SAI semester students in UPF’s elective programs enroll in upper division courses in one of two concentrations: Barcelona Program for Interdisciplinary Studies (BaPIS) or International Business (ESCI). Students enroll in 4 or 5 courses for a total of 12 to 15 US credits. Courses are available in both English and Spanish. While there is no requirement to enroll in a Spanish language course, UPF offers all levels of Spanish language, which can be combined with subject courses.
Application open until: May 1, 2025
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
- Study liberal arts, Spanish language and culture, business, or international relations
- Courses integrate site visits, tours, and speaker sessions
- Earn a Global Leadership Certificate alongside your coursework
Program Dates
Mid September 2025 – Mid December 2025
Eligibility Requirements
Age: 18+
Academic Year: Junior (3rd year) or above.
Cumulative GPA:* 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale)
* contact SAI if you don’t meet requirements
Barcelona Program for Interdisciplinary Studies | Gender Studies
Barcelona Program for Interdisciplinary Studies | Global Studies
Barcelona Program for Interdisciplinary Studies | History
Barcelona Program for Interdisciplinary Studies | Legal Studies
Barcelona Program for Interdisciplinary Studies | Political Science
International Business (ESCI) | International Business
Spanish Language | Spanish
The birth of cinema transformed the way we understand artistic creation. Film is a mechanically reproduced artwork without the aura of uniqueness that characterizes classical pieces (Benjamin, 1935). It emerges as a mechanical extension of the human body, an artificial eye. Film production is also automated: it is a paradigm of creative industry (Howkins, 2001). In many ways, cinema appears at the intersection of the joint creative effort of human talent, industry, science & technology. This course will study various aspects of creativity and authorship in examples from Spanish cinematography. Early theoretical and practical approaches to filmic creation, the development of new artistic professions and creative labor organization in the film industry will be studied through Spanish silent cinema and the growth of CIFESA studios (1932-1961).There will be an introduction to the debates over the status of films leading creators, looking at producers, directors, and writers from this period. The political dimension will be presented through the creative ways in which filmmakers eluded Francos censorship. Since the 1960s and the rise of modern cinema, the highly influential French auteur theory favors the director as a films main creator. The course will introduce Spanish auteurs from the modern period (Camus, Picazo) and present critiques of the directors importance, implicit in works of postmodern filmmakers (Almodovar, Medem). The challenges faced by contemporary auteurs (Lacuesta, Sorogoyen) at the side of recent ideas sharply opposed to the auteur theory that consider films as a result of collective creation (Sellors, 2007) or the audience as a creative force (Mayne, 2002). The work of Spanish experimental filmmaking platforms like Authorless Cinema Collective, as well as the creative design of contemporary Spanish cinematographys cultural policies and initiatives that foster female creativity will be considered. This course will also have a creative component: students will make short films as group projects.
This course provides a dynamic, multi-disciplinary introduction to Contemporary Art in Spain. A background on this specified field is not required. For this reason not only the main artistic events will be covered, but also some political, historical and cultural issues that might be relevant. Although this course is manly based on lectures and class debate, four visits to art centers and exhibitions will be also part of the course requirements. These visits will be made during class time and are equivalent to a usual in-class lecture. We will discuss recent classics as well as emerging artists, and we will cover a wide range of artistic practices, from photography to afterpop music, including installation art, performance art and comic art. Although the course offers several relevant clues to understand the historical context and particular conditions in Spain, it is also intended as a more general insight into contemporary artistic strategies and topics.
Although globalization and sustainability have become familiar terms, they are at cross purposes. The way globalization has been conducted with an emphasis on the economic sphere, international trade and cross-border investment flows, has created a series of crises that threaten the ethical values and beliefs of a sustainable society. The primary goal of a business is usually seen as making a profit, however, the path towards achieving this goal can, in many instances, create dilemmas regarding justice, equity and honesty.
European football (soccer) has become a major cultural vehicle in the global world, both in terms of economical impact and social influence. This course focuses on how this sport shapes the social, economical and cultural realms, and tries to interpret the different links between the game itself and the dimensions surrounding it: media coverage, aesthetic value, political targeting, public and corporate policies… In that context, FC Barcelona remains a unique case, studied in business schools as an example of global market branding, while passionately lived by millions of fans all over the world. Moreover, Barcelona city offers a privileged standpoint to better understand football as a growing issue within contemporary culture.
This course builds on the idea that ethical-religious, philosophical, and scientific imagination is vitally important in the development of human societies. It focuses on key religious, ethical-political, and scientific innovative ideas that have revolutionized and shaped society from antiquity to modern times. The course deals not only with understanding the context of the emergence of these ideas, but also their impact on the contemporary world and mentality. It will begin with the Axial Age (Karl Jaspers), characterized by a series of ethical-religious, scientific and philosophical innovations from China to Ancient Greece, and move chronologically to the Renaissance, Enlightenment and the current digital and robot revolution.
The course is an approach to the reality of the Arab world, often distorted by topics and prejudices. The approach is carried out in three directions: politics, new social actors and the Arab world relationship with the western world. Special emphasis is placed on the role played by young people, on the situation of women and on the permanent tension between tradition and modernity, the first challenge for the Arab community because it will be decisive in the immediate future, characterized by the development of new technologies and the global economy. Finally, the objective is to establish what image the Arab world projects towards the outside and what perception one has the Arab world in the West. Faced with the belief that the Arab world is a monolithic and homogeneous space, the reality of a highly diversified cultural area prevails in which, at the same time, three constants weigh heavily: language, religion and political blockade. In other words, the tension between tradition and modernity is a reality in a very plural social settings. Such variety of social realities is barely perceived by the western world in general and Europe in particular. Something that is still quite a contradictory element with history, with the legacy of Arab culture in Spain and Portugal -in language, architecture, agriculture, folklore, etc.- and with a permanent economic relationship with the European countries, especially since the colonial period until today
Once labeled by Newsweek magazine as the “coolest city in Europe” Barcelona enjoys the reputation of a cosmopolitan city with a great international projection. Like all places, however, it is not without its complexities and contradictions. Behind a glossy and tourist-friendly facade, the city has a complex history.This course introduces the student to the city of Barcelona by studying its past and analyzing its present. This interdisciplinary course covers subject in history, geography, art, architecture, and urban planning. Materials include images, maps, academic and literary texts, videos, field studies, and documentaries. We will also discuss issues relevant to people living within the city of Barcelona today.
The course proposes an itinerary through he rich cultural heritage of Hispanic Jews to present day along with interpretative elements to understand the recovery of that heritage and to manage it by analyzing the history of the Jewish people in the Hispanic lands and the interrelations, connections and influences between the Hispanic societies and Judaism, from the Middle Ages to present day. This is a course of history with a distinct interdisciplinary approach. A general contextual overview and an itinerary through the history of the Jews in Spain frame the discussions to follow.The aim is to delve around a series of selected themes to better understand the boundaries between Spanish Jews and Spanish gentiles from multiple perspectives and across time. Based on the in-class commentary and analysis of primary sources, film debates and case studies, specific topics will be examined: the perception of the self and the perception of the other; the shaping of a Jewish identity in the Hispanic lands versus the creation of the Sephardic cultural construct; the representations of Jews and Judaism; the role played by archetypes in the views on Judaism and Spanish anti-Semitism; and in Modern and contemporary times, the reconfiguration of Jewish identity from Modern Crypto-Judaism to the rising phenomenon of the Sephardic Benei Anusim.
The course aims to give the students a general overview of the core legal institutions, while introducing the students to the main legal problems attached to the new technologies. The reading assignments and the classroom discussions will illustrate how technology changes traditional legal concepts and the way in which the legal rules are applied. A basic introduction to contracts, property, torts from a comparative perspective will be followed by an explanation of the relevant technologies and their implications in the legal understanding of the core legal topics.
We live in a new era characterized by globalization and the digital revolution, and by the emergence of new global challenges and threats that require global, collective and effective solutions. These global challenges and threats include climate emergency, global health, nuclear security, global inequality, migratory movements, tax evasion, global terrorism, digital security and privacy, etc. All these challenges are global, complex, and interrelated. They need a response that is also global, intelligent and effective.This course will study how global institutions, as well as nation states, cities and other actors, can face global challenges like those mentioned above. This is why this course will focus on the new ways in which collective intelligence, crowdsourcing methods and public involvement in decision making in general can enhance the quality of global responses to these challenges. Students will be exposed to some successful practical examples of collective intelligence enhanced through new technologies, like the idea of Crowdlaw, which might combine data analysis, machine learning, AI, Blockchain and even virtual reality with the aim of improving public decision making.The course will also focus on the conditions under which international organizations, states and cities can make or contribute to making international legal decisions which might provide solutions to these problems in a way that preserves democratic legitimacy and justice. For that purpose, the course will combine the study of global governance, and new technologies with political philosophy, legal philosophy, international law and international relations.
How globalization redefines wealth and opportunities around the world? Is globalization a force for good or does it create opportunities only for a small minority? Inequalities have increased and cooperation has proved not to be very effective. Indeed, after having spent in the last five decades more than 2,3 trillion dollars, the path towards sustainable human development seems to be still full of obstacles and constraints. The course aims at introducing students to the most salient aspects of the debate around globalization, development and international cooperation. Classical views on development will be contrasted with more contemporary approaches such as: the Agenda 2030 framework, no-one living behind principle, whole-of-society-approach, multilevel governance and multi-stakeholder participation. The course combines analytical tools and categories stemming from political science, international relations, economic geography, European Integration studies, public policies and development economics. By applying interactive and participatory teaching methodologies, the course will stimulate students active involvement and participation all across the sessions.
This course aims to provide a comprehensive and integrated view of the European market. The course is structured into two sections: the first offers a global view of Europe (historical background, evolution of the E.U., its institutional structure, and its domestic and foreign policies). The second analyzes the European business environment, paying special attention to differences in managerial and consumer behavior in order to understand and identify economic, political, social, and cultural dimensions of the E.U. that might represent opportunities for business development in the region.
Concepts and tools of intercultural communication and cross cultural management that make sense of a globalizing word: Multiculturalism and inter-culturalism, diversity and super-diversity in the business environment. Culture convergence and cross-cultural connections.
This course aims to provide a comprehensive and integrated view of the European market. The course is structured into two sections:
The first offers a global view of Europe (historical background, evolution of the E.U., its institutional structure, and its domestic and foreign policies).
The second analyzes the European business environment, paying special attention to differences in managerial and consumer behavior in order to understand and identify economic, political, social, and cultural dimensions of the E.U. that might represent opportunities for business development in the region.
Financial risks: currency risk exposure, interest rate risk, price volatility risk, among others. Hedging financial risk with varios risk management concepts, tools and techniques held by the derivative products: Futures, Forwards, Options and Swaps.Discussion on the design and implementation of risk management practices. Realize and understand various state-of-the art risk management theories and practices (such as loss control, loss financing, and internal risk reduction mechanisms) as well as their advancement in the future.
This course aims to provide students with a good understanding of the international financial markets and their impact on financial decisions and management at international firms. The course covers a range of topics related to the international monetary system, the foreign exchange and derivatives markets, the financing of international firms, foreign investment operations, and foreign exchange risk management.
Recommended prerequisite: Business Organization
Globalization has created new opportunities for businesses worldwide. This course is designed to prepare students to better analyze and understand the challenges and chances that companies face when expanding their activities internationally. Special attention will be placed upon the different tools and analytical skills available to and required for various specialized managerial roles when businesses are competing internationally.
Neuro-marketing. Social Responsibility in Marketing. Last trends in giving services through innovation.To be able to develop the marketing-mix strategy, define the brand extension as well as the communication strategies and distribution alternatives, striving to look towards the future and provide insights for a successful relationship with customers and clients.
The strategic role of branding. Designing an effective brand strategy. Developing a brand value proposition that engages customers. Brand architecture and dynamics (brand porfolios, brand repositioning brand extensions and cobranding). Building lifestyle and premium brands. Brand ethics and social responsibility.Building enduring brands in competitive markets and creation of market value. Developing managerial perspective regarding strategic brand management in a global framework
Students take a placement test upon arrival to determine their Spanish language level.
UPF offers the following levels of Spanish language:
- Inicial – Beginning Spanish
- Preintermedio
- Intermedio
- Avanzado
- Superior
- Espanol Para Hispanohablantes
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.
Semester students at UPF select from the following three programs:
- Barcelona Program for Interdisciplinary Studies (BaPIS): BaPIS brings together students from a variety of majors, nationalities, and backgrounds. By breaking down the barriers between knowledge areas, BaPIS encourages an interdisciplinary approach. With its hands-on approach and combination of STEM disciplines, Communication, Humanities and Social Sciences, BaPIS provides a unique environment for developing intellectual tools to address today’s most pressing challenges.
- International Business Program (ESCI): This program is aimed at undergraduate business students who wish to acquire an international perspective and a better understanding of the management practices needed to compete in the global economy. The program offers insight into international business from a multicultural perspective and helps students to improve their professional qualifications. ESCI students are required to take International Management and at least one additional Business course from the program schedule. Students can complete their schedule with additional Business courses, or may choose to take electives from the BaPIS program.
Courses & Schedule
UPF Semester courses 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. 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
As soon as the UPF 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. Students choose classes based on a preliminary schedule that is subject to change. The final course days and times are published just ahead of the program start date.
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 | |
|---|---|
| May 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) |
| May 1 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. |
| May 15 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. |
| May 15 2025 |
Enrollment Closes Students must complete their enrollment, including paying deposits, by this date. |
| June 1 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. |
| June 15 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. |
| July 1 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 | |
|---|---|
| Coming soon |
Arrival & Housing Check-in: All Programs 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. |
| Coming soon |
Courses Begin |
| Coming soon |
Final Exams End |
| Coming soon |
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). |
Coming soon |
| Program Fee: 15 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 occupancy bedroom, breakfast & dinner included. |
Coming soon |
| Optional Visa Processing Fee (if applicable) 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
Please see SAI Policies for SAI cancellation & withdrawal deadlines.
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~~If required. | $160 | $360 |
| Books, Supplies & Course Fees | $100 / 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 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 at least 4 months after planned departure from Europe.
Student Visas
In accordance with Spanish law, U.S. students studying in Spain for 91 days or more are required to obtain a student visa. The UPF Fall program dates are just under this length, therefore US students are not required to obtain a student visa in order to attend. Please note that students will not be able to travel in Europe before or after the program because their stay cannot exceed 90 days. Non-US nationals should consult their local Consulate for information on student visa requirements.