite staff is key to preventing little incidents from turning into larger problems.

Where can I find more information on your emergency communication plan?

You can find more information on our emergency communication plan here.

WhAT ARE YOUR PAYMENT DEADLINES & REFUND POLICY?

You can review our payment deadlines and refund policy here.