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Studying abroad is a life-changing experience filled with new opportunities, perspectives, and challenges. For neurodiverse students (those who identify with neurological variations such as autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and others) it can offer both unique hurdles and incredible growth.
Barcelona is full of new experiences, from late night meals to bustling streets and multilingual interactions to new academic expectations. While factors such as increased noise, shifting schedules, unfamiliar foods, and cultural differences can present challenges, with the right preparation, resources, and structure, you can ensure an empowering and successful term abroad.
TIPS FOR SUCCESS
TIPS FOR SUCCESS
plan ahead
plan ahead
Communicate early. Share your accommodations requests with your pre-departure advisor as early as possible. The earlier you start these conversations, the better staff can support you.
Ask questions. Remain flexible, open to alternatives, and ask questions early and often.Research healthcare & medications. Bring enough of any prescribed medications for your entire stay in Barcelona, along with copies of your prescriptions. Ask your doctor for guidance on international travel.
Prepare for potential stressors. Think ahead about things that you may find challenging while in Barcelona and plan your coping strategies ahead of time. Write down the strategies that you know work for you and keep them accessible during your time abroad.
communicate your needs
communicate your needs
Practice your self advocacy skills. Studying abroad is a valuable opportunity to strengthen your ability to explain your needs and ask for support. We encourage you to speak openly with Barcelona SAE’s Health & Safety team, your professors and/or internship supervisor about what helps you to thrive so that they can best support you and connect you to resources onsite.
Confirm in writing. It can be helpful to follow up verbal conversations with a short email to confirm key points and reduce misunderstandings.
If it’s helpful, use scripts. Prepare a few polite, direct phrases in English, Spanish or Catalan (they can even be written down) that you can use when you’re tired, overwhelmed, or unsure of how to express yourself.
build in down time
build in down time
Plan breaks. Studying abroad can be a whirlwind adventure, and it’s important to take time to rest. Schedule short pauses throughout the day, such as a walk, a quiet coffee, or taking a few minutes to sit with your thoughts.
Take time for yourself. As often as you need to, take a you-day! Use this time to recharge and do things that help you to feel your best.
Prioritize sleep. Getting enough rest will ensure that you remain balanced and energized throughout the semester, which will allow you to fully enjoy all that Barcelona has to offer!
MAINTAIN A CONSISTENT ROUTINE
MAINTAIN A CONSISTENT ROUTINE
Keep up your healthy habits. Many students find it helpful to establish a routine while abroad, especially if that routine includes things that help them to feel their best at home. This might mean joining a local gym, attending weekly yoga, prioritizing nourishing foods, or another healthy habit.
Seek consistency. Keep sleep, meal, and study times as consistent as possible, as familiar patterns can be helpful in regulating emotions and ensuring a smooth transition.
make the "study" in "study abroad" work for you!
make the "study" in "study abroad" work for you!
Find a study space. Choose an environment where you can focus best, whether that’s your room, a library, the Barcelona SAE student lounge, or another space.
Reduce distractions. Put your phone in another room or use the “Do Not Disturb” mode when studying.
Try assistive technology. Consider using tools like speech-to-text software, noise-cancelling headphones, or time management apps or methods.
STAY CONNECTED
STAY CONNECTED
Check in regularly. Schedule regular calls with your support system back home. Your friends, family, and mentors can remind you of strategies that work for you when you’re struggling.
Seek local connections. Consider joining neurodivergent community groups in Barcelona for peer support. See below for some resources!
celebrate every win
celebrate every win
Did you successfully take the metro? Celebrate it!
Did you order your coffee in Spanish? Give yourself credit!
Did you make a new friend? That’s amazing progress!
pre-departure: questions to ask before arriving in barcelona
pre-departure: questions to ask before arriving in barcelona
ACCOMMODATIONS
“What accommodations can the program make for me?”
“Can I request additional support if needed while abroad?”
SUPPORT CONTACTS
“Who is my main contact for questions or emergencies?”
“How do I reach them quickly if I feel stressed or need assistance?”
TRANSPORTATION
“How will I get from the airport to my housing?”
“What public transit options are available?”
FOOD & DIETARY NEEDS
“Are there options for my dietary needs?”
“Can you tell me about typical menus or local foods I might encounter?”
“Who can I communicate with my host family about my safe or preferred foods?”
ATTENDANCE, GROUP RULES, & EXPECTATIONS
Can you explain attendance requirements for classes or activities?”
“What are the expectations during classes, field trips, or mandatory activities?”
“Are there behavioral or social expectations I should take into account with my host family?”
BACK-UP PLANS
“How can I communicate when I need a break from class/activities?”
“What should I do if I feel overwhelmed or can’t participate?”
once in barcelona: questions to ask your mentor, professor(s), or internship supervisor
once in barcelona: questions to ask your mentor, professor(s), or internship supervisor
CLASSES AND SCHEDULE
“Can you help me understand my class/activities schedule?”
“Are there written instructions or summaries available for class activities?”
“Who can I communicate with if I need extra support/accommodations with assignments?”
FIELD TRIPS & ACTIVITIES
"How long should I plan for each activity?”
“Which activities are required?”
“Who should I contact if I feel overwhelmed during an excursion?”
BREAKS & DOWNTIME
Can I take extra downtime if needed?”
"Who should I inform if I need a break, and how to do so?
“How can I communicate my need for downtime without my host family misunderstanding me as distant?”
SENSORY ACCOMMODATIONS
“Are there quiet spaces I can use if I feel overwhelmed?”
“Who can I talk to if I need additional sensory support during the program?”
OTHER RESOURCES
OTHER RESOURCES
General Resources:
Educatly’s Study Abroad for Neurodiverse Students: Resources and Tips
The Mighty’s Tips for Studying and Living Abroad if You’re on the Autism Spectrum
Mobility International USA’s While You’re Abroad: Tips By and For Autistic Travelers
The Rochester Institute of Technology’s Student Blog Post on Neurodiversity and Study Abroad
An Education Abroad’s podcast episode on Neurodiversity as an Overseas Student with Dr. Angela Lauria
Barcelona Specific Resources:
The MeetUp Group Neurodivergent in Barcelona hosts frequent events to connect neurodivergent members of Barcelona’s community. They organize sensory-friendly walks in the park, and an array of other events, to foster connection and shared experiences.
The MeetUp Group Barcelona Gifted & Intense Minds Community hosts relaxed meetups, thematic workshops, and social events to create a thoughtful space for connection and self-discovery among individuals who identify as neurodivergent.
The MeetUp Group Barcelona Adult ADD ADHD is designed for adults with ADD or ADHD to build community through informal events like body-doubling sessions (working alongside another person to enhance focus and productivity), trivia, and other outings.
Various local supermarkets host “quiet hours” every day to offer reduced light and noise for anyone who experiences hyper sensibility. Bon Preu I Esclat stores do so from 3-5pm (more information here or find a Bon Preu I Esclat store near you) and Carrefour stores do so from 3-4pm (more information here or find a Carrefour store near you).
QUICK COMMUNICATION PHRASES IN SPANISH
QUICK COMMUNICATION PHRASES IN SPANISH
These may be helpful in daily life with professors, homestay families, or peers:
ASKING FOR CLARITY OR REPETITION
¿Podrías repetirlo, por favor?” — Could you repeat that, please?
“¿Podrías hablar más despacio?” — Could you speak more slowly?
“¿Podrías escribirlo?” — Could you write that down?
“No entendí bien, ¿podrías explicarlo de otra manera?” — I didn’t understand well, could you explain it another way?
“¿Podrías darme un ejemplo?” — Could you give me an example?
EXPRESSING PERSONAL NEEDS
“Necesito un poco de tiempo tranquilo.” — I need a bit of quiet time.
“Prefiero instrucciones escritas, si es posible.” — I prefer written instructions, if possible.
“A veces necesito más tiempo para responder.” — Sometimes I need more time to respond.
“Me ayuda tener un horario claro.” — It helps me to have a clear schedule.
“¿Está bien si tomo un descanso corto?” — Is it okay if I take a short break?
“No me siento bien.” — I don’t feel well.
Necesito ayuda, por favor.” — I need help, please.
WITH HOMESTAY FAMILIES
“¿A qué hora solemos cenar?” — What time do we usually have dinner?
“¿Puedo usar la ducha en este horario?” — Can I use the shower at this time?
“Me gusta pasar tiempo solo(a) para descansar.” — I like to spend some time alone to rest.
“Tengo una dieta especial. ¿Podemos hablar de eso?” — I have a special diet. Can we talk about that?
“Gracias por tu paciencia conmigo.” — Thank you for your patience with me.
IN THE CLASSROOM
¿Podrías enviarme las instrucciones por escrito?” — Could you send me the instructions in writing?
“¿Dónde puedo encontrar los apuntes o materiales de la clase?” — Where can I find the class notes or materials?
“¿Hay un lugar tranquilo para estudiar cerca de aquí?” — Is there a quiet place to study nearby?
“¿Puedo reunirme contigo después de clase para repasar esto?” — Can I meet with you after class to review this?
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