Summer in Barcelona
Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona

OPEN Summer 2023

Plunge into summer on the Mediterranean

Beaches, culture, Spanish-language immersion, and a university with a strong international reputation await you in Barcelona! Our Summer in Barcelona – Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB) program offers 6 credits in 6 weeks in one of Europe’s most cosmopolitan Mediterranean cities. On Summer at UAB, you can soak up all that Barcelona has while you take classes and make friends at its two city campuses.


What to Expect:

  • Language: English and Spanish
  • Average Courseload: 2 courses (6 U.S. credits)
  • GPA Requirement: 2.75
    Minimum 2 semesters of higher ed

Highlights:

  • Hands-on orientation and guided tours of the city
  • Optional add-on: Guided weekend excursion outside of Barcelona
  • Academic offerings in both English and Spanish to suit your major and interests
  • Student residence halls
  • Multiple day excursions to places such as Besalu, Girona, or Tarragona

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 at least 2 classes available

  • Art & Design
  • Humanities
  • Communications

Don't see your major listed here? There may still be courses available. Browse our programs by major.

Areas of study with 3 to 7 classes available

  • Business
  • Spanish

Don't see your major listed here? There may still be courses available. Browse our programs by major.

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

  • 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.

  • Human Towers

    Go to the practice space of the local Castells, a sport where teams compete to make the tallest tower possible.

  • Cooking classes

    Cooking classes with a professional chef.

  • 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 US dollars and include the following:

  • Airport Pickup
  • Cultural and recreational excursions and activities in Barcelona
  • One guided weekend excursion outside of Barcelona
  • Full-time tuition and fees
  • Housing
  • Meal plan
  • 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
  • Predeparture orientation
  • Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona orientation
  • Official Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona transcript
  • The Local Life cultural program

Welcome & Orientation

Upon arrival in Barcelona, you’ll be collected from the airport and taken to your accommodation. In the first few days you’ll take part in orientation programs that will introduce you to this vibrant and cosmopolitan city you will come to call home. You’ll learn practical tips for living in Barcelona, you’ll get a lay of the land by visiting some of Barcelona’s top neighborhoods, and we’ll share advice about where to go out, how to stay safe, where to shop, and plenty more. We’ll also enjoy a welcome meal together.

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 beautiful Barcelona!

Program Excursions

While participating on a CIS Abroad program, you'll be able to take part in built-in day trips at no additional cost. These trips are subject to change from term to term; listed below are excursions that have run in the past.
Day Trip around Catalonia

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 Trips

Weekend Trips

During weekend trips, you might experience Flamenco and tour the beautiful Alhambra in Granada; eat Spain’s best tapas and visit wineries in Basque Country; or hike coastal trails and tour medieval villages in Costa Brava. Trips change each semester.

Besalú and Museum Dali

Besalú and Museum Dali

One of Catalonia’s best preserved medieval towns, Besalú is an historic gem, full to the brim with character. Cobbled streets and facades and a wonderful bridge are the trademarks of Besalú and have been there for hundreds of years — the impressive architecture draws visitors from far and wide. Situated in the La Garrotxa region in the province of Girona, Besalú is a haven for history buffs, who flock in huge numbers to admire the many constructions and facades representing Romanesque, Gothic, and medieval influences. Explore the Dalí Theatre and Museum in the artist’s hometown of Figueres.

Site Director

Nicole Baumgartner
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

Syd O
Travel Tip:

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!

Advising and Enrollment
Travel Tip:

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: Apr 1
  • Arrival: June 1
  • Departure: July 14
  • Price: $6,990
  • Application Deadline: Apr 1 (Estimated)
  • Arrival: May 30 (Estimated)
  • Departure: July 12 (Estimated)
  • Price: $6,990 (Estimated)
Additional Information:

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.