Universitat Pompeu Fabra
Summer 4 weeks I 2024
3 - 6 credits

Create your summer to remember! SAI students enrolled in UPF’s 4 week summer program have the opportunity to attend classes at one of Spain’s most prestigious universities. Participants choose 1 or 2 courses for a total of 3 or 6 US credits from an array of elective courses, including Business, Hispanic Studies, Political Science, and Spanish Language.


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

  • Learn from world-class faculty in an international setting.
  • Study Spanish history and culture at the crossroads of the Mediterranean.

Program Dates
June 27, 2024 – July 27, 2024


Eligibility Requirements

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



Communication
Economics
Humanities
Political Science

Communication

3.0 Credits
Communication | Course #: 59044 | Open
The goal of this seminar is to provide the student with a basic, but professional, level of knowledge of documentary film making. Special attention will be given to the successful renewal of the Spanish -and in special cases, the Catalan- film scene in the last 15 years. The seminar includes a practical exercise where the student can discover his particular way of seeing Spanish reality. The seminar consists in theoretical and practical lessons. During six weeks (three days per week; each class meeting for three hours) students and the tutor Ricardo Iscar will meet and discuss ideas and the situation of the contemporary documentaries.
Contact Hours: 46
El curso ofrece un estado de la cuestión del audiovisual español contemporáneo a través de una mirada pluridisciplinar a través de distintos media: cine, ficción televisiva, tele-realidad o videoclip, entre otros. Por un lado, se abordan aquellas propuestas audiovisuales que destacan por su valor artístico y por su capacidad de actualizar imágenes que forman parte del imaginario y la tradición españoles. Por otro lado, se abordan aquellas propuestas que tienen la capacidad para reflejar los rasgos más destacables de la realidad y la cultura española contemporáneas, al tiempo que se provee al estudiante con herramientas para entender y situar esos trabajos en la historia del cine y con respecto a manifestaciones visuales contemporáneas.
Las diferentes sesiones del curso exponen distintos estudios de caso donde el material audiovisual sirve de reflexión y análisis acerca de un tema determinado como: el cine de Buñuel y la indagación subconsciente que desemboca tanto en la obra de David Lynch como en el trabajo háptico de la imagen en el videoclip contemporáneo, Pedro Almodóvar y las nuevas identidades de género, el cine de Álex de la Iglesia y las nuevas formas del esperpento español, Penélope Cruz y el diálogo entre lo nacional y transnacional, La casa de papel y los relatos de la crisis española, el documental de creación y los nuevos realismos o los videoclips de Rosalía y la nueva estética urbana

Por otro lado, se abordan aquellas propuestas que tienen la capacidad para reflejar los rasgos más destacables de la realidad y la cultura española contemporáneas. Las diferentes sesiones del curso exponen distintos estudios de caso donde el material audiovisual sirve de reflexión y análisis acerca de un tema determinado como: el cine de Pedro Almodóvar y las nuevas identidades de género, el cine de Álex de la Iglesia y las nuevas formas del esperpento español, Penélope Cruz y el diálogo entre lo nacional y transnacional, La casa de papel y los relatos de la crisis española, el documental de creación y los nuevos realismos o los videoclips de Rosalía y la nueva estética urbana.
In this global environment, corporate communications demand greater levels of ethics and responsibility towards the society in which it operates and larger collaborative synergies and collaboration processes. To this respect, Europe's competitive-edge is like any other's, at stake, but the asset of intellectual capital and cultural identity it portrays in its legacy, may be just the right kind of differentiation brands need to successfully compete in the 21st C.
Contact Hours: 45
3.0 Credits
Communication | Course #: 59115 | Open
This course addresses the political and cultural dimensions of artificial intelligence and network technologies in a range of global contexts. Adopting an interdisciplinary approach that incorporates the fields of media and communication studies, critical theory, and the philosophy of technology, course materials will examine the technical and conceptual elements of machine learning, digital automation, and online communication in order to develop an understanding of their social impacts and historical consequences.
Among the topics to be considered are the structure of neural networks and online protocols, the rise of cybernetics as a political logic and technical form, the history of digital logistics and automation, as well as the ethical issues surrounding the widespread installation of these technologies across different sectors of society. Each topic will focus on a different technology, as well as its relation to social inequality, freedom, and diversity.
Students will discuss, evaluate, and critique academic texts, case studies, and artistic works in order to develop complex and critical accounts of contemporary technology, attending both to the planetary character of networked computation as well as its diverse and uneven deployment in various socioeconomic contexts. In addition to mapping histories of cybernetics, internet culture, big data, surveillance, and the algorithm, the course will also consider theories of digitized power and control that have taken shape in relation to economic processes, protest movements, national security, and social life generally.
Contact Hours: 45
The Catalan audiovisual sector is expanding despite facing obstacles, since Spanish politics diminishes its singularity. Catalan language productions encounter a disadvantage in the broader market dominated by Spanish-speaking audiovisuals. On a global scale, small, regionally produced Catalan films and TV shows compete with major blockbusters, successfully gaining visibility. Overall, Catalan cinematography is progressing, while at the same time navigating marginalization and actively constructing its distinctive identity. The course explores how this regional cinema achieves distinctiveness, with a focus on the representation of women, social inequality, diverse minorities, and sustainability. Emphasizing the intersection of these issues, the course delves into the complexities of current Catalan social struggles on and off the screen.
Contact Hours: 45

Economics

3.0 Credits
Economics | Course #: 59094 | Open
Pre-requisite: Students must have previously taken an Intro to Statistics.
Over the recent years, R has become the leading software tool for statistical computing and graphics. The software is greatly enhanced by numerous contributed packages submitted by users. The majority of computing in the leading applied statistical journals is done in R, and R is used almost exclusively in some of the leading-edge applications, such as in genetics and data mining. The purpose of this course is to set a foundation for full exploitation and creative use of the statistical language for computing and graphics R. The course will introduce students to the syntax and inner workings of R, to become proficient in everyday computational tasks with datasets of all kinds, skilled in applications of elementary statistical methods, with emphasis on (initial) data exploration and simple graphics. Focus will also be placed on opportunities to enhance the learning experience in other statistical courses by illustrating and applying basic statistical concepts in R.
Contact Hours: 45

Humanities

3.0 Credits
Humanities | Course #: 59103 | Open
The course analyses the historical, political, business, social and anthropological elements at work in the “import” and “export” of the Spain brand and its assets, as well as in the review of Spain’s main industries and businesses, leveraging the legacy and the opportunities that are at stake in recent and immediate contemporary contexts. The goal of the course is a descriptive and critical reflection on the notion of Spanish brands and their equity exploits across the globe; their distinctive traits, the diversity of mixed cultures, identities and realities the country portrays and how the communications world has shaped and can still shape the competitiveness of the potential and capabilities at hand. The course questions Spain’s unique attributes; moreover it aims at debating around the symbols and the strategic brand discourses of Spanish businesses and institutions. The course is best suitable for advertising, public relations and communications students, as well as for humanities, business and economics and political sciences majors.
Contact Hours: 45

Political Science

3.0 Credits
Political Science | Course #: 59106 | Open
This course is designed to give an overview of fundamental issues in the study of Spanish Politics. The course core is the study of the nature and functioning of the Spanish democratic system installed since the middle of the seventies, paying special attention to the its political processes, institutions, actors, political culture and electoral behavior. At the beginning of the course studying the previous Spanish democratic experience (1931-1936), its collapse (1936-1939), the dictatorial rule under by Franco and the Spanish transition to democracy (1975-1978) which has strongly influenced the current features of the Spanish political system.
Contact Hours: 45
In recent years, main priorities in global agendas have dramatically changed. Green and digital transitions, rising populisms, increasing inequalities, the recovery from Covid-19 pandemic and, more recently, the re-emergence of territorial conflicts have become among the most urgent issues. These global challenges have indeed revived the debate on the urgent need for improving global governance mechanisms and coordination among governments, actors and civil society. In Europe and in Spain – one of the most affected areas from the recent crises - policy-makers and stakeholders have embraced the 2030 Agenda as an opportunity to transform public policies and politics to achieve human and sustainable development.
This course aims at providing a critical overview on these current challenges at the transnational, regional and national level. The course will provide insights on how Europe (the EU, in particular) and Spain have answered to social inequalities, global pandemic pressures, gender inequality, migrations, nationalism(s), climate change and sustainability. Some of the questions will deal with: a) how governments can provide adequate answers and effective policies to citizens internationally, domestically and locally; b) how Covid-19 crisis (and wars) have impacted on already existing strategies and global Agenda (Agenda 2030, Habitat III, etc..).
By applying a plural and transdisciplinary approach, the course combines analytical tools and categories stemming from political science, international relations, economics, European Integration studies, public policies analysis and development economics. The course focusses on the analysis and the understanding of how political and societal actors do play a role in the definition and implementation of public policies. By providing critical tools for understanding complex phenomena (such as the European integration process, the implementation of the 2030 Agenda, the challenges of global governance, etc...) the course aims at preparing students as informed citizens and lifelong learners who care and act for the future of the planet and humanity.
Contact Hours: 45
The course Shifting Grounds in the Middle East and North Africa: Understanding International Relations and Foreign Policy in the Region is an introduction to the study of the regional political and social reality of the Middle East and North Africa. It is dedicated to the understanding and analysis of the primary and secondary institutions that constitute the regional order as well as the external action of the main regional and extra-regional actors. To achieve this, the course makes use of the main concepts and theories on regional society proposed from History, Political Science, International Relations, Law and Sociology, emphasizing the need for an interdisciplinary approach to understand the region.
Contact Hours: 45

Courses & Schedule
UPF summer courses run Monday – Thursday. Students choose classes based on a preliminary schedule and the final course days and times are published just ahead of the program start date. 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
After students are accepted into the program they are asked to fill out a Course Approval Form with their first-choice and alternate-choice courses. This form must be approved by the student’s home school Academic Advisor.

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
March 1 2024
Application Closes
Applications accepted after closing as space permits.
Within 1 week of acceptance
SAI Deposits Due
$500 Enrollment Deposit (applied toward program fee)
$300 Security Deposit (refundable)
March 15 2024
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.
March 15 2024
Enrollment Closes
Students must complete their enrollment, including paying deposits, by this date.
March 29 2024
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.
April 13 2024
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.
April 28 2024
Balance of Total Program Fee Due

On-Site Calendar
June 27 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.
Coming soon
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.
Coming soon
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.
July 1 2024
Classes Begin
July 26 2024
Classes End
July 27 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: 3 credits
Includes tuition, standard housing and SAI 360° Services (see What’s Included).
$5,525
Program Fee: 6 credits
Includes tuition, standard housing and SAI 360° Services (see What’s Included).
$6,175
Optional / Additional Fees:  
Optional Private Room Housing Supplement
Private room in a shared apartment, with a shared bathroom.
$400
Optional Homestay Housing Supplement
Family homestay in a private bedroom, breakfast and dinner included.
$100
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 $1,200
Books, Supplies & Course Fees $50 / course $100 / 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 & Walking Tour
Students are welcomed to their new city over a traditional 3 course Spanish lunch to mingle and get to know each other. Following lunch, students take a walking tour to visit several of Barcelona’s most famous Modernism buildings.

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.

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.

Discovering Barcelona: Born walking tour and Picasso Museum
Students enjoy a walk through the old Born neighborhood, going back to the old Medieval times in Barcelona, and discover one of the jewels of the city: Santa Maria del Mar church, in pure 14th century Catalan Gothic style. The group finishes the tour at the famous Picasso Museum.

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.

Dalí and Girona Day Trip
Students take a day trip to visit the Dalí Theatre-Museum in Salvador Dalí’s hometown of Figueres, followed by a visit to the beautiful capital city of the province: Girona. Girona has more than 2000 years of history, and its highlights include the old Jewish quarter, its historical fortified enclosures, as well as the Palanques Vermelles Bridge, built by the Eiffel Company in 1827.

Farewell Dinner
Students celebrate the end of a successful term 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 four months after planned return 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. Non-US nationals should consult their local Consulate for information on student visa requirements.