2019 / 2020 - HANDBOOK TABLE OF CONTENTS Program Overview 3 Why Barcelona? 4 Suggested Readings 4 The CASA* Center Program Staf 5 Contact Information 5 Barcelona Universities 6 Academic Calendar 6 Academic Overview Course Load 7 Culture Pro-Seminar Course 7 Consortium Center Courses 8 Regular University Courses 8 Studying in Spain 9 Grades 9 Internships and Service Learning 10 Preparing your Departure 11 Getting to Barcelona 12 Getting around in Barcelona 13 Housing 14 Managing and Budgeting your Money 15 Travel during the Program 16 Holidays in Barcelona 16 Other Helpful Tips 17 Health Related Issues 18 Emergency Procedures and Staying Safe 19 U.S. Contact information 20
IMPORTANT Read this handbook before arriving in Spain. It contains essential information related to the program.
Failure to do so does not exempt you from policies detailed in its content
Barcelona.casa.education ongratulations on your acceptance to the he Consortium for Advanced Studies Abroad Consortium for Advanced Studies Abroad in in Barcelona, a collaborative initiative CBarcelona Program. Long considered one of Tinvolving high caliber international Spain’s most progressive regional capitals, universities –Amherst College, Brown University, Barcelona is proud of its unique position within the Columbia University, Cornell University, Dartmouth country and its well-established reputation as a College, Johns Hopkins University, Harvard center of political, social and cultural activism. University, Northwestern, University of Melbourne, With a history dating back over 2,000 years, its University of Pennsylvania, Swarthmore College, cultural, artistic and linguistic traditions ofer a Vanderbilt University and Trinity College Dublin– perfect backdrop for serious academic study. provides students with a unique opportunity to have direct access to four distinguished Spanish his handbook will provide you with a wealth universities. The program capitalizes on the already of information that will guide you as you strong academic linkages existing between the Tprepare to immerse yourself fully into the departments from each of the consortium members academic, cultural, and sociolinguistic context of and their counterparts in Barcelona and fills an this important region of Spain. Use it as a resource important education abroad niche in arguably but don’t consider it to be your only guide to Spain’s most dynamic and avant garde city. Barcelona and the CASA* academic program – review information, talk to faculty familiar with the he genesis for the program dates to 2004, program and your study abroad office. One of the when the US partners observed that, despite best ways to prepare your semester abroad is to Tgrowing interest in Barcelona as a destination, learn as much as possible about the program, students with advanced language skills were limited Spain and Barcelona prior to your departure. It is in their program options to island programs (which unrealistic, however, to expect that you will be allow for limited integration into the host culture) able to prepare yourself completely. There will be and Spanish university-delivered programs designed situations you will not have anticipated –some of specifically for international students. Few full them will be pleasant surprises, while others may immersion opportunities existed for students to be less positive experiences. In either case, your directly enroll in regular university courses sensitivity and flexibility are the most important alongside Spanish classmates. The program fills this skills you can bring to dealing with these new void. It is designed for students who are looking for situations and will determine, in great part, the serious and rigorous academic study alongside local quality of your time abroad. nationals. Barcelona is a bilingual city, and as such, you will have the opportunity not only to greatly edicated staf at each of the CASA* improve your fluency in Castilian Spanish but also member institutions, together with our gain a working knowledge of Catalan. The Dexperienced personnel on-site, are fully similarities between the two languages will allow committed to delivering a program that will you to quickly develop an ear for the latter, challenge you to go beyond your comfort zone, provided you are open to it. The program will be to gain an understanding of the subtle – and delivered in Spanish. Single semester students who sometimes not so subtle – nuances that have arrive with proficient oral and written skills in come to define Catalonia. As you prepare for your Catalan and full-year students who have acquired experience abroad, heed the advice provided in Catalan proficiency during the fall term may have the following pages, read up on Barcelona, and the option to pursue content courses in Catalan. allow your mind to be open to discovery. The true CASA* firmly believes that by exposing yourself to value of a lengthy and profound sojourn abroad is the complexities of both languages, you will achieve that it erases the frontier between cultural a deeper understanding of the rich cultural mosaic awareness and cultural experience. of Catalonia and greater Spain.
xperience Barcelona in a way that no short- Eterm wayfarer could ever imagine.
PROGRAM OVERVIEW 3 arcelona is a biligual city, and as such, you ou will find a city where fashion, fine arts, will have the opportunity not only to greatly film, music and sports are of prime Bimprove your fluency in Castilian Spainsh Yimportance. The beaches and sorrounding but also gain a working knowledge of Catalan. The mountains make it a playground for its citizens similarities between the two languages will allow and visitors. The freshness and quality of food you to quickly develop an ear for the latter, are also exceptional. provided you are open to it. The program will be delivered in Spanish. Single semester students owever, Barcelona, as well as Madrid, are who arrive with proficient oral and written skills in no longer the typical Spanish cities. In Catalan and full-year students who have acquired Hthe last 20 years, both have seen an Catalan proficiency during the fall term may have enormous wave of immigrants, both legal and the option to pursue content courses in Catalan. illegal. In Barcelona, almost 18% of the CASA* firmly believes that by exposing yourself to population is foreign born. This has brought an the complexities of both languages you will enormous cultural change. achieve a deeper understanding of the rich cultural mosaic of Catalonia and greater Spain. he other phenomenon that has drastically changed the city is mass tourism. oes this mean your opportunities for TBetween 10 and 12 millions tourists visits perfecting your Spanish (Castellano) Barcelona annually. Both immigration and mass Dproficiency skills are limited? On the tourism bring many positives and negatives. Its contrary! Both Castellano and Catalan are official citizens see their lives enriched but they also languages in Spain (as are Galician common in experience a loss of spaces and cultural Galicia and Basque in Euskadi), and throughout traditions that have been dear to them for Catalonia both are spoken everywhere and many decades and even centuries. interchangeably. Look at Catalan as an important value added when it comes to your experience in Spain.
SUGGESTED READINGS Walking the City: Barcelona as an Urban Experience. 2015, by Estanislau Roca (Ed.) Barcelona: the Great Enchantress. 2004, by Robert Hughes Barcelona. 1992, by Robert Hughes Homage to Barcelona. 2001, by Colm Toibín El Catalán: una lengua de Europa para compartir. 2002, by Vicent de Melchor, Albert Brancadell Barcelonas. 1993, by M. Vázquez Montalbán Gaudi Guide. 1991, by Xavier Güell La escuela de Barcelona : Barral, Gil de Biedma, Goytisolo : el núcleo poético de la generación de los 50. 1988, by Carme Riera Red city, Blue Period : social movements in Picasso's Barcelona, 1992, by Temma Kaplan A City in War: American views on Barcelona he selection of Barcelona as the host city is and the Spanish Civil War. 1936-39. 1997, by by design. CASA* considers the region’s vast James W. Cortada Tlegacy to be and ideal looking glass through Modern Architecture in Barcelona. 1854-1939. which students can examine key political, social, 1989, by David Mackay economic and cultural issues afecting Spain, the Ghosts of Spain. 2007, by Giles Tremlett Mediterranean region and the whole of Europe Barcelona: The City that Re-invented itself. today. 2004, by Michael Eaude
4 WHY BARCELONA? he CASA* program center is at 582, Program Staff in Barcelona Gran Vía St., a facility managed by Tthe Universitat de Barcelona (UB) in the heart of downtown Barcelona. The Resident Director: Universitat and Catalunya metro and Dr. Juan José (Juanjo) Romero Marín is train stops are located near the center, charged with overall responsibility for providing students with excellent administering the CASA* Center, including connections to the partner university day-to-day management, student campuses and beyond. advising, liaison with the Barcelona universities and supervision of local faculty and staf. Dr. Romero holds a Ph.D. he program center is located on the in Contemporary History from the second floor of a Modernist building University of Barcelona. He brings a Tdesigned in 1902 by Jeroni Granell, wealth of on-site program administrative a comtemporary of Gaudi’s. Its facilities and teaching experience to the CASA* include a student computer and lounge program. area, a small library and study room as well as offices for the resident director, student and academic support services Academic Support Services Coordination: coordinator, and special activities Libby Turner coordinator. Additionally, CASA* has The Student/Academic Support Services access to fully-equiped classroom and Coordinator works to assure the smooth seminar space. operation of the program and the center on a day-to-day basis.
ran Vía 582 is a wireless facility. CASA* computers have printers Special Activities Coordination: Gand internet access that you may Patricia Campo use for email communication. We The Special Activities Coordinator encourage you to check to see that your organizes cultural activities as well as the account is current and learn to access it internships and volunteering placements. before you depart the U.S.; it is the best way to communicate with academic advisors, friends and family. More information about email use at the CASA* Center will be provided to students on Contact Information site. Additionally, students have access to internet services at the local universities Office hours: Monday -Friday, 9:00am to as well as at the residence hall. 1:00pm and 3:00pm to 5:00pm
Tels: (011 34) 608 25 18 93 (Director, Juanjo Romero)
(011 34) 608 25 18 94 (Student & Academic Support Services Coordinator, Libby Turner)
(011 34) 608 25 18 92 (Special Activities Coordinator, Patricia Campo)
e-mail: [email protected]
CASA* BARCELONA CENTER 5 he Consortium for Advanced Studies Abroad partners with four 2019-2020 Academic Calendar* distinguished universities whose T Fall 2019 Semester combined course oferings provide students with a vast array of August 23 Program start date opportunities in the humanities, social, August 24-Sept. 10 Orientation & Pro-Seminar physical and natural sciences, and September 12-15 University courses begin architecture and business. December 23** Program end date***
Universitat de Barcelona (UB) Spring 2019 Semester www.ub.edu Founded in 1455, it boasts well over 70,000 January 10 Program start date students. Ofering 75 undergraduate January 13-31 Orientation & Pro-Seminar degrees, over 90 doctorate programs and February 3-10 University courses begin June 30** Program end date*** 390 postgraduate courses, the UB is the largest of the ten universities in Catalonia and the second largest in Spain.
Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona * Provisional dates only. Academic calendar (UAB) pending final confirmation www.uab.cat ** Dates shown are the end of the final exam Established in 1968, it has over 50,000 period. Students may have final exams students. The state-of-the art Bellaterra earlier than the dates stipulated. campus, in Cerdanyola del Vallès, is home to most of its departments, institutes and ***The official end date of the program is Dec 23/June 20, however, students are services. 78 degree programs are available, expected to stay only until their last final covering a wide range of fields, including exam. Final exam dates will be known at the humanities and arts, social sciences, the time of enrollment (for UAB, UB & UPC health sciences, experimental and classes) or mid semester (for UPF classes). technological sciences.
Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF) www.upf.edu A dynamic institution, established in 1990 with the aim of providing a new model of a modern research university. Today it has 11,000 students, courses in all disciplines – from health and life sciences to human and social sciences and technical studies– and an expanding campus.
Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya (UPC) www.upc.edu Founded in March 1971, it is a public university that specializes in the fields of architecture, all types of engineering, economics, health sciences and applied mathematics. It ofers 68 official undergraduate degrees within its 11 campuses and centers, 23 schools and 42 departments. It has around 30,000 undergraduate students, 6,000 master's Image: Pam Lee. 2011
6 BARCELONA UNIVERSITIES degree students and doctoral students. tudents will take the majority of typical semester course load will be their courses at the Consortium’s Acompleted as follows: Spartner universities in Barcelona (UB, UAB, UPC and UPF). They will Required Language and Culture Pro provisionally choose their courses during Seminar Course (6 ECTS credits) the semester prior to their participation on the program by reviewing the course This is a mandatory course (60 contact hours) schedules made available via the CASA* delivered to CASA* students. The first 45 Barcelona intranet. It is important that contact hours take place during the first 2 - 3 students work closely with on-site staf as weeks of the program prior to the start of well as their study abroad and academic university courses. The remaining contact hours include a research project, educational advisers during this pre-selection period. activities and excursions that take place throughout the semester.
ll four universities provide a wealth Content: The course is made up of four basic of courses taught either in Castilian elements: Spanish or Catalan. Fall term A Language–Catalan: This language element of students will choose courses ofered the Pro seminar will train students how to through the UPF and, with prior listen to and read Catalan for basic approval of the student’s home comprehension as well as providing them with university and course professors, the basic communication skills. Special UAB, UPC or UB. Full year students will arrangements will be made for students who choose courses ofered through any of arrive with previous knowledge of Catalan. the four partner universities. Spring term Language–Spanish: The Spanish component students will choose courses ofered will review elements of the language that will through the UB, UPC and the UAB and be helpful for writing academic papers and UPenn students have the option of taking listening to lectures. third trimester courses at UPF. History/Culture: The Pro seminar will provide an introduction to the city with a greater emphasis on contemporary history, culture nformation on courses ofered in and politics so that students will be prepared Spanish at the four Barcelona partner to understand basic social and political Iuniversities can be found on the elements that will become a part of their CASA* Barcelona intranet. everyday lives. Research Project: An individual, semester- long component which aims to increase the student’s immersion in the local context by COURSE LOAD exploring a topic of particular interest. This could be based on an internship or he regular course load each volunteering position they undertake or on semester will consist of 27-30 ECTS previous research. Tcredits (European Credit Transfer Excursions & Activities: The Pro seminar is System) which will transfer back to the complemented by program delivered student’s home university as a full activities throughout the semester. These equivalent course load of credit. It’s activities, such as conferences, seminars and expected that students will enroll in excursions, will focus on a specific topic. courses that are appropriately rigorous in Attendance and active participation is not academic content and, in this regard, only mandatory but also represents part of the Pro Seminar final grade. These semester each home university reserves the right activities include three field visits, two to award or deny credit accordingly. Keep weekend excursions and conferences (dates in mind that, in order to grant will be available in the CASA* “final mailing” departmental credit for a course, some document and on the CASA*-Barcelona home university departments may website). require that you show the syllabi, reading lists, and your notes and papers when ACADEMIC OVERVIEW [I] 7 you return from Barcelona. One Course offered through the CASA* Center (6 ECTS credits) The Consortium director will obtain Students will choose one of the CASA* official grade reports from each of the Center courses delivered each term by four Barcelona universities and will the resident director and the visiting forward these and the grades for professor, respectively. Both courses will CASA*-delivered courses to each be conducted in Spanish and use consortium member institution with a Barcelona/Catalonia/Spain as a focus for cover letter summarizing the courses their respective explorations of issues taken and Spanish-system grades and relevant topics. The U.S. system will obtained by each student. Each CASA* govern the delivery of the pro seminar member university will then process and all other classes at the CASA* center. these grade reports according to its You will be expected to attend classes own study abroad transfer policy. In regularly, participate in group discussions most cases, UB, UAB, UPC and UPF will and keep up with daily assignments. use a 1-10 grading scale, with 10 being Attendance will be reflected in your final the highest and 0 the lowest. Each grade. CASA* member university will determine its own system of Three regular university courses equivalency but the Orientative (15–18 ECTS credits) Grading Scale chart (see page 9) may serve as a general guide. All CASA* Students will have access to the full Center courses will be graded using range of courses ofered at all the partner standard U.S. grading practices. universities. Together, they ofer an Students wishing to take a course abundance of courses –some taught in pass/fail while abroad should check Spanish and others in Catalan– in virtually with their study abroad office all subject areas. Students may write all regarding specific requirements. Don’t papers and examinations in Spanish even assume that courses can be taken if a course is taught in Catalan. Students pass/fail without verifying first with can neither take courses taught in English your home institution study abroad nor complete exams in this language. office.
It is essential that you complete all course work and adhere to all course • It is essential that students consult with requirements before leaving Barcelona at their home university prior to the end of the program. If you leave with registration, particularly if their home work unfinished, the CASA* program university is on a quarter system does not assume any responsibility for rather than semester system. Quarter providing you with a grade. Do not system universities may have assume that you can take an incomplete diferent requirements regarding the in Barcelona and not have it afect your number of regular university courses academic record. Just as is the practice in that students should take each term in the U.S., an incomplete in Barcelona will, Barcelona. It is your responsibility to in time, become a failing grade on your communicate with your advisors and transcript. Only in the event of severe departments regarding pass/fall emergency will consideration be given to courses and credit approval. allow a student to return to the U.S. ••Full year students will not repeat the before formally completing all coursework Pro seminar in the spring. They will and examinations. have the option of taking an additional regular university courses in its place.
UNIVERSITY COURSES CAN BE CONSULTED AT THE CASA*-BARCELONA INTRANET SECTION “Shared Documents/dstudents/Oferta_de_cursos.pdf”
8 ACADEMIC OVERVIEW [II] n Spanish university classes the role of the 4. Language, papers and course instructor is not necessarily to introduce a differences Igiven subject to a student, but rather to A significant number of courses are taught in reinterpret and synthesize the topic at hand. Catalan but there are courses of all kind of Course topics are covered by the teachers’ disciplines taught in Spanish. Even if the explanations given in class and students are course is delivered in Catalan, exams and expected to cover texts included in the reading papers can be written in Spanish and often, list independently. The key to successfully most of the bibliography is available in completing your course load is to attend class Spanish or English. Teachers do not usually regularly, take good class notes, and keep up with assign a reading for every class, students are the readings. In addition CASA* ofers discipline- expected to read regularly from the readings related tutorials to help you with the demands of contained in the bibliography of the course. It studying in another country. is important to talk with the teacher in order to know which readings s/he recommends.
Learning at local universities There are some diferences in the approach to The 4 basic concepts for understanding local disciplines; for instance, Literature and courses are: Philosophy courses are, in fact, history of Literature or Philosophy courses. While for 1. Learning effort courses in Economics and Law it is very Teachers do not tend to provide feedback to the important to have previous knowledge in the student about his/her performance. Courses have field. For instance, Economics and Finance practical sessions and seminars but their courses are not generally recommended if the weighting in the final grade is small. The teacher student has not previously taken advanced provides the relevant information about course math courses. expectations and outcomes in the first class session. Regular communication with the teacher Professor’s knowledge is highly respected. You is the best way to succeed. Spanish professors should not address a teacher by their first expect students to be there because they wish to name, unless invited to do so, and you should learn, therefore the learning efort is a student’s always use the “usted” form. Eating, chewing responsibility –not the professor’s. gum in a class are not allowed, and wearing a hat is considered impolite. 2. Workload Courses usually have many diferent tests and assignments, particularly during practical sessions ORIENTATIVE GRADING SCALE (*) and seminars. In addition, students must submit papers and essays. However, the delivery of all A (10%) 9.0 – 10 Excelente this work is taken for granted and does not B+ (20%) 8.0 – 8.99 Notable increase the final grade. It is the quality of the B (10%) 7.5 – 7.99 work, not the quantity which determines the final grade. Take advantage of professors’ office hours B- (10%) 7.0 – 7.49 to request feedback, address doubts related to C+ (10%) 6.5 – 6.99 Aprobado course content and/or to determine what kind of work s/he expects. C (10%) 6.0 – 6.49 C- (15%) 5.0 – 5.99 3. Grades Grade inflation does not exist in the Spanish D/F (15%) 0 – 4.99 Suspendido system and, generally speaking, students are Grade distribution in Humanities, Social and happy to simply pass a course. Spanish students Experimental sciences (CRUE, 2006) are not graded on a curve, but rather against the professor’s standard of what constitutes excellent * This is an "orientative" scale. performance. Only a small fraction of students Each university has its own scales. (ie. receive the highest marks. UPenn: A 9-10; A- 8-8.99; B+ 7.6-7.99; B 7.0-7.59; B- 6.6-6.99; C+ 6.0-6.59; C 5.6- 5.99; C- 5.0-5.59; D+ 4.5-4.99; D 4.0-4.49; F 3.99 and below). STUDYING IN SPAIN 9 part from having direct access to n general, internship and service four distinguished Spanish learning opportunities last throughout Auniversities, students can also Ithe semester and students need to participate in the Internship & Service devote between 5-15 hours/week, on top Learning program. These placements are of their academic workload (the exact a perfect component for students looking number of hours/week and the required to achieve a meaningful study abroad student profile vary between institutions). experience with full immersion in local It is also very important that students society. apply by the stated deadline to help staf carefully select the placement that best suits each student's individual profile and needs. ome of the opportunities include educational internships* through Sthe Consorci d'Educació de Barcelona (CEB), the local Department of Education, where CASA* students can participate as language assistants in primary and secondary schools as well as in other public educational centers. The educational internships also include the opportunity of collaborating with the Serveis Lingüístics of the Universitat de Barcelona, the department responsible for providing the UB community with multilingual language services. In this case, the students lead English conversational classes for UB undergrad and grad students, and also design some of the materials and activities that they will be carrying out in class.
tudents can also participate in an academic internships, which must Sbe closely related to their field of studies. These include placements in the disciplines of art and culture, marketing Image: Pam Lee. 2011 and communication, business, political sciences, NGOs, science and technology and language, edition and translation.
ervice learning placements are * Students whose internship involves working available through local NGOs which with minors must, prior to arrival in ofer CASA* students the Barcelona, obtain an FBI background check, S authenticated according to the aplicable possibilities of carrying out service /current international conventions and learning activities in local institutions* translated into Spanish by a certified such as hospitals, prisons and retirement translator. The document can take up to 8- homes and soup kitchens. 12 weeks, so students should apply well in advance.
10 INTERNSHIPS & SERVICE LEARNING Passport hen entering Spain make sure that the official stamps your passport f you do not currently have a valid Won the same page as your visa. The passport you should start the student visa is good for 90 days, if you are a Iapplication/renewal process as soon full-year student, or 180 days, if you are a as possible. The process can take two semester student. Full-year students are weeks to a month. You are now able to required to extend their stay by obtaining a download printable passport applications resident's card, once in Spain. The program from the internet as well as consult staf will help you extend it for the length of general Passport Services information at: your program. https://travel.state.gov/content/passports Any questions you have about the visa /en/passports.html application, or entry into Spain, should be directed to the Spanish consulate from Remember: Your passport is the most which you obtained your visa . important document you have when outside the United States. Know where it is Applying for a Student Visa at all times. When you receive your passport, make several copies of the front pages and keep the copies separate from he Spanish government requires visa your baggage. You should leave a copy of for all US citizens, and many non-US your passport with your parents at home. Tcitizens, studying in Spain for more Once in a foreign country, keep your copies than three months. If you are a US citizen, in a safe place, and ask your program to this means that you must obtain a student keep a copy on hand. This will facilitate visa prior to departure. Do not leave this replacement if your passport is lost or matter until the last minute. stolen. ou cannot apply for your visa without a ote that the requirements for valid passport. If you do not have one, obtaining a visa may vary from one or if your current passport expires Spanish consulate to another. Y N within six months after the end of the ALWAYS verify the application procedure program, visit the U.S. State Department’s with the consulate with jurisdiction for Travel Website to renew or request a your home residence. passport. One of the documents required for a student visa is a letter stating that tudents must have the required you are enrolled in a full-time Spanish visa in order to participate in program. Your study abroad office the CASA* program. Check your will provide you with such a letter, s window of opportunity for visa application closer to the date when you should apply and for the consulate that corresponds to for your visa. You may also be required to your permanent home address at the submit a physician’s letter indicating that following link: you are in good health, free of contagious http://www.immihelp.com/visas/schengenvis disease, drug addiction or mental illness. a/spanish-consulates-usa.html These items must be specified in the letter, and a medical doctor must sign it. You must contact the consulate with In some cases, you may be required jurisdiction over the state in which you to present a statement or record reside to obtain the necessary visa from the police or FBI indicating a applications and instructions. In some record of good conduct. cases it may be possible to use the Some consulates will not process visa consulate associated with the state in applications before or after certain dates, which your university is located but and the process can take several weeks, this must be verified with the consulate so it is very important to check the itself. It is your responsibility to inform requirements early, to learn such details. yourself of the requirements and to get Generally, one or two visits to the your own visa. consulate are required, so students must plan accordingly.
PREPARING YOUR DEPARTURE 11 arcelona airport is one of the Travel and Transport between the busiest airports in Europe, with Airport and Barcelona’s City Center Bfrequent flights and good connections from all over the world. There are a number of direct flights from the United States, but you may find that arcelona’s international airport, El your initial arrival to Spain will be through Prat, lies approximately 12 Madrid, with a connecting flight taking BKilometers southeast of the city. you to Barcelona. The airport is divided into two terminals; T-1 & T-2. Most U.S. airlines operate out of tudents are responsible for making terminal T-1. their own travel arrangements. Fall students should plan to arrive on S rd Friday, 23 August before 5 p.m. cheap option to getting to the Spring students should plan to arrive on downtown area is the Aerobus Friday, January 10th, before 5 p.m. in A(airport bus), which leaves the order to attend to a welcome dinner. Keep airport every 10 minutes and drops you in in mind that most transatlantic flights to Plaça Catalunya. A one-way journey costs Spain depart the U.S. the evening prior to 5.90 euros (including luggage) and takes your arrival day. This means that, in most about half an hour to reach its final cases, you will beging your international destination. The buses run until midnight. flight on the previous day and fly through Another cheap alternative is to take the the night. When checking in for you Metro Line L-9, which connects you with international flight, verify that your the city’s metro network. A one-way luggage will be checked directly through ticket costs approximately 4.5 euros. to your final destination. In most cases this can be done, even if you begin your travel with one airline company and conclude with another. fter purchasing your flight, he final option is by train, which remember that it is essential to takes you from Barcelona airport to Aprovide both your Study Abroad Tthe city center, where you can Office an the CASA* program with your change to the metro system at either flight details. Log on the CASA* intranet Barcelona Sants or Catalunya stations. portal and complete the “Flight Info” form The journey from the airport takes about as soon as you have your travel itinerary. 25 minutes and tickets cost appro- Upon arrival in Spain, you will proceed to ximately 4.5 euros. passport control, after which you will pick up your luggage. Please, make sure an official stamps your passport with your date of entry. If your first port of entrance is Madrid, in most cases, your luggage will be automatically checked through to Barcelona. This means you will not have to clear customs until you reach your final destination. NOTE: On arrival in Barcelona you will have fter clearing customs, you should four options for getting into the city: taxi, make your way to TSH-Campus metro, bus or train. The most comfortable AMarina residence-hall, where the option is definitively the taxi, which program staf will meet you. A month generally costs between 25 and 30 euros. before your departure, the Resident Keep in mind that you will be tired, Director will send you a letter of welcome jetlagged and disoriented. If there is one containing other important instructions. time when you might want to consider splurging on taking a taxi in to the city, it is now!
12 GETTING TO BARCELONA The metro Taxis
his is the fastest way to get around arcelona taxis are yellow and black, the city. Barcelona’s underground and a small, green light on the roof Tnetwork covers almost the entire Bindicates whether they are city and, in most cases, one can find a available or not. Taxi fares don’t start at metro stop within minutes walking zero; a ride always starts out from a set, distance. You can identify a metro stop by base amount (as of January, 2014, 2.10 the letter ‘M’ on a red diamond. euros, 3.10 euros if the ride takes place Barcelona has nine metro lines. at night). The only times that it might be slightly difficult to find a taxi is during a s is the case in most European holiday or in very busy nightlife areas. To cities, you can change lines as find a ride, all you have to do in most Aoften as you like thanks to instances is find a strategic corner and transfers. You have to validate your ticket flag down any taxi coming your way or every time you wish to ride the metro by use "Mytaxi" app. Taxis do apply inserting your ticket into the machines at additional charges for trips to the airport, the turnstiles. As of January 1, 2019 (zone handling luggage and waiting for 1 covers all of the Barcelona city), a one- passengers. way ticket currently cost 2.20 euros, but you can choose to purchase a T-10, which is a ten-ride pass that can be used by multiple passengers for 10.20 euros. By far the most convenient pass, FGC (Ferrocarrils de la Generalitat) however, is either the one zone T-Mes, which provides unlimited use of the hese trains are similar to the metro metro, trains and buses for 30 days after and regular trains (in fact, many of the time of purchase, or the T-Jove, which Ttheir stations coincide), but their provides unlimited use for the metro for routes reach other, at times somewhat 90 days after the time of purchase. The more distant, destinations. Their main fares are set every year on January 1st. hub is the Catalunya station (right behind (January 1, 2019, the T-Mes 1 zone pass Café Zurich at the top of the Rambla), cost 54 euros and the T-Jove 1 zone cost which also serves lines 1 and 3 of the 105.00 euros) underground. The price of the ticket depends on the length of the journey. Journeys within the city limits have the same fares as the metro and the bus, and you can use your T-10 for the trip.
The bus RENFE (Red Nacional de Ferrocarriles)
he selection of buses is ample. A pain has a single national rail ride costs the same as the metro company, called RENFE, and its Tand the T-10, T-Mes and T-Jove are Swebsite, www.renfe.es provides also valid for this mode of transport. You daily train timetables and other useful can pick up a map showing all the bus information. Madrid is connected with lines at any metro station (the bus stops, Barcelona through RENFE’s high speed however, are out on the street). rail system, the AVE. Its Talgo system also provides convenient national railway service to and from Barcelona. If you wish to travel by train, you should also enquire For more information regarding Barcelona’s about other discount promotions, such as public transportation, please visit www.tmb.net Tarjeta Joven and Tarjeta Turística. Information on Interail and Eurotren passes is also available.
GETTING AROUND IN BARCELONA 13 Residencia TSH Campus Marina
C/Sancho de Ávila, 22 08018 Barcelona (Spain) Tel.: (+34) 932 178 812
esidencia TSH-Campus Marina (see www.thestudenthotel.com/barcelon Ra/es) has 427 individual rooms that cater to a mixed population. CASA* students have an individual room with a private bath. The single rooms open up to a common living room and kitchens that CASA* students share with 9 flatmates (Spanish or other international students), creating an apartment-like atmosphere. Amenities include internet access, television, closet space, shelf space, a desk, a double bed and bed linens. The facility also provides a swimming pool and a cafeteria with an optional meal plan at additional cost. The residence is beside the “Marina” metro station and tramway line, 10 minutes from the UPF and the city downtown.
ousing costs include weekly cleaning and a change of the bed- Hlinen. TSH will provide every student with a kitchen pack of essential utensils on arrival.
ach student will be required to sign a housing contract in order to Esecure his/her housing space for the duration of the period of study. Students will be billed for housing directly by their respective CASA* institutions. Please note, all semester-only students are required to live in the CASA* assigned housing.
14 HOUSING he program fee you pay your home Credit Cards university covers tuition and related Tacademic and programming activities, redit cards, particularly Mastercard and the Language and Culture Pro seminar, Visa, have become commonplace program excursions, housing, and other Cthroughout Europe and can be invaluable program-related events. It does not cover in a financial emergency. Ask your bank for PIN mandatory health insurance (see Health number that will be valid in Europe. In the Related Issues, below), airfare, meals, event of an emergency, you can go into any books, local public transportation and Visa- or Mastercard-participating bank in related personal expenses. Refund policies Western Europe, present your credit card, and are governed by each CASA* member draw cash immediately. Because of high institution and may vary. Consult with your interests rates and fees charged for cash study abroad office. advances, it is advisable to avoid this method efore you leave for Barcelona, you to obtain money unless you have no other should plan how to handle your option. Bmoney during your term or year abroad. You will need to budget for n some cases, a Spanish shop may not allow expenses such as groceries (food), local a credit card to be used when the amount transportation, toiletries, social activities, Ibeing spent is too small. For example, it may and any additional travel (see CASA*- not be an option to use a credit card to pay for Barcelona website, Life in Barcelona section an inexpensive meal in a restaurant. Spaniards for an estimated weekly budget). The understand that the card can be used to pay a Spanish banking system can be large bill for a party of guests, but not for cumbersome, and there can be long delays lesser amounts. It is wise to ask before in transferring money to a local account in assuming you can use your credit card. It is Barcelona. The most convenient way to important to carry some form of ID with you access funds is by using the abundance of when making purchases with your credit card, ATMs located thought the city. Checks –even as you will invariably be asked to show your ID. in local Spanish banks– are generally not A photocopy of your passport is usually accepted for purchases. sufficient.
ATM Cards and Debit Cards t the cardholder’s request, most major lenders will issue an additional card in t is not at all difficult to find an ATM machine Athe name of a son/daughter. If you plan in Barcelona (or, for that matter, anywhere to use your parent’s credit card account, you Iin Spain). The most common cards used in should request the additional card early the U.S. (Plus and Cirrus) are accepted in enough for you to have it before you leave, and nearly all machines and students have found it should have your name written on it exactly this to be the most convenient way to access as it appears on your passport. If you choose funds. If you need more funds while abroad, it this method, the line of credit is the same is much easier (and less costly) for parents to amount as on the cardholder’s account, and simple deposit money in your U.S. account the monthly bill is also presented to the rather than try to send you money by bank cardholder. wire. ATM withdrawals generally give you a competitive exchange rate, but bear in mind that you will be charged a transaction fee by your home bank. If you plan to use an ATM card, advise your home bank that you will be out of the country so that it can ensure that your card will be operative in Barcelona. You may also want to consider having your parent’s name on your account. Finally, make sure you will have a PIN that functions internationally (most ATMs in Europe have number rather than letter keys).
MANAGING & BUDGETING YOUR MONEY 15 arcelona’s excellent intercity links to points elsewhere in Spain and its Bproximity to France make it an excellent hub from which to plan travel elsewhere. If you travel outside of Barcelona during the program, you must provide program staff with your itinerary and contact information prior to departure. Because this policy relates directly to student safety and the program’s ability to respond to an emergency, failure to follow the appropriate procedure could result in a student’s expulsion from the program. During your first days in Barcelona, you will be given specific instructions on how to report this information. You will be on your own for any travel prior to the program start date or after your last final exam, so you should establish a plan with family at home for how you will contact one another, and procedures you will follow, in case of an emergency during those times. ll hotels in Spain require guests to resent a valid passport at check-in, Aso it is important to always travel with your original document even when not crossing an international frontier. nce the program is underway, you are expected to attend Oclasses at the program center Holidays in Barcelona and at the Barcelona partner universities. Your travel plans should not cause you to miss classes. The January 1 - New Year (S) academic calendar at UB, UPC, UAB January 6 - Epiphany (S) and UPF allows ample opportunities for April 6-13 - Spring Break (S) breaks and long weekends, some of May 1 - Labor Day (S) which are included in the program September 11 - Catalonia Day (C) calendar on the right. The dates of September 24 - Barcelona Day (B) October 12 - Pilar Day (S) additional holidays will be provided November 1 - All Saints (S) when available. Schedule your trips December 6 - Constitution Day (S) during these holiday periods or after December 8 - St. Mary Day (s) the program ends. Decembre 25 - Christmas (S) n sum, we recommend that you December 26 - St. Esteve (C) make your travel decisions wisely Iand set priorities carefully, so that you can meet your educational goals (B) Local holiday in Barcelona and remain safe during your term (C) Holiday in Catalonia abroad. (S) Holiday throughout Spain
16 TRAVEL DURING THE PROGRAM When Are Things Open in Barcelona? Cell Phones
hops open 10.00 am – 2.00 pm. or safety and convenience, the They reopen at 5.00 pm and stay program highly recommends Sopen until between 8.30 pm. Larger Fthat students have cellular shops do not close at midday. At lunch phones in Barcelona. Unless your current time, restaurants tend to open between cell phone is specifically made for 1.00 and 1.30 pm until 3.30 or 4.00 pm. At worldwide coverage, it will not operate in night, they open between 8.00 and 8.30 Europe. Cell phones (móviles) are pm and close at 24.00 midnight. everywhere in Spain, and although prices Cafés and bars are open all day from and calling plans will vary, there are between 7.00 and 8.00 am until 11.00 pm some afordable options that you can look or 12.00 midnight. into upon your arrival. The program staf Movie theaters tipically run shows at can ofer advice during your first days in 4.00, 6.00, 8.00 and 10.00 pm. Some Barcelona. theaters have late-night sessions on the weekends that can start as late as Making a phone call midnight. Classical theater opening hours To make an international call, you are variable. Theaters are closed on must first dial 00 (or “+”), followed Mondays. by the country code and finally the Museum opening hours also tend to be regional code and number your are variable. In general, they are open all day calling. from Tuesday to Saturday; they open on Sunday morning and are closed on To receive a call Monday. Callers phoning you from abroad must first dial 0034 (Spain), and then Services and Tips your nine-digit number.
n restaurants, all services are included Laptops in the cost of the set menu. Only in Icases where “IVA no inclòs” is indicated t is becoming more and more common mean that the VAT will be added to the for students to bring laptops with them final check. Tipping is not obligatory, but is Iwhen studying abroad. Both the frequent when clients are satisfied with CASA* Center and the Residencia have the service provided. wired and wi-fi internet connection for laptop use; however, you will want to Electricity make certain that your laptop has an internal transformer. Before bringing it he most widespread electric current with you, check with your manufacturer is 220 volts and 50 cycles. Electrical and take the proper measures to protect Titems brought from home will need to this valuable piece of equipment. Low be adapted for European current and quality power transformers can damage electrical outlets by use of both a your laptop. transformer and a converter plug. You will find that most electrical appliances (hair Internet dryers, shavers, etc.) can be purchased in Barcelona at reasonable cost. any places throughout Barcelona, especially in the city center, ofer Portal Services Mpublic internet access. Further information: tamps may be bought at post offices Tel. 010 and 012 (from Spain) or tabacconist. Packages must be Ssent from the post office. Letter drops are found throughout the city, and they cannot be missed with their bright yellow coloring. OTHER HELPFUL TIPS 17 Prescription Medications f you require prescription medication, you Prior to their departure for Barcelona, all should bring a supply with you to last the students are required to demonstrate to Ientire time that you will be abroad. their home university that they have Although many medications are available obtained a comprehensive health plan that worldwide, they are not always identical in will provide coverage for accidents and strength or composition to what you take at illness, including emergency evacua- home. In addition, brand names of the same tion and repatriation, for their entire medication usually difer between the U.S. period abroad of the program. If you are and Europe. Bring medications in your carry currently covered by a plan through your -on-luggage, in their original containers, home university, you may be provided with along with a letter from your doctor the option to continue this coverage while explaining the dosage, why the medication abroad. If not, you will need to present has been prescribed, and why you are evidence of coverage to your home traveling with a large quantity. institution before you travel abroad. Note: it is illegal to ship medications to Spain; any medications found will be confiscated and a Questions to consider when acquiring heavy fine may be assessed. health insurance of study abroad • Will the plan cover hospitalization for Immunizations accidents and illnesses for the entire period f you plan to travel outside of Spain, while I’m abroad? particularly to the continent of Africa, • Will the plan cover doctor visits and Iplease make sure you have had the medication prescribed abroad? necessary immunizations. You can learn • Is there a deductible? If so, how much? about associated health issues through the • Is there a dollar limit to the amount of Center for Disease Control. coverage provided? • What are the procedures for filing a claim Contraception, STD’s & Counseling Services for medical expenses abroad? Do I need to t is extremely important to be informed pay expenses up front and then submit ahead of time about the availability of receipts to the insurance company for Ivarious services and products related to reimbursement? Make sure that you get full contraception, STDs and sexual activity. The information form your policy about how to following information is a brief outline. arrange for routine treatment, medical Birth control is widely available in Spain (in emergency procedures, and what is clinics and family planing services, usually). required to pay for or be reimbursed for a Condoms are also easily purchased in claim. Many overseas health providers will pharmacies and in vending machines in not process American insurance claims and bars, pubs and on the street. Abortion is will expect payment at the time of the illegal and is sanctioned only in cases of treatment so students should have access rape, incest, fetus malformation, and threat to a minimum of $400 in reserve for of serious physical or psychological harm to emergencies. Be sure to obtain a receipt to the mother. submit with your insurance claim. nprotected sexual activity risks • When does the plan begin and end? exposure to sexually transmitted • Will this insurance cover me in the U.S. for diseases, including AIDS. Anyone U the insured semester if I decide, for medical worried that they may have become or other reasons, to return before the end of exposed to HIV or STDs, can be tested in the program? (If students have a serious hospitals in Spain; the results are accident or illness abroad, they may need confidential. There is a range of counseling to return to the U.S. for further care; it is services in Barcelona. Family planning therefore important that the student carry services comparable to Planned Parenthood coverage that applies not only abroad, but are available, as is counseling in the event in the U.S. during the study abroad period of sexual assault. The program will provide as well). you with the addresses and telephone • Does the plan cover pre-existing medical numbers for the latter when you first arrive. conditions? 18 HEALTH RELATED ISSUES pain is generally as safe as the U.S., The following is a list of some precautions and in some cases safer. As is true you can take to ensure your safety: Sof any large city, however, there are problems with petty thievery in • Do not leave luggage unguarded Barcelona. You can avoid many problems • Pack lightly so that you do not need by being cautious and remembering the help with your things when traveling important points about staying safe listed place to place below. While crime, most certainly violent • Do not take anything of real or crime, is less prevalent in Spain than in sentimental value with you; it is not similar-sized cities in the U.S., tourists are necessary to wear expensive jewelry or always a favorite target of criminals, so watches please be mindful of your surroundings • Do not carry your passport, plane and belongings at all times. tickets, or large sums of money with you unless these items are necessary f an emergency situation related to for a specific purpose your health or safety occurs during the • Keep a photocopy of your passport, Iprogram, it is important to contact the including the validity page with your Resident Director and your family at picture and signature, in a safe place home immediately. This includes the both in the U.S. and in Spain. Should unlikely event of a natural disaster you lose your passport, it will help to (earthquake) or large-scale emergency have these copies (terrorist attack, large building fire) in • If you go out at night, do not walk home Barcelona, or in an area where you are alone. Men and women should observe traveling during the program. If you this precaution. Stay with a friend and imagine people may be worried about take a cab home, all the way to the door you, they probably are. • Do not take a purse with you to a club unless it is one you can keep with you oon after your arrive, your program at all times will give you instructions for how to • Do not accept drinks from strangers or contact program staf in case of an S leave your drink unattended at any time emergency. Since you will be on your own if you travel before or after the official program dates, please make plans and discuss emergency procedures with your family for use these times.
EMERGENCY PROCEDURES 19 Amherst College students Johns Hopkins University students Global Education Office Office of Study Abroad Tel. 413-542-5691 / [email protected] Tel: 410-516-4423 / https://studyabroad.jhu.edu/ Office Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30am – 4:30pm / For health-related and/or safety emergency outside of business hours, www.amherst.edu/go/geo call (410) 516-7856 and (410) 530-6029 during the office hours. For emergencies during business hours: 413-542-5691 For academic and administrative questions, contact Assistant Director For emergencies outside business hours: 413-542-2221 Jessica Mervis, [email protected] (Amherst College Police Department) Questions can be directed to Janna Behrens (Driector) at Northwestern University students [email protected] Globasl Learning Office Tel: (847) 467-6400 Barnard College students Office hours: Monday-Friday: 9:00am – 5:00pm; Global Barnard Office www.northwestern.edu/abroad.html Tel. (212) 854-7430 For health-related and/or safety/emergency outside of business hours, Office Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00am – 5:00pm / call the Northwestern University Police at (847) 491-3456. https://barnard.edu/global/about For administrative and academic questions contact Jessica Fetridge, For emergencies outside business hours: (212) 854-3362 Associate Director, at [email protected] For study abroad advising, please contact Giorgio DiMauro For program payment and financial matters, contact to Krista Bethel, [email protected] o krista Rockholt at Assistant Director of Study Abroad Financial Services at [email protected] [email protected] or 847-491-7400
Brown University students Swarthmore College students Office of International Programs Off-Campus Study Office Tel. (401) 863-3555 / Fax (401) 863-3311 Tel: 610-328-7827 / Fax: 610-328-7323 Office hours: Monday - Friday, 8:30am – 5:00pm / Office hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30am – 4:30pm / www.brown.edu/OIP/ https://swarthmore.studioabroad.com/ For health-related and/or safety emergency outside of business For healh-related and/or safety/emergency outside of business hours, hours, please call SOS at +1 215-942-8478. call Swarthmore Public Safety at 610-328-8333. For administrative and academic questions, contact Program For administrative and academic questions contact Pat Martin at Manager, Ivana Freitas, [email protected] [email protected] or 610-328-8451. For program payment and financial matters, contact Rosa Bernard at Columbia University students [email protected] or 610-328-7826 Office of Global Programs Tel: 212-854-2559 / Fax: 212-854-5164 / [email protected] Trinity College of Dublin students For health-related and/or safety emergency outside of business Global Relations Office hours, call Columbia Public Safety at (212) 854-2797. Dublin 24 Hour Security Office in Ireland: 01-896-1317 / International For administrative, academic and financial questions, contact +353-1-896-1317 the Office of Global Programs at (212) 854-2559 University Emergency Number: 01-896-1999; Students Counselling Service: www.tcd.ie/Student_Consuelling/support-services/after-hours/ Cornell University students Global Relations Office number: Ireland 01-896-4494 / Internationa: Office of Global Learning +353-1-896-4494. If you have an emergency that requires assistance Tel. (607) 255-6224 / Fax: (607) 255-8700 from Global Office Relations, call the Security Office number listed Office hours: M-F 9:00am – 4:00 pm; above and a message will relayed to the relevant member of the team. www.globallearning.cornell.edu For health-related and/or safety emergency outside of business University of Melbourne students hours, call the Cornell Police Department at (607) 255-1111. Careers, Employability and Global Learning For academic and administrative questions, contact Assistant Tel.: +61-3-8344-7452 / [email protected] Director for Education Abroad, Kristen Grace, [email protected], Web: https://students.unimelb.edu.au/study-overseas at (607) 255-6224. For information contact Belinda Price, Team Leader Global Learning
Dartmouth College students University of Pennsylvania students Guarini Institute of International Education Penn Abroad Tel: 603-646-1202 Tel.: (215) 898-9073 / Fax: +1-215-898-2622 Executive Director John Tansey: Web: https://global.upenn.edu/pennabroad [email protected] For health-related and safety/emergency outside of business hours, Safety & Security at (603) 646-4000 call Penn Police at (215) 573-3333. All administrative and acadmic questions can be directed to Global Programs Manager, Jacob Gross at Grinell College students 215-573-6047 or [email protected] Office of Off-Campus Study Tel: (641) 269-4790 / Fax: (641) 269-4718 Vanderbilt University students Office hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00am – 5:00pm / Global Education Office www.grinell.edu/global/learning/ocs Tel.: 615-343-3139 / Fax: 615-343-5774 For administrative and academic questions or program payment Office hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00am – 5:00pm / and financial matters contact Alicia Stanley (Director) at www.vanderbilt.edu/geo [email protected] For all queries, please contact Dave Brown, Study Abroad Advisor at (615) 343-3139 or [email protected] Harvard University students Emergencies at (615) 421-1911 Harvard College Office of International Education Tel. (617) 496-2722 Williams College students Office hours: Monday through Friday, 9:00am – 5:00pm; Office of International Education and Study Away oie.fas.harvard.edu Tel.: 413-597-4262 / [email protected] For health-related and/or safety emergency outside of business Office hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30am – 4:30pm / https://study-away- hours, call International SOS; at (617) 998-0000. williams.edu All administrative, academic and financial questions should be Students should contact Campus Safety in case of emergency outside directed to OIE Director, Camila Nardozzi, at 617-384-7893 or of regular office hours: 413-597-4444 [email protected].
20 U.S. CONTACT INFORMATION