Make sure you complete the Medical Self Assessment in your participant portal and be honest about sharing any existing medical or mental health issues you may be concerned about. 

Experiencing another culture is an exhilarating but often stressful experience. If you have any history of mental health concerns, please keep in mind that going abroad can sometimes cause symptoms or conditions to worsen, even if temporarily. Some tips:

• Make use of the resources available to you in the U.S. before you leave! For example, speak with a counselor or your university's student affairs office for resources.  

• Get enough medication to last your stay before you depart. See "Medicine & Vaccinations" below.

• Read our section of onsite resources. You may want to go ahead and book an appointment with our onsite therapist or a Skype meeting with your therapist at home to help get you through the transition period of your first few weeks. 

• Most psychiatric medications have strong alcohol interaction warnings. Do not mix medications with alcohol. 

No specific vaccinations are required for general travel to Spain. It is recommended that you make sure your standard vaccinations (including tetanus) are up to date before you travel.

Medication FAQs:

• If you use any type of prescription medication, bring enough to last your entire trip, as well as an additional supply in case some are lost or your trip is unexpectedly delayed. 

• It is illegal to mail medication of any kind. If you run out of medication in Spain it will have to be prescribed by a local physician and filled here. 

• Carry your medication in your hand luggage or carry- on luggage (airline regulations permitting – check these prior to travel), and always in its original containers.

•  For some medications, you may need to carry a letter from your physician stating why you need the prescription medication. Bring along copies of your medical prescriptions as well, including the name of the active ingredient(s).

• Some medications may not be available in Spain, so be sure to ask your physician for the generic name of your medication and an alternative in case you are unable to locate yours abroad.

• Remember to always carry necessary medicines and medical equipment (needles, syringes, etc.) each in their original, correctly labeled packages.

• Local pharmacies will provide all standard medications (ibuprofen, cold medicine, over the counter allergy medications, etc.), so you can get those things in Spain. More info on Pharmacies here.

IMPORTANT:  Some prescription medications used in the treatment of ADHD/ADD, specifically stimulant drugs, such as Adderall or Vyvanse are only legal to bring into Europe if you travel with the right documentation.

When traveling to EU countries that are members of the Schengen Agreement, narcotics should be carried with a certificate completed by a doctor in the context of medical treatment per Article 75 of the Schengen Implementation Agreement. The medical certificate is valid for 30 days from the date of issue. The quantity of these medications should not extend the duration of the trip.  Medication and certificates should be carried together in hand luggage when air travel and in original bottles. Only people with ADHD are permitted to carry them, not third parties.

Read through our tips for staying safe while abroad. 

You should also be aware of the resources available to you. Keep in mind that we offer:

• 24/7 Emergency Phone Service

• An English Speaking Hospital/Walk-in Clinic

• Help Finding English Speaking Pharmacies

• Mental Health Services

• A Welcome Orientation with Health & Safety Tips

• Emergency Response Plan

While generally not violent, pick-pocketing is unfortunately a problem in Barcelona. During the Welcome Orientation you will be given tips on how to avoid this happening to you. In the meantime, you may want to purchase a pickpocket-proof backpack or bag for your trip. 

More information about pick-pocketing in Barcelona

Tips to avoid being pick-pocketed in Barcelona