SAI students attending UAB’s summer 6 week program attend engaging courses in UAB’s two city-center Barcelona campuses devoted to study abroad programs. Students select up to 3 courses from an array of electives for a total of 3 - 9 US credits. Most courses are taught in English, with some options in Spanish. Summer classes are offered in Art History, Business, Economics, History, Language, and many other subjects.
Application open until: March 1, 2025
Apps accepted on a rolling basis, and after closing as space permits
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
- Benefit from gaining a Mediterranean perspective on global issues.
- Take classes in a modernist masterpiece building, known as the Casa Convalescència.
Program Dates
June 1, 2025 – July 17, 2025
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.
Business
Language
Mediterranean Studies
Psychology
STEM
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 internationalbusiness. 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 theinternal aspects of a firm oriented towards international business.
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)
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.
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.
Students will be placed automatically depending upon language level.
Discover the fascinating history behind Catalonias capital city through the eyes of a local historian. The study of Barcelonas urban planning and architecture is set in a historical, political and social framework starting from the citys 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.
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.
Emotions are automatic responses that regulate our behaviour. Emotional responses impact decision making, our learning, and our physical and mental health. One of the emotional responses that has received much interest in scientific research is the stress response. Chronic stress is a factor that can increase vulnerability to the development of cardiovascular, brain and immune diseases.On the other hand, self-regulation capacity is a higher cognitive function, which is part of the executive processes, and which allows us to manage and modify our behaviour and our emotions to better adapt to the environment, improve our quality of life and prevent alterations in our mental health. In this sense, understanding the scientific bases and the main self-regulation strategies can increase the development of said ability to improve our health, our well-being, as well as our relationships with our environment. The course will be conducted respecting psychological diversity and aims to be inclusive.The objectives of the course are: Understanding the main components of emotions. Acquiring an expert knowledge of stress and its relationship with health. Knowing how to identify contextual and individual triggers of the stress process. Gaining skills for assessing stress and its impact on wellbeing and health.Knowing how to classify different types of coping strategies and analyse their efficiency indifferent contexts. Developing skills for stress and emotions self-regulation. Having the ability to assess positive versus negative attitudes towards stress and health.
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.
Courses & Schedule
Summer courses at UAB are generally offered Monday through Friday. Summer students select up to 3 courses from an array of elective courses. Most courses are taught in English, with some options in Spanish.
Placement Tests
Summer students who register for Spanish Language courses complete an online placement test before departing for Spain. Provisional placement is confirmed by completion of an oral exercise during the add/drop period on site.
Course Registration
Students choose their courses after they have been accepted into the program. As soon as the UAB summer schedule is confirmed, students are asked to complete a Course Selection form, which is used to specify first-choice and alternate-choice courses. All posted schedules of classes are tentative and subject to change unless otherwise noted.
| Pre-Departure Calendar | |
|---|---|
| March 1 2025 |
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 3 2025 |
50% of Total Program Fee Due Students who are accepted and submit SAI deposits after this date will have an amended pay schedule. 50% of the Program Fee will be due within 5 business days, based on the deposit payment date. |
| March 3 2025 |
Financial Aid Agreement & Financial Aid Program Deposit Deadline Students wishing to utilize SAI financial aid payment deferment must complete the Financial Aid Agreement form and submit the Financial Aid Program Deposit by this date. Students whose deposit payment date is on or after this date will have a deadline of 5 days after the deposit. |
| March 15 2025 |
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 2025 |
Enrollment Closes Students must complete their enrollment, including paying deposits, by this date. |
| March 18 2025 |
SAI Financial Aid Verification Deadline Students wishing to defer payment until financial aid disbursement must submit the financial aid verification form to SAI by this date. |
| April 2 2025 |
Balance of Total Program Fee Due (For students utilizing SAI financial aid payment deferment, any balance not covered by aid is due) |
| On-Site Calendar | |
|---|---|
| June 1 2025 |
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. |
| June 2 2025 |
SAI Orientation Mandatory SAI orientation is held in the morning at the SAI Barcelona office and introduces students to their city while covering safety, policies, housing, and culture. |
| June 3 2025 |
UAB Orientation UAB orientation covers academic policies and allows students to meet one another and their professors. |
| June 4 2025 |
Classes Begin |
| July 16 2025 |
Classes End |
| July 17 2025 |
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). |
Coming soon |
| Program Fee: 6 credits Includes tuition, standard housing and SAI 360° Services (see What’s Included). |
Coming soon |
| Program Fee: 9 credits 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. |
Coming soon |
| 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 | $1,200 |
| 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 on arrival day
- Welcome reception and events
- Orientation to the host city and school
- On-site staff who foster a welcoming community for you 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 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.