You’ve made your decision: Barcelona is your destination! You now know where you want to go abroad, but you have questions about housing, applications, and more. The good news? We have answers! Read on for the answers to our most common questions about studying abroad in Barcelona.
Can I get a single room?
You can! Students can opt for a single room, but there is an additional fee and it’s not guaranteed. These rooms are first come, first serve. The deposit holds your spot in line, and if you do not receive a single, you will receive a refund for your single room deposit.
If you need a single room for medical reasons, let us know ASAP! You can submit your request to your program manager. Once rooms are assigned, we cannot make changes, and we want to make sure we meet all of your needs!
What is Barcelona housing like?
API students in Barcelona can choose from three different housing options: living with a host family, in an apartment, or in a dorm.
- Students who choose a host family will likely share a double room with another API student. This option includes two meals per day and laundry services.
- Students who opt for apartment living typically have 2-4 double bedrooms with a shared kitchen, common area, and bathroom. Apartments tend to be 30-45 minutes from the university.
- Students who live in a dorm have the option to live with other Spanish and American students. Dorm rooms are usually double bedrooms with a shared kitchen and private bathroom.
How do I make a visa appointment?
To obtain a visa, you need to book an appointment with the U.S. consulate near you. We recommend the Group Process first, then the individual process. You should be able to book an appointment online or by phone. If there aren’t any appointments available, be sure to continually check the website to see if there are any cancellations! To learn more about visas, here’s more information on our website.
If you’re having trouble with the visa process, API may be able to help! For some students studying abroad in Spain, API offers visa processing services that will help make the visa attainment experience faster and easier. To take advantage of this great benefit, we recommend you apply early and ask us about this service early in the process.
What do I need to bring for a visa appointment?
The requirements may vary and we strongly recommend reviewing your consulate website for details. Typically, consulates ask for an API acceptance letter, host university enrollment letter, proof of insurance, and proof of housing. API will provide these particular documents, but the rest is your responsibility.
Do you offer a group visa service?
We offer group visa service for students who fall under the Boston consulate jurisdiction as well as several Spain jurisdictions. With this service, students pay a $185 fee for API to book an appointment and batch process students’ visas on their behalf. If you’re interested, look out for an email from Jennibeth Rodriguez, our Visa Director. She’ll contact you with specific instructions!
I need a particular course to graduate. Can you guarantee it?
Unfortunately, API cannot 100% guarantee certain courses! Sometimes there are scheduling conflicts or course cancellations. That’s why it’s important to have alternatives approved and ready to go!
Do I need to take a placement exam?
It depends! If you are taking courses in Spanish, it’s required you take a placement exam. Depending on your host institution, you will receive more information at a later date.
If you have additional questions, you can use the chat feature on our website from 9AM to 6PM CT Monday–Friday. Other ways to reach us: send an email to [email protected], fill out this form to reach out to our team, or check out these other frequently asked questions.
Barcelona is waiting for you! For more information about the various programs we offer in Barcelona, check out our program finder. We hope this assists you in finding the program that is the right fit for you!
