If you require accommodations, please disclose this as soon as possible—ideally before arrival—either in your medical self-assessment or to your Barcelona SAE advisor. 

Please provide the required documentation for support.

Regardless of where you are studying, the student-conduct expectations are:

BE PUNCTUAL & PRESENT

• Always arrive before class starts, ready to work. 

• Being late is disrespectful, disruptive, and may result in being marked absent.

BE RESPECTFUL & ENGAGED

• Engage in discussions and ask relevant questions.

• Stay off your phone and unrelated materials on your laptop during class.

• Complete readings and come prepared.

• Only water and coffee are allowed in class (Spain). No food is permitted.

• Arrive rested; sleeping in class is rude.

• Being visibly hungover or under the influence in class may lead to expulsion.

WEAR PROPER ATTIRE

In Barcelona, people don’t usually wear loungewear or athletic clothes outside unless going to the gym or beach. Treat class like a job and dress appropriately—sportswear, sweatpants, pajamas, and beachwear are not suitable for the classroom.

Midterms and finals matter

With fewer assignments, your grade will heavily depend on your midterm and final exams, so your performance on these tests is critical.

First-name basis with professors 

In Spain, it’s common to address professors by their first name, but this depends on the individual. If allowed, remember they still deserve respect and authority in the classroom.

Local student life in Barcelona:

• Most live at home and commute since there are no dorms on campus.

• Campus is mainly academic—no medical centers, gyms, or security offices.

• Clubs and sports exist but are limited compared to U.S. schools; students typically join local activities outside of university.

• Failing a course is normal, especially in challenging majors like engineering.

• Local students pay for classes only and see tuition as high, despite being cheaper than U.S. rates.

• Public universities are the norm due to lower fees, while private ones are more costly and attract wealthier, international-focused students.