Useful information for stays abroad
- The experiencie of living abroad
- Accommodation
- Healthcare
- FAQs
- Resources by country
- Links of interest
Travelling in and out of Europe: useful tips and information for EU citizens
European Union legislation regulates aspects such as passenger rights, cross-border purchases or the price limit of roaming charges and provides citizens with a series of tools and resources that help plan the trip and can be useful in the event of any unexpected incidents, such as the following:
- Roaming charges
- Passenger rights
- Emergency numbers
- European Health Insurance Card
- Buying in another EU country
- Travelling with pets
- Bathing water quality
- Consular protection
Campaign by the Spanish Ministry of Education, Culture and Sport: "Erasmus Recommendations"
The experience of living abroad
17 things that change forever when you live in another country - Angie Castells; Más Edimburgo (in Spanish).
"Erasmus has done more for Europe than all the laws put together"
One of the illustrations of the book 'Things you will never forget about your Erasmus'. / LUNWERG
Accommodation
Finding accommodation is one of the main concerns of students who spend time abroad. You need to bear several things in mind:
- Accommodation systems for students can vary greatly from country to country, and it is advisable that you get information from the host university before travelling.
- If you are unable to book your accommodation before you travel and need to search for it once you arrive, it is important that you book a room, at least for the first week, in a student residence, hostel or hotel.
The Barcelona University Centre website provides you with links that can help you search for accommodation in the main European and South American university cities.
You can also find information about accommodation on Erasmusu, the social network for exchange students.
Hostelling International: Worldwide Hostel Network
Housing anywhere: International Student Accommodation Platform
Healthcare
In the European Union
If you are staying in a European Union country or in Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway or Switzerland, you have the right to the public health coverage of the host country, under the same conditions as its citizens. In this case, you must carry a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC).
How to get the EHIC?
You must ask the NSSI and they will send it to your home within 10 days. In some cases, you will have to request it in person at the offices of the NSSI. Make sure you request it sufficient time in advance to have it by the time you have to travel!
Outside the European Union
If you are staying in a country that is not part of the European Union or the European Economic area, you should find out if the country has an agreement with the Spanish State that guarantees you health care.
If it does, you must go to Social Security Centres for Attention and Information (CAISS) with the NHS card before you travel to request the document specified by the bilateral agreement signed with the country.
URV insurance
Whatever your destination, the URV provides you with insurance that covers health care and other exceptional circumstances that may arise (accidents, transfer, civil liability, etc.). The insurance covers only the academic period of mobility.
Keep the receipt of the insurance document that we will send you, since it contains the contact telephone number of the insurance company. It is essential that you contact them before going to your host university, and they will tell you which medical centres you can go to for assistance.
If you are going to the United States, take a look at this video explaining the main features of the United States healthcare system.
Frequently asked questions for stays abroad:
The organisation International Study Abroad provides some links with information that may be useful for you to start preparing your stay abroad:
How to stay connected and Unplug Abroad
Resources by country
General travel recommendations for countries and consular services (Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation website)
Help and advice for EU citizens: travel, health, driving, shopping, living in the EU (EU website)
Links of interest
- Erasmus Recommendations (in Spanish). Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation
If you want to learn more about universities, you can search for them in the MOVEONNET directory.
