Barcelona is not only a wonderful place to visit, but also a fantastic place to study abroad because of its reputation for being both fun and safe.  Statistically, Spain always scores among the safest countries in all of Europe each year.

Unfortunately, though, there has been an increasing crime rate over the last couple of years, due to things like violent robberies, pickpockets, and sexual assaults. We have compiled a list of tips on how to best avoid these things from occurring, in order to ensure that you have the best study abroad experience possible! 

We don't tell you these things to worry you, but rather to prepare you as best as we can - so please, follow these tips and stay safe! 

Unfortunately, pickpocketing is a big problem in Barcelona. It is rare that things are stolen with physical violence, but we estimate that nearly 20% of study abroad students have something stolen from them without them noticing during their time abroad. 

To avoid being pickpocketed:

• Be aware of people who stand too close to you, bump into you, or brush up against you. 

• Keep your wallet and phone in your front pocket or in a purse with a good zipper.

• Always keep your purse in front of you and on your lap if seated - never leave it on the floor next to you or on the back of a chair. When walking, keep your purse zipped and with the zipper towards you (as opposed to behind your arm). 

• Keep your hand on your purse/pockets in areas with increased pickpocketing (like public transportation, bars, and crowded areas). 

• Don't carry important things with you. Make sure you have an ID and whatever you need for the day, but don't carry around your passport, more cash than you need, or every credit card you have.

• Never leave your phone on the table or leave your things unattended, even for a moment. Bags, laptops, phones, and cash will disappear as soon as you take your eyes off of them. 

• Never leave your things on the beach - if you swim, be sure a friend is watching your things. 

• Don't sleep in public, like in a park or on the beach - your things won't be there when you wake up! 

• Drink responsibly (or stay sober!) - 90% of pickpocketing takes place when people have been drinking and are not alert.

If you have been pickpocketed or robbed, follow these steps. 

Whether it's pickpocketing, getting lost, or medical emergencies, unfortunately the more you drink, the more likely you are to encounter a bad situation. We want you to have fun, but you should always make sure that you are able to take care of yourself and your friends. Always be in control and aware.

If you are of legal drinking age in Spain, we do not forbid you from drinking in your free time, but passing your limits is against our Code of Conduct and can be cause for warnings sent to your school and/or expulsion from the program. Everyone's limit is different but you need to be in control of yourself, know where you are, what to do in an emergency, and you always need to be prepared to participate in classes and activities (not hungover or intoxicated).  

Keep in mind that getting to a point where you do not remember things that happened the night before is extremely scary, especially when you are living in a big and unfamiliar city, and is absolutely against the program rules. 

When going to a crowded place (street festival, concert, night club, etc.), determine a meeting point upon arrival just in case anyone in your group gets lost and you can't get ahold of one another.  

Set up a secret signal with your friends to let them know if you are in an uncomfortable situation without being too obvious. A code word could signify that you need help getting away from someone that you don't want to talk to. Pull your friend into the conversation with that person and mention how tired you will be for breakfast tomorrow with his/her parents if you stay out any longer. In other words, have a signal to show that you are ready to go home with your friends and need to be extracted from an uncomfortable situation. 

As long as you have predetermined the signal, it should make it much easier for you all to stay on the same page to avoid uncomfortable and/or dangerous situations. 

Your apartment or homestay should be a safe place for you to go back to and recharge. Keep it safe by following these steps:

• Never carry your address together with your keys. The reason for this is that if someone should steal your backpack or purse, and you have your keys inside with the address, they'll have access to everything that you have stored at your accommodations as well. If you're worried about forgetting your address, keep it saved in your phone but in a spot only you would know, and always password protected.

• Double-lock (put the deadbolt on) doors both at night and whenever you are not at home. This is extremely important to avoid break-ins. 

• Make sure all windows and doors are closed and locked when you leave. 

• Never let unknown people into your building. If someone tries walking in behind you or if someone buzzes the doorbell to be let in, only let them in if you recognize them. If you're not expecting them, don't open the door for them. 

• When you arrive home, especially when walking alone and at night, glance around before opening the front door. If you see anyone you're uncertain about, let them continue walking past your building before opening the door. This prevents any unwanted visitors from forcing their way into the building.

• There are no overnight guests allowed in any of our accommodations. There are many reasons for this rule, including insurance coverage, safety of your roommates and homestay families, and previous experiences with thefts and noise complaints. If we find out about any guests staying over, your apartment group will be fined. You can find good options for your visiting friends to stay here. 

Always be aware of who and what is around you. Avoid walking with headphones, look out for vehicles or bikes when crossing the street, and never cross on a red cross sign (even if it looks clear).

If you feel that someone may be following you, duck into a nearby hotel, restaurant, or store and wait for them to move on. 

Please note that unfortunately, catcalling is more common in Europe than in most parts of the U.S. Catcalling is defined as any loud, sexually suggestive comment directed at someone publicly (as on the street). Although it may be frustrating, you should continue on and not address the cat caller. Talk to a friend or one of our staff members about the experience and how it made you feel.

If you've been drinking it is difficult to maintain the same level of attention that you'd normally have, so stay within your limits. While it doesn't happen often, if you choose to drink something in an area with lots of people, be sure to always be vigilant of your surroundings and cover your glass to avoid anything being slipped in your drink. Watch the video below so that you know how to protect yourself and prevent yourself from getting drugged.

Car and motorbike accidents remain the #1 cause of death to study abroad students worldwide.

It is against program rules for you to rent cars or motorbikes at anytime while abroad. And in Barcelona, there's no need to rent either, as there is such an amazing public transportation system. If you can't figure out how to get somewhere, ask your mentor and they'll be happy to help! 

In Spain, many things are allowed to happen that would never be allowed at home. If it feels unsafe, it probably is! Can you imagine seeing a correfoc (the fire dance) or the castellers (the human towers) at home? While we want you to enjoy your time here and get involved in the local culture, we ask that you evaluate potential risks, follow safety instructions given to you, and stay a safe distance from anything that could harm you.

It is also against our rules for you to take serious risks that could put you or others in harm's way. Sitting on the edge of cliffs, jumping from high elevations without knowing the area, running with the bulls, participating in adventure sports without proper guides (and extra insurance!), climbing over guard rails on trails or lookout points... the list is endless! We can't list all the things that fall into this category, but we trust that you are adult enough to make decisions that will keep you from getting seriously injured or being sent home for breaking this rule. 

We want you to meet locals. Go to intercambios, join local clubs and organizations, find a language exchange partner - there are so many ways to get out and mingle safely!

Just as you would do at home, meet people in public places and don't give out your address or any personal information to people that you do not know or trust. If you feel in any way uncomfortable with someone you've met, listen to your instincts. 

When you go out at night, stay with your friends! Don't leave someone behind at the bar - stay together and make sure that everyone gets home safe. If you absolutely need to separate from your friends and walk a few blocks on your own, be extra aware of your surroundings. Make it a habit to check in with your friends once you get home.

Late at night, we recommend that you split taxis whenever possible rather than walking (keep in mind that public transportation is closed at night, except Saturday's)! Similar to Uber, use the Free Now app at night to call a taxi and you can pay by card or through the app.

Our most important goal (beyond ensuring that you have an amazing time in Barcelona!) is to keep you happy, healthy, and safe. If anything happens to you that are concerned about or would like help with, please contact a member of our staff (you have all of our emails here). 

If there is something wrong with your housing, remember to report it immediately so that things can be fixed. This is especially important for things like doors or windows that don't lock correctly, a door that looks like it could be forced open, etc. 

You should also talk to your mentor if you have any questions about what to do if you're worried about a friend. We're here to help you!

Be familiar with the resources available to you so that you don't have to search for them in an emergency. Remember that we offer:

• 24/7 Emergency Phone Service

• An English Speaking Hospital/Walk-in Clinic

• Help Finding Pharmacies

• Mental Health Services

• A Welcome Orientation with Health & Safety Tips

• Emergency Response Plan