Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona

Spring Semester Elective 2028

12 – 15 credits

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Spring Semester 2028

Barcelona, Spain

Program Overview

SAI’s study abroad semester at UAB is designed for visiting students who wish to spend a semester in Barcelona taking courses in social sciences, humanities, business, economics and Spanish language. Most courses are taught in English, with some options in Spanish, and can be chosen from a wide range of electives. Students can choose to take 4 or 5 courses per semester, for a total of 12 – 15 US credits.

Highlights

Study in a beautiful city-center campus
Courses offer Mediterranean perspective on global issues
Experience the unique Catalonian culture of Barcelona
Cultural events and excursions offered throughout term

Key Details

Application Deadline

October 1, 2027

Program Fee

Coming soon

Program Dates

Early January – Late April 2028

Enrollment Deadline

May 15, 2027

Requirements

Age

18+

Academic Year

Sophomore or above (at least 2 completed semesters at application)

Cumulative GPA

2.75 (on a 4.0 scale)

Application Material

SAI application
Personal statement
Transcript
Digital photo
Passport copy

Visa Required?

Yes

Academics

UAB offers a wide variety of courses during the semester, with many blending classroom learning with hands-on experiences. Courses are generally offered Monday through Thursday. SAI students are free to enroll in any combination of elective courses, but prerequisites must be demonstrated through students’ transcripts.

Placement Tests
Students who register for Spanish Language courses or electives taught in Spanish must complete an online placement test before departing for Spain.

Explore Courses More Academics

What’s Included

This is a SAI 360° Services Program; it includes our full services!

Program tuition and U.S. academic credit
Comfortable and safe student housing
Airport pickup on arrival day
Orientation and welcome reception
Welcoming on-site staff
Student health insurance
SAI Viva Experience: cultural engagement, excursions & wellness activities
24-hour on-site emergency support
Farewell event

Pre-departure and Re-entry services

Knowledgeable Admissions Counselors
Helpful pre-departure resources & groups
Student visa advising
Assistance with financial aid processing
Need-based SAI scholarships
Alumni Network & Ambassador Program

Financial Details

Program Fees


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).	coming soon
Program Fee: 15 credits Includes tuition, standard housing and SAI 360° Services (see What’s Included).	coming soon
Optional / Additional Fees:
Optional Private Room Housing Supplement Private room in a shared apartment, with a shared bathroom.	coming soon
Optional Homestay Housing Supplement Family homestay in a private bedroom, breakfast and dinner included.	contact SAI

*prices are subject to change

Please see SAI Policies for SAI cancellation & withdrawal deadlines.

Note: Some US universities have a special payment arrangement with SAI, where your university covers part of your fees on your behalf, and you pay the remaining fees directly to SAI. Not sure if this applies to you? Check with your study abroad office or your SAI Admissions Counselor.

Financial Deadlines


Within 1 week of acceptance	SAI Deposits Due $500 Enrollment Deposit (applied toward program fee) $300 Security Deposit (refundable)
October 1 2027	50% of Total Program Fee Due (Students whose deposit payment date is on or after this date will have a deadline of 5 business days after submitting the deposit.)
October 15 2027	Financial Aid Agreement & Financial Aid Program Deposit Deadline Applicable to students wishing to utilize SAI financial aid payment deferment process. (Students whose deposit payment date is on or after this date will have a deadline of 5 business days after the deposit.)
October 15 2027	SAI Scholarship Application Deadline Complete application due by 11:59pm Pacific Time.
November 15 2027	SAI Financial Aid Verification Deadline Applicable to students wishing to utilize SAI financial aid payment deferment process.
December 1 2027	Balance of Total Program Fee Due

Budgeting


Airfare to/from Barcelona	$900 – $1,800
Student Visa May include optional SAI visa services, consulate fees, and potential travel expenses, which vary based on consulate location and the student’s residence.	$300 – $1,500
Books, Supplies & Course Fees	$200 – $1,000 / course
Meals Includes groceries and eating out.	$700 – $1,000 / month
Personal Expenses	$300 – $350 / month
Transportation within Barcelona Public transportation with some taxi rides.	$100 – $150 / month
Weekend Travel Cost varies greatly by student.	$300 – $1,000 / month

SAI Housing

Standard Housing:
Student Apartment | shared bedroom

(included in program fee)

SAI student apartments offer a comfortable, community-focused living experience in fully equipped spaces. Apartments typically house 2 – 8 students and feature a mix of shared-occupancy and private bedrooms, along with kitchen, bathroom, and a common area. Each unit is move-in ready with essential furnishings, a washing machine, basic kitchen supplies, bed linens, towels, and wireless internet. Housing is arranged as female, male, and, in select locations, gender-inclusive. SAI’s on-site staff are available to promptly assist with any maintenance needs throughout the program.

Optional Housing:
Student Apartment | private bedroom

*additional fee applies

Private bedrooms in student apartments offer a private bedroom with a shared bathroom. SAI student apartments offer a comfortable, community-focused living experience in fully equipped spaces. Apartments typically house 2 – 8 students and feature a mix of shared-occupancy and private bedrooms, along with kitchen, bathroom, and a common area. Each unit is move-in ready with essential furnishings, a washing machine, basic kitchen supplies, bed linens, towels, and wireless internet. Housing is arranged as female, male, and, in select locations, gender-inclusive. SAI’s on-site staff are available to promptly assist with any maintenance needs throughout the program.

Optional Housing:
Family Homestay| private bedroom

*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.

Optional Housing:
Student Residence | shared bedroom

*additional fee applies

SAI offers limited student residence spaces in Barcelona. The student residence with shared bedrooms is a new, modern building located in the eastern Sant Martí neighborhood, offering easy access to Barcelona’s beaches and strong metro connections throughout the city. It offers shared double bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms and a shared kitchen. The residence includes furnished bedrooms, WIFI, AC, heating, linens, towels, and access to shared common spaces such as a pool, gym, lounge areas, study spaces, and social rooms (amenities vary).

Optional Housing:
Student Residence | private bedroom

*additional fee applies

SAI offers limited student residence spaces in Barcelona. This traditional-style residence is conveniently located in the central Eixample neighborhood and offers private bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms and a kitchenette shared between two bedrooms. The residence includes furnishings, WIFI, AC, heating, linens, towels, and access to shared study spaces, and social rooms.

Academics

Course Registration

UAB semester courses are generally offered Monday through Thursday. SAI students are free to enroll in any combination of elective courses, but prerequisites must be demonstrated through students’ transcripts.

Students select their courses upon confirming their enrollment with SAI. Course registration is completed on a first come, first served basis based on the date of enrollment, therefore students are encouraged to enroll early. Course schedules are confirmed at least 4 weeks prior to arrival.

Placement Tests
Semester students who register for Spanish Language courses complete an online placement test before departing for Spain. Neither SAI, nor UAB, can guarantee that students will be placed into the Spanish level which corresponds with her/his home school’s requirements. Occasionally, a disconnect exists between the students’ expected level and the level indicated by the UAB placement exam.

Classes in Spanish
Students wishing to take content courses in Spanish must demonstrate a minimum B2 level of proficiency. In most cases, this is equivalent to successful completion of 300 level Spanish. UAB will verify this prerequisite via the Spanish language placement exam.

Optional Certificates

SAI semester students have the option of adding a SAI Certificate to supplement their coursework:

SAI Global Leadership Certificate (GLC)
The SAI Global Leadership Certificate (GLC) enhances a semester abroad through focused exploration of global issues, research, and engagement with local experts. Students develop critical thinking and leadership skills while gaining a deeper understanding of their host community. This credential highlights academic initiative and a global perspective.

SAI International Service Certificate (ISC)
The SAI International Service Certificate (ISC) offers students the opportunity to engage directly with their host community through volunteer service. Working with local organizations and supported by SAI staff, students build practical skills, cultural awareness, and meaningful connections. This certificate recognizes a strong commitment to service abroad.

SAI Viva Experience

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.

Walking Tours & City Exploration

Student poses at Carmel Bunkers during study abroad activity in Barcelona, Spain

Passport & Visa

Passports
Passports should be valid for at least 1 year after planned departure from Europe.

Student Visas
U.S. students studying in Spain for 91 days or more are required to obtain a student visa. Therefore U.S. students are required to obtain one for this program. Students with Spanish/EU citizenship are exempt, and non-U.S. nationals should consult their local consulate for requirements.

SAI’s Student Visa Office supports students throughout the visa application process through the included SAI 360° Services. The following optional services are also available:

Student Visa Application Review (additional fee): SAI’s visa team provides a full review of your application to position yourself for a simple and streamlined application process.
Student Visa Processing (additional fee; available for some Consulates): SAI’s visa team submits your application on your behalf, eliminating the need to travel to a Consulate for an appointment.