Health & Safety
Our number one priority is to provide our students with a safe and supportive environment so that nothing gets between them and the experience of a lifetime.
Health
Much like many other modern European countries, Spain has an excellent national health system. There are no extra precautions that students must take when traveling here, unless they have a particular health condition, in which case we are fully prepared to receive and assist them in any way necessary.
Insurance
All students coming to ALBA are covered by a health insurance policy (active between the official arrival and departure dates). Students coming from the University of Washington will have their insurance arranged directly through the UW Global Business Center. While students coming from all other universities will be automatically enrolled at Portland State University and will be under the policy provided through this enrollment.
Hospital Service
ALBA has an agreement with Hospital Delfos to provide you with some of the best international health services available in Barcelona. Their medical service for foreign students provides 24-hour medical care in your native language. They will take care of any medical needs or emergencies that you might have while you are in Barcelona.
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Safety
Barcelona is a beautiful, vibrant place to live. Nevertheless, quite like any large city, students must be vigilant and responsible to avoid complications in their daily life.
Theft of personal items
Unfortunately, it is not uncommon for our students to be faced with the theft of some of their personal items when they are out discovering the city. Nevertheless, the robberies in Barcelona are rarely known to be violent and, in most cases, can be avoided with responsible, savvy behavior.
Our students are obliged to participate in our Barcelona Safety Workshop during orientation, and our staff members are always available to help them obtain the necessary street knowledge to navigate the city safely.
Theft of personal items
Unfortunately, it is not uncommon for our students to be faced with the theft of some of their personal items when they are out discovering the city. Nevertheless, the robberies in Barcelona are rarely known to be violent and, in most cases, can be avoided with responsible, savvy behavior.
Our students are obliged to participate in our Barcelona Safety Workshop during orientation, and our staff members are always available to help them obtain the necessary street knowledge to navigate the city safely.
Emergency Plan
We are always one step ahead, anticipating any scenario, and constantly preparing ourselves to assist and protect our students at all times.
Crisis Management Plans & Protocols
ALBA maintains an extensive crisis management plan and corresponding protocols.
Monitoring of Local & World Events
Our team is constantly receiving real-time safety and security alerts from both private and governmental global security sources and experts.
On-Going Communications
Should a serious event arise, we will consistently communicate with our students, their parents and home institutions throughout the situation, so you have the most up-to-date information.
STEP
At ALBA we have been working in collaboration with the U.S. Embassy to promote better travel practices. We strongly advise our students to sign up for STEP (Smart Traveler Enrollment Program) and will provide them with proper instructions on how to do so upon arrival.
STEP
At ALBA we have been working in collaboration with the U.S. Embassy to promote better travel practices. We strongly advise our students to sign up for STEP (Smart Traveler Enrollment Program) and will provide them with proper instructions on how to do so upon arrival.
A Fully Dedicated Team
We are a team of professionals that live in Barcelona year-round, walking the very streets our students take to school every day, living in their exact same neighborhoods. We understand the daily challenges the city presents and are always ready to help our students out by giving them the support and the knowledge they need to succeed in having a healthy and safe study abroad experience.
Mandatory Orientations
Upon arrival, our students are required to participate in a comprehensive orientation program that focuses on known health, safety and security issues. Providing them with detailed information, materials and resources designed to help avoid and reduce all possible risks.
24/7 Emergency Contact
During the entirety of their study abroad experience, students have the possibility to contact a member of staff if they are faced with an emergency and are in need of assistance. The number of the 24/7 ALBA emergency landline will be given to students during orientation and can be found in the ALBA Experience Booklet.
More information
For further details on health & safety, students enrolled at ALBA may refer to the information on their ALBA Experience Booklet or in their student portal.