Summer in Barcelona
Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona
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 helps you earn 6 credits in 6 weeks while living 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:
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Language: English and Spanish
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Average Courseload: 2 courses (6 U.S. credits)
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GPA Requirement: 2.75- min 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
- Homestay option with a local family
- 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 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 fewer than 3 classes available
- 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
- Art & Design
- Business
- Spanish
Don't see your major listed here? There may still be courses available. Browse our programs by major.
Courses offered previously are listed below. 2021 courses will be updated soon.
- Cross-Cultural Management
- E-Commerce and Online Businesses
- Español Para Los Negocios
- International Business
- International Marketing Strategies
- Mediterranean Politics
- Spanish Art and Cultural Heritage
- Spanish Civilization and Culture
- The Great Art Collections in Spain
- Beginning Spanish Language A1
- Beginning Spanish Language A2
- Low Intermediate Spanish Language B1.1
- Intermediate Spanish Language B1.2
- Upper Intermediate Spanish Language B2.1
*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.
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.
See the COVID-19 Plan tab for changes to housing for the Spring 2021 semester.
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!
See the COVID-19 Plan tab for changes to housing for the Spring 2021 semester.
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 US 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)
- Meals included 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
- Predeparture orientation
- Airport pickup
- Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona orientation
- Official Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona transcript
- La Vida Local cultural program
Welcome & Orientation
Once you arrive to the capital of Catalonia CISabroad staff will meet you at the airport and help get you to your apartment or homestay. Upon arrival you’ll take part in the CISabroad Logistical, 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 to how to be safe and healthy as well as how to make the most of your time in vibrant Barcelona.
After our fun, interactive orientation sessions, we’ll have a welcome lunch in a traditional restaurant, giving you your first culinary experiences in the new city by trying the staple, “pan con tomate,” along with other delicious Mediterranean food!
Farewell & Re-Entry Program
As the program draws to a close, we will be sure you go home with the tools you need to make the most of your experience. In our re-entry workshop you’ll learn how to cope with cultural differences you’ll experience as you go home, how to put your abroad experience on your resume and in job interviews as well as how you can keep traveling in the future. We’ll 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 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
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
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!
CIS Abroad's COVID-19 Plan
We want you to have the study abroad semester of a lifetime, and also know that Summer 2021 is a unique time to be having this experience. We want to provide useful information to you so you can make the best decision for your finances, academic career, and personal health and safety.
Our Financial Commitment
CIS Abroad is working with international partners to create refund and withdrawal policies that limit the financial impact on students and families should COVID-19 change a student’s plan to travel. Currently, our standard refund policy is in place. We are hopeful we can roll out even more flexible policies and will update this section in January 2021.
To insure yourself from additional loss, such as the loss of airfare, or any other non-recoverable loss after your program begins, we recommend purchasing trip protection insurance, aka CFAR/IFAR insurance.
Our Academic Commitment
CIS Abroad has carefully selected programs to minimize academic risk. We are working with our international partners to understand what commitments can be made to academic continuity using remote academic delivery, synchronous or asynchronous (live or recorded), should COVID-19 impact a student’s ability to travel or complete coursework.
Our Health & Safety Commitment
CIS Abroad has developed a site-specific risk management plan for every location so that health and safety protocols are monitored, managed and communicated throughout the semester.
We have developed a COVID Care Package included in our program fee for all Summer 2021 programming to make traveling and living in a host country easier on students, especially those first few weeks on-site:
- COVID-19 compliant airport pick-up and transfer to housing.
- Information and assistance on meal delivery, if quarantine is required when entering the country
- Welcome packet of masks, hand sanitizer, and cleaning supplies
- COVID-19 compliant housing.
- Access to accommodation if isolation is necessary due to positive COVID-19 test or exposure; this housing may incur additional charges.
- Access to COVID-19 testing; this testing may be an additional charge.
- Medical and accident insurance that covers COVID-19-related illness
- La Vida Local cultural activities and reflection that emphasize safe, local exploration geared to the specific context of being abroad at this special time.
Note: if quarantine upon arrival is required when entering the country, this may incur an additional charge for housing and meals. If quarantine is required, please see the Dates & Prices section for the correct “Quarantine Included” program specifics.
We recognize not every student, family, or university will allow travel this Summer, despite the risk mitigation outlined above. We are committed to providing our Virtual Global Internships so that we can bring international learning & career skills to you.
Quarantine
CIS Abroad is closely monitoring changing international regulations and will help you plan accordingly. We anticipate that as we get further in 2021 quarantine may not be required due to the use of vaccinations. If quarantine upon arrival is required when entering the country, it may incur an additional charge for housing and meals. If quarantine is required, that will be reflected in the Dates & Prices section with “Quarantine Included” program specifics.
Housing
All 2021 students will have COVID-19 compliant housing.
Excursions
We plan to show you the best of what your location has to offer this term; great culture, great food, and interesting people. On the Excursions tab, you can see the day or overnight trips we usually offer. It is too soon to know if we can offer those same experiences or if we’ll stay a little closer to our program base. Just know that great experiences await you. We will update this section as your departure date gets closer.
Visa
No visa is necessary for this program.
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: Mar 1
- Arrival: May 31
- Departure: July 15
- Price: $6,490 - $6,690
- Application Deadline: Mar 15 (Estimated)
- Arrival: June 2 (Estimated)
- Departure: July 16 (Estimated)
- Price: $5,990 - $6,290 (Estimated)
Low price: double room
High price: single room
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.