Health & Medical Attention
Spain is an advanced nation with excellent health care. There are no immunizations required to come to Spain, although you will want to be up to date on the commonly recommended vaccinations (polio, tetanus, diphteria, measles, mumps, rubella, hepatitis). In major cities it is easy to find a physician that speaks English, so don't be afraid to see a doctor for fear of any language barriers.
In Spain people usually go to the local farmacia (pharmacy) first in the event of a non-emergency, as pharmacists can provide you with medicine without a doctor´s prescription. In case of minor ailments, pharmacists can often prescribe medication. In every city some pharmacies remain open all night (Farmacias de Guardia), even on weekends and holidays. Check signs posted on pharmacies windows and listings in newspapers to find out the schedules. If you require prescription medicine, find out if you will be able to get it in Spain, and if your insurance will cover the cost.
Health questionnaires provided by program administrators should be conscientiously answered. Volunteer any and all medical information that will be relevant for your well-being in Spain.
If you take a medicine regularly, bring with you a good supply from home. Prescriptions and a copy of the generic name and chemical components of the medication can be useful.
If you wear glasses or contacts it would be a good idea to have a backup pair with you. I you somehow step on/or lose your glasses or run out of contacts it will much harder to deal with it abroad than it would be to come over-prepared.
There are no particular health risks in Spain that do not exist in the US. People with allergies usually have problems in large cities. Beware of food poisoning, especially seafood and mayonnaise in warm weather.
You should know that Spain has one of the highest incidences of AIDS in the European Union.
In case of serious illness or medical emergency contact your program staff and seek help at the nearest hospital.
Health Insurance
Students must arrive in Spain with adequate health insurance that covers accidents, medical evacuation, and repatriation costs abroad. If your US insurance does not provide sufficient coverage in Spain, you should buy supplemental insurance from a Spanish or American company.
Be sure you know how to use your medical insurance policy while in Spain. Your insurance company will provide you with the details. Bring claim forms from the US.
General Health Links
- Spanish Social Security
- Ministry of Health
- Information from the Minsitry of Health about AIDS
- Women's Heath Links
- Instituto de la Mujer
Gay and Lesbian Links
Drug & Alcohol Abuse
Spain has a cultural heritage of alcohol consumption. As an American student you should be aware that Spanish practices and attitudes toward drinking may differ from what you are used to in the United States. Narcotic drugs are illegal in Spain, and you will be prosecuted if you are caught. As in everything else, practice common sense.
Do not confuse Spanish social drinking with American style "power drinking" which is considered uncouth and dangerous among most young people in Spain.
You should never get drunk as it impairs your judgment and makes you an easy target for those who want to take advantage of you.
Drug Information Links
Personal Responsibility
As you begin your study abroad experience in Spain, you should be aware of your personal responsibility in exercising good judgment. Spending a semester/year abroad ordinarily will imply different types of risks than staying on your home campus.
You may find that in Spain there are fewer safety measures or maintenance controls than in the US. To avoid problems, you should exercise caution in evaluating risks such as overcrowded clubs and discotheques, poorly maintained public walk-ways, elevators in poor repair, etc.
Keep in mind that according to Spanish law, at the age of 18 you are considered of legal age. Also note that the Spanish legal system is not as litigious as that in the US and there is a greater focus on assuming personal decisions and responsibilities.
Disabilities
Spain has increased its accessibility to the disabled over the years, but still remains behind the United States. You will be able to find newer buildings and transportation facilities built with the disabled in mind. Tourist offices in major cities provide guides to accessible places.
If you have special needs, be sure to clearly inform your program before you go to Spain. Ask in advance about what accomodations are available. You will be expected to work with your program to arrange your stay.
ONCE Foundation for the Disabled
Crime and Personal Safety
Spain does not have a high crime rate; however, you should practice common sense and caution at all times. In busy or crowded places (especially the metro and the buses) you will need to be alert to pickpockets and bag snatchers. Taking simple precautions like keeping your wallet in your front pocket instead or your back pocket, or keeping your purse or bag on the front of your body where you can see it will spare you the nightmare of reporting stolen credit cards or passports and the disappointment of losing a wallet full of money. Women should carry purses that fully zip closed, and be weary of one that simply "snap" or "Velcro" shut. Be wise about the new friends that you make; stick to the basics we all learned when we were young and refuse drinks or rides from strangers (it sounds ridiculous but it makes sense).
Also, since you will probably spend most of your time as a pedestrian, you will want to become familiar with Spanish driving habits in regard to crosswalks and stoplights (in the bigger cities where there are more cars, the green "walk" symbol doesn't necessarily mean that it's safe to cross). If you ever need any help, each city has emergency numbers. Learn these when you arrive in Spain.
Petty theft is the most common crime in Spain. It usually does not include violence or guns. However, if you are threatened with a weapon or physical abuse, you will avoid danger by rapidly surrendering your possessions.
Avoid possible high-risk areas such as tourist spots, telephone booths late at night, and underground passages. All of these tend to have a higher incidence of theft. Avoid large crowds and be aware of your surroundings. Going out with Spanish friends greatly reduces the risks of becoming a target for theft.
Carry only the amount of money needed for a given day. Make copies of all your important documents. Carry copies with you and leave original documents in a safe place. (You will only need your passport when exchanging currency or when traveling.)
In case of theft, you should file a report (denuncia) at the nearest police station (comisaría). These reports are useful in replacing stolen cards and documents.
Always inform program staff of any incident.
Legal Considerations
Spanish law requires you to carry proof of ID at all times. Until a residency card is provided by Police authorities, carry with you a photocopy of your passport and the receipt showing that the residency card has been requested. Be sure to carry your drivers license as well - you will need to produce it or your passport to make credit card purchases.
Remember that you will be subject to the laws and judicial procedures of Spain. In case of arrest, the US Consulate is limited to explaining laws and monitoring procedures to ensure that there is no discrimination. US citizens are tried under the same rules as a Spanish citizen, although foreigners will find it more difficult than Spaniards to obtain release on bail.
Any person who is arrested must be immediately informed of their rights and the reason for their arrest, with no obligation to make a statement.
A detainee has the right to have a lawyer present at any police or court proceedings.
Detention by the police is permitted for as long as is needed to clarify and investigate the facts of the case. In any case, the maximum period of detention is 72 hours, after which the detainee must be freed or be placed under a court order.
"Habeas Corpus" provides for the immediate release of anyone detained for more than 72 hours without being placed under a court order. When this procedure is initiated, the detainee must appear within 24 hours before a judge who will determine the legality or otherwise of the arrest.
A person without adequate financial resources is entitled to free legal aid, in which case the costs of a lawyer appointed by the court are paid by the State, but the person remains liable for other legal expenses.
Road/Travel Safety
Spain has a high incidence of accidents involving young drivers. If possible, avoid car rental.
Do not hitchhike, or offer a ride to strangers.
Do not ride in motorcycles, or with car drivers you do not know well.
Exercise caution as a pedestrian. Pay attention to motorcycles that do not follow traffic rules.
If you must drive a car, familiarize yourself with the written and "unwritten" rules of traffic and buy appropriate insurance.
Use of seat belts is mandatory in Spain, even within city limits.
Buy travel tickets only from authorized travel agents.
Special offers should be checked with your program director.
Other Safety Tips
Try "to fit in" by emulating the way Spaniards dress, act, or speak. Avoid bulky clothes, baseball caps and speaking loudly in English. Spending time with Spanish friends rather than with groups of other Americans helps students "fit in" and at the same time eliminates many possible risks.
Avoid large crowds such as in demonstrations or sports events.
Do not participate in risky activities such as the running of the bulls. There is a history of serious and mortal accidents among both tourists and Spaniards.
Be aware of cultural differences that don't ordinarily pose threats such as piropos, stares, closer personal space and greetings by kisses on the cheeks (among family and friends, not strangers). Being touched, followed, or emotionally or physically coerced into an unpleasant situation is not culturally acceptable.
Carry emergency contact numbers with you at all times. Useful numbers are included below.
Emergency Phone Number throughout Spain: 112
Useful Emergency Numbers
National Police (primary force dealing with crime) and emergency medical information and attendance: 112 or 061
Guardia Civil (police for inter-city highways and rural areas): 062
Firemen: 080
Emergencies: 112
National 24 hour helpline for women: 900.191.010
US Embassy in Madrid: 915.872.200