Universitat Pompeu Fabra

Spring Semester Elective 2028

12 – 15 credits

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UPF school building with students out front

Select a Program

Spring Semester 2028

Barcelona, Spain

Program Overview

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.

Highlights

Study liberal arts, Spanish language and culture, business, or international relations
Courses integrate site visits, tours, and speaker sessions
Earn a Global Leadership Certificate alongside your coursework
No visa required

Key Details

Application Deadline

October 1, 2027

Program Fee

Coming soon

Program Dates

Early January – Late March 2028

Enrollment Deadline

October 15, 2027

Requirements

Age

18+

Academic Year

Junior (3rd year) or above

Cumulative GPA

3.0 (on a 4.0 scale)

Application Material

SAI application
Personal statement
Transcript
Digital photo
Passport copy

Visa Required?

Academics

Semester students at UPF select from the following academic tracks:

Barcelona Program for Interdisciplinary Studies (BaPIS): BaPIS brings together students from a variety of majors, nationalities, and backgrounds. Students select elective courses from a wide range of interdisciplinary options including STEM disciplines, Communication, Humanities and Social Sciences.
International Business Program (ESCI): This program is aimed at undergraduate business students. Students enrolled in this track are required to take International Management and at least one additional Business course from the program schedule. Students can complete their schedule with additional Business courses, or may choose to take electives from the BaPIS program.

Explore Corses 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 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	$950 – $1,800
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 & Certificates

Academic Options

Semester students at UPF select from the following academic tracks:

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 are required to take International Management and at least one additional Business course from the program schedule. Students can complete their schedule with additional Business courses, or may choose to take electives from the BaPIS program.

Students who register for Spanish Language courses and for content courses taught in Spanish must complete a placement test upon arrival in Barcelona.

Course Registration

As soon as the UPF semester schedule is confirmed, students are asked to complete a Course Selection 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.

Optional Certificates

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
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 (nor can they apply for one). Non-US nationals should consult their local Consulate for information on student visa requirements.

Academic Courses

Browse course offerings

Explore Courses

What’s Included

Explore what’s included in this program

SAI 360° Services

Financials

Details on program fees and budget estimates

Program Fees