Overview
The Barcelona SAE Academic Center (SIS) + UVic Semester Program provides students with a rich and immersive academic experience. This unique program combines the best of both worlds: small, personalized courses at our centrally located academic center (SIS) where students benefit from close faculty interaction and a supportive learning environment - and innovative, hands-on courses in business and design offered at the Universitat de Vic (UVic) state-of-the-art campus. This blended approach allows students to deepen their understanding of core academic subjects while also gaining practical skills and real-world insights in a collaborative, international setting.
The Barce-Local Integration Experience
One of the highlights of this semester program is our signature Barce-Local Integration Experience - a dedicated period at the start of the term designed to help students immerse themselves in the local culture before courses begin. Through engaging service learning projects, connections with local students, diversity and inclusion workshops, guest speakers, and language crash courses, students begin building a meaningful foundation for their time in Barcelona. In addition, our Cultural Mentor Program offers continued support, fostering a semester full of rich cultural exploration - both inside and outside 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.
Transcripts for courses taken at SIS come from our U.S. School of Record, Jacksonville University (JU). 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
- U.S. Grading & Evaluation System
- 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, or significant and relevant life experience in their field.
- All SIS Faculty Approved by Jacksonville University as the School of Record
Universitat de Vic (UVic)
The University of Vic – Central University of Catalonia (UVic-UCC) invites students to experience its vibrant Barcelona campus, where the focus is on Business, Design, and Innovation. Located in the heart of one of Europe’s most dynamic cities, this urban campus connects students with leading creative industries, global enterprises, and countless opportunities for professional development - all within the cosmopolitan atmosphere of Barcelona.
Equipped with modern facilities, including collaborative learning spaces, high-tech classrooms, and specialized labs, the Barcelona campus is designed to foster hands-on, experiential learning. With a strong commitment to internationalization, innovation, and student-centered education, UVic offers an ideal environment for a semester abroad that seamlessly blends academic theory with real-world application.
Requirements
Minimum G.P.A. Requirement
- 3.0
Class Requirement
- Freshman-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.
Accreditation
Transcripts for courses taken at SIS come from our U.S. School of Record, Jacksonville University (JU). JU is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
The Universitat de Vic (UVic) is recognized by the Spanish Ministry of Education as a degree granting institution of higher learning.
Upon completion of programs at SIS, students will be responsible for requesting their official JU transcript to send to their home institution for credit. The UVic transcript will be sent directly to the student’s home institution.
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 that you're 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. 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 at the Universitat de Vic (UVic) are taught in English.
Credit Options
Students will earn 12 credits total – 6 credits at the Barcelona School for International Studies (SIS) and 6 credits at the Universitat de Vic (UVic).
Important Notes
- Students are not permitted to take 9 credits at UVic and 3 credits at SIS, or vice versa. Students must take 6 credits at SIS and 6 credits at UVic – no exceptions.
- Please note that not all courses will be offered every term, and the links below include 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.
- For a complete listing of courses that will occur during your specific term abroad, please contact your Barcelona SAE Advisor.
UVic Course Offerings
- Please note that this is a brand new program as of Spring 2026. For a complete list of courses and syllabi at UVic, please click here.
SIS Course Offerings
- Tentative course offerings for Spring 2026 are still being finalized and will be posted here at a later date.
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 a series of day trips which blend historical tours with modern experiences, encouraging 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 unique Gràcia 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 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 an additional supplement for a single room (if available on a first-come, first-served basis) - see the housing tab for further details. Please note that single rooms cannot be guaranteed and bathrooms will still likely be shared in most cases.
- Please note that costs may fluctuate based on currency exchange.
What's Included
The Semester Program at the Barcelona SAE Academic Center (SIS) + UVic Includes:
Countdown to Barcelona:
- Group Webinar and Pre-Departure Preparation
- Personalized Advising
While in Barcelona:
- SIS Tuition and Fees
- Official University Transcript from Jacksonville University
- Official University Transcript from the Universitat de Vic
- 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
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).
- For Fall 2025 Programs & Prior: You can opt to pay a $300/month supplement for a single room (if available on a first-come, first-served basis). This is rounded up to the full month and we do not pro-rate single room invoices. Please note that single rooms cannot be guaranteed and bathrooms will still likely be shared in most cases.
- For Spring 2026 Programs & Beyond: You can opt to pay a $1000 supplement for a single room for the semester (if available on a first-come, first-served basis). Please note that single rooms cannot be guaranteed and bathrooms will still likely be shared in most cases.
- 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, Gràcia feels like a city of its own, Eixample is known for its LGBTQIA+ friendly area and Modernist architecture, and 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
Shared Apartments
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.
