The president is elected by popular vote but approved by the monarch. The family is the basic economic and social unit in Spain and a source of personal security. There are street phone stations, and booths, and you can also find public phones in bars and restaurants. Most public phones accept coins or a pre-paid phone card that can be purchased locally. This is the easiest and least expensive way to call while abroad.
Telephone calls are extremely expensive in Spain and even local calls are charged.
Please keep in mind that all mail will go to the program address in Barcelona and that mail may take slightly longer that what you are used to. If you plan to send items ahead, expect possible delays at customs. Expect charges and time limits. There are also Catalan newspapers, such as Avui and the Catalan version of El periodico. There are many advantages of using American Express Foreign Exchange services, in particular American Express Travelers Checks and foreign currencies are cashed for you commission free.