SAI students studying abroad at CETT have the choice between completing a program in Business, Hospitality & Tourism or Food Culture and Culinary Arts in the Mediterranean. Both programs offer immersive coursework in the fields, giving students applied experiences in Barcelona’s dynamic tourism scene. Students in the Hospitality & Tourism program select 4 - 6 elective courses for a total of 12 - 15 credits, while students in the Gastronomy program enroll in three required courses and select 2 - 3 electives for a total of 15 credits.
Application: closed
Application Requirements
Complete online application
Personal statement (300-500 words)
Official transcript
Passport scan (photo page)
Digital photo (passport style)
EU privacy consent form
Highlights
- Enjoy state of the art facilities, including a student-run restaurant.
- Get real-world experience working with professionals.
- Study alongside local students.
Program Dates
January 24, 2024 – May 9, 2024
Eligibility Requirements
Age: 18+
Academic Year: Sophomore (2nd year) or above.
Cumulative GPA:* 2.75 (on a 4.0 scale)
* contact SAI if you don’t meet requirements
Gastronomy Program
Hospitality
Spanish Language
Tourism
This introduction attempts to provide an approach to the most important elements of economics and tourism for students who are beginning their education in the field of tourism. The course's set of topics includes aspects such as the main objectives of economic policies, i.e., price stability, full employment, economic growth, external balance, etc. We will also touch on topics such as the economic role of public administrations, state budgets, monetary policy, etc.
All of these topics are related to tourism and we will try do determine what the possible impact of economic aspects on tourism could be and, at the same time, how tourism can contribute to achieving goals such as full employment or economic growth or healing the environment.
Finally, we will discuss issues related to tourism-specific factors: what determines supply and demand for tourism services, how tourism prices are set, characteristics of tourism companies, and more.
It will allow to acquire advances knowledge of tools to create your own trading account, as well as a business plan based on B2C or B2B models.
The subject will be developed in a teamwork environment, with the aim of modeling treasury, investment, leverage plans and how to explain and sell innovation to project or company investors.
This course is an opportunity to understand financial for non-financial people, as well as to control the statements and tax obligations of a company.
You will learn the metrics of finance in the company and the relationship with stakeholders as well as the KPI's of the finance areas of a company.
We will go from the definitions of basic concepts and elements of new organizational and operational structure of an establishment, to new emerging professional profiles, as well as the competences required by the companies in the sector.
Students will be able to study in depth, the operations management system of tourist accommodation companies, identify the basic functions of a manager and the different levels of management in this type of companies.
We must be aware that the service company is a system that integrates the surrounding society, where individuals with different needs must relate to one another and must identify themselves with the company's policies. At the same time, these companies must become human communities brought together to achieve certain goals for the common good. The company must also make a commitment and take on social responsibility with its policies.
Therefore, successful companies are those that are able to select the most competent leaders, those who understand the reality of service companies and are capable of managing their human teams.
In this course, we will present the basic principles needed to guarantee that the students are capable of effectively managing their staff, as a means of ensuring that expected levels of efficiency, quality and profitability are met.
The course will be carried out keeping in mind the skills that the student should develop by including techniques in the learning process such as role-play, mentoring, group and individual projects, debates and written presentations. The course offers an internationalized vision of its content and skills to facilitate the student's ability to work abroad.
Based on the information provided by accounting, the finance manager and the CEO must be able to analyze the company,s financial and economic situation, implement the necessary measures to ensure good progress, assess the suitability of certain investments before assuming them and make the most appropriate decisions in order to obtain financial resources at the right moment, in the right amount and at an affordable cost for the company.
These are some of the data the finance function will yield through the general management process in the tourism company.
We must highlight the contents approach towards a practical dimension, being the businesses in the tourism sector the main subjects of application.
In order to study this subject, we strongly recommend having successfully achieved the learning objectives set for the subject Accounting in Tourism Businesses.
Each of these areas serves a specific purpose and the effects on the final result will depend on the business model of each activity. The basic role of Marketing is that of maintaining the relations between the organization and its market and this requires bi-directional activities: on the one hand, collect data from the market, analyze it and find out the market requirements, evolution, competitors' behaviors, and on the other hand, provide information about our service offers, facilitate access to them, know to what extent expectations are being met.
This subject aims at giving students the key competencies and skills necessary to understand and put into practice this marketing philosophy.
Gastronomy is increasingly playing a major role in the tourism experience either as a complement that provides added value to the trip or as the main reason or experience of the tourism activity. Therefore, in this course students will study, know and identify the motivations and profiles of the gastronomic traveler. Knowing what they look for, what they want and what they value will allow students to design an offer to satisfy their expectations.
Gastronomy is the cultural expression of a community and the know-how of the local people and understanding and assimilating the interrelationship between food, land and cultural heritage is the main purpose of this course. In addition, students will learn how highlighting the cultural and gastronomic resources of a place can create tourism mobility.
Students will understand the importance of gastronomy as a tool for tourism promotion and territorial development by means of case studies. Moreover, students will know and analyse the main enogastronomic tourism destinations as well as the most appropriate communication tools to be applied to the enogastronomic tourism sector.
Contents are divided in 3 blocks. In the first block students will acquire the necessary theoretical and practical knowledge in order to carry out the different cooking techniques and the process to follow in order to make basic culinary preparations. In order to do so, traditional methods will be combined with the latter innovations in processes and machinery. In the second block students will learn how to plate and garnish the dishes to serve them and how to pair food with wine. In the third block students will learn about the nutritional determinants and the assistance to groups with special needs.
Lectures will pay special attention to the analysis of contextual aspects â geographic, anthropologic, historical, religious, economic and sociological- which will allow students to interpret the different cuisines around the world. In the practical lessons students will learn the ingredients, the terminology and the cooking techniques and processes typical of the various international cuisines seen in throughout the course.
The application of theoretical contents about origin, production method or raw materials will allow students to understand their importance when defining texture and aromatic and gustatory characteristics of beverages.
In this sense, the role of management planning and peoples involvement becomes essential as a strategic resource inside the company, which undoubtedly, has a direct impact on the economic contribution to the business.
In this sense, the role of management planning and peoples involvement becomes essential as a strategic resource inside the company, which undoubtedly, has a direct impact on the economic contribution to the business.
The course International Hospitality Management will give the students the opportunity to learn how major hotel chains have formulated their own strategies in an increasingly globalized world and how they have adapted to new technologies.
The course focuses on the growth of hotel chains in the five key tourism regions in the world. It also analyzes the latest advances in global hospitality operations together with the contemporary management principles. Students will develop a critical view of the traditional theories and management practices and evaluate their appropriateness for the hospitality and tourism industries in a multicultural context.
The course is designed to raise greater awareness among students about the cultural factors influencing the strategies and the accomplishment of international organizations in the hospitality sector.
The course is part of the specialization in International Hotel Management for the degree in Hospitality Management.
This sector is in constant evolution and what is valid today may no longer be so tomorrow ; this is why the subject aims at providing students with the knowledge and tools that will enable them to manage and run restaurant event operations successfully and to offer innovative solutions to restaurant businesses.
The learning objectives will allow the students to identify the organizational needs, to know about the operational logistics since the moment guests enter the venue until they leave as well as to master management tools like budgeting, income statements, so that they can understand the importance of any restaurant business ultimate goal: customer satisfaction.
The subject is structured in three blocks, being the first an introductory one. The second block provides analysis tools from the tourism point of view of architectural and urban heritage. Finally, the third block closes the subject by providing the necessary tools for the analysis of artistic heritage.
This subject deals with the conceptualization, evolution and analysis of experiences around a tourist activity, the importance of the tourist experience will be unfolded from different perspectives or complementary aspects. For example, how an economic and market- oriented vision focuses on the key role of the visitor as a co-creator and designer of wholistic and memorable experiences. In this area, concepts such as the economics of experience or experiential marketing will allow students to learn and develop key aspects of the course. These aspects will focus on perception, feelings, thinking, interacting and the relationship between tourists, destinations and tourism and service companies for the creation and design of tourism experiences.
Tourism Planning develops in an increasingly complex environment with multiple stakeholders engaged in its deployment and with the existence of social, economic and environmental factors that affect and transform it. Therefore, the future of the tourism activities in the frame of the tourism destination and all the stakeholders involved will greatly depend on the correct planning of the tourism project.
Thus, the subject becomes fundamental in providing the right learning that future tourism managers will need and that will enable them to make decisions about the tourism in the region by implementing the most appropriate analysis, correction and monitoring devices.
The improvement of visitors’ experiences is one of the Smart Tourism goals, as well as to manage the resources efficiently and competitively.
This subject will deepen in all the elements needed to transform a traditional tourism destination into a new Smart Destination. Among others sustainability, innovation, technology, governance, and management represent these elements.
International Service Certificate
The SAI International Service Certificate is awarded to SAI semester students who are motivated to engage with and give back to their host community. Supported by SAI on-site staff, students who earn the certificate gain valuable skills collaborating with local community groups, and obtain a unique perspective of their host city. Volunteers are able to explore a field of their interest, and build skills that can transfer into their future careers. For more information see SAI International Service Certificate.
Gastronomy Program
SAI students enrolled in the Food Culture and Culinary Arts in the Mediterranean at CETT choose from the following two program tracks:
Track 1 (for students with no background in culinary studies): Students enroll in three mandatory courses (below), and select an additional 2 – 3 elective courses for a total of 15 US credits.
- Tourism, Gastronomy, and Communication
- Culinary Techniques and Preparations (practical)
- Production and Tasting of Beverages (practical)
Track 2 (for students with at least one year of study in a culinary program, or with comparable professional experience): Students enroll in three mandatory courses (below), and select an additional 2 – 3 elective courses for a total of 15 US credits.
- Tourism, Gastronomy, and Communication
- Production and Tasting of Beverages (practical)
- Mediterranean Cuisine and Cuisines from Around the World (practical)
*Suggested course for Track 2: Food Production in Commercial Catering (practical)
Please note that there are two types of elective courses offered: Theoretical and Practical. Practical electives increase the overall program cost, since such courses include the use of kitchen facilities and the hands-on preparation of food/beverages. The additional costs for enrolling in one or two Practical elective courses are outlined in the Fees & Budgeting section below.
Required Uniform & Knife Kit
All students in this program are required to have knives and a uniform. Students are welcome to bring these items from home or to purchase them from CETT.
Business, Hospitality & Tourism Program
SAI students select a concentration from Business, Hospitality, and Tourism, but are free to enroll in any combination of elective courses. All students are encouraged to enroll in the Spanish Language and Culture course in order to get the most from their semester. Most subjects are taught in English, while some are taught in Spanish, especially those related to Spanish culture and society. The language of instruction for each class is clearly indicated on the schedule for a given term. Students who wish to attend courses in Spanish must prove their language proficiency by showing that they have achieved an intermediate level; a score equivalent to level B1 as measured by a CEFR-equivalent language exam. Certificates issued by the home university are also accepted.
1.5 Credit Courses
Students have the opportunity to enroll in two 1.5 credit courses in place of one 3 credit course. 1.5 credit courses include 30 contact hours and are open to Gastronomy and Tourism & Hospitality students.
Course Registration
After being accepted into the program, students fill out a SAI Course Approval Form. This online form requires students to list their first and alternate-choice courses and to affirm the approval of the Study Abroad Advisor at their home school. SAI’s Barcelona Admissions Counselor will help guide students through this process.
| Pre-Departure Calendar | |
|---|---|
| October 1 2023 |
Application Closes Applications accepted after closing as space permits. |
| Within 1 week of acceptance |
SAI Deposits Due $500 Confirmation Deposit (applied toward program fee) $300 Security Deposit (refundable) |
| October 1 2023 |
50% of Total Program Fee Due Students who are accepted and submit SAI deposits after this date will have an amended pay schedule. Either 50% or 100% of Program Fee will be due within 5 business days, based on the deposit payment date. |
| October 15 2023 |
Enrollment Closes Students must complete their enrollment, including paying deposits, by this date. |
| October 15 2023 |
SAI Scholarship Application Deadline Students wishing to apply for a SAI scholarship must have all application items submitted by 11:59pm Pacific Time on this date. |
| November 15 2023 |
SAI Financial Aid Verification Deadline Students wishing to defer payment until financial aid disbursement must submit the financial aid verification forms to SAI by this date. |
| December 1 2023 |
Balance of Total Program Fee Due |
| On-Site Calendar | |
|---|---|
| January 24 2024 |
Arrival & Housing Check-in Students arrive at El Prat Barcelona (BCN) airport. SAI airport pickup is provided between 10:00am and 3:00pm, and students are transferred to SAI housing. |
| January 25 2024 |
SAI Orientation Mandatory SAI orientation is held at the SAI Barcelona office and introduces students to their city while covering safety, policies, housing, and culture. |
| January 26 2024 |
CETT Academic Orientation CETT orientation provides details on academic policies, and allows students to meet one another and their professors. |
| January 29 2024 |
Classes Begin |
| Coming soon |
Spring Break (no class) |
| May 8 2024 |
Final Exams End |
| May 9 2024 |
Program End & Housing Check-out Students must move out of SAI housing by 10:00am to return home or pursue independent travel. |
| SAI Program Fees* | USD |
|---|---|
| Application Fee | $120 |
| Security Deposit Refundable at the end of the term. |
$300 |
| Program Fee: Hospitality & Tourism – 12 credits Includes tuition, standard housing and SAI 360° Services (see What’s Included). |
$14,000 |
| Program Fee: Hospitality & Tourism – 15 credits Includes tuition, standard housing and SAI 360° Services (see What’s Included). |
$15,275 |
| Program Fee: Gastronomy Includes tuition (15 credits), standard housing and SAI 360° Services (see What’s Included). |
$14,900 |
| Program Fee: Gastronomy with 1 Practical Elective Includes tuition with 1 practical elective course (15 credits), standard housing and SAI 360° Services (see What’s Included). |
$15,550 |
| Program Fee: Gastronomy with 2 Practical Electives Includes tuition with 2 practical elective courses (15 credits), standard housing and SAI 360° Services (see What’s Included). |
$16,200 |
| Optional / Additional Fees: | |
| Gastronomy Program Required Course Material Students can purchase the required knives and uniform from CETT |
Euro 400 |
| Optional Private Room Housing Supplement Private room in a shared apartment, with a shared bathroom. |
$1,500 |
| Optional Homestay Housing Supplement Family homestay in a private occupancy bedroom, breakfast & dinner included |
$150 |
| Optional Visa Processing Service Available for some jurisdictions. |
$275 |
| International Mailing Supplement When applicable, students are charged an international mailing supplement to ensure visa paperwork arrives in a timely manner. |
$90 |
*prices are subject to change
Note: certain SAI-affiliated US universities require specific payment arrangements. These may require that some fees are paid by the student directly to SAI, and other fees are paid to SAI by the affiliated university on behalf of the student. If you attend a SAI-affiliated university please contact your study abroad office or speak with your SAI Admissions Counselor for details.
| Budget | Low Est. | High Est. |
|---|---|---|
| Airfare to/from Barcelona |
$950 | $1,500 |
| Visa Cost depends on travel to Consulate. |
$160 | $360 |
| Books, Supplies & Course Fees | $100 / course | $250 / course |
| Meals Includes groceries and eating out. |
$700 / month | $1,000 / month |
| Personal Expenses | $300 / month | $350 / month |
| Transportation within Barcelona Public transportation with some taxi rides. |
$100 / month | $150 / month |
| Weekend Travel Cost varies greatly by student. |
$300 / month | $1,000 / month |
This is a SAI 360° Services Program; it includes our full services!
- Program tuition and U.S. academic credit
- Accommodation in carefully selected student housing
- Airport pickup and transportation on arrival day
- Welcome reception and events
- SAI orientation to the host city and school
- SAI staff on-site dedicated to fostering a welcoming community for all students by providing assistance to diverse needs
- SAI Viva Experience: frequent cultural activities & trips outside host city
- Student health insurance providing full coverage and medical emergency evacuation
- 24-hour on-site emergency support
- Farewell event with all students
Pre-departure and Re-entry services
- US-based admissions counselor assigned to you, providing friendly assistance
- Helpful pre-departure tools and resources
- Online student groups to acquaint you with other SAI students
- SAI Student Visa consulting
- Assistance with financial aid processing
- Need-based SAI scholarships
- Paid registration fees for national re-entry conferences
- SAI Ambassador Program for SAI alumni, with paid internship opportunities
- SAI alumni network
SAI offers all students the Viva Experience: frequent cultural activities, at no extra cost, for participants to get to know their community, city and country. Following is a sample of the activities included in this program. Please note that actual activities may differ.
Welcome Lunch
Students are welcomed to their new city over a traditional 3 course Spanish lunch to mingle and get to know each other.
Barcelona Bike Tour
This tour is a fun and exciting way to discover Barcelona’s old port, renowned beaches, and picturesque Ciutadella Park. Along the way, students see the sights that make Barcelona so famous and hear the stories behind them.
Modernism Tour
During this tour, students get to know the iconic and symbolic Modernist architecture of Gaudi by discovering the Sagrada Familia and the Casa Battló, among other famous buildings.
Cultural Workshop: Navigating Spanish Culture
Students learn about local habits, traditions, food and language tips to get to know their new home!
Medieval Heritage: Girona and Besalu Day Trip
This exciting day trip takes students to Girona and Besalú, both cities that have been featured in Game of Thrones. Girona has more than 2000 years of history, with its two fortified enclosures: the first built in the 1st century BCE, and the medieval extension of the city walls from the 14th and 15th centuries. Besalú is a small town with a Romanesque bridge and remarkable medieval buildings situated close to Girona. Once an important local capital during the Middle Ages, it is nowadays a hidden treasure.
Visit the Bunkers of Carmel
A visit to one of the most astonishing viewpoints in Barcelona. These anti-aircraft batteries from the Spanish Civil War have become a popular spot amongst locals and visitors.
Montserrat & Organic Wine Cellar Day Trip
Students take a day trip to Montserrat, a spectacularly beautiful Benedictine mountain retreat. Its unusual rock formations and its natural beauty have made it a Catalonian icon. Students take the cable train up the mountain to visit the monastery and wander the mountain paths, with amazing views of the Catalonian countryside. In the afternoon, students have the chance to enjoy the countryside of one of the most well-known Catalan wine regions with a wine tasting and a typical “Esmorzar de pagès”.
Poblenou Visit
This ex-industrial district has transformed into a hub for creativity and technology in recent years. Students visit this fascinating neighborhood that has a personality outlined by charming smokestacks that are scattered throughout the area. Discover old factories that have been converted into galleries and studios and communication and technology companies that have based their headquarters in the 22@ district. There will also be a stop at the Encants flea market!
Gracia Tour
Gracia is one of the most beautiful neighborhoods of Barcelona. For a long time, it was an independent town just outside Barcelona, and today it still maintains its independence and free spirit. On the tour students discover the many secrets of Gracia, its history, its hidden corners, and many stories and curiosities about it.
Ceramic Workshop
In this course for beginners SAI students have the option of making one or two pieces of a functional nature (cup, plate, pot, etc.) based on simple techniques that have been adapted to a beginner’s level.
Camp Nou Stadium Museum
Almost nobody would guess that the Camp Nou is the most visited museum of Barcelona, but it is! Get a panoramic view of the iconic soccer stadium, while seeing the area dedicated to Leo Messi, the trophy cabinet, and more!
Dalí Day Trip
SAI students visit the Dalí Theatre-Museum in Salvador Dalí’s hometown of Figueres. The Dalí Theatre-Museum opened in 1974 and it houses the single largest and most diverse collection of works by Salvador Dalí. Following the museum, students visit the small and beautiful village of Cadaques, considered the jewel of the Costa Brava. Students enjoy a nice stroll from Dali’s home in Port Lligat, to Cadaques.
Parc de Collserola Hike
Behind Tibidabo’s iconic outline, there lies a wealth of woodland and fields including a protected park where a wide variety of Mediterranean flora and fauna brings us into contact with nature just 15 minutes away from the bustling city. This is Barcelona’s great green “lung”. Students enjoy a hike in this beautiful protected land.
Sitges Beach Day
Students visit the town of Sitges, which is a paradise of sun, sea and mild temperatures year-round, and a venue for international film and music festivals. Beautiful views and long beaches make Sitges a wonderful day trip.
Spanish Cooking Lesson
Students take a cooking lesson designed to teach typical Spanish (mostly Catalan) dishes that are easy to make again independently. Dishes are prepared according to the season and include appetizer, main course and dessert.
Olympic Barcelona
The incredible transformation of Barcelona took place in the lead-up to the 1992 Olympic Games. Students visit the two most important sites for the Barcelona Games starting with Montjüic Hill, where the Olympic Stadium is located. Later, students visit the Olympic Museum, which puts Barcelona’s Olympic history into context.
Farewell Dinner
Students celebrate the end of a successful time abroad and say their goodbyes over a delicious Spanish meal.
Standard Housing: Student apartment
SAI student apartments are convenient and well equipped, with shared occupancy bedrooms (option to upgrade to private bedroom, if available). Typical residences house 2 – 8 students and contain a combination of private and shared bedrooms, kitchen, bathroom and living areas. Furnishings, a washing machine, basic kitchen supplies, bed linens and towels are provided. All apartments are equipped with wireless Internet. Housing configurations are designated as female, male, and in some locations, gender-inclusive. SAI on-site staff is available to respond to any maintenance needs that may arise.
Optional Housing: Family homestay (additional fee applies)
SAI homestay families are thoroughly screened and are accustomed to welcoming visiting students into their homes. Homestays provide a private occupancy bedroom in the family home with basic furnishings. Daily breakfast and dinner are included, as is weekly laundry. Mostly Spanish is spoken in the home, granting students an excellent opportunity to practice their language skills. Please note that some homestays may be outside of the city center.
Passports
Passports should be valid for at least 4 months after planned return from Spain.
Student Visas
In accordance with Spanish law students studying in Spain for 91 days or more are required to obtain a student visa. Those with Spanish/EU citizenship are exempted. Non-US nationals should consult their local Consulate for details on student visa requirements.
Students must appear in person at the Spanish Consulate to present their visa application. SAI is able to process visa applications (no trip to the Consulate required!) for students who live or attend school in some jurisdictions. Students who wish to use this optional service should contact SAI directly to confirm that they are eligible. For those who prefer to present their visa application in person, SAI provides student visa consulting at no cost.