Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona
Fall Semester Elective 2024
12 - 15 credits

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 credits.

Application open until: May 1, 2024

Application Requirements
Complete online application
Personal statement (300-500 words)
Official transcript
Passport scan (photo page)
Digital photo (passport style)
EU privacy consent form

Highlights

  • Study in a beautiful city-center campus
  • Courses offer Mediterranean perspective on global issues
  • Cultural events and excursions offered throughout term

Program Dates
August 29, 2024 – December 13, 2024

Eligibility Requirements

Age: 18+

Academic Year: Sophomore or above (at least 2 completed semesters at application).

* contact SAI if you don’t meet requirements

Cumulative GPA:* 2.75 (on a 4.0 scale)

English Language:* Non-native English language speakers must submit TOEFL: 65+ or equivalent.



Art
Business
Communication
Economics
History
Language
Literature
Politics
STEM

Art

3.0 Credits
Architecture | Course #: SA3029E | Open
Discover the fascinating history behind Catalonia’s capital city through the eyes of a local historian. The study of Barcelona’s urban planning and architecture is set in a historical, political and social framework starting from the city’s origins in Roman times to its present-day status as an innovative, world-famous metropolis.

This course includes virtual tours of the fascinating city of Barcelona.
Contact Hours: 45
3.0 Credits
Art | Course #: SA3025E | Open
The course provides an introduction to Spanish contemporary art, it examines the concepts behind the work and the evolution of Spanish art in relation to similar movements in Europe and the United States The course is complimented by visits to relevant exhibitions in Barcelona and talks by professional artists.
Contact Hours: 45
3.0 Credits
Art | Course #: SA3026E | Section: 1 | Open
This course gives an overall view of the art history of Spain from prehistoric times to the present, dealing in more detail with the Baroque period, Modernism and 20th century art. There will be regular visits to museums in order to keep the course as close to real artistic practice as possible. However, this course also has a special focus on the theory aspects of Art History, which we will develop throughout the in-class sessions. Attendance to class and oral participation is very important, and all students are expected to contribute to the class development with their questions and commentaries, and preparing beforehand reading assignments and visits to exhibitions. These tasks will be discussed in class.
Contact Hours: 45
3.0 Credits
Art | Course #: SA3039E | Open
This programme has been designed to teach students about the great art collections preserved in the most important Spanish museums. We study the origin and formation of these collections as well as the way they are in display today. Along the course, the student will be also able to recognize the most important masterpieces of the Spanish art, know the reasons that account for their unanimous positive appraisal, and analyze their artistic characteristics and their social and historical implications. The methods of instruction will include lectures, oral presentations by the students and at least one field visit with the professor. Other field trips will be proposed to be done by the students individually.
Contact Hours: 45
3.0 Credits
Art | Course #: SA3040E | Section: 1 | Open
This program has been designed to teach students about the cultural diversity and richness of the Spanish Heritage. They will study the most representative buildings of each period that have been included in the Unesco's World Heritage List for having outstanding universal value. Along the course, students will be also able to recognize the most important masterpieces of the Spanish architecture, know the reasons that account for their unanimous positive appraisal, and analyze their artistic characteristics and their social and historical implications. The methods of instruction will include lectures and field visits.
Contact Hours: 45
3.0 Credits
Art | Course #: SA3042E | Section: 1 | Open
Pre-requisite: Students must bring their own cameras for this course, with the ability of manual settings: DSLR Camera, Bridge Camera, Mirrorless interchangeable lens cameras. No simple point and shoot cameras, video cameras, Go Pro or mobile phones will be accepted. Sharing cameras between students won't be permitted.
The course is designed for photography enthusiasts who want to take control of their camera and start to explore the beauty and diversity of photography.
The course is divided in 2 parts.
In part 1 ( technical ) students will get in-depth knowledge of digital cameras, learn the basic of composition , retouch images and learn about and get inspiration from some of the historical masters of photography.
In part 2 ( project ) students will apply what they learned in part 1 and use their skills to work on an individual photography project. The task of part 2 is to conceptualize, edit a photographic essay and learn the ability to work independently on photographic subjects.
Contact Hours: 45
3.0 Credits
Art | Course #: SA3045S | Open
Pre-requisite: Taught in Spanish: requires B2 level Spanish proficiency, generally equivalent to successful completion through at least SPAN 302.
El principal objetivo de este curso es proporcionar herramientas conceptuales para comprender las creaciones artisticas de diferentes momentos historicos en el arte espanol. Empezando el recorrido del arte espanol desde el legado griego y llegando a la posmodernidad, valoraremos sus características formales y su significado. Analizaremos las conexiones de los fenómenos artísticos con otras manifestaciones culturales, asi como con la política, la sociedad, la filosofía, la religion y la economia para tener una amplia vision de todo el contexto.
Contact Hours: 45
3.0 Credits
Art & Architecture | Course #: SA3037E | Section: 1 | Open
This course focuses on how Public Art, Graffiti and Urban Interventions have an important cultural value to a forever developing city. Urban environments with a strong public art expression give communities a stronger sense of place and identity. In the first part of the course, students will develop an understanding of the fundamental elements which help us look at and observe painting and sculpture. This foundation will then be used in order to further analyze the content and intentions of Spanish and International artists' work that contribute to a local cultural sense of identity.
The second part of the program looks specifically at Public works of art as Urban Interventions with reference to the cityscape of Barcelona (world renowned for its development of urban spaces). In order to maintain the course as close to real artistic practice, there will be scheduled visits to various museums and public spaces.
Contact Hours: 45
3.0 Credits
Art & Architecture | Course #: SA3038E | Open
Modernism is the most idiosyncratic, creative and original of all European Art Nouveau movements. It also gives Barcelona its distinctive image and brings to mind the name of Gaudi. But a general overview of this style will always be slightly misleading just because in Modernism the art is in the detail, and details are what general overviews leave out . This course offers the opportunity to discover the master works of Barcelona'™s Art Nouveau architecture and the marvels of design contained in them. The history and cultural context of Modernism will be explained in the classroom. But this course will give special emphasis to the outdoors practice. Students will do sketches in front of the buildings and in the museum discovering and appreciating the often hidden qualities of the flowing Art Nouveau lines. The approach will be much more personal and accurate than if given in the strictly academic fashion.
Contact Hours: 45

Business

3.0 Credits
Business | Course #: SA2005E | Open
In an increasingly global world, managers must be able to handle diversity effectively.
The aim of this module is therefore: 1. To increase the awareness of the impact of national cultures on business. 2. To provide the students with theoretical and practical tools in order to improve their productivity when working and doing business with people from other cultures. 3. To make the students more aware of their personal orientations.
Contact Hours: 45
3.0 Credits
Business | Course #: SA2007E | Section: 1 | Open
Although international business has been important for decades, its impact on our lives has been more visible in the recent years. I am presently typing this syllabus in a computer manufactured by an American corporation (H-P), many of whose components are produced in Taiwan or mainland China. The computer was assembled in the Czech Republic and purchased to the Spanish HP subsidiary in an Internet Auction conducted by an American firm (Ebay). A few minutes ago, a courier delivered me the latest International Business book I ordered a week ago from a UK Internet-bookstore.

We will begin the course focusing on the economic foundations of international
business. Next we will consider the main forces that shape business across countries:
political, economic, cultural and legal forces. The last part of the course will analyze the
internal aspects of a firm oriented towards international business.

Contact Hours: 45
3.0 Credits
Business | Course #: SA2008E | Open
This course extends the principles of finance to the international context. Topics include exchange rate determination, foreign exchange markets, currency derivatives (forwards, futures, swaps, options and money market), and exposure (translation, transaction and economic).
Contact Hours: 45
3.0 Credits
Business | Course #: SA2009E | Section: 1 | Open
The main aim of this course is to become familiar with different marketing strategies within the context of international markets. You will explore all the challenges faced in international markets (cultural differences, economic systems, financial markets, governments, and legal systems), and work on the notion of building a knowledge base through international marketing research. You will gain insight into modes of entry into foreign markets and how to apply the 4Ps of marketing to different sectors of business.

Case studies of different market sectors and countries are used to link theory with practice.
Contact Hours: 45
3.0 Credits
Business | Course #: SA2010E | Open
The main objective of this course is to equip students with current knowledge and practical skills in strategic management. This is especially important in order to provide up-to-date applied knowledge of fundamental strategic issues, their pitfalls, and how to read between-the-lines of strategic management. This will be very useful for your career as a consultant, business analyst, corporate director, etc. We will discuss up-to- date and hot topics that companies face today.
Contact Hours: 45
3.0 Credits
Business | Course #: SA2011E | Open
The service business industry has positioned itself like one of the main economic engines of the first world countries (mainly in Europe and the US). Due to this fact, it is really important analyse deeply the drivers that impact in the service business.
This course presents a deep analysis in terms of interrelations which exist between marketing processes, operations, logistics and human resources in the services industry.
The course will analyse many differences in the concept of efficiency, quality, personal touch and other variables between the US, Europe and Asia. The international perspective will evaluate the most important issues to take into account in the services industry in different countries and clusters.
Contact Hours: 45
3.0 Credits
Business | Course #: SA2016E | Section: 1 | Open
The purpose of this course is to explore business creation and growth as a multidimensional phenomenon in both independent and corporate (intrapreneurship) settings. By linking theory and practice the course aims to provide students an entrepreneurial perspective and a hands-on experience in the development of new business ventures.
Contact Hours: 45
3.0 Credits
Business | Course #: SA2017E | Open
In a rapidly changing world IT is having more of a permanent and far-reaching effect than any other technology in the history of humanity. This course examines major concepts behind E-Commerce, including its technological foundation, business models and strategies, digital marketing and advertising, as well as the related ethical and legal issues.

Using a combination of lectures, readings, case studies and experiential learning through group projects, this course has been designed to give the student a hands-on experience.
Contact Hours: 45
3.0 Credits
Business | Course #: SA2041E | Section: 1 | Open
This course will help you develop managerial competencies required to succeed in a global business environment. Develop your own style within a diverse, multicultural context while identifying and adopting the key characteristics of successful leaders.

Problem solving and decision-making are practiced in self-directed collaborative teams, with reflection and feedback as part of the learning process to help you internalize the main concepts. The instructor is a psychologist and executive coach with vast experience in leading and inspiring international teams.
Contact Hours: 45
3.0 Credits
Business | Course #: SA2041E | Open
This course will help you develop managerial competencies required to succeed in a global business environment. Develop your own style within a diverse, multicultural context while identifying and adopting the key characteristics of successful leaders.

Problem solving and decision-making are practiced in self-directed collaborative teams, with reflection and feedback as part of the learning process to help you internalize the main concepts. The instructor is a psychologist and executive coach with vast experience in leading and inspiring international teams.
Contact Hours: 45
3.0 Credits
Business | Course #: SA2042E | Open
Emerging economies account for about 120 of a total of 160 countries recognized by the United Nations. In todays global environment, as companies seek sustainable competitive advantage, they need to develop effective strategies to deal with emerging markets. This course is centered on the challenges and opportunities associated with organizational management and business strategy in emerging economies. Business cases in emerging economies from diverse geographical regions such as Asia, Latin America, Middle East and Eastern Europe will be discussed.
Contact Hours: 45
3.0 Credits
Business | Course #: SA2043E | Open
This course focuses on analyzing and understanding how European businesses operate with a very practical focus. It does this by providing the opportunity to directly analyze the strategies and operational activities of today's European framework, and more specifically, how these are applied to Catalan and Spanish businesses.


Students will establish direct contact with Barcelona's business world, where, with the assistance of the professor, they will gain hands-on experience seeing, observing, asking, interacting and analyzing different companies. Direct personal interviews with Business Managers are conducted to get to students a first-hand highly valuable testimonial related to managerial experiences, competitive advantages and daily operations.

Contact Hours: 45
3.0 Credits
Business | Course #: SA2044E | Open
This course aims to enable students to find their place in the labor market by developing the appropriate competencies and promoting the right attitudes and behavior at work. This ongoing process embraces some subprocesses such as self-awareness, career exploration, career planning, continuous learning, and managing networking.

The program takes a holistic view of the individual within a dynamic economy. Managing life trajectories in a global world demands agility, creativity, tech-savvy, teamwork, emotional intelligence, cultural awareness, flexibility, analytical skills, and critical thinking. Those are some of the competencies which will be developed along this course.

In the context of Business, students will work on their personal marketing plan and their blogs. Therefore, participants will learn how to make a marketing plan to place themselves into the labor market through efficient personal branding techniques.

The methodology promotes introspection, analytical and critical thinking, giving and receiving feedback from classmates and the professor, and teamwork. This is a course all students should take to clarify their career choices and to develop their resources to accomplish both their personal and professional goals.
Contact Hours: 45
3.0 Credits
Business | Course #: SA3030S | Open
Pre-requisite: Taught in Spanish: requires B2 level Spanish proficiency, generally equivalent to successful completion through at least SPAN 302.
Este curso proporcionara una vision general de los retos que enfrentan las empresas que compiten en el mercado global. Se centra en los fundamentos económicos de los negocios internacionales, considerando las principales fuerzas que dan forma a los negocios entre los paises: las fuerzas políticas, economicas, culturales y legales. La ultima parte del curso analizara los aspectos internos de una empresa orientada hacia los negocios internacionales.
Contact Hours: 45
3.0 Credits
Business | Course #: SA3031S | Open
Pre-requisite: Taught in Spanish: requires B2 level Spanish proficiency, generally equivalent to successful completion through at least SPAN 302.
El Marketing de productos y servicios es un fenomeno fascinante, trascendiendo las fronteras politicas y geograficas. Este curso se centra en la estrategia de marketing y gestion en el contexto de los mercados internacionales. Introduce la compleja realidad de la comercializacion internacional que esta en constante evolucion. Evalua como las diferencias culturales, sociales, legales y economicas se relacionan con el marketing.
Su objetivo es mejorar las competencias del estudiante en el desarrollo y aplicacion de estrategias de comercializacion y la toma de decisiones en el contexto internacional.
Contact Hours: 45

Communication

3.0 Credits
Communication | Course #: SA3048E | Section: 1 | Open
This course will reflect on the importance of the media in the production, reproduction and perpetuation (or change) of gender roles. We will investigate how socially constructed gender categories inform our daily lives as citizens, consumers and creators of public discourse. We will also explore the dynamic relationship between gender and other identity categories (race, religion, class, sexuality, nationality, etc.). Finally, this course will analyse the contents of the press, radio, television, TV series, movies and Internet from a gender perspective.
Contact Hours: 45
3.0 Credits
Communication | Course #: SA3049E | Section: 1 | Open
In a global world successful communication between international colleagues is key to developing successful business and personal relationships. This course explores the skills and knowledge that will increase your understanding and awareness of the impact of culture on communication.

Increase your self-awareness by recognizing your own cultural values, beliefs, attitudes, and behaviors. Develop your cultural knowledge and other-awareness to observe and identify the roles, behaviors, attitudes, and cultural orientations of your counterparts and work on strategies to maximize your intercultural competence.
Contact Hours: 45

Economics

3.0 Credits
Economics | Course #: SA2004E | Open
This course in designed as a brief introduction to individual decision making. Its main objective is to provide the students with decision theory and game theory tools that can be useful not only in business environments but also in everyday life. We begin with an experiment including several basic decision problems and games. The second and the third part of the course are the core of the subject where the student actually learns how to solve and analyse decision problems and games. Once the basic theory is learned, we proceed to some critiques and alternative approaches.
Contact Hours: 45
3.0 Credits
Economics | Course #: SA2006E | Open
International economics is divided into two broad subfields: international trade and international money. International trade focuses on real transactions in the international economy, that is, on those transactions that involve a physical movement of goods. On the other hand, international money focuses on financial transactions and refers to the monetary side of the international economy. This course deals with the first aspect of international economics, i.e. the real transactions and focuses on two main aspects of it: international trade theory and evidence and international trade policy.
Contact Hours: 45
3.0 Credits
Economics | Course #: SA2012E | Open
This course aims to deepen student knowledge of the institutional functioning of the EU as well as its most important economic policies. The course will briefly review the history of the EU and its most important economic institutions. Then we will examine both the main differences in the member state's economies and the EU's budget in an effort to understand the ongoing budgetary debate in the Union. We will also review three important EU policies namely, the agricultural policy with an emphasis on possible future reforms, the EU's regional policy in the light of the increasing competitiveness brought on by each successive step in European integration and the EU's trade policy which includes a discussion of the most important economic accords between the EU and third countries. We will also consider the implications for the EU of the adoption of the Single Market and the European Monetary Union as well as carefully consider the relationship of the latter with labor markets in Europe.
Contact Hours: 45
3.0 Credits
Economics | Course #: SA2024E | Open
The purpose of the course is to make the students aware of the crucial role of creativity and innovation in 21st century and provide them with tools to be effective actors of change in their organizations in the future.


The course has the following main learning objectives: 1. Understand the importance of creativity and innovation for the companies in the 21st century. 2. Be aware of the impact of national cultures on creativity and innovation. 3. Hear experiences from creative people to learn from them. 4. Encourage the students to think "out of the box". 5. Provide the students with tools to improve their creativity. 6. Know the big trends for the future and where to find information about. 7. Gain knowledge on the online tools available to help them in the innovation process

Contact Hours: 45
3.0 Credits
Economics | Course #: SA2025E | Section: 1 | Open
This course takes soccer as an illustration of theories and empirical evidence related to economic incentives and behaviour. Soccer is widely followed and generates a great amount of information. This knowledge is used in a systematic way to explore the validity of economic theories and to empirically test predictions generated by these theories.
Contact Hours: 45
3.0 Credits
Economics | Course #: SA3035E | Open
Inequality defines the world we live in. At the turn of the 21st century, the richest five percent of people received one-third of total global income, the next 15 percent richer got another third while the poorest 80 percent of the population had to share the remaining third. In this course we will study the development of international and global inequality, inequality within nations, gender inequality and poverty in the long run. The main questions that the student will be able to discuss are: has inequality increased over time?, does globalisation make the world more unequal?, what policies have been implemented in order to reduce inequality and how effective have they been?, and why should we care about poverty?
Contact Hours: 45

History

3.0 Credits
History | Course #: SA2022E | Section: 1 | Open
This course wants to offers a wide introduction to the History of the Mediterranean Basin since the emergence of civilization to the present day situation studying the most important changes in the political and
social scenario. At the same time, students will study the development of the most important cultures of the Mediterranean ―Ancient Greece, Rome, the Renaissance― and also the most important Mediterranean religions ―the polytheist, the henotheist and the monotheist.

At the end of the semester students will be able to deal with documents and events of the major civilizations that shaped the Mediterranean as well as the World since the Neolithic Revolution.
Contact Hours: 45
3.0 Credits
History | Course #: SA3023E | Section: 1 | Open
This course provides a wide view of Spanish history and its cultural and artistic evolution from prehistory to the present, culminating in an in-depth examination of the current sociological and political situation. You will learn how Spain changed from being a polarized country in constant distress to becoming a fully modern, westernized country. This course draws on History, Sociology, Anthropology and Politics to foster a true understanding of Spanish culture.
Contact Hours: 45
3.0 Credits
History | Course #: SA3024S | Open
Pre-requisite: Taught in Spanish: requires B2 level Spanish proficiency, generally equivalent to successful completion through at least SPAN 302.
Este curso da un extenso repaso a la historia de Espana examinando su evolucion desde la prehistoria hasta el presente. Estudiaremos las diversas culturas de Espana, prestando una especial atencion al lenguaje, la nacionalidad y las implicaciones políticas.
Contact Hours: 45
3.0 Credits
History | Course #: SA3050E | Open
This course aims to explain the evolution of Spain since 1898. The areas of study will be Politics, Society, Family and Economics. At the end of the semester students will be able to understand the major changes that took place in Spain since the Spanish defeat in Cuba in 1898, their effects in internal and external affairs and their interrelations with worldwide history.
Contact Hours: 45

Language

3.0 Credits
Catalan Language | Course #: SA1003C | Open
Upon successful completion of the Introduction to Catalan Language course, students are able to cope linguistically in a range of limited but basic survival situations which require a very predictable use of language. They can:
- Give simple personal details about themselves, such as where they live, who they know, what they like and what they have.
- Express basic needs. Ask for and give specific information using common, everyday expressions and very simple phrases.
- Understand short texts, expressed in simple language, directed at the general public.
- Identify the central topic of longer messages and extract the main relevant points.
- Write short, simple notes and texts and complete forms with personal details.


Methodology: Teachers use a communicative approach to language teaching where activities designed to develop listening and speaking skills form a major part of the course. Students are also encouraged to develop strategies for learning that will help them to study the language independently.

Contact Hours: 45
6.0 Credits
Spanish Language | Course #: SA1001S | Open
Students will be enrolled into appropriate Spanish language levels based on a placement test.
Contact Hours: 90
3.0 Credits
Spanish Language | Course #: SA1002S | Open
Students will be placed automatically depending upon language level.
Contact Hours: 45
3.0 Credits
Spanish Language | Course #: SA1003S | Open
Pre-requisite: Taught in Spanish: - intermediate Spanish language required (B1.2 minimum), determined via placement test
This course is aimed at students who want to improve Spanish language, focused primarily in the field of Business. After completing this course, students will have the language skills needed to navigate the scope of the Hispanic business world.
Contact Hours: 45

Literature

3.0 Credits
Literature | Course #: SA3044E | Open
After the Olympic Games of 1992, Barcelona became an international tourist destination; but a short visit cannot account for the cultural complexities of the Catalan capital. In order to know any city, to dwell in it, we need to become familiar with its oral history, paintings, architecture, sculpture, and literary texts. More specifically, the more we learn about the literature of Barcelona, the more we shall know about its culture, past and present.

This course will explore the city through the eyes of artists and writers. We shall start in the nineteenth century with the rise of the modern metropolis that we know today and finish with the post-Olympic urban reality of the twenty-first century. Students will encounter a wide variety of materials (poetry, novel, theater and essay) and will be expected to study them with a critical eye, applying additional historical, cultural and theoretical readings. Our goal will be to arrive at a greater knowledge of the city and its context, as well as the literature surrounding it.
Contact Hours: 45

Politics

3.0 Credits
Politics | Course #: SA2021E | Open
This course explores the elements, figures and characters that shaped the Mediterranean Political scenario since the French Revolution (1789) to the Barcelona Process or the Euro-Mediterranean Policy (EMP). The main goals of this course, then, are the understanding of the main processes that built the Mediterranean as it is today giving special relevance to: the French Revolution, the emergence of Modernity and Liberalism in the Mediterranean, the Italian Unification, the European Imperialism in North Africa and the Middle East, the dictatorships in the Mediterranean (Benito Mussolini, Primo de Rivera, Kemal Ataturk, Metaxas), the two World conflicts and the Cold War in the Mediterranean.
The last part of the course will cover, region by region, that is, Western Mediterranean, North Africa, Balkans, Middle East, since the collapse of Fascism in Italy and more specially the oil crisis and the formation of a new global economy.
Contact Hours: 45
3.0 Credits
Politics | Course #: SA2023E | Open
The goal of this course is to offer an in-depth introduction to a fundamental geostrategic area since the end of World War II, that is, the Middle East. The course will cover region by region but always trying to keep the global picture behind the specific region.
The title of this course makes reference to both, Carter Doctrine (1980) and George W. Bush's Greater Middle East and North Africa Initiative (2004), by which the Middle East region is studied with North Africa, the Horn of Africa and Central Asia, covering the Area of Influence of the Central Command.
Contact Hours: 45
3.0 Credits
Politics | Course #: SA3028E | Open
This course explains the concepts of Nation, Nationalism and State using the Catalan Case and the evolution of such ideas in the West. At the end of this semester students will be able to understand the main characteristics of different ideas of Nationalism and the main evolution of the Catalan identity as well as the tensions in the Basque Country.
Contact Hours: 45
3.0 Credits
Politics | Course #: SA3036E | Open
This is an introductory course to the politics of development from a comparative perspective. We will be addressing development issues across different points in time and across different world regions. Two main topics/concepts will be analyzed throughout the semester: development and the state. We will study Latin America, Africa, and Asia, which form part of what is known as the developing world or Third World, which in fact we will make a problem out of this labeling. We will as well present a comparative overview of the Latin American, African, and Asian regions in general; and address and familiarize ourselves with the debates surrounding the virtues & vices of market economies (and globalization). In addition, we will seek to answer part of this course title'™s premise/question, why did Francisco Pizarro (Spanish conquistador) won over Atahualpa (Inca Emperor)? throughout the semester. A cultural component, a film or play (related to development politics), will be part of this course by the end of the semester.
Contact Hours: 45
3.0 Credits
Politics | Course #: SA3043E | Open
Geopolitics is the art and practice of using political power over a given territory. Traditionally, the term has applied primarily to the impact of geography on politics, but its usage has evolved over the past century to encompass a wider connotation. In academic circles, the study of Geopolitics involves the analysis of geography, history and social science with reference to spatial politics and patterns at various scales (ranging from the level of the state to international). The term was coined by Rudolf Kjellen, a Swedish political scientist, at the beginning of the 20th century. Kjellen was inspired by the German geographer Friedrich Ratzel, who published his book Politische Geographie (political geography) in 1897, popularized in English by American diplomat Robert Strausz-Hupe, a faculty member of the University of Pennsylvania. Halford Mackinder greatly pioneered the field also, though he did not coin the term of geopolitics.
Contact Hours: 45
3.0 Credits
Politics & Economics | Course #: SA2019E | Open
This course examines the main changes in Politics, Economics and War since 1914 focusing in the different academic schools that tried to explain the major changes that affected Humans during the 20th century. Also important will be the study of all these theories that tried to organise how Humans live. These theories embrace Economics, Politics and Sociology.
One important element to be studied in this course is war, understanding this element as the last tool used by the State to achieve goals or stability.
Contact Hours: 45
3.0 Credits
Politics & Economics | Course #: SA3022E | Open
This course aims to highlight the urban dimension of the European society, making reference to the different phenomena that European (and Spanish) cities face today. It also aims to introduce the students in the economic, political and social factors that configure urban Europe, in order to understand its development in a global world. The course will deal with issues as urban regeneration, the causes of urban competitiveness and the role of the European Union in helping the development of Spain and Spanish The course combines theoretical and more practical sessions, presenting case studies of different European and Spanish cities. Field studies are organized as well.
Contact Hours: 45

STEM

3.0 Credits
STEM | Course #: SA2061E | Open
Pre-requisite: There are no prerequisites. Nevertheless, it is highly recommended that students have some prior knowledge of basic concepts related to the biology of the nervous system.
The general objective of this course is to understand and explore the knowledge of the neurobiological bases of the main human behaviours, specifically, the stages of sleep and awake, the motivated behaviours, the addiction process, the nature of emotions and learning and memory processes.

Behavioural neuroscience has a multidisciplinary character since it requires the knowledge of many sciences, mainly psychology, biology and chemistry. Neuroscience covers a variety of topics related to health, society, and education. One of its branches focuses on the study of the biological substrates of behaviour and the underlying mental processes. To understand behaviour, and the mind, it is necessary to know how the components of the nervous system are organized and how their interactions result in normal function. This course will provide students with the necessary knowledge to understand how the brain works in health and disease.

At the end of the course, students will be able to do the following:
1. To explain the neurobiological basis of sleep and wakefulness rhythms, the functions of sleep and some sleep disorders.
2. To explain the neurobiological basis and functions of the reward system. To describe the neurobiological changes associated with addictive behaviour.
3. To describe the neural and hormonal control of sexual and parental behaviours.
4. To explain the neurobiological basis of emotions and their implications in health.
5. To explain the neurobiological basis of learning and memory processes.
6. To describe and interpret graphs and results of neuroscientific articles.
7. To present and discuss applied topics of the course content.
Contact Hours: 45
3.0 Credits
STEM | Course #: SA3058E | Open
As an example of a general-purpose technology, artificial intelligence (AI) is present in more and more facets of our lives, creating concerns about its proper use as it evolves.

This course explores the ethical issues surrounding developing and deploying artificial intelligence (AI) technologies. Students will learn about the philosophical, social, and legal considerations related to AI and create an understanding of the potential impacts of these technologies on society. Topics may include bias and fairness in algorithmic decision- making, privacy and surveillance, responsibility and accountability for AI systems, and the ethical implications of automation and job displacement. Through readings, discussions, and case studies, students will develop critical thinking skills and ethical frameworks to analyse and evaluate AI technologies and their impacts.

Some possible sources of inspiration are:

How do we prevent algorithms' ethical biases? How best to embed AI systems in our professional and social relations? Is surveillance capitalism ethical? What ethical codes should guide AI applications like self-driving cars? Are AI systems moral agents? How is our brain considering trust in AI? Do AI systems need to pay taxes? Is the future of AI a threat to our existence? Is it ethical to fall in love with a robot? Can a robot express real feelings?
Contact Hours: 45
3.0 Credits
STEM | Course #: SA3062E | Open
Pre-requisite: Basic knowledge of statistics and matrix algebra. Background in linear regression and R software is useful but not required.
The main objective of this course is to learn about the tools to analyse and visualize data to communicate results and make informed recommendations. During the course, we will learn modern statistical methods for modelling data and prediction based on them. We will learn to analyse quantitative relationships among variables. The analysis and the visualization of data will be implemented through R software. The course will cover essential tools for the analysis of data collected across all areas of science and industry, and will concentrate on the application of statistical methods with lab illustrations.
Contact Hours: 45

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.

Courses & Schedule
Semester courses at UAB 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
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 their home school’s requirements. Occasionally, a disconnect exists between the students’ expected level and the level indicated by the UAB placement exam. Provisional placement is confirmed by completion of an oral exercise during the add/drop period on-site.

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.

Course Registration
Students choose their courses after they have been accepted into the program. As soon as the UAB 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. All posted schedules of classes are tentative and subject to change unless otherwise noted. Students may only select courses, not sections. The UAB registration system automatically enrolls students into the section which best fits with the rest of the schedule. Changes to section assignments are not permitted.


 Pre-Departure Calendar
May 1 2024
 Application Closes
Applications accepted after deadline as space permits.
Within 1 week of acceptance
 SAI Deposits Due
$500 Enrollment Deposit (applied toward program fee)
$300 Security Deposit (refundable)
May 1 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.
May 15 2024
 Enrollment Closes
Students must complete their enrollment, including paying deposits, by this date.
June 1 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.
June 15 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.
July 1 2024
 Balance of Total Program Fee Due

On-Site Calendar
August 29 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.
September 5 – 6 2024
 Academic Orientation
UAB orientation provides details on academic policies, and allows students to meet one another and their professors.
September 9 2024
 Classes Begin
December 12 2024
 Final Exams End
December 13 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: 12 credits
Includes tuition, standard housing and SAI 360° Services (see What’s Included).		 $12,700
Program Fee: 15 credits
Includes tuition, standard housing and SAI 360° Services (see What’s Included).		 $13,350
Optional / Additional Fees:  
Optional Private Room Housing Supplement
Private room in a shared apartment, with a shared bathroom.		 $2,600
Optional Homestay Housing Supplement
Family homestay in a private occupancy bedroom, breakfast & dinner included.		 $575
Optional Visa Processing Fee
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
Visa
Cost depends on travel to Consulate.		 $160 $360
Books, Supplies & Course Fees $50 / 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 on arrival day
  • Welcome reception and events
  • Orientation to the host city and school
  • On-site staff who foster a welcoming community and provide assistance when needed
  • SAI Viva Experience: cultural engagement, excursions & wellness activities
  • Student health insurance providing full coverage and medical emergency evacuation
  • 24-hour on-site emergency support
  • Farewell event

Pre-departure and Re-entry services

  • Knowledgeable Admissions Counselor dedicated to you, providing friendly assistance
  • Helpful pre-departure tools and resources
  • Parent & family resources
  • Online student groups to acquaint you with other SAI students
  • Student visa advising
  • Assistance with financial aid processing
  • Need-based SAI scholarships
  • Alumni Ambassador Program, 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 Dinner
Students receive a dinner delivered to their new apartment to kick off their semester.

Cultural Workshop: Navigating the Spanish Culture
Through this workshop, students learn habits (European differences), traditions, food and language tips.

Walking Panoramic Tour and Chocolate Con Churros
Students start off their stay in Barcelona with this popular tour. The first part of the tour introduces students to Gaudi’s symbolic Modernist architecture by discovering the Sagrada Familia and the Casa Battló, among other famous buildings. Later, students explore the Gothic quarter, its cathedral, squares and narrow maze-like streets. No visit to Barcelona is complete without a stroll through the Gothic quarter! At the end of the tour, students enjoy local delicious churros with chocolate.

Survival Spanish Lesson
Get a head start on overcoming the language barrier! SAI offers a survival Spanish class that covers basic conversation and useful phrases. Students learn to ask for directions, shop with local fruit vendors, or order a café con leche at the local cafe. These lessons provide a practical and hands-on approach to learning Spanish.

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.

Catamaran Cruise
A cruise onboard a Catamaran is the best way to see the skyline and beaches of Barcelona, as well as enjoy the sun and relax.

Born Neighborhood & Gothic Street Art Tour
Students learn about the emergence of the Barcelona street art scene while exploring some of Barcelona’s most beautiful neighborhoods.

Re-orientation
The SAI Re-Orientation is a way for students to come together and reflect on their experience so far, and make plans for a successful second half of the term. Food included!

Gracia Neighborhood Tour
Gracia is one of the most characteristic and beautiful neighborhoods of Barcelona. For a long time, it was its own town just outside Barcelona, and even today it still maintains its independence and free spirit. Students discover the many secrets of Gracia, its history, its hidden corners, and some favorite tales about the neighborhood.

Say Cheese!
Spain is a country of great culinary diversity, especially when it comes to its profusion of native cheeses! During this activity, students are able to taste and learn about various types of Spanish cheeses.

Parc de Collserola Hike
Behind Tibidabo’s iconic outline, there is a wealth of woodland and fields: a protected park where a wide variety of Mediterranean flora and fauna can be found, just 15 minutes from the bustling city. During this easy two hour hike at Collserola, students discover the secrets of this beautiful natural space.

Volunteering with a Local Elementary School
Students volunteer at a local Barcelona elementary school by participating in English activities for children ages 5 – 12.

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 shared (with another study abroad student) or private 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 4 months after planned departure from Spain.

Student Visas
In accordance with Spanish law students studying in Spain for 91 days or more are required to obtain a student visa. Those with Spanish/EU citizenship are exempted. Non-US nationals should consult their local Consulate for details on student visa requirements.

Students must appear in person at the Spanish Consulate to present their visa application. SAI is able to process visa applications (no trip to the Consulate required!) for students who live or attend school in some jurisdictions. Students who wish to use this optional service should contact SAI directly to confirm that they are eligible.

For those who prefer to present their visa application in person, SAI provides student visa consulting at no cost.

Other Schools in Barcelona

Barcelona Internships CETT Tourism, Hospitality & Gastronomy Elisava School of Design IED Istituto Europeo di Design Universitat de Vic Universitat Pompeu Fabra