Early Arrivals

If you arrive before your program start date, you are responsible for yourself until the day the program begins. This includes your transportation, housing, meals and safety. Don't worry - many students choose this option and exploring the city for a day or two on your own can be a fun way to start your program and beat the jet lag before things start! Please read through these important tips and make sure you have a plan on when and where you will meet us on arrival day. 

If you're arriving in Barcelona EARLY (before the official arrival date):

• Students staying in A HOMESTAY OR SHARED APARTMENT should follow the arrival instructions provided to them by their Barcelona SAE advisor.

• Students staying in A RESIDENCE HALL should should follow the arrival instructions provided to them by their Barcelona SAE advisor.

Note: Make sure you contact your advisor about arriving early at least 4-6 weeks before the start date of your program so that we know you'll be arriving early.

Before and after program dates, you will be responsible for your own housing. Many students arrive early and stay in a hotel or hostel for a few nights before the program begins. 

There are lodging options in Barcelona to meet every budget, but here is a list of recommended hotels and hostels to get you started. 

At the Welcome Orientation we will give you lots of tips on safety and what to do in an emergency. If you are arriving ahead of the group, it is important that you take your safety seriously and that you know what to do in the event of an emergency.

The biggest problem for tourists in Barcelona is pickpocketing. Be very careful with your things, especially when traveling to and from the airport, in public transportation, and in bars/nightclubs. Once you have arrived at your accommodations, lock things like your passport and cash in the safe and only walk around the city with enough cash to get by for the day and 1 form of ID (like your drivers license). If you are pickpocketed, click here. 

If you have a medical emergency, you can go to any hospital or doctor, and your hotel should have some recommendations. We recommend Hospital HM Delfos (Avenida Vallcarca 151) as they have 24 hour translators and take CISI insurance, which many students travel with. You can get there by public transport, but it is easier to take a taxi. 

Please remember that if you are on your program's insurance plan, coverage begins the first day of program, not before. You should check with your provider or school to be sure you have insurance covering you for independent travel before or after the program begins. 

For more information on seeing a doctor in Spain, click here. 

IMPORTANT NUMBERS/APPS

Emergencies in Spain (like 911): 112

24 hour pharmacies: (+34) 934 810 060

FreeNow (Taxi app, similar to Uber)

US Consulate: (+34) 93 280 22 27

If you arrive before the program start date you will be responsible for your own transportation to the city center, but don't worry, it is very easy! Click here for information on Getting To and From the Airport.