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 year abroad
ordinarily will imply different types of risks than staying on our 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, elevator 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.
Crime and Personal Safety
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
(denounce) at the nearest police station (commissary). 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.
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 Spanish citizens, although foreigners will
find it more difficult than Spaniards to obtain release on bail.
Health and Medical Attention
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.
There are no particular health risks in Spain that
do not exist in the US. People with
allergies usually have problems in large cities. Be aware 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 minor ailments, pharmacists can often
prescribe medication. In every city
some pharmacies remain open all night (Pharmacies de Giardia), even on weekends
and holidays. Check signs posted on
pharmacies’ windows and listings in newspapers to find out the schedules.
In case of serious illness or medical emergency
contact your program staff and seek help at the nearest hospital.
Drug and Alcohol Abuse
Do not confuse Spanish social drinking with American
styles “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.
In Spain consumption of drugs is punishable by law.
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.
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.
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 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.
General Political Situation
Keep track of local events. Talk to students, read the newspapers. You may always drop by at the Center and
read about what is happening at the university, in Madrid, in Spain ...
