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The design semester at Elisava allows visiting SAI students the unique opportunity to immerse themselves in English-taught design courses at one of Europe’s top design school, with a special focus on hands-on experience and direct engagement with the city of Barcelona. Two program tracks allow options for students with or without previous design experience. Students select their track and choose 4 to 6 design courses for a total of 12 - 18 credits.
Application: closed
Application Requirements
Complete online application
Personal statement (300-500 words)
Official transcript
Passport scan (photo page)
Digital photo (passport style)
Resume
EU privacy consent form
Track B: Portfolio (4 pages and 2MB max, PDF)
NOTE: Due to the uncertainty surrounding the COVID-19 outbreak, SAI has cancelled this on-site program. Please reach out to SAI Admissions to discuss your options.
Program Dates
September 19, 2020 – December 16, 2020
Age: 18+
Academic Year: Sophomore (2nd year) or above
Cumulative GPA:* 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale)
* contact SAI if you don’t meet requirements
Modules:
- Design management
- Creativity
- Techniques of model construction
- Technical project development
- Suppliers, materials research, and the hardware
- Presentation skills and project communication
- Trade fairs and the latest trends
- Preparation for final project presentation
Program Options
SAI students at Elisava choose from the following two program tracks:
Track A (for students without a design background): Students enroll in three mandatory courses (below), and select an additional 1 – 3 elective courses for a total of 12 – 18 US credits.
Track B (for students with a design background): Students select any 4 – 6 courses from the offering for a total of 12 – 18 US credits.
Courses & Registration
Students make their course selections when submitting SAI’s online application. Course registration is confirmed well in advance of the program start date.
Pre-Departure Calendar | |
---|---|
June 15 2020 |
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) |
June 1 2020 |
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. |
June 1 2020 |
SAI Scholarship Application Deadline Students wishing to apply for an SAI scholarship must have all application items submitted by 11:59pm Pacific Time on this date. |
July 1 2020 |
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. |
July 1 2020 |
Balance of Total Program Fee Due |
August 15 2020 |
SAI Pre-Departure Form Due |
On-Site Calendar | |
---|---|
September 19 2020 |
Arrival & Housing Check-in Students arrive into El Prat Barcelona (BCN) airport. SAI airport pickup is provided between 10:00am and 3:00pm, and students are transferred to SAI housing. |
September 20 2020 |
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. |
September 21 2020 |
Elisava Welcome & Academic Orientation Elisava orientation provides details on academic policies, and allows students to meet one another and their professors. Classes begin after orientation. |
September 21 2020 |
Elisava Classes Begin |
Coming soon |
Midterm exams |
December 15 2020 |
Final Exams End |
December 16 2020 |
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: 12 credits Includes tuition, standard housing and SAI 360° Services (see What’s Included). |
$12,300 |
Program Fee: 15 credits Includes tuition, standard housing and SAI 360° Services (see What’s Included). |
$13,450 |
Program Fee: 18 credits Includes tuition, standard housing and SAI 360° Services (see What’s Included). |
$14,600 |
Optional / Additional Fees: | |
Optional Private Room Housing Supplement Private room in a shared apartment, with a shared bathroom. |
$1,200 |
Optional Visa Processing Fee Available for some jurisdictions. |
$200 |
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 an 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 | $200 / 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 an SAI 360° Services Program; it includes our full services!
Pre-departure and Re-entry services
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.
Discovering Barcelona: Scavenger Hunt
Students attempt to solve questions with a team with the aid of a map and road book. In the course of the activity, they will discover various jewels of the city including the Sagrada Familia, the Casa Batlló, the Cathedral of Barcelona, and the old quarter while learning how take the metro and the bus. There will be prizes for the winners!
Volunteering in a Primary School
Students visit a local primary school to participate in English classroom activities with children between the ages of 3 and 12. This enriching activity is available for students to continue throughout their term if they wish.
The Spanish Family Experience
Under the guidance of SAI’s on-site Program Coordinator, students are introduced to a local family with the goal of facilitating cultural exchange. Students typically meet with their “families” once a week and spend time chatting with the children in English, followed by a family dinner. This allows students to get a glimpse of family life in Barcelona and to create lasting friendships.
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.
Poblenou Neighborhood Tour
This ex-industrial district has transformed into a hub for creativity and technology in recent years. Students visit this fascinating neighborhood that has with its 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!
Explore Tarragona & Visit the Santes Creus Monastery
While in Catalonia, you cannot miss the city of Tarragona, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Emperor Augustus lived here and made it the capital of Hispania Citerior. The city still has ancient Roman walls, circus, and an amphitheater overlooking the sea. Students will enjoy the medieval quarter and its Gothic cathedral. Free time will be given for lunch. We will then go to the Royal Monastery of Santa María de Santes Creus, one of the largest and best-preserved Cistercian monastic complexes in Spain.
Cultural Workshop: Navigating the Spanish Culture
Through this workshop students will learn the habits (European differences), traditions, food and language tips.
Montgat Fish Market & Bravas at a Traditional Xiringuito
Experience the authentic Mediterranean lifestyle on a trip to Montgat. With just a short local train ride students can immerse themselves in the atmosphere of a small fishermen’s village where there is still a local daily fish market. This includes time at the beach and stop at a traditional local “xiringuito” right by the sea to have some bravas and a refreshment.
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.
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.
Montserrat 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.
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 assignments are single gender; other housing configurations may be available under limited circumstances. SAI on-site staff is available to respond to any maintenance needs that may arise.
Passports
Passports should be valid for 6 months after planned departure from Spain.
Student Visas
In accordance with Spanish law, US students studying in Spain for 90 days or less are NOT required to obtain a student visa. The fall 2020 study abroad program at Elisava runs for fewer than 91 days, so students are not required to obtain a visa for this term.
Non-US nationals should consult their local Consulate for details on student visa requirements.
SAI is dedicated to providing academic and cultural learning experiences abroad that enhance global awareness, professional development and social responsibility. We concentrate our programs in Europe, with a focus on in-depth learning of individual European countries and their unique global role in the geopolitical economy, humanities, and in the arts.