SAI semester students in UPF’s elective programs enroll in upper division courses in one of two concentrations: Barcelona Program for Interdisciplinary Studies (BaPIS) or International Business (ESCI). Students enroll in 4 or 5 courses for a total of 12 to 15 US credits. Courses are available in both English and Spanish. While there is no requirement to enroll in a Spanish language course, UPF offers all levels of Spanish language, which can be combined with subject courses.
Application: closed
Application Requirements
Complete online application
Personal statement (300-500 words)
Official transcript
Passport scan (photo page)
Digital photo (JPEG; passport style)
EU privacy consent form
Highlights
- Study liberal arts, Spanish language and culture, business, or international relations.
- Courses integrate site visits, tours, and speaker sessions.
Program Dates
BaPIS: Jan 4, 2024 – March 22, 2024
ESCI: Jan 4, 2024 – March 23, 2024
Eligibility Requirements
Age: 18+
Academic Year: Junior (3rd year) or above.
Cumulative GPA:* 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale)
* contact SAI if you don’t meet requirements
International Business (ESCI)
Spanish Language
Both extremes are modes of representation of our culture and have many elements in common: their marginality, their creativity, a community of practitioners and followers, their influence on the cinematographic narrative of the real and fiction, and their questioning, in some cases, of the classic narrative.
The goal of this seminar is to provide the student with a basic, but professional, level of knowledge of ethnographic and the- so called- experimental or formalist filmmaking. The seminar includes a practical exercise where the student can discover his or her particular way of seeing Catalan or Spanish reality. During class sessions, students and the professor will meet and discuss the history and situation of the contemporary ethnographic and Avant-garde filmmaking.
The course in all will underpin examples of COLLECTIVENESS in the context of a ultra-highly CONNECTED society that can no longer solve the global challenges of the future, following individual strengths or singled-out efforts; following examples the innovation and knowledge transfer capabilities and responsibilities of in specific sectors/issues such as food and nutrition, architecture and living design, health and genomic sciences, fashion and responsible consumerism and production or travel and tourism and urban and global mobility, among others. The Collectivity Revolution is an account of the new paradigms of management and commerce across businesses and its communities, as a whole. The title of the course responds to a play-on-words between the terms Collective and Connection and the Revolutionary outcomes of its merging forces.
Pero para entrar a analizar de que hablamos cuando hablamos de noticias falsas o de manipulacion informativa, es necesario preguntarnos tambien que es verdad, y abordaremos algunos debates eticos al respecto. Las nociones de verdad y objetividad son esenciales en toda sociedad, existen formas muy diversas de desinformacion. En este curso trabajaremos de manera interdisciplinar; recurriremos, por ejemplo, al conocimiento que nos ofrecen diferentes disciplinas: la etica, la ciencia politica, la antropologia, el periodismo, la sociologia de los medios de comunicacion, la economia... Las noticias y los mensajes comunicativos que nos llegan son siempre una construccion y necesitamos entender como se construyen. La comunicacion cumple una funcion clave a la hora de establecer realidades compartidas, que nos permiten vivir como comunidad. Nuestra sociedad no puede existir sin comunicacion. Por eso mismo, es fundamental reflexionar sobre los discursos que se generan.
There will be an introduction to the debates over the status of films leading creators, looking at producers, directors, and writers from this period. The political dimension will be presented through the creative ways in which filmmakers eluded Francoâs censorship. Since the 1960s and the rise of modern cinema, the highly influential French auteur theory favors the director as a films main creator. The course will introduce Spanish auteurs from the modern period (Camus, Picazo) and present critiques of the directorâs importance, implicit in works of postmodern filmmakers (Almodovar, Medem). The challenges faced by contemporary auteurs (Lacuesta, Sorogoyen) at the side of recent ideas sharply opposed to the auteur theory that consider films as a result of collective creation (Sellors, 2007) or the audience as a creative force (Mayne, 2002). The work of Spanish experimental filmmaking platforms like Authorless Cinema Collective, as well as the creative design of contemporary Spanish cinematographys cultural policies and initiatives that foster female creativity will be considered. This course will also have a creative component: students will make short films as group projects.
. Open mind (Explore) consists on rising awareness about the unprecedented challenges we facing today. At that point of the course, students have created a sense of common language and a common vision about global and systemic challenges.
. Open heart (Experience) is a real appreciative inquiry about its leadership style. At that point of the course, we create a sense of community learning.
. Open will (Expedition) is when we introduce and put in action the leadership style as well as the system thinking. At that point of the course, we clarify the purpose of the Leadership journey and everyone revisit his/her career sweet spot.
Furthermore, to highlight the importance of understanding these topics as non-homogeneous and in an intersectional way students's contributions will be asked for in order to build up an intercultural dialogue based on their own perspectives and geographies. The course aims to establish a dialogue between different positions within society and cultural production (such as cinema, literature, poetry, theatre, etc.) so as to reflect on the implications of visibility for the community and for the different representations of such dissident sexualities and identities.
The assumption of stability of biological sex and the meaning and goals of gender expression will be subject to inquiry. Theoretical lectures, seminars and debates, critical workshops and field trips will be used to address in a critical manner the importance of (re)thinking our sexualities in a political and non-monolithic way.
With the objective that students develop a critical point of view in their own creative way, during the course the teaching staff will present the similarities and differences that exist between the main feminist movements in force today, as well as the perspectives from which these movements address the aforementioned themes.
Two fundamental aspects will be transversal to the discussion of all the previous topics :1) the un-critical projection of the logics of the present into the past in order to justify/naturalize both current stereotypes and current issues related to gender, sexuality, the body, and diversity; and, 2) the incorporation of the analysis of historical trajectories and perspectives to understand how gender has shaped present societies and cultures throughout the world. This is neither a history nor an archeology course, but rather a transdisciplinary subject that aims to combine different areas of study to better understand the current stances of different collectives in relation to the aforementioned topics.
This course puts the focus on how different public television channels around the world are representing and debating with their audiences such issues using a Media Literacy perspective and a Critical and Ethical approach, connecting them with a primary responsability of public tv: contributing to the education and empowerment of citizens.
The growing need for historical perspective on international relationships, global economic patterns of contacts and cultural exchanges has fueled the increasing interest, from international organizations, global companies and institutions with global targets, to find and hire professionals who could develop some of the competences that this course provides.
The substantive and methodological approach is not Eurocentric and reductionist, but rather global and interdisciplinary. The course adopts a problem-solving approach based on understanding why and how new and creative ideas - from Buddhism and monotheism to Marxist materialism, genetical engineering and quantum physics - answer different types of challenges and queries - existential, epistemic, or ethical-political. The classes are structured through lectures and open discussions based on texts and videos/documentaries. The emphasis is on discussing primary sources (e.g. texts by Confucius, I. Newton, Ch. Darwin, S. Freud, A. Einstein) and relevant videos/documentaries, with the aim of understanding revolutionary ideas, their relevance and their long-standing influence on current practices and societies.
Since all these legal and political issues are important, broad, multifaceted, stimulating and controversial, students with distinct backgrounds and different academic interests may enjoy this course, which is not intended to take place behind university doors exclusively but also to include historical walks and institutional visits. As the course explores the origins and evolution of these crucial constitutional notions, the teaching team is composed by a legal historian (Dr Josep Capdeferro), a constitutional law scholar (Dr Hèctor López) and a public lawyer and political theorist (Dr Pau Bossacoma). This is a consolidated team whose members often collaborate with one another.
This course introduces the student to the city of Barcelona by studying its past and analyzing its present. This interdisciplinary course covers subject in history, geography, art, architecture, and urban planning. Materials include images, maps, academic and literary texts, videos, field studies, and documentaries. We will also discuss issues relevant to people living within the city of Barcelona today.
This course introduces the student to the city of Barcelona by studying its past and analyzing its present. This interdisciplinary course covers subject in history, geography, art, architecture, and urban planning. Materials include images, maps, academic and literary texts, videos, field studies, and documentaries. We will also discuss issues relevant to people living within the city of Barcelona today.
At the beginning of the course, we will also spend some time studying the previous Spanish democratic experience (1931-1936), its collapse (1936-1939), the authoritarian rule imposed by Franco and the Spanish transition to democracy (1975-1978) which has strongly influenced the current features of the Spanish political system.
All of these challenges are interconnected. Sport Government Bodies (SGB) as ICO, FIFA, IAAF, and so on, enjoy a large economic and legal autonomy to manage their business, which is in many cases against the rights of athletes. But have SGB political and legal legitimacy to rule and ask for compliance? It seems that a new legal system of sport laws is emerging from these SGB and the Court of Arbitration of Sport. Is this jurisprudence limiting the rights of the athletes? Is it compulsory for national and supranational legal systems?
On the other hand, the increasing market expanding of Sport make it a great field for experimentation with new technologies, drugs and specially to apply Artificial Intelligence to increase the performance of the athletes. This situation has several ethical implications that need to be carefully analyzed. Finally the sustainability of sport mega events is a crucial point at this time of climatic emergency that challenges the continuity of sport mega-events in the future.
The course is comprised of 3 segments:
The first is designed to offer students insight into the challenges posed by the international environment. Emphasis is placed on the analysis of differences in political economies and risks, as well as cultural and social heterogeneity among different countries. The second will focus on the analysis of global organizational structures and international strategies.
Finally, the third will deal with international management operations, with a particular focus on import and export strategies and financing. It will also examine some of the keys to global marketing and human resource management.
In recent years, there has been a growing interest in the dialogue between neurosciences and humanities, thereby breaking the classical gap between CP Snows' "Two Cultures". The intersecting topics range from philosophical and ethical issues, such as free will, the grounds of knowledge, or economic behavior, to questions related to art and culture.
The course is comprised of 3 segments:
The first is designed to offer students insight into the challenges posed by the international environment. Emphasis is placed on the analysis of differences in political economies and risks, as well as cultural and social heterogeneity among different countries. The second will focus on the analysis of global organizational structures and international strategies.
Finally, the third will deal with international management operations, with a particular focus on import and export strategies and financing. It will also examine some of the keys to global marketing and human resource management.
In recent years, there has been a growing interest in the dialogue between neurosciences and humanities, thereby breaking the classical gap between CP Snows' "Two Cultures". The intersecting topics range from philosophical and ethical issues, such as free will, the grounds of knowledge, or economic behavior, to questions related to art and culture.
The first offers a global view of Europe (historical background, evolution of the E.U., its institutional structure, and its domestic and foreign policies).
The second analyzes the European business environment, paying special attention to differences in managerial and consumer behavior in order to understand and identify economic, political, social, and cultural dimensions of the E.U. that might represent opportunities for business development in the region.
To be able to develop the marketing-mix strategy, define the brand extension as well as the communication strategies and distribution alternatives, striving to look towards the future and provide insights for a successful relationship with customers and clients.
Discussion on the design and implementation of risk management practices. Realize and understand various state-of-the art risk management theories and practices (such as loss control, loss financing, and internal risk reduction mechanisms) as well as their advancement in the future.
Building enduring brands in competitive markets and creation of market value. Developing managerial perspective regarding strategic brand management in a global framework
business models. The Gartner Hype Cycle, the life cycle of technological industries, the concept of competitive paradigm, and the analysis of multi-layer platform models.
Global Leadership Certificate
Students can supplement a regular semester of studies with the SAI Global Leadership Certificate (GLC), designed to enrich students’ experiences and to acknowledge their academic and service work by providing an additional credential beyond a university transcript. Students enrolled in the Global Leadership Certificate program broaden their awareness of global issues and deepen their knowledge of the host community’s role in an increasingly interconnected world through exploration of research, engagement in community service and interaction with experts and leaders. Students interested in applying for the GLC should select the program at application. Your Admissions Counselor will help guide you through the process of selecting GLC-approved courses at the time of registration.
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.
Semester students at UPF select from the following concentrations:
- Barcelona Program for Interdisciplinary Studies (BaPIS): BaPIS brings together students from a variety of majors, nationalities, and backgrounds. By breaking down the barriers between knowledge areas, BaPIS encourages an interdisciplinary approach. With its hands-on approach and combination of STEM disciplines, Communication, Humanities and Social Sciences, BaPIS provides a unique environment for developing intellectual tools to address today’s most pressing challenges.
- International Business Program (ESCI): This program is aimed at undergraduate business students who wish to acquire an international perspective and a better understanding of the management practices needed to compete in the global economy. The program offers insight into international business from a multicultural perspective and helps students to improve their professional qualifications. ESCI students select their preferred core courses from UPF’s International Business programs, and may also add electives from the BaPIS program.
Courses & Schedule
UPF 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 wishing to enroll in content courses in Spanish must be heritage speakers or have at least completed three semesters of college level Spanish.
Course Registration
As soon as the UPF semester schedule is confirmed, students are asked to complete a Course Approval form, which is used to specify first-choice and alternate-choice courses. SAI’s Barcelona Admissions Counselor will help guide students through this process. Students choose classes based on a preliminary schedule that is subject to change. The final course days and times are published just ahead of the program start date.
Placement Tests
Students who register for Spanish Language courses and for courses taught in Spanish must complete a placement test upon arrival in Barcelona.
| 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 4 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 5 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 8 2024 |
Academic Orientation & Spanish Placement Test UPF orientation provides details on academic policies, and allows students to meet one another and their professors. Students enrolled in Spanish language courses also complete the placement test. |
| January 9 2024 |
Classes Begin |
| March 21 2024 |
BaPIS Program Final Exams End |
| March 22 2024 |
BaPIS Program End & Housing Check-out Students must move out of SAI housing by 10:00am to return home or pursue independent travel. |
| March 22 2024 |
ESCI Program Final Exams End |
| March 23 2024 |
ESCI 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). |
$12,500 |
| Program Fee: 15 credits Includes tuition, standard housing and SAI 360° Services (see What’s Included). |
$13,100 |
| Optional / Additional Fees: | |
| 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 and dinner included. |
$150 |
| Optional Student Residence Housing Supplement Private bedroom and bathroom in a student residence. |
$100 |
| Optional Visa Processing Fee (if applicable) 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 |
| Books, Supplies & Course Fees | $100 / course | $200 / 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.
Optional Housing: Student residence (additional fee applies)
The student residence is conveniently located in the Eixample neighborhood, just a 15 minute walk from UPF’s campuses. The residence houses students in private bedrooms with a private bathroom and a shared kitchenette. Shared common spaces include a study room, game room, reading lounge, gym, swimming pool and coin operated washing machines. Bedrooms are furnished and include linens, towels, WIFI, AC and heating. There is a 24 hour front desk and visitors (1) are allowed between 8am and 10pm. Please note that availability is limited, and students are placed in student residences on a first come first served basis.
Passports
Passports should be valid for at least 4 months after planned return from Spain.
Student Visas
In accordance with Spanish law U.S. students studying in Spain for 90 days or less are not required to obtain a student visa. Therefore all U.S. students do not require a student visa for this program. Students should be aware that, since they will not have a visa, they must leave Europe (the “Schengen Zone”) before the expiration of the 90 day period. This means that European travel after the end of the program should be limited in length.
Non-US nationals should consult their local Consulate for information on student visa requirements.