Spain
- Santiago de Compostela is a relatively small medieval city with rich culture. Students will stay at a University of Santiago de Compostela's on campus student residence. The University is centrally located, and students will be able to walk to restaurant and main touristic attractions.
- If you are thinking about applying for the Spain program but want to know how and if your individual EDIA needs, based on your lived experiences and unique identities can be met, we encourage you to use this online resource as a planning tool.
- Photo by Arielle Nelson, a former Summer Abroad student in the 2025 Santiago de Compostela program. This image captures Arielle outside of the Parroquía de Santa María la Antigua de la Corticela.
Accessibility & Mobility
- Santiago-Rosalía de Castro Airport, previously named Lavacolla Airport and also known as Santiago de Compostela Airport, is located approximately 10 kilometres northeast of the city, and takes approximately 15 to 20 minutes to travel from the airport to the university. The airport offers a Barrier Free assistant service to support passengers with reduced mobility or disabilities, including baggage carrying and assistance from designated meeting points within the airport to the aircraft seat and vice versa. Travelers are advised to contact the airport or their airline directly for specific assistance at least 48 hours before the flight’s scheduled departure.
- The city’s urban transportation bus system is operated by the municipal company TUSSA, and you can see a complete list of urban transport lines on their website. While specific accessibility features are not publicly available, it is advisable to contact TUSSA in advance and inquire about accommodations needed. They also offer Combici, a bicycle rental service.
- Taxis are a common mode of transportation in Santiago de Compostela, and several choices of provider available such as Taxi Santiago, Radio Taxi Compostela, and ServitaxiSantiago. They can be hailed on the street, found at designated taxi stands, or arranged through hotel services. Uber is also operating in Santiago de Compostela.
- Spain’s overall terrain is varied and often mountainous. Much of mainland Spain is structured around the Meseta Central (central plateau), which is bordered and segmented by multiple mountain systems (e.g., the Pyrenees and the Cantabrian Mountains). This means many destinations involve hills, slopes, and elevation changes that can increase fatigue or reduce route accessibility for students with physical mobility considerations. Northwest Spain (Galicia), where Santiago is located, is characteristically hilly. It is described Galicia’s terrain as hilly and relatively uniform in elevation, with mountains shaping much of the interior. Students should anticipate inclines and uneven walking surfaces in parts of the region, including around Santiago’s built environment.
- Santiago has an Atlantic influenced climate that tends to be humid and rainy relative to much of Spain. Galicia’s (where Santiago is located) annual precipitation is described as moderately high, exceeding 40 inches (1,000 mm) in most places, which students should be note that wet surfaces can increase slip risk. Typical summer temperatures are warm rather than extremely hot, with cooler evenings. In July, Santiago de Compostela’s daily highs are typically around 22-25 degrees Celsius, with overnight lows around12-14 degrees. Rain can still occur in summer, the chance of a “wet day” in July is roughly 10-15%, so light rain is still plausible during the program period.
- Packing tips for heat, humidity, and rain: bring breathable, light layers (cotton or linen), sun protection (sunscreen, hat), plus a light rain jacket and grippy walking shoes for wet pavement and sloped streets.
- Students will stay at the University of Santiago de Compostela’s on-campus student residence, approximately 10-15 minutes’ walk from the city centre. Students will be housed in double rooms with en-suite bathrooms and Wi-Fi. Shared facilities include laundry rooms (coin-operated washers/dryers), kitchens, TV lounges, study rooms, and computer rooms with Internet access. Air conditioning is not confirmed for this residence. Students should plan on the possibility of no A/C and pack accordingly (light, breathable sleepwear; a light layer for cooler evenings; and, if permitted, a small fan).
- If you have specific accessibility and mobility needs that may not be supported by the residence accommodation, you do have the option to stay off-campus to access suitable accommodations, such as a hotel or apartment. These accommodations are paid for separately and may be more expensive than what the original accommodation would cost. If you require a private accommodation for health reasons, you are required to research your own accommodations (i.e., hotels) in the area that are in close proximity to the residence. Please note that Summer Abroad does not book private accommodations for students, and that students are also responsible for additionalincurred fees (paid directly to the hotel or booking website).
- We encourage you to reach out to the Summer Abroad Diversity & Inclusion Program Coordinator (summerabroad.edi@utoronto.ca) about any mobility-related requirements or accommodations as soon as you receive your program admission. We strongly encourage you connect with the Summer Abroad office to discuss your needs before applying your Summer Abroad program. We will work closely with you to plan your experience abroad, taking into consideration your accessibility needs.
Mental Health & Well-Being
- Mental health awareness in Spain has increased in recent years, but stigma and social distancing attitudes still persist. National-level research using a representative sample of the Spanish population also confirms that public stigma remains a measurable issue in Spain, which my influence whether students feel comfortable disclosing concerns or seeking support early. In the EU Flash Eurobarometer on mental health (2023), 58% of respondents in Spain agreed that mental health issues are perceived as “not curable”, suggesting that misconceptions can still shape attitudes and help-seeking behaviors.
- If you require support for any mental health concerns, we encourage you to reach out to Summer Abroad so we can work directly with you to provide necessary accommodations and support during your program. All Summer Abroad students have access to International SOS., U of T has partnered with International SOS to provide medical, security, emotional and logistical support and expertise for U of T’s international travelers. If you require a doctor or counsellor in Spain, iSOS can arrange English-language counselling and help you find a mental health professional in your area. However, please plan for delays: based on previous experience feedback, the iSOS intake form and assessment process can take time, and appointments commonly require 7 business days to secure, and availability can be limited.
- If you anticipate persistent or ongoing health needs, speak with your family doctor, counsellor, or healthcare provider before traveling to develop a continuity-of-care plan.
- If you require academic or disability related accommodations, register with U of T Accessibility Services in advance to ensure proper documentation and support are in place before departure.
- Be flexible with appointment time slots and consider telehealth options to increase availability.
- If you are unsure where to start, contact the Summer Abroad office at summerabroad.edi@utoronto.ca.
- If you are bringing medication with you into Spain, remember to check if your medication contains a controlled drug. You can check with the Consulate General of Spain in Toronto to make sure your medication is legal. You should always carry your prescription medication in its original packaging, with your doctor’s prescription.
- Reminder: Students with pre-existing concerns must meet with their Accessibility Advisor to discuss needs and prepare relevant documentations before applying for Summer Abroad.
2SLGBTQ+ Students
- According to Equldex, Spain has strong legal recognition and protections for 2SLGBTQ+ people. Equaldex notes that same-sex marriage is legal in Spain (since 2005) and summarizes federal anti-discrimination protections covering sexual orientation and gender identity in areas such as employment and the provision of goods and services, including protections linked to the Zerolo Law (passed June 30, 2022).
- IGLTA characterizes Spain as one of the most culturally liberal and welcoming destination for LGBTQ+ travellers, noting that people in large cities and most of the country are very open-minded and accepting, with attitudes may be less affirming in some small villages or among older generations. LGBTQ+ travellers are advised to follow typical travel safety precautions and remain mindful of their environment. It also notes that public displays of affection may not be welcomed by some more conservative locals.
- Summer Abroad is committed to providing a supportive and inclusive environment for all students, and support students of all sexual orientations and gender identities. If you have any concerns or require support regarding your 2SLGBTQ+ accommodations, please do not hesitate to reach out to us, so we can assist you in finding additionalresources as well as explore your accommodation options.
Women Travellers
- According to the Government of Canada’s Travel Advisory for Spain, Spain is generally a safe destination, but petty crime (including pickpocketing and bag snatching) is common, especially in busy tourist areas and during weekends, holidays, and festivals. Women travellers should keep phones/valuables secure, remain alert in crowded areas (transit, major attractions, nightlife areas), and avoid leaving bags unattended.
- In Spain, emergency contraception pills are available without a prescription, but are typically dispensed only through pharmacies (behind-the-counter). If you need emergency contraception, go to a community pharmacy as soon as possible and ask the pharmacist for guidance. To find a pharmacy in Santiago, you may search “farmacia” or “farmacia de guardia” (on-call pharmacy) and use a local pharmacy directory for Santiago de Compostela.
- If you experience sexual harassment or feel uncomfortable while you are abroad, you can reach out to Summer Abroad and Safety Abroad for help, and they will help connect you with U of T resources including the Sexual Violence Prevention & Support Centre. For more information on how Safety Abroad can support you in a crisis, please click here to view Safety Abroad’s resources (under “sexual harassment & violence” and “in a crisis.”)
Racialized Students
- Spain is a racially and ethnically diverse country with a sizeable immigrant population. Spain’s population is majority Spanish. The CIA World Factbook estimates the population by country of birth as Spanish 84.8%. The Instituto Nacional de Estadística (INE) reports that, as of January 1, 2025, 19.3% of Spain’s population was born outside Spain (and 14.1% held foreign nationality). INE also notes that among people born abroad, the largest shares were born in Morocco, Colombia, and Venezuela, reflecting Spain’s significant communities with ties to North Africa and Latin America, alongside other European and global diasporas. Diversity and the visibility of immigrant communities can vary by region and city. Compared with major hubs such as Madrid and Barcelona, regions like Galicia typically have a smaller foreign population, which may mean some racialized travellers are more likely to draw curiosity (such as staring or unsolicited questions in day-to-day interactions). University settings and tourism corridors can be more internationally oriented than surrounding areas, but students should still plan for variability in comfort and familiarity with diversity.
- If you feel unsafe or experience racism during your time in the Summer Abroad program, we encourage you to report the incident immediately to the Summer Abroad office or reach out to the On-Site Coordinators, who will contact U of T Safety Abroad to provide immediate support, including connecting you with U of T Resources such as the Anti-Racism and Cultural Diversity Office (ARCDO).
Students in Multi-Faith Communities
- Spain has a historically Catholic cultural context, but it is also increasingly secular and religiously diverse. A September 2023 survey by Spain’s governmental Center for Sociological Research (CIS) reported that 52% of respondents identify as Catholic and 2.4% as followers of other religious groups, with the remainder identifying as nonbelievers, agnostics, or atheists (or not responding).
- Access to worship: Santiago de Compostela is a major Christian pilgrimage city with strong Catholic infrastructure, while some minority faith resources may be more limited than in large hubs such as Madrid or Barcelona.
- Catholic/Christian: The Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela provides published liturgy information (Masses and confessions) via its official website.
- Islam: A local Muslim community is formally registered in Santiago. Spain’s Ministry of the Presidency, Justice and Relations with the Courts lists “Comunidad Islámica de Galicia” with an address at Rúa do Penedo, 1 (bajo), Santiago de Compostela.
- Judaism: Jewish community life in Spain is supported through national community structures (for example, the Federación de Comunidades Judías de España, FCJE), but dedicated worship services and community programming may be less available in smaller centres, so students may need to plan ahead and potentially travel for certain services.
- Note that service language may primarily be Spanish (and in Galicia, Galician is also widely used), and minority faith services may have fewer time options or require advance coordination.
- If you are looking for religious accommodation support during your Summer Abroad program, such as religious observations that may conflict with academic activities and field trips, please contact the Summer Abroad Diversity & Inclusion Program Coordinator in advance. Summer Abroad will work closely with you to ensure that your religious observance needs are accommodated to the best of our ability, creating an inclusive environment that respects and values your faith while planning and participating your Summer Abroad experience.
Dietary Resources
- Finding halal food in Santiago de Compostela can be more limited than in larger Spanish cities. A practical starting point is HalalTrip’s Santiago de Compostela city guide, which notes halal options may be limited locally and suggests considering nearby cities in Galicia if needed. Students who require strict halal preparation are encouraged to confirm ingredients and preparation methods directly with the restaurant. Spain also maintains a national Halal travel guide.
- Kosher options in Spain are typically concentrated in major hubs (for example, Madrid and Barcelona). If you keep kosher while based in Satiago, advance planning is strongly recommended, including self-catering where possible. The Federación de Comunidades Judías de España (FCJE) is the official national federation representing Jewish communities and can be a starting point for community information and referrals. For students travelling to larger cities, Chabad Barcelona provides practical information on kosher food options (groceries, catering, and other resources), and Chabad Madrid provides traveller-facing information that includes kosher catering/shop references.
- Santiago de Compostela has a solid range of vegetarian and vegan-friendly options. HappyCow’s Santiago de Compostela directory is a widely used tool for locating veg-friendly restaurants and checking user-updated details (hours, maps, and reviews).