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.

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.

*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

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.