The Barcelona SAE Academic Center (SIS) offers a hybrid semester program in collaboration with the Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), one of Spain’s top universities. Students can choose from courses in fields such as business, humanities, and hispanic studies, all available in both English and Spanish, for deeper cultural immersion. With courses available in both English and Spanish, students are taught by experienced local and international faculty who bring real-world knowledge to every class.
Classes are held at the SIS city center campus in the mornings and the historic Ciutadella campus at UPF in the afternoons. This semester program strikes the perfect balance of small class sizes and local integration, providing students with a truly unique study abroad experience.
THE BARCE-LOCAL INTEGRATION EXPERIENCE
One of the highlights of this semester program is our signature Barce-Local Integration Experience - a dedicated period at the start of the term designed to help students immerse themselves in the local culture before courses begin. Through engaging service learning projects, connections with local students, diversity and inclusion workshops, guest speakers, and language crash courses, students begin building a meaningful foundation for their time in Barcelona. In addition, our Cultural Mentor Program offers continued support, fostering a semester full of rich cultural exploration - both inside and outside the classroom.
ABOUT THE UNIVERSITIES
BARCELONA SAE ACADEMIC CENTER (SIS)
Centrally located in the city, the Barcelona SAE Academic Center at the School for International Studies (SIS) offers a truly immersive academic experience. Courses are led by exceptional local and international professors - many of whom are active professionals in their fields - bringing real-world insight directly into the classroom. With small class sizes and an emphasis on experiential learning, students receive individualized attention and engage deeply through active participation.
SIS courses explore international and cross-cultural themes through the lens of Barcelona, covering topics such as local history, art, architecture, literature, and geography. Each course includes hands-on components such as field studies, museum visits, and guided reflection activities that connect course content directly to the city of Barcelona. Our Spanish Language courses focus on spoken language skills and include useful tools for students to debrief their experiences both in and out of the classroom.
Transcripts for courses taken at SIS come from our U.S. School of Record, Jacksonville University (JU). JU is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
UNIVERSITAT POMPEU FABRA (UPF)
Founded in 1990, the Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF) is one of Barcelona's newest institutions and has quickly become world-renowned campus, earning Spain’s #1 university ranking in 2022. Known for its academic rigor and exceptional faculty, UPF offers courses for both international and local students, encouraging greater interaction in the classroom.
Students can also join clubs, participate in the Language Partner program, and engage in cultural activities for a well-rounded experience. Courses are open to both international and local students, which means there's more opportunity for interaction with locals on campus.
The library at the UPF, Dipòsit de les Aigües, was once a water supply building and is now a beautiful space often featured in Spanish films and television. Located next to Ciutadella park and just three blocks from the beach, this modern campus provides plenty of spots to relax and enjoy the city.
REQUIREMENTS
Minimum G.P.A. Requirement
Class Requirement
- Junior or Senior Standing
Language Requirement
- Although helpful, no previous Spanish language knowledge is required.
Age Requirement
- All participants must be 18 years of age by the start date of the program.
If you have any questions about whether you meet the requirements, please contact us and we’d be happy to help you decide which Barcelona SAE program is right for you!
ACADEMICS
Barcelona SAE has worked hard to create a study abroad program that allows you to earn credits towards your major, minor, or general electives. Most courses at the Barcelona SAE Academic Center (SIS) are taught in English, with some taught in Spanish, and you can take Spanish Language and Culture at any level.
Accreditation
Transcripts for courses taken at SIS come from our U.S. School of Record, Jacksonville University (JU). JU is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. The Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF) is recognized by the Spanish Ministry of Education as a degree granting institution of higher learning.
Upon completion of programs at SIS, students will be responsible for requesting their official JU transcript to send to their home institution for credit. The UPF transcript will be sent directly to the student’s home institution.
Course Approval
Before you go abroad, Barcelona SAE strongly recommends that you meet with your study abroad office and/or your academic advisor at your home institution, and that you're as transparent as possible about your plans.
After your acceptance into the program, you will be required to submit an “Approval Contact for Study Abroad” form that will automatically inform your home institution of your intent to participate in a Barcelona SAE program. The earlier that you plan for your study abroad experience, the easier it will be to get your courses pre-approved and know exactly what transfer credit will be accepted at your home institution. Please remember that it is best to get multiple back up courses pre-approved, as this will give you some flexibility in setting up your class schedule or during the add/drop period. Think about courses that can work towards your major or minor, as well as courses that may fulfill your general education or elective requirements.
Courses
Courses at SIS are taught in English and/or Spanish, and the class sizes are small to provide a personalized experience that allows for individual participation and team projects. Each course includes various field studies that use the city of Barcelona as a classroom as part of the experiential learning experience. Also, final grades will be the result of the combination of lectures, field trips, guest speakers, as well as projects, readings, and presentations that will be prepared by the students outside the classroom.
Credit Options
Students will earn 12 credits total – 6 credits at the Barcelona School for International Studies (SIS) and 6 credits at the Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF). Students will take 6 credits at SIS and can choose from a variety of elective and Spanish courses. They can then choose from any Barcelona Program for Interdisciplinary Studies (BaPIS) courses or International Business & Economics (ESCI) courses for 6 credits at UPF.
Courses
Please
click here to view the available courses for this program under the academics tab.
STUDENT LIFE
Students are in for an action-packed time abroad, and the Barce-Local experience will extend far beyond the walls of the classroom. In addition to organizing a wide range of cultural activities that immerse students in the local culture, Barcelona SAE also provides a Weekly Cultural Agenda, detailing events happening throughout the city. In addition, each student is paired with a Cultural Mentor who will assist in getting involved in clubs and/or activities based on their personal interests.
The program also includes a series of day trips which blend historical tours with modern experiences, encouraging students to get off the beaten path to discover Spain through a local lens.
?And when students are not with us, they’ll have access to our Barcelona SAE Bucket List with 100 unique and exciting ways to experience the city! From attending a Barça game and exploring the Picasso Museum, to window shopping in the unique Gràcia district or discovering new restaurants with Spanish friends...the list offers endless possibilities.
WHAT'S INCLUDED
The SIS + UPF Semester Program Includes:
Countdown to Barcelona:
- Group Webinar and Pre-Departure Preparation
- Personalized Advising
While in Barcelona:
- SIS + UPF Tuition and Fees
- Official University Transcripts from Jacksonville University & UPF
- Bienvenid@s a Barcelona – Airport Welcome Service
- Logistical & Cultural Orientations
- Housing for the Duration of Program (Homestays include Breakfast/Dinner!)
- Comprehensive Medical & Accident Insurance
- 24-Hour Emergency Support
- English-Speaking Staff
Professional, Cultural & Social Activities:
- The Barce-Local Integration Week
- The Barcelona SAE Bucket List
- Day Trip(s) Outside of Barcelona
- Optional Weekend Excursion to Morocco (Additional cost applies)
- Weekly Cultural Agenda (The local perspective of what’s happening each week!)
- Weekly Cultural Activities (Cooking Classes, Dance Lessons, Intercambios, Barrio Tours, and MORE!)
- Cultural Mentor Program
- Welcome Activity
- Re-Entry Workshop & Farewell Meal
For Continued Success After the Program:
- Alumni & Career Services
- Invitation to Barcelona SAE’s LinkedIn Alumni Group
- Opportunity to Apply to be a “Barcelona SAE Alumni Ambassador” on Your Home Campus
- Invitations to Study Abroad & Internship Returnee Conferences Throughout the U.S.
The Program Does Not Include:
- Round-Trip Airfare to/from Barcelona
- Visa Costs (If Applicable)
- Mobile Phones & Charges
- Local Transportation
- Personal Items
HOUSING
Barcelona SAE offers our students a variety of housing options, which means that we have the perfect place in Barcelona for you to call your home away from home. We have carefully selected safe and adequate housing for each student but each living arrangement is different.
Please click here for more information regarding our housing options.
APPLY NOW!
So…what are you waiting for?
Apply Now and get ready to embark on the Barcelona experience of a lifetime!
