Overview
The Barcelona SAE Academic Center (SIS) + Internship Program offers students an exciting opportunity to take courses in both English and Spanish, all of which can count toward major, minor, or general education requirements.
The program emphasizes hands-on learning and personalized support. Small class sizes ensure individualized attention, while cultural activities and field study excursions provide students with the chance to apply classroom knowledge to real-world experiences throughout Barcelona.
Courses are enhanced by a variety of excursions that transform the city into an interactive classroom. Students can earn 9 academic credits through SIS courses, along with a 3-credit immersive internship in their field of study. During the internship, students will work on specific projects for a local company, gaining invaluable professional experience in an international setting. To further enrich the program, they will also join in cultural and social activities, creating a well-rounded experience that integrates both professional growth and immersion in local culture.
The Barce-Local Integration Week
One of the standout features of this semester program is our signature Barce-Local Integration Week - a full week dedicated to helping students connect with the city and its culture before classes even begin. Through hands-on service learning projects, interactions with local students, diversity workshops, guest lectures, and language crash courses, students build a strong foundation for their time in Barcelona. Plus, our Cultural Mentor Program provides ongoing support and sets the stage for a semester filled with meaningful cultural exploration in and out of the classroom.
Barcelona School for International Studies (SIS)
Centrally located in the city, the Barcelona SAE Academic Center at the School for International Studies (SIS) offers a truly immersive academic experience. Courses are led by exceptional local and international professors - many of whom are active professionals in their fields - bringing real-world insight directly into the classroom. With small class sizes and an emphasis on experiential learning, students receive individualized attention and engage deeply through active participation.
SIS courses explore international and cross-cultural themes through the lens of Barcelona, covering topics such as local history, art, architecture, literature, and geography. Each course includes hands-on components such as field studies, museum visits, and guided reflection activities that connect course content directly to the city of Barcelona. Our Spanish Language courses focus on spoken language skills and include useful tools for students to debrief their experiences both in and out of the classroom.
SIS is a Spanish institution but courses are offered through Jacksonville University (JU) in Florida. JU is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Why Barcelona SIS?
What sets Barcelona SAE’s Academic Center (SIS) apart from the rest?
- Small Courses – Low Faculty to Student Ratio
- Personalized Attention & High Level of Support
- American Grading & Evaluation System
- Barce-Local Integration Week
- Active Learning & Participation
- Embedded Technology
- Guest Speakers
- Each Courses Includes 3+ Field Studies
- All SIS Faculty have a Ph.D. or M.A. in their Field
- All SIS Faculty Approved by Jacksonville University as the School of Record
Requirements
Minimum G.P.A. Requirement
- 2.5
Class Requirement
- Sophomore - Senior Standing
Language Requirement
- Although helpful, no previous Spanish language knowledge is required.
Age Requirement
- All participants must be 18 years of age by the start date of the program.
If you have any questions about whether you meet the requirements, please contact us and we’d be happy to help you decide which Barcelona SAE program is right for you!
Academics
Barcelona SAE has worked hard to create a study abroad program that allows you to earn credits towards your major, minor, or general electives. The courses are specifically designed for international students, meaning that you will be able to take course in English and/or have the advantage of learning in Spanish at a pace for non-native or fluent speakers.
You will also be participating in a customized internship in your field and can earn anywhere from 3-6 internship credits. For more information on that portion of the program, please click the internship tab.
Accreditation
The Barcelona SAE Academic Center (SIS) is a Spanish institution with U.S. accreditation through Jacksonville University (JU). Upon completion of programs at SIS, students will be responsible for requesting their official JU transcript to send to their home institution for credit.
Course Approval
Before you go abroad, Barcelona SAE strongly recommends that you meet with your study abroad office and/or your academic advisor at your home institution, and are as transparent as possible about your plans. After your acceptance into the program, you will be required to submit an “Approval Contact for Study Abroad” form that will automatically inform your home institution of your intent to participate in a Barcelona SAE program. The earlier that you plan for your study abroad experience, the easier it will be to get your courses pre-approved and know exactly what transfer credit will be accepted at your home institution. Please remember that it is best to get multiple back up courses pre-approved, as this will give you some flexibility in setting up your class schedule or during the add/drop period. Think about courses that can work towards your major or minor, as well as courses that may fulfill your general education or elective requirements.
Courses
Courses at SIS are taught in English and/or Spanish, and the class sizes are small to provide a personalized experience that allows for individual participation and team projects. Each course includes various field studies that use the city of Barcelona as a classroom, as part of the experiential learning experience offered at this school. Also, final grades will be the result of the combination of lectures, field trips, guest speakers, as well as projects, readings, and presentations that will be prepared by the students outside the classroom. All courses will include a mid-term and a final exam, that will be an important part of the assessment of each class.
Credit Options
Students doing an internship will generally take SIS classes in the morning and attend their internship in the afternoon.
- 12 credits: 9 SIS Credits + 3 Internship Credits
Important Notes
- Please note that not all courses will be offered every term, and the list below are courses and/or subject areas that have been offered in the past by the host institution. Institutions in Barcelona often do not finalize course listings until the beginning of the term, and as such, this list will be updated as the host institution provides additional information.
- Please keep in mind that each class needs at least eight students to run.
- For a complete listing of courses that will occur during your specific term abroad, please contact your Barcelona SAE Advisor.
- In order to receive credit from the SIS school of record, Jacksonville University, students must receive a grade of C or higher.
SIS Course Offerings
- Tentative course offerings for Fall 2025 are here.
- Tentative course offerings for Spring 2026 are still being finalized and will be posted here at a later date.
Internship
During the internship portion of the program, students will complete specific projects for a local company in Barcelona, while also working on online assignments, taking language classes, attending professional development workshops, and participating in cultural and social activities.
Internship participants have the option to earn 3 academic credits through our partnership with Jacksonville University (JU) and are required to enroll in the Global Internship Experience course. The course syllabus is available for review here.
For the SIS + Internship program, we offer internship placements only in the following fields* due to the course schedule:
- Business
- Communication and Media
- Computer Science
- Education
- Entrepreneurship
- Event Planning
- Marketing
- Social Work
- Translation
*Students should contact the advising team to discuss alternative fields, and each request will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
Student Life
Students are in for an action-packed time abroad, and the Barce-Local experience will extend far beyond the walls of the classroom. In addition to organizing a wide range of cultural activities that immerse students in the local culture, Barcelona SAE also provides a Weekly Cultural Agenda, detailing events happening throughout the city. In addition, each student is paired with a Cultural Mentor who will assist in getting involved in clubs and/or activities based on their personal interests.
The program also includes day trip(s), blending historical tours with modern events, while we encourage our students to get off the beaten path to discover Spain through a local lens.
And when students are not with us, they’ll have access to our Barcelona SAE Bucket List with 100 unique and exciting ways to experience the city! From attending a Barça game and exploring the Picasso Museum, to window shopping in the Bohemian Gracia District or discovering new restaurants with Spanish friends...the list offers endless possibilities.
Dates & Costs
For a comparison of all of Barcelona SAE’s program dates, costs, and application deadlines, please visit our main Dates and Costs page.
Scholarships & Grants
At Barcelona SAE, we believe that studying and interning abroad should be affordable and accessible to ALL students. In addition to our low program costs, Barcelona SAE works with your home institution to accept most forms of financial aid…and we also have a wide variety of scholarships to help you bring your costs down even further.
Our TODOS Scholarships are focused on removing the barriers that often keep underrepresented groups with high financial need from studying abroad. This group includes, but is not limited to, students with diverse race, ethnicity, sex, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, age, or veteran status.
And did you know that you can receive an automatic $1000 grant towards our SIS + Internship Semester Program if your home institution is a Barcelona SAE Affiliate Partner? Ask us how!
We also encourage you to reach out to your financial aid and/or study abroad office to learn about additional scholarship or grant opportunities available from your home institution. You may also want to consider applying for the Benjamin A. Gilman scholarship, which offers students up to $5,000 towards education abroad. Please note that you must be a US citizen, already accepted to a study abroad program, and a Pell Grant recipient.
Important Notes
- The program dates posted here are for reference only and are subject to change. Please do not book your flight until you have received the confirmed dates in your acceptance paperwork.
- Most housing will be in double rooms with students of the same gender (biological sex). If your home institution allows it, you can opt to pay a $300/month supplement for a single room (if available on a first-come, first-served basis). Please note that single rooms cannot be guaranteed.
- Please note that costs may fluctuate based on currency exchange.
What's Included
Our Semester + Internship Program at the Barcelona SAE Academic Center (SIS) Includes:
Countdown to Barcelona:
- Group Webinar and Pre-Departure Preparation
- Personalized Advising
- Professional Video Interview
- Cover Letter & Resume Coaching
While in Barcelona:
- SIS Tuition and Fees
- Official University Transcript from Jacksonville University
- Internship Placement
- Staff Escort to First Day of Internship
- Bienvenid@s a Barcelona – Airport Welcome Service
- Logistical & Cultural Orientations
- Housing for the Duration of Program (Homestays include Breakfast/Dinner!)
- Comprehensive Medical & Accident Insurance
- 24-Hour Emergency Support
- English-Speaking Staff
Professional, Cultural & Social Activities:
- The Barce-Local Integration Week
- The Barcelona SAE Bucket List
- Day Trip(s) Outside of Barcelona
- Optional Weekend Excursion to Morocco (Additional cost applies)
- Weekly Cultural Agenda (The local perspective of what’s happening each week!)
- Weekly Cultural Activities (Cooking Classes, Dance Lessons, Intercambios, Barrio Tours, and MORE!)
- Cultural Mentor Program
- Welcome Activity
- Re-Entry Workshop & Farewell Meal
For Continued Success After the Program:
- Alumni & Career Services
- Invitation to Barcelona SAE’s LinkedIn Alumni Group
- Opportunity to Apply to be a “Barcelona SAE Alumni Ambassador” on Your Home Campus
- Invitations to Study Abroad & Internship Returnee Conferences Throughout the U.S.
The Program Does Not Include:
- Round-Trip Airfare to/from Barcelona
- Visa Costs (If Applicable)
- Mobile Phones & Charges
- Local Transportation
- Personal Items
Housing
Barcelona SAE offers our students a variety of housing options, which means that we have the perfect place in Barcelona for you to call your home away from home. We have carefully selected safe and adequate housing for each student but each living arrangement is different.
Important Notes:
- Housing in Barcelona is extremely competitive and participants will be placed based on availability. We make every effort to provide you with your preferred form of housing, but due to space limitations we cannot guarantee that you will get your first choice.
- There are no overnight guests allowed in any program housing. Our staff is happy to share a resource page for hotels and hostels for any visiting friends to use.
- Most housing will be in double rooms with students of the same gender (biological sex). You can opt to pay a $300/month supplement for a single room (if available on a first-come, first-served basis). Please note that single rooms cannot be guaranteed.
- If you have any questions or concerns, be sure to note this in your housing form.
Where will you live?
Housing for the program is spread throughout the city of Barcelona. Every neighborhood is easily accessible by public transportation and the city is very walkable. The normal commute in Barcelona is around 45 minutes using public transportation from your housing to your school or internship, it may be a bit more or less than this.
Each neighborhood has a different feel…Les Corts is where the soccer stadium is, Gracia is hipster and bohemian, Eixample has a gay friendly district and incredible architecture, Sagrada Familia has wonderful shopping, Sant Marti & Poblenou are tech powerhouses off the tourist path.
Homestay
Many students picture homestays as a house in the suburbs, but in fact it will most likely be an apartment in the city with a host family, the same distance to class or your internship as a shared apartment would be. A host family could be a married couple, it may be an older woman living on her own, or it may be a family with children. Most homestays are shared other students on the program, but in your housing preference form you should specify if you prefer to be with other participants or on your own in a homestay.
You should choose a homestay if:
- You want to live like a local. Students in homestays learn a lot about the local culture and lifestyle firsthand.
- You want to improve your Spanish. You will eat breakfast and dinner with your family everyday, so you will have plenty of opportunities to practice your language skills. Students in homestays normally see a much larger language skill improvement at the end of the program. You don’t need to speak any Spanish to begin in a homestay, but you will certainly be using it by the time you leave!
- You want to save money. Homestays provide a daily breakfast and dinner, and will do your laundry for you! This is included in the program, and has been a huge reason many students choose the homestay option.
- You want a home away from home! You will have your own set of keys, and you are free to come and go when you please without a curfew. Many students say the homestay feels “cozy” and report added support network (like someone to make you soup when you’re sick).
Check out this video for an additional student perspective on being in a homestay!
Student Residence Hall
Most locals live with their parents while they go to university, so dormitories are rare, but there are a few set up to house international students or those that come from outside the city. A student residence normally means a double room, unless you indicate you would like a single room and there is one available, and then shared kitchen areas and common areas including study areas with other students.
You should choose this option if:
- You'd like to be around more students. Typically the residence halls are home to American students but also students from around Europe/Spain or from other countries.
- You want a little bit more independence in exploring the city and the culture. We will have cultural activities and excursions for you to participate in, but much of the time you will be on your own to explore.
- You like to do your own grocery shopping and cooking. You will share the kitchen and be responsible for your own food, cooking and cleaning.
- Improving your Spanish is not a main goal of yours. Of course there will still be chances to speak Spanish, but you'll need to make an additional effort to meet locals and practice.
Shared Apartments
This choice places you in a shared apartment in the city with 2-6 other program participants. You will be placed in a double room with another student unless you indicate you would like a single room and there is one available. Apartments are spread throughout the city in residential areas so you can expect a 45 minute commute to class or your internship.
You should choose this option if:
- You'd like to be around students. In the shared apartment you will be sharing the apartment with other participants of the program.
- You want a little bit more independence in exploring the city and the culture. We will have cultural activities and excursions for you to participate in, but a lot of the time you will be on your own to explore.
- You like to do your own grocery shopping and cooking. You will share the kitchen and be responsible for your own food, cooking and cleaning.
- Improving your Spanish is not a main goal of yours. Of course there will still be chances to speak Spanish, but you'll need to make an additional effort to meet locals and practice.
Gender-Inclusive Housing
In order to further empower and support the growing population of LGBTQIA+ students nationally and to further align our in-country student support services with recognized best practices on over 400 U.S. campuses, Barcelona SAE now proudly offers gender inclusive housing as an option for all accepted program participants for all terms.
If you have further questions about gender-inclusive housing, please contact your Barcelona SAE advisor.
