Semester in Barcelona
Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona
Let Barcelona captivate you.
Our Semester in Barcelona – Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona program situates you in the heart of UNESCO World Heritage site at a young, entrepreneurial university. Practice your Spanish as you stroll down the tree-lined La Rambla, take a cooking class to perfect delicious tapas, and lose an afternoon (or many) to Gaudi’s whimsical architecture. Studying at UAB offers the ideal experience of lively campuses, supportive staff, and close proximity to commercial centers, cultural sites, and the beautiful Barceloneta beach!
What to Expect:
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Language: English and Spanish
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Average Courseload: 4–5 classes (12–15 U.S. credits)
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GPA Requirement: 2.75 (min 2 semesters of higher ed)
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Visa Requirements: NONE Required!
Highlights:
- Take classes at two campuses: Sant Pau and The Eixample
- Hands-on orientation and guided tours of the city
- Optional 4-day trip to Morocco for an additional fee
- Weekly cultural agenda and activities
- Homestay option with a local family
Program Details
Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona
Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB) is one of the top universities in Spain, ranking #3 in the country. An academic powerhouse, UAB is a young, entrepreneurial university in an exciting city. UAB has two centrally located campuses, which allows you to explore different neighborhoods of Barcelona. Business students flock to UAB, where you can take a wide array of courses in business, international relations, and economics. Not to be overshadowed, the art and humanities courses at UAB are equally strong. You have the option to take classes in either Spanish or English. Luckily, UAB accommodates Spanish-language speakers of all levels.
The Sant Pau campus is housed within an incredible UNESCO World Heritage site called the Hospital de la Santa Creu. Wander fifteen minutes down the block and you’ll stumble upon the world-renowned la Sagrada Familia, Gaudi’s iconic cathedral. You’ll attend most of your humanities and art courses on this campus, and you’ll meet other U.S. and international students.
A mere two stops away on the metro (about 20 minutes) and you’ll arrive at the Eixample campus, where you’ll take most of your Spanish-language and business courses. This campus is located just a few meters away from Passeig the Gracia, a cosmopolitan hub for shopping and business in Barcelona. Eixample and Sant Pau are on the same academic schedule, so you can take classes on both campuses.
Founded in 1968, UAB is ranked as #190 in the world by QS.
Accreditation(s): Ministry of Education and Science.
Areas of study with 3 to 7 classes available
- Communications
- World Languages
Don't see your major listed here? There may still be courses available. Browse our programs by major.
Areas of study which have more than 8 classes available
- Art & Design
- Business
- Humanities
Don't see your major listed here? There may still be courses available. Browse our programs by major.
Additional Requirements: Must have Sophomore standing to apply.
Course descriptions and catalog:
CH1801 Spanish Language and Culture Course
Spanish language course with special emphasis on oral communication. Study the basic grammatical concepts and vocabulary of Spanish, from a functional and communicative approach. Develop oral and written comprehension and expression at a beginner’s level. Students will become capable of managing basic Spanish and come in contact with the Spanish way of life.
Click here for a complete list of courses
*Please note, it is important to submit your course registration page (provided to you by CISabroad upon acceptance) as early as possible, as courses tend to fill up very quickly at UAB and your first choices may not be available if you delay too long. Please plan ahead to get your course choices approved at your home university so you can have them ready to submit after you are accepted to the program.
Why Life in Barcelona
It’s no wonder that Barcelona is one of the top tourist and study abroad destinations in the world. This incredible location on the shores of the Mediterranean has a delightfully mild climate year round. Plus, Barcelona is one of the most exciting and vibrant cities to live in! The second-largest city in Spain has two official languages, Castilian Spanish and Catalan. It’s the perfect place to challenge yourself and practice your own Spanish skills, while also learning more about the unique Catalan history and culture.
The city is bustling, and you’ll be in awe of the architecture, including Gaudi’s towering Sagrada Familia basilica. When you’re ready to immerse yourself in nature, you can easily reach beaches and hiking sites just outside of Barcelona. The efficient public transportation system allows you to quickly travel to the many beaches to both the north and south of Barcelona. It also means you can easily navigate campus and the many amazing sites located throughout the city.
The city’s diverse international population, colorful flair, exciting nightlife, and vast array of cultural, historical, and modern attractions makes Barcelona an unparalleled place to study abroad!
Live La Vida Local
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Soccer match
Barça, Barça, Baaarça! Experience one of the best football clubs in the world and cheer like “culés,” fans from Football Club Barcelona.
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Barrio tours
Staff will take you on a tour of a neighborhood in Barcelona, showing you the history but also where locals hang out. Each tour includes a chance to try some local treats.
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Human Towers
Go to the practice space of the local Castells, a sport where teams compete to make the tallest tower possible.
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Cooking classes
Cooking classes with a professional chef.
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Intercambio night
A language exchange with local students.
Apartments in Barcelona
Location
The apartments are, on average, about a 30-45 minute commute to your classes or internship and house 4-6 students. The convenient location means you’ll have easy access to everything Barcelona has to offer, like shops, cafés, bars, museums, restaurants, and more!
Watch Bridget’s video tour of her apartment to get an idea of what your housing could be like.
Meals
You’ll get to put your CIS Abroad Barcelona cooking class skills to the test and cook your own delicious meals in the apartments’ well-equipped kitchens.
Inclusions and Amenities
- BathroomShared
- CommutePublic Transportation
- Double Room
- Kitchen Equipment
- LaundryOn-site
Homestay in Barcelona
Location
Homestays are with families located about a 45-minute commute from your school or internship. A homestay is the perfect way to fully immerse yourself in Spanish culture. Living with a host family is great way to try home-cooked Spanish cuisine, improve your language skills, and experience life like a local. Plus, they’ll do your laundry!
Meals
If you opt for a homestay, you’ll get to try tasty home-cooked Spanish cuisine at the included daily breakfasts and dinners, and provide your own lunches.
Inclusions and Amenities
- CommutePublic Transportation
- Laundry
- MealsHomestay
What's Included
Inclusions
Program fees are in U.S. dollars and include the following:
- Cultural and recreational excursions and activities in Barcelona
- One guided weekend excursion outside of Barcelona
- Full-time tuition and fees
- Housing (apartment, local home, or residence hall)
- Meal plan available with a homestay
- Medical and accident insurance
- CIS Abroad support services before, during, and after the program
- On-site support
- Academic advising
- Financial aid counseling
- Assistance with travel arrangements
- Pre-departure orientation
- Airport pickup
- Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona orientation
- Official Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona transcript
- La Vida Local cultural program
Welcome & Orientation
Once you arrive in the capital of Catalonia, you’ll get picked up at the airport – nice to see a friendly face after a long flight! After you get settled in your apartment or homestay, you’ll take part in the on-site orientation with other students and interns on the program. On-site staff will introduce you to this dynamic and cosmopolitan Barcelona, giving you tips on to how to be safe and healthy as well as how to make the most of your time here. Enjoy a welcome lunch in a traditional restaurant, a first culinary experience in the new city of the staple pan con tomate, along with other delicious Mediterranean food!
Farewell & Re-Entry Program
As the program draws to a close, you’ll go home with the tools you need to make the most of your experience. In our re-entry workshop, learn how to cope with cultural differences you’ll experience as you go home, how to put your abroad experience on your resume (and talk about it in job interviews), as well as how to keep traveling in the future. End the trip with a farewell meal with all your new CIS Abroad “amigos” and the staff, for a chance to say “hasta luego” to your new city!
Program Excursions
Day Trips
This day trip around Catalonia includes guided tours, some museum entrance fees, a group lunch, and some free time. You’ll visit the Salvador Dalí Museum in Figueres, hike the beautiful coastal trail known as the Camino de Ronda on the Costa Brava and wander the old Jewish Quarter in beautiful Girona.
Weekend in the Basque Country
Enjoy a weekend trip to the rustic, historic, and vibrant Basque Country. Situated along the northern coast of Spain, País Vasco offers an enchanting mix of rugged seashore, rolling hills, delectable seafood, and a unique and rich culture. This excursion may include a trip to the Guggenheim Museum, an outing to a traditional “pincho” (skewer) tapas bar, a winemaking lesson, and tours of historical sites.
4 Days in Morocco
Fall and Spring semester students also have the opportunity to join a four-day trip to Morocco with a non-profit organization dedicated to helping travelers jump off the beaten path and understand the local culture.
Site Director
Travel Tip:
When traveling make sure to use humour and start conversations with local people, they are the experts of the places you visit and you can learn so much from them; particularly the older generation can be a wealth of information. Try to enjoy every single minute of your travels!
Travel Tip:
When traveling make sure to use humour and start conversations with local people, they are the experts of the places you visit and you can learn so much from them; particularly the older generation can be a wealth of information. Try to enjoy every single minute of your travels!
About:
Elena was born in Girona, but has lived in a variety of cities in Spain. She earned a B.A. in Advertising and Public Relations from the Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF) in Barcelona and an M.A. in Communication, Tourism, and New Technologies (e-Tourism) from the University of Barcelona. Her previous work experience was at UPF in the Communications Department and research focused on Place Branding Online. Elena is also the co-founder of the International Exchange Erasmus Student Network at UPF, which helps welcome university students to Barcelona. She worked and studied in various countries throughout Europe, including Italy, England, Ireland, Holland, and Turkey. Elena has been working since 2010 helping and mentoring international students. Currently, she is perusing a Coach Training Certification. Elena loves languages, dancing, traveling, culture, and, above all – people.
Your Support Staff
We love what we do and want to talk to you! The Global Advising Center is here to help you decide on a program, and complete the Online Application. From the moment you first hear from us—be it through a text, phone call, email or personal visit—you will find that our passion for international education is contagious. We’re ready to launch you abroad.
Journal, journal, journal! Write down the little things, the strange details & whatever made you laugh. It’s the little things that make a trip amazing and are easily the most forgotten.
Be patient with yourself and kind to those you meet along the way. Show gratitude daily, laugh often, and give thanks for the journey you are on. There will be hard days, but remember, the magic is in the journey and each day makes that journey complete. Smile!
Dates & Prices
ADVISOR TIP: Please WAIT to book flights until you have received confirmed dates in your acceptance paperwork. Dates posted here are subject to change.
- Application Deadline: Apr 15
- Arrival: September 21
- Departure: December 18
- Price: $12,690 - $13,990
- Application Deadline: Oct 1 (Estimated)
- Arrival: January 7 (Estimated)
- Departure: April 24 (Estimated)
- Price: $12,790 - $13,990 (Estimated)
Spring Term: 12 Credits (Shared apartment): $12,790, 12 Credits (Homestay): $13,290, 15 Credits (Homestay OR Shared apartment): $13,990
Fall Term: 12 Credits (Shared apartment): $12,690, 12 Credits (Homestay): $13,290, 15 Credits (Shared apartment): $13,790, 15 Credits (Homestay): $13,990
As with all study abroad programs, you should count on a few additional expenses.
CIS Abroad reserves the right to alter fees at any time due to currency fluctuations and/or fee changes made by our partner universities.