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 remote sessions with your therapist at home, if possible, to help get you through the transition period especially on 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.

• For refills in Barcelona, you will need to visit a local doctor to get a Spanish prescription, and later, visit a local pharmacy to purchase the drug. The Health & Safety team will be able to guide you thougt this process. 

IMPORTANT:  

Some prescription medications used for ADHD/ADD, specifically stimulant drugs like Adderall or Vyvanse, are considered controlled psychotropic medications in Spain and other EU countries. They can only be brought legally with the proper documentation.

1. Authorization is required in Spain: Travelers must request permission in advance from the Spanish Agency of Medicines and Health Products (AEMPS) by emailing estupefacientes@aemps.es, attaching all document listed below. Apply as early as possible, as replies can take time.

2. Required Documents:

   1. • Prescription for the medication

      • Doctor’s note or medical report explaining the diagnosis and necessity of the treatment

      • Travel information (entry point, dates, etc.)

3. Quantity Limit: Approvals are generally limited to a three-month supply for personal use. (Contact our Health & Safety team for guidance about refills in Barcelona. Keep in mind that Adderall or Vyvanse are not available in Spain, but a similar medication or an alternative for the same purpose may be prescribed locally.)

4. Travel: Carry all medications in their original medication bottle(s) along with all documents (prescription and doctor's note) together in your hand luggage. Only the person prescribed the medication may carry it; third parties are not allowed. 

Following these steps ensures compliance with Spanish regulations and avoids issues with customs.

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

• Mental Health Services

• A Welcome Orientation with Health & Safety Tips

• Major Crisis & Emergency Response Plan

While generally not violent, pickpocketing 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 pickpocketing in Barcelona

Tips to avoid being pickpocketed in Barcelona