COVID-19

• If you are vaccinated, you may still spread COVID. Keep in mind that while fellow students, program staff, and host families are vaccinated, throughout your time in Barcelona you may come into contact with people that are either unvaccinated or at high risk. 

1. If you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 or test positive: 

• If you are presenting symptoms related to COVID-19: it is recommended that you take a rapid antigens test (2-3 euros at any local pharmacy). 

• If you test positive and show light symptomatology: Our current COVID protocol, in line with the Spanish Health Authorities, states that an isolation period is not required, however, we recommend you to inform us by emailing health@barcelonasae.com so we can inform you about your specific classes/internship COVID protocol.

• If you test positive and show strong symptomatology (fever, cough, respiratory difficulties):

We strongly recommend you go to see a doctor at our partner clinic MH Delfos clinic (you can call in advance) and follow their recommendations. This appointment will be covered by your insurance. 

Please notify our staff as soon as possible via email at health@barcelonasae.com (or by calling the program emergency phone +34 675 235 656, if outside of office hours) so we can support you and follow your health development, along with informing you about your specific classes/internship COVID protocol.

COVID testing for those that are symptomatic or exposed to a positive case is covered by your insurance. Please work directly with the MH Delfos clinic.

Testing outside of these parameters (for example, for travel) is not covered by CISI insurance - you should arrange your own testing appointments and payment. If you want to arrange an appointment with our partner hospital MH Delfos, the current costs are:

• Antigens test: Around 2-3 euros. Results in 15 minutes.

• PCR test: between around 100€ (saliva) to 130€ (phatynx-nasal). Results in 24 hours.

Our program monitors the situation and evolution of COVID-19 closely and will send all participants emails with any relevant updates on local restrictions, hospital case numbers, and protection. 

Student housing may also be impacted by COVID-19 restrictions and protocol. You should ensure that you are aware of your respective housing rules and do your best to keep yourself and those that you live with safe. 

If a doctor has recommended you to self-isolate, please follow the following steps to notify specific departments (depending on which aspects of your program will be impacted). 

ACADEMICS: 

Inform your teachers and work with them on a plan to catch up with your missing classes. You can email academics@barcelonasae.com with any questions or concerns. 

INTERNSHIP:

Your internship supervisor should be able to provide you with projects to work on while in isolation, and will meet with you over Zoom or another online platform. Let your supervisor know as soon as possible about your situation and copy internships@barcelonasae.com.

HOUSING:

When possible, it's recommended to relocate to an individual room for quarantine purposes. 

If you are in a homestay, the family should continue to provide daily breakfast and dinner, and in the case of quarantine, may also be asked to include lunches or will provide the student with a space to prepare meals.

Email housing@barcelonasae.com with any questions. 

CULTURAL ACTIVITIES:

Unfortunately, you will not be able to participate in the program's Cultural Activities while in quarantine, and no refund will be made for activities you miss. That said, let our Cultural Engagement team know as soon as possible which activities you will be unable to join and we will do our best to find ways to include you virtually or try to find another way for you to have the experience once your isolation period is over. Email activities@barcelonasae.com. 

If you are required to isolate, here are some links that might be useful:

GROCERIES

• Mercadona has an English app for shopping online and offers delivery in Barcelona. https://www.mercadona.es/

• Consum supermarket has delivery with a fixed rate of 4€ for spending more than 60€  https://tienda.consum.es/consum/#!Home

• Condis supermarket offers delivery options as well: https://www.condisline.com/shoppingcart

COOKING

• If you're cooking at home, check out these Spanish Recipes from our Cooking Classes and these genius tips for making real meals in a microwave. 

TAKE OUT

• Just Eat is a food delivery service app offering delivery from tons of restaurants.

• Glovo is an app that offers food, pharmacy, grocery, and other delivery options.

• Here is a list of more than 10 Barcelona restaurants that offer home delivery.

ENTERTAINMENT

There are so many ways to continue enjoying Barcelona from home!

• Keep fit with at-home workouts like popsugar and yoga.

• Work on your Spanish! Become a Duolingo master, find an online language exchange partner, watch Youtube language videos, and learn the lyrics to some Spanish music. 

• Read the local news in Spanish or English to understand local events. Check out https://english.elpais.com/ and https://www.lavanguardia.com/ 

• Read a book or watch a film set in Barcelona!

• Read up on Barcelona's history!

• Binge-watch a Spanish TV show! 

Check our most recent program health updates here: https://www.barcelonasae.com/coronavirus-updates/

You can also check for information and updates here:

• Center for Disease Control (CDC)

• World Health Organization (WHO)

• US Department of State

• Spanish Ministry of Health

• Association of North American University Programs in Spain (APUNE)