Semester in Barcelona
Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona
Let Barcelona captivate you
Our Semester in Barcelona – Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB) 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: YES - Pre-departure
Highlights:
- Take classes at two centrally located campuses in desirable neighborhoods
- Enjoy exceptional support, including a comprehensive on-site orientation and guided tours of the city
- Choose from a wide range of courses taught in English, including Art, Business, Communication, Culture, Economics, History, Politics and more
- Participate in fun social and cultural activities, including movie night, cooking classes, a flamenco show, and multiple tours and excursions
- Study Spanish language at any level for 3 or 6 credits
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 all of your courses on this campus, and you’ll meet other U.S. and international students.
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 with 8 or more classes available
- Art & Design
- Business
- Humanities
Don't see your major listed here? There may still be courses available. Browse our programs by major.
Please note, it is important to submit your course registration page (provided to you by CIS Abroad 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.
Additional requirements: Must have Sophomore standing to apply.
TERM-SPECIFIC COURSES
UAB courses are listed below. To read course descriptions/syllabi, please visit the UAB website and open the “Elective courses” drop-down section.
ART AND ARCHITECTURE
Digital Photography
Spanish Art and Cultural Heritage
Spanish Contemporary Art
The Great Art Collections in Spain
BUSINESS
Business in Action: Local Companies in a Global World
Cross-Cultural Management
E-Commerce and Online Businesses
Entrepreneurship and New Venture Creation
Human Resources Management
International Business
International Finance
International Marketing Strategies
Managerial Skills for International Business
Strategic Management of the Firm
Estrategias de Marketing Internacional (Level B1.2/Intermediate Spanish required)
Gestión Intercultural (Level B1.2/Intermediate Spanish required)
ECONOMICS AND POLITICS
Behaviour and Incentives in Economics: The Case of Soccer
Inequality, Poverty and Globalisation
International Economics
Politics of the Developing World
Politics, War and Economics in the Age of Globalization
Strategic Behaviour in Business and Economics
The Creative Economy
Understanding the European Economy
MEDITERRANEAN STUDIES
A Greater Middle East
Barcelona City Planning and Architecture
Cultures Without State: the Case of Catalonia
Mediterranean Culture and History
Mediterranean Politics
Spanish Civilization and Culture
Spanish History and Politics: 1936 to the present
Civilización y Cultura Españolas (Level B1.2/Intermediate Spanish required)
COMMUNICATION
Communication and Gender
Intercultural Communication
LANGUAGE
Lengua Española – 90 hours
Lengua Española – 45 hours
Español para los negocios (Level B1.2 required)
Introduction to Catalan Language
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 The Local Life
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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.
Residence Hall in Barcelona
Location
Live with other international students in a student residence hall. The residence halls are, on average, about a 30-45 minute commute to your classes or internship. A student residence normally means a double room, unless you indicate you would like a single room and there is one available, and then shared kitchen areas and common areas including study areas with other students.
Meals
You’ll get to put your CIS Abroad Barcelona cooking class skills to the test and cook your own delicious meals in the Residence Hall’s shared and well-equipped kitchens.
Inclusions and Amenities
- BathroomShared
- CommutePublic Transportation
- Double Room
- Kitchen Equipment
- LaundryOn-site
What's Included
Inclusions
Program fees are in U.S. dollars and include the following:
- Airpot Pickups
- Cultural and recreational excursions and activities in Barcelona
- One guided weekend excursion outside of Barcelona
- Full-time tuition and fees
- Housing
- 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
- Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona orientation
- Official Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona transcript
- The Local Life cultural program
Welcome & Orientation
Once you arrive to the capital of Catalonia CIS Abroad staff will instruct you on how to get to your accommodations. Upon arrival you’ll take part in the CISabroad Welcome, Cultural and Academic Orientation with other students and interns on the program. The onsite staff will introduce you to this dynamic and cosmopolitan city that you will call home, giving you tips on how to be safe and healthy as well as how to make the most of your time in vibrant Barcelona.
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 Trip around Catalonia
This day trip around Catalonia typically includes guided tours, some museum entrance fees, a group meal, and some free time. For example, you might visit the Salvador Dalí Museum in Figueres, explore the vibrant coastal town of Sitges, 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.
Trip to Seville
Spend the weekend in Seville, the heart of Andalucia. Known for its hot and sunny weather, it has more orange trees than any other city in the world. We’ll explore the famous Plaza España, tour La Mezquita, and of course, enjoy a professional flamenco show!
Trip to Valencia
Spend the weekend in the vibrant city of Valencia – the birthplace of paella! We’ll learn all about the famous Fallas festival, explore the world famous City of Arts and Sciences, and even go on a boat ride in the Albufera National Park
Site Director
Travel Tip:
When traveling always make friends with the locals! They will help really immerse you into the culture and give you a different perspective of your destination. They have the best recommendations for the most authentic restaurants and show you places that you would never find in a guidebook or on a blog. Not only will you have a great experience while traveling, but you also have the chance to make new, lifelong friends from around the world!
Travel Tip:
When traveling always make friends with the locals! They will help really immerse you into the culture and give you a different perspective of your destination. They have the best recommendations for the most authentic restaurants and show you places that you would never find in a guidebook or on a blog. Not only will you have a great experience while traveling, but you also have the chance to make new, lifelong friends from around the world!
About:
Nicole was born and raised in the beautiful Pacific Northwest in Seattle, Washington, and studied Political Science, Law Societies and Justice, and Human Rights at the University of Washington. Nicole has always had the travel bug so after graduating she moved to Spain to work as an English Assistant and fell in love with the country of tapas, flamenco, and constant sunshine! She lived in Granada, Spain for 9 years and is lucky to now call Barcelona home. She has always worked in education and loves seeing the profound benefits of students immersing themselves in another language and culture. As site director in Barcelona Nicole is looking forward to welcoming students to the most desired and exciting city in Spain and giving them the most local experience to help deepen student understanding of the Spanish culture and language. In her free time, Nicole is studying for a Global MBA at IE University and uses the skills from this degree in her daily life and job. She also loves to spend time at the beach, wandering around neighborhoods, and grabbing a few tapas and cañas with friends.
Your Support Staff
Make sure to explore the city that you’re in! Although the beauty of study abroad is you have the chance to travel all over the country and to other countries as well, sometimes people forget how many amazing things there are right there in the city they’re studying in! Make some local friends, participate in holidays and festivals, find that local beloved restaurant. Although I have many travel memories to talk about, some of my fondest or most nostalgic moments I have were the ‘in betweens’ so to speak – going grocery shopping with friends, hanging out in the school courtyard at night when the temperature outside was finally bearable, saying hello to the neighborhood cow (yes, there was in fact a neighborhood cow). Don’t neglect what you have right in front of you!
You’ll be supported every step of the way!
Advising
Our advising team can help match you with a program that fits your academic and personal objectives. It’s not always an easy choice, but you can’t go wrong! Once you’ve decided, we’ll guide to you submit an online application.
Enrollment
Once you’ve submitted your initial application and the fee, you’ll be assigned a Program Enrollment Coordinator. We’ll work closely together to guide you through the enrollment process and prepare you for a life-changing experience!
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: Oct 15
- Arrival: January 11
- Departure: April 29
- Price: $13,390 - $14,390
- Application Deadline: May 15
- Arrival: September 2
- Departure: December 21
- Price: $13,490 - $14,490
- Application Deadline: Oct 15 (Estimated)
- Arrival: January 10 (Estimated)
- Departure: April 27 (Estimated)
- Price: $13,490 - $14,490 (Estimated)
Price range
Lower price: 12 credits
Higher price: 15 credits
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.