· located in tarragona city centre, next to the plaça imperial tàrraco and just a few minutes...

To facilitate your first steps in our university, the URV International Center has prepared this brochure, which describes step by step in simple words the process

that every incoming student must go through.

Among other things, it gives you information about the academic calendar, university life, accommodation and other things.

We hope that the information contained in this guide will help every foreign student to become a student of Universitat Rovira i Virgili.

Table of Contents

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Welcome

"On behalf of the Rovira i Virgili University (URV), we are glad that you are interested in studying at our university, a modern mediterranean university that is at the service of the dynamic southern regions of Catalonia.

Many years of experience with international cooperation have led us to think about the Lifelong Learning Programme not only in relation to education. We realize that study abroad provides above all academic knowledge, but we are also conscious that real life experiences can be an incentive to study in a foreign country.

At the URV we firmly believe in the harmonious development of society by generating knowledge and training professionals and citizens who defend the values of humanism, public-spiritedness and respect for the environment. We are also highly committed to the process of convergence towards the European Areas of Higher Education and Research, and thus we are glad you have chosen the URV for your mobility experience.

For all these reasons, I hope you enjoy your time at the URV and that we will become good travelling companions." Josep Anton Ferré VidalRector of the University 6

General information

Name of the host institution: Universitat Rovira i Virgili

Institutional Erasmus code: E TARRAGO01

Website: www.urv.cat

Unit responsiblefor exchange programmes: International Center

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Postal address: Universitat Rovira i Virgili International Center Av. Països Catalans, 17-19 43007 Tarragona Spain Phone/Fax: 0034 / 977 55 81 29 0034 / 977 20 18 64

Contact e-mail: [email protected] [email protected]

Website for exchange students: www.urv.cat/international

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Application deadlines: 1st semester/full academic course: 15th June 2015 2nd semester: 15th November 2015 Academic calendar: 1st semester (Winter Semester) 7th September 2015 - 29th January 2016 (exams between 7th and 29th of January) 2nd semester (Spring Semester) 2nd February - 26th June 2016 (exams during May and resit exams between 1st and 23rd June) Holidays: Christmas: 21st December 2015 - 6th January 2016 Easter: 21st - 28th March 2016

About the Universitat Rovira i Virgili

The URV was created in 1991 by the Parliament of Catalonia from the already existing university faculties and schools. In this way the Tarragona University of the 16th century was restored. From the very first day its aim has been very clear: to place knowledge at the service of society so as to contribute to the social and economic development of its environment, which has gradually transformed over time.

Social and cultural changes have opened the doors to a new framework in which our students and future workers are obliged to interact in Europe. At the URV we train professionals under the precepts of European harmonization, a key factor for opening the doors to a world of work without frontiers. And we do so by providing programmes of study in a wide variety of knowledge areas for over 12.000 students.

The data show that the URV is not only one of the leading universities in Catalonia but also one of the leading universities in the European area for the quality of its teaching, its commitment to continuous training and the excellence of its research, development and innovation.

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The URV has 12 centres of its own and two associates which between them teach about 50 first- and second-cycle. They also offer postgraduate diplomas, doctorates and masters’ degrees. All this is made possible by the work done by the technical and university faculties and schools. They organise the courses and academic, administrative and management processes which ensure that our students receive top-quality training. Mention should also be made of the more than 20 departments who design the various courses and are responsible for organising the activities of the teaching and research community.

Another field which is of fundamental importance at our university is research. To achieve a high level of quality in this area, the URV supports research institutes and innovation centres, which, like hospitals, are of key importance for technology transfer.

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Faculty of Education Sciences and Psychology. Tarragona

Postal address: Carretera de Valls s/n Campus Sescelades 43007 Tarragona Spain

Phone: 0034 / 977 55 80 98

Contact e-mail: [email protected]

Website: www.fcep.urv.cat

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Faculties and Schools

Faculty of Arts. Tarragona

Postal address: Avinguda Catalunya, 35 Campus Catalunya 43002 Tarragona Spain

Phone: 0034 / 977 55 83 82


Website: www.urv.cat/centres/lletres

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Faculty of Chemistry. Tarragona

Postal address: C/ Marcel∙lí Domingo s/n Campus Sescelades 43007 Tarragona Spain

Phone: 0034 / 977 55 95 16


Website: www.quimica.urv.cat

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Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences. Reus

Postal address: C/ de Sant Llorenç, 21 43201 Reus Spain

Phone: 0034 / 977 75 93 05


Website: www.fmcs.urv.net/mic

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Faculty of Legal Sciences. Tarragona


Phone: 0034 / 977 55 83 00


Website: www.fcj.urv.cat

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Faculty of Economic and Business Sciences. Reus

Postal address: Avinguda de la Universitat, 1 Campus Bellissens 43204 Reus Spain

Phone: 0034 / 977 75 98 01


Website: www.dge.urv.es

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Faculty of Economic and Business Sciences. Tortosa

Postal address: Camí de Betània, 5 Campus Terres de l'Ebre 43500 Tortosa Spain

Phone: 0034 / 977 44 11 44


Website: www.fcee.urv.cat

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Faculty of Oenology. Tarragona

Postal address: C/ Marcel∙lí Domingo s/n Campus Sescelades 43007 Tarragona Spain

Phone: 0034 / 977 55 86 00


Website: www.fe.urv.cat

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Technical School of Engineering. Tarragona

Postal address: Avinguda Països Catalans, 26 Campus Sescelades 43007 Tarragona Spain

Phone: 0034 / 977 55 97 00


Website: www.etse.urv.cat

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Technical School of Chemical Engineering. Tarragona

Postal address: Avinguda Països Catalans, 26 Campus Sescelades 43007 Tarragona Spain

Phone/Fax: 0034 / 977 55 96 00


Website: www.etseq.urv.cat

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Higher Technical School of Architecture. Reus

Postal address: Avinguda de la Universitat, 1 Campus Bellissens 43204 Reus Spain

Phone/Fax: 0034 / 977 75 98 80


Website: www.etsa.urv.cat

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Nursing Faculty. Tarragona


Phone: 0034 / 977 55 83 82


Website: www.eui.urv.cat

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Nursing Faculty. Tortosa

Postal address: C/ de les Esplanetes, 14 Campus Terres de l'Ebre 43500 Tortosa Spain

Phone: 0034 / 977 51 91 45



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Nursing Faculty. El Vendrell

Postal address: Avinguda Palfuriana, 104 43880 Coma-ruga (El Vendrell) Spain

Phone: 0034 / 977 68 49 49



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Faculty of Tourism and Geography. Vila-seca

Postal address: C/ Joanot Martorell, 15 43480 Vila-seca Spain

Phone: 0034 / 977 93 52 94


Website: www.euto.urv.cat

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Application procedure

Once your home university officially informs us that you will be an exchange student at the Universitat Rovira i Virgili within a mobility programme, you will receive an e-mail which will explain you all the application procedure, which you will find on our website: http://www.urv.cat/international/movilidad/en_tramites.html

The application process is on-line and it is compulsory to upload several application documents to it to complete the process. You can fill it in either English or Spanish. Students who are accepted will receive our confirmation of admission. If you need to consult our study programmes in order to complete your learning agreement,you should check the list of available subjects for international students, that can be found on our website: http://www.urv.cat/international/movilidad/en_tramites.html#subjects

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The URV can help you to find accommodation during your stay. Before you start looking for accommodation we recommend that you make a provisional reservation at a student residence for your first days in Tarragona, Reus, Vila-Seca or Tortosa. You can choose from among the following options in Tarragona:

Sant Jordi Hall of ResidenceLocated in Tarragona City centre, next to the Plaça Imperial Tàrraco and just a few minutes from the URV campuses the residence can provide you with double and single rooms. It was refurbished in 1998 and has a capacity of 175 people. It also provides a variety of services to make your stay more comfortable. The price depends on how long you wish to stay and the type of bedroom you choose. E-mail: [email protected] For more residences in Tarragona, Reus or Tortosa you can look up the list at: http://www.urv.cat/serveis_universitaris/borsa_habitatge/en_index.html .

Accommodation

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Housing Service

Should students prefer to live in an apartment or share a flat, we advise them to reserve a room in a hotel or guest house for their first days in Tarragona, Reus, Vila-Seca or Tortosa. You can find information at the following website: www.urv.cat/serveis_universitaris/borsa_habitatge/en_Busca.html . You will be required to enter the following password: BHURV.

If you are looking for somewhere to live near the university or are interested in having a real Catalan experience, you can stay in a senior citizen's home and learn the traditions and the language. If you are interested, we can help you to find accommodation: www.urv.cat/serveis_universitaris/borsa_habitatge/viureiconviure.html .

For any further information about accommodation or arrival, please get in touch with us directly at the following e-mail address: [email protected] .

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Academic coordinators

Because of the number of subjects taught at the Universitat Rovira i Virgili and the importance of arranging your study programme correctly, we offer our incoming students the help of the academic coordinators, all of whom are lecturers at the university. Each field of study has a different coordinator who is in charge of your academic supervision while you are studying at the URV. Your coordinator should also check and sign your learning agreement and certify your qualifications. Coordinators are available to discuss any issue connected with study programmes and faculty administrative problems.We recommend that you contact your coordinator to help you fill in the learning agreement.

Please check the list of academic coordinators for your field of study:http://www.urv.cat/international/movilidad/en_coordinadores-movilidad.html

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Language courses for exchange students

For students who do not speak Catalan or Spanish, for those wish to improve their Catalan or Spanish or for those who speak it quite well, the Language Service organises a variety of courses throughout the academic year. We recommend that all exchange students participate in some of the semester-long language courses which are designed specially for them. Students who are on a mobility programme will pay a highly subsidized price for Spanish courses and will receive tuition in beginners' Catalan for free.At the Language Service you can also learn or perfect your English, French, Italian, and Chinese in courses of various lengths (throughout the academic year or intensively during the summer). There is a variety of groups and levels and as far as possible the times of the courses fit the student's timetable.

To register for a course or get more information you should visit: www.linguistic.urv.cat .

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Visa

Students who are citizens of the European Union or European Economic Area do not need a visa when entering Spain.

Students from non-EU countries are required to possess a visa, a copy of which should be shown in our office upon arrival. It should be issued by a competent domestic authority before your arrival to Spain. If you need an acceptance letter, please write to this address: [email protected] . The type of visa you need will depend on the length of your stay in Spain. A short-term visa entitles you to stay in Spain for up to 3 months; a long term visa for up to one year. Students who have a visa do not need to legalize their stay in Spain.Information: http://www.maec.es/en/MenuPpal/Consulares/ServiciosConsulares/InformacionaExtranjeros/Visados/Paginas/visas2010EN.aspx

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Health Insurance

If you are from a EU country, you should get a European Health Insurance Card before you arrive at the URV. This card is a personal and nontransferable document that gives you the right to health benefits while in Spain. It is valid in all the countries of the European Community.

The URV wants to ensure your safety during your stay in our university and wishes to inform all incoming students and all partners universities that anyone planning to participate in a mobility programme at the URV must be in possession of a valid insurance policy covering health care and accidents. If you are unable to prove that you are suitably covered on arrival, you will be informed of a range of possible insurance policies that you will be able to contract directly. You will then have to provide proof of having done so at the International Center.Should you choose to ignore this recommendation, the URV will not be held responsible for any possible liabilities.

Information: http://ec.europa.eu/social/main.jsp?catId=559

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Helping hand

We attach great importance to surrounding incoming students with people who will help them to get acclimatized to the different cities where our campuses are located. To manage the students' needs, the URV created URV Mentors, a group of Catalan student-friends for incoming students.

Many years of experience have shown that foreign students need both the professional advice offered by both the staff of the International Center and the academic coordinators and also friendly hints from Catalan students of the Universitat Rovira i Virgili. Therefore, before you take your first steps in the city, ye can provide you of names and e-mails of the people who can answer your initial questions. In order to obtain more information on URV Mentors, please contact [email protected] .

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Cost of living

Rent 250 - 350 euros

Approximate monthly cost of living 300 - 400 euros

Monthly ticket for public transport 16.50 euros (under 25) 30 euros Single ticket for public transport 1.20 euros Cinema ticket 8 euros

Lunch at the URV canteen 7.70 euros

Cup of coffee 1.20 euros

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Your monthly expenses will depend on your habits and needs. Below you will find approximate calculations.

Loaf of bread 1 euro Small bottle of mineral water 0.50 euros (in a shop) 3 euros (in a pub)

Photocopy in our faculties 0.03 euros Newspaper 1.50 euros

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Beer 1 euro (in the shop) 3 euros (in a pub)

Useful words

Catalan: Spanish: English:

Si us plau Por favor Please

Gràcies Gracias Thank you

Perdó Perdone Excuse me Bon dia Buenos días Good morning

Adéu Adiós Good bye

Residència d'estudiants Residencia de estudiantes Student hostel

Targeta de l'estudiant Tarjeta de estudiante Student card

Deganat Decanato Dean's office

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How to get to Tarragona

By trainThe railway station is in the centre of Tarragona. In front of the station there is a bus stop (take line 2 for the Plaça Imperial Tàrraco) and a taxi rank. As well as this station, there is a station for the AVE -the high speed train- about 15 minutes outside the city.The rail system in Tarragona is good and you can travel to many of the surrounding areas by train. The service between Tarragona and Barcelona is excellent (with Regional Express, Catalunya Express and Delta trains). The frequency of trains and the length of the journey can vary but, generally speaking, there is a train every half an hour and it takes about 75 minutes to get to Barcelona.If you are interested in the timetable, you can find it on the following website: www.renfe.es

By carThe A7 motorway links Tarragona to Barcelona and the north of Europe. The trip from Barcelona to Tarragona usually takes about an hour. The C32 motorway links Barcelona and Tarragona, passing through El Vendrell along the Catalan coast.

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Around Tarragona

EMT is the company that provides the city of Tarragona with public transport. A fleet of buses connects the city centre with all the outlying areas and educational complexes of the city. There are a range of top-up cards to choose from, with big discounts for the under 25s. Check routes and fares at: emtanemambtu.cat

The ATM is the Regional Mobility Authority of the Tarragona region and it enables travellers to use one card to travel to all the towns and cities in the Tarragona region where URV faculties and schools are located (El Vendrell, Reus, Salou, Vila-seca) From the Central Bus Station in the Plaça Imperial Tàrraco in Tarragona, you can travel to most of the cities in the peninsula.You will find more information at:www.atmcamptarragona.cat / www.reustransport.com / www.hife.es / www.alsa.es

The cities also have numerous taxi ranks. Depending on where you are and the time, you will be in easy reach of a taxi. However, we warn you that you will pay a lot of money for it. Even if you need to take a taxi we recommend that you call a taxi by phoning one of the following numbers: 0034 / 977 22 21 22 (Tàrraco Taxis Association) or 0034 / 977 22 14 14 (Tarragona Radio-Taxis Group). 45

Tell the International Center your arrival date

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As soon as you know the date you will be arriving at our university you should tell it to the International Center.

The International Center will answer your e-mail with a date, time and place for a welcome meeting. At this meeting you will be issued a certificate of arrival and the International Center staff will help you to get acquainted with your new university.

INTERNATIONAL CENTER de la URV

E-mail: [email protected]

The International Center team organizes meetings with all the students at their arrival in order to welcome them and attend their immediate needs and help them to adapt to the academic and cultural requirements of the university.

Please remember that, once you have been admitted, you have to send an e-mail to the International Center as soon as you know your arrival date at the URV. It is very important that you complete the application process before the deadline. Check page 10 to get more information on deadlines and page 30 to get more details onapplication procedure. 48

Certificate of attendanceThis document certificates the date of arrival and the end of your stay at the URV.When you come to the International Center you must submit this document as well as all the others that are required and we will stamp and sign it with the date when classes begin. Once it has been signed and stamped we will send a copy by fax or mail to your university. Remember that this is the first thing you have to do when you arrive at the URV because the date on this certificate will be considered the beginning of your academic mobility period. You must keep this document throughout your stay at the URV and just before you leave you must come back to the International Center and we will sign and stamp it again with the date of departure. This document is proof of your mobility period at our university.

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The Universitat Rovira i Virgili offers ...

Students coming within the frame of a bilateral agreement have access to the same services as Catalan students of the Universitat Rovira i Virgili. Below please find a list of some services which may be of interest for you.[ [

... something for the mind

LibrariesIf you feel you do not have enough information or if you need to know more and more, there is nothing easier than visiting one of our libraries. The CRAI is the place where all members of the university community can find the resources and support they need for learning, teaching, research, etc. If you need help with documentation, information or the information technologies, this is the place you should visit.

Learning and Research Resources Centres (CRAI)

Addresses: CRAI Campus Catalunya Avinguda Catalunya, 2 43002 Tarragona CRAI Campus Sescelades Avda. Països Catalans, 26 43007 Tarragona CRAI Campus Terres de l'Ebre Av. Remolins, 13-15 43500 Tortosa

Opening hours: Monday-Friday: 8 a.m. - 10 p.m. Saturday: 9 a.m. - 9 p.m. Sunday: 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.

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You can find libraries in the faculties, institutes or departments. Opening and closing hours vary from library to library: it is necessary to check this with each individual library. When you attend the meeting after you arrive you must bring an original ID photo so that you can be given a personalized URV Student card which will be delivered to you in a few days. This student ID card must be shown for access and borrowing procedures.

If you do not find what you are looking for in the university libraries you may go to the public libraries in town. They are usually located in the center of the town and you can enter and consult the library resources freely.

For further information consult: http://www.urv.cat/crai/

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El Vendrell public library

Address: Carrer Major, 8 43700 El Vendrell

Opening hours: Monday, Tuesday:13.30 a.m. - 8.30 p.m. Wednesday, Thursday, Friday: 9.30 p.m. - 1.30 p.m. 3.30 p.m. - 8 p.m. Saturday: 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. For further information see: http://www.bibliotecaspublicas.es/vendrell

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Reus Reading Center

Address: Carrer Major, 15 43201 Reus

Opening hours: Monday/Friday : 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. 5 p.m. - 8 p.m. Saturday: 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.

For further information see: http://centrelectura.org

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Tarragona Public Library

Address: Carrer Fortuny, 30 43001 Tarragona

Opening hours: Monday: 3p.m. - 8 p.m. Tuesday/Thursday: 9 a.m. - 8 p.m. Wednesday/Friday : 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. Saturday: 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

For further information see: http://www20.gencat.cat/portal/site/Biblioteques

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Vila-seca Public Library

Address: Carrer Tarragona, 7 43480 Vila-seca

Opening hours: Tuesday, Thursday:10 a.m. - 1.30 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, Friday: 4 p.m. - 8 p.m. Saturday: 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. For further information see: http://www.bibliotecaspublicas.es/vila-seca/servicios.htm

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... something for the body

SportsStudents wishing to practice sports can go to EsportsURV. EsportsURV aims to promote physical activity and sport at the university in areas as diverse as tennis, padel, indoor football, pitch and putt, judo, basketball and skiing among others. EsportsURV also allows the university community to take part in competitions such as university leagues for indoor football and seven-a-side football and the University Championships.

Every year we offer beginners’ courses worth 2 free choice credits in golf, equestrianism, diving, tai-chi, archery, sailing, capoeira and yoga. These courses have both theoretical and practical parts. The classes are led by professionals in the sport and the courses have a total length of 20 hours. You can check the list of beginners' courses offered on the SportsURV web site.

At the same time, the URV has signed agreements with gymnasiums, club, sporting entities and shops among others, who will provide offers and discounts on their services for SportsURV members.

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SportsURV

Address: Avinguda Països Catalans, 5-7 43007 Tarragona

Opening hours: Monday-Friday: 10 p.m. - 1.30 p.m. Monday afternoon: 4 p.m. - 6.30 p.m.

Phone: 0034 / 977 55 88 33

E-mail: [email protected]

For further information see: http://www.urv.cat/esports/en_index.html

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MealsStudent canteens are located close to university buildings and serve very good meals. The price of a meal is between 6-8 euros and vegetarians will find a vegetarian option.

Opening hours: Monday-Friday: 8 a.m. - 10 p.m. Meals: 1 p.m. - 4 p.m. Phone: 0034 / 977 22 74 35

... something for fun

It is obvious that student life consists not only of learning but also of student parties and other leisure activities.

Trekking URVGet to know the country and its history by walking through the countryside along signposted footpaths.

Contact details: 0034 / 977 25 65 81 [email protected] www.urv.cat/senderisme

Cinema GroupThe Cinema Group organises films and discussion forums, courses, seminars and other activities related to the cinema.

Contact details: 0034 / 977 55 95 88 or 0034 / 977 25 65 81 [email protected]

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Theatre GroupThe URV’s Theatre Group is made up of students and staff. If you are interested in the performing arts, setting up theatrical workshops and taking part in creative activities, contact us.


URV OrchestraThe Orchestra is made up of various groups from within the URV, under the direction of Tomàs Grau. If you like symphonic music and have some musical ability, you will be interested in joining.

Contact details: 0034 / 977 25 65 81 [email protected]

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Volunteers’ OfficeIf you want to help others in your free time, at the Volunteers’ Office you will find people like you committed to solidarity projects.


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Special Festivals

Tarragona special festivals 15 - 19 August - Sant Magí 14 - 24 September - Santa Tecla

Reus special festivals 24 - 29 June - Sant Pere 21 - 25 September - Verge de la Misericòrdia

Tortosa special festivals 22 - 25 July - Renaixement 3 - 11 September - Verge de la Cinta

Vila-seca special festivals 24 Juliol - 03 August - Summer Festival 15 - 24 January - Sant Antoni

Coma-ruga special festivals 11 - 15 August - Summer Festival 69

Welcome to our University. We are very proud that you have chosen to come here for your LLP/Erasmus. We sincerely wish you a great stay with us.

International Center Team

"For the fortunate man all the countries are his homeland"

Erasmus of Rotterdam

· located in tarragona city centre, next to the plaça imperial tàrraco and just a few minutes...

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