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Spain Arch. FAQ's

Spain Architecture Frequently Asked Questions

Why should I study abroad in Barcelona?
Do I need to speak Spanish in order to participate on the program?
What is the Study Travel like?
What is Independent Travel?
Will I be able to travel on the weekends?
Will I be able to travel before or after the program?
How is airfare arranged?
Is financial aid available?
Why do I need a visa?
Do I need a laptop?
Should I bring a debit card, credit card, or traveler's checks to Spain?
What should I know about the laws of Spain?
What is the most common crime in Barcelona?
What type of transportation system does Barcelona have?

Why should I study abroad in Barcelona?

Spain is an amazing country and is one of the top destinations visited by Americans every year. It varies by region in terms of people, culture, and architecture. Barcelona is a city that aggressively maintains its edge in architectural design. With new buildings cropping up daily and structures constantly under renovation, it's no wonder that architecture students from around the world chose to study in this unique, open air classroom.

Do I need to speak Spanish in order to participate on the program?

No. All courses will be taught in English. During the first two weeks of the program, students are required to attend an intensive course in the Spanish and Catalan language and culture. This course is designed to prepare and equip students for their four-month stay in Barcelona. Students should take this course very seriously and as an opportunity to learn the language and culture in which they are immersed. Though the course is not for credit, students are required to attend daily and take the exam at the end of the two-week period. In addition, students will want to buy a Spanish phrase book and become familiar with the basic phrases. Any previous knowledge of the language is extremely helpful.

What is the Study Travel like?

Traveling within the host country is an essential component of any successful study abroad program. Students will travel with faculty from the Universitat Politecnica de Catalunya (UPC) on a guided study travel trip to cities of historical and architectural importance.

Included in the cost of the Study Travel are accommodations and transportation. Meals and museum entrance fees, etc. are not included.

What is Independent Travel?

Independent Travel is the mid-semester break in which students are allowed one free weekend to travel throughout Europe with their friends and/or family. Independent Travel week usually coincides with the Thanksgiving holidays. Former students recommend visiting no more than four cities that are relatively close to each other. Europe may be smaller than the U.S., but you have to account for travel time in your trips.

Will I be able to travel on the weekends?

Yes. Personal travel is an essential component of the program. Students may travel on the weekend to cities within Spain or to cities outside of Spain that are easily accessible for a weekend trip by plane or train.

Students must budget for the expenses associated with personal travel, such as transportation, lodging, meals, local attractions, entertainment and souvenirs. Personal travel expenses depend heavily upon individual tastes and preferences, the country/city visited and the frequency of travel.

Will I be able to travel before or after the program?

Yes. Students who chose to travel before the program begins are responsible for arriving to Barcelona on the "designated day of arrival". In addition, students may travel after the program ends, but must vacate their housing upon the move-out date.

Important: Students traveling before or after the program will NOT be covered under HTH Worldwide Insurance and will need international health insurance in case of a medical emergency. Students are strongly advised to check with their personal insurance to see if they have international coverage. If not, students may purchase an ISIC (International Student Identification Card), which provides them with basic international health insurance, as well as discounts to many tourist attractions in Europe. Visit http://www.myisic.com for more information. Students are also encouraged to look into other possible insurance polices.

How is airfare arranged?

Your Study Abroad Liaison is able to secure a group rate for participants on the program only if the number of students interested in flying with the group is equal or more than the number needed to make a group. Some students prefer to make their own airline arrangements because they are not flying on the group dates. All students are required to provide a copy of their flight itinerary to their liaison.

Is Financial Aid available?

Yes. There are two scholarships offered by the Study Abroad Program Office: The International Education Fee Scholarship and the Study Abroad Fellowship. To view a complete listing of other opportunities, stop by the office or visit online at http://studyabroad.tamu.edu/funding.asp.

To apply for Federal and State financial aid for this program, contact the Financial Aid Office. To be eligible for a financial aid award, you must have a FAFSA on file. Be aware that there are deadlines involved, so apply early to increase your chances of getting the funds. Once the results come in (typically 4-6 weeks), you will want to set up an appointment with your financial aid counselor at the Financial Aid Office on the 2nd floor of the Pavilion. They may be reached at 845-3236.

If you already have a FAFSA on file for the year, you will need to wait for the Financial Aid Office to open up its Study Abroad Budget Request form. Your Study Abroad Liaison will notify you when this form is available, and you will stop by their office to pick this form up along with the Financial Aid Disbursement Form. The Financial Aid Disbursement Form must be completed by your financial aid counselor and returned to your Study Abroad Liaison as soon as possible. This form tells your liaison how much aid you are receiving and what payments to defer. Your liaison needs this form on file in order to continue to defer your payments.

Why do I need a visa?

Since you are studying abroad in Spain longer than 90 days, you must have a visa (only certain members of the Schegen states are exempt from a visa). You need a visa if you are a U.S. citizen. Your visa is valid for 90 days and then you have to renew it with the police in Barcelona. If you are staying in Spain longer than 180 days, notify your Study Abroad Liaison immediately! Due to the March 11, 2004 terror attacks in Madrid, obtaining a visa is now a strict process. Your liaison will help you apply for your visa.

Do I need a laptop?

Yes. Strongly advised by Spanish professors. Students should buy a laptop in the U.S., not in Spain.

Should I bring a debit card, credit card, or traveler's checks to Spain?

Plan to take a combination. Visa and MasterCard are the best options. Visa is accepted nearly everywhere and MasterCard is accepted in some places. American Express is best when you need cash in advance because it offers the possibility to cash personal checks drawn from your bank account at home at any American Express Office. The only disadvantage of AmEx is that is not widely accepted in stores.

In Spain it is less customary to pay for small purchases with a credit card than in the United States. Therefore, always make sure to have cash on hand. Many merchants only allow credit card use with a fairly large purchase.

More businesses and restaurants are accepting credit cards, and therefore check cards. Your Visa debit card must have a "Plus" or "Cirrus" on the back in order to be accepted by an ATM abroad. Normally there is a charge for using an ATM machine that is not from your bank and charges vary (check with your bank before you go). There is normally no charge for a point of purchase sale.

You can take a small amount of Traveler's Checks ($200) to use in the event of an emergency if you wish.

What should I know about the laws of Spain?

While you are in Spain, you are subject to the laws of Spain. Being an uninformed American will not suffice. This applies to other countries visited in Europe. Arrests and violations of host country laws will result in your immediate dismissal from the program. Texas A&M, your program coordinator(s), or professor(s) assume no responsibility for such situations and you will need to contact the U.S. Embassy and your family for assistance and legal counsel.

Remember that you read and signed the Terms of Participation: Release of Liability when you joined the program. By signing these forms, you agreed to obey the rules, regulations, laws of Texas A&M, of this program, your host country and institution. You also agreed that any violation of the Terms of Participation may result in immediate expulsion from the program and a forfeiture of program fees.

What is the most common crime in Barcelona?

Pick-pocketing! The most famous boulevard in Barcelona, La Rambla, is the #1 place in all of Europe to be pick-pocketed. Pick-pockets often work in pairs or teams. One person will distract you while the accomplice performs the robbery. If you are watching a street performance on La Rambla, keep an eye on what is around you. Sometimes the show is a distraction for the rest of the crew of pick-pockets. You will not feel them take your wallet or valuables. A four-year-old child is just as skillful at lifting your wallet as a forty-year-old man. Walk away if you feel like something is not right.

What type of transportation system does Barcelona have?

Barcelona (and Spain in general) has an excellent public transportation system and the Metro is the easiest and fastest way of moving around Barcelona. Barcelona has two systems, the Metro with five lines and the FCG (train) with two lines in Barcelona and four lines going to nearby towns. The bus, Metro, and train are part of the same entity and you can use your Metro pass interchangeably on the bus and train.

Barcelona is also completely traversable by foot. You will see much more of the city if you walk rather than use the Metro or bus extensively. There is more to see than what surrounds the nearest Metro stop.

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