Commuting Daily commuting is a reality for all who live in or near Barcelona, just as in any major city. Like local students, you will commute to the Center and partner institutions using the public transportation system. Commuting time from all housing options can take up to 50 minutes. The IES Abroad Barcelona Center is located in the heart of the city, next to Plaza Catalunya. The Metro (subway) stop that is closest to the Center is "Catalunya," reached by lines L1 and L3. Public Transportation Expect to use public transportation everyday while you are studying in Barcelona. The city is...

Barcelona enjoys a moderate Mediterranean climate, with hot summers and a lot of sunshine. High temperatures average 85ºF in June. When packing clothes, remember to bring layers as temperatures can vary considerably between morning, midday, and evening. It is a good idea to bring slippers, as most homes have bare floors, and it is considered rude to walk around barefoot.

A seaport on the Mediterranean Sea, Barcelona is the capital of Barcelona Province and of the autonomous region of Catalonia. Catalonia is 31,930 square kilometers with more than six million inhabitants. It has a long historical tradition, interesting cities and towns, a great architectural heritage, a wide range of services, and a strong personality of its own. For more information about Catalonia, visit the Generalitat de Catalunya website. Barcelona is the second largest city in Spain with a population of approximately 1.6 million, and it is the principal industrial and commercial center of...

Madrid is sunny and very warm during the summer months. The average maximum temperature in July is 87º F, although temperatures can often reach 100º F in mid-summer. For current weather conditions in Madrid visit www.weather.com.

Madrid is the largest city in Spain and the political capital of the country. It is a vibrant, cosmopolitan city of approximately 4 million people. The student population is significant with roughly 90,000 students attending the Universidad Complutense de Madrid alone! The city stands within its own autonomous community called La Comunidad de Madrid, located in the geographical center of the Iberian Peninsula. The energetic ambiance of Madrid is not limited to university students however. People of all ages contribute to the cultural community of Madrid. Theater productions, concerts of all...

Nestled in the Tuscan countryside 35 miles southwest of Florence, Siena is a relatively small city of about 67,000 inhabitants, 16,000 of whom are students at the Università degli Studi di Siena and the Università per Stranieri di Siena. Although Siena has a large student population, the city has very few permanent American study abroad programs compared to Florence. Living in Siena allows you greater immersion into Italian society and culture, while still providing easy access to the Tuscan capital. Siena is very safe and everythign is within walking distance. Siena is also the gateway to...

And of course, we can't talk about Italy without mentioning the food!! Check out what one blogger had to say about all things Italian food in this post: The Land of Pasta, Pizza, and Gelato

Where do I have something mailed? All of your mail should be addressed to you c/o IES Abroad Milano at the IES Abroad Milano Center: Your Name c/o IES Abroad Milano Via Monte Rosa, 91 Milano, Italy 20149 How long will it take? Airmail from the United States to Italy usually takes one to two weeks. Special delivery airmail takes about 10 days. Surface mail takes at least two to four weeks. Sending mail or packages by private carrier is more expensive but more convenient and can take only two days if sent express. Where possible, we suggest that you have important documentation sent by private...

Milan is the capital of Lombardy, which is the most productive region in Europe in terms of the agriculture and food industry. However, Milan is more than just a production hub! It is considered the fashion capital of Italy as well as an important center for design, culture, education, business, sports, and music. What do IES Abroad students in Milan say about the city? See what Milan bloggers have learned and seen in their new home city: Virtual Tour of Milano! - a photo post that walks you through the highlights of the city Center The New with the Old: The City of Milan A Chronicle of an...

Should the need arise, the city has an extensive tram, subway, and bus system. For more information, consult www.atm-mi.it. Bus tickets cannot be purchased on-board, and must be bought in advance. They are available at newsstands, subway stations, and “Tabaccherie,” which are all-purpose stores that also sell cigarettes and stamps and are easily recognized by the large “T” sign. Bus and tram drivers do not check tickets. There is a machine at the front and rear of each bus or tram that stamps your ticket. Once your ticket is validated, it is considered “used” and is valid only for the...