Overview
IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT: Due to the unprecedented circumstances brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, our Spring 2021 SIS + Internship program is now less than 90 days, which means that U.S. citizens will not need to obtain a student visa.
Our Semester +Internship Program at the Barcelona SAE Academic Study Center (SIS) gives you an opportunity to take courses in English and/or Spanish that can count towards your major, minor or general education requirements.
Class sizes at SIS are small to provide a personalized experience which allows for individual participation and team projects. Each course includes various excursions that use the city of Barcelona as a classroom.
Students can take 6 or 9 credits at SIS and complete a 3 or 6 credit immersive internship in their field of study. Internship credits will be awarded through our internship school of record, Plymouth State University (PSU).
BARCE-LOCAL INTEGRATION WEEK
A unique feature of this semester program is our Barce-Local Integration Week where students will be given a full week of integration activities before classes begin. The week will include a service learning project, interaction with local students, diversity workshops, guest lectures and language crash courses. In addition, our Cultural Mentor program will help students transition well into the city and set the path for our ongoing cultural curriculum in classes and activities throughout the semester.
Barcelona School for International Studies (SIS)
Located in the heart of the city, the Barcelona SAE Academic Study Center (SIS) is our most centrally located campus option. SIS boasts fantastic local and international professors, many of whom are working professionals in the field they teach. SIS maintains small class sizes and focuses on experiential learning, which means that students will get individualized attention and will participate actively during class. Each course includes a variety of field studies, museum visits, and guided reflection that closely tie the courses to the city itself.
The courses offered at SIS encompass international and cross-cultural topics, focusing on the city by discussing local history, art, architecture, literature and geography. 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 in Florida. Jacksonville University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award baccalaureate, masters, and doctorate degrees. Contact the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097 or call 404-679-4500 for questions about the accreditation of Jacksonville University. Non-Jacksonville University students can apply to transfer course credits to their home institution by requesting a Jacksonville University transcript.
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WHY BARCELONA SIS?
What sets Barcelona SAE’s Academic Study Center, Barcelona 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
Class Requirement
- Junior or 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 of their program, unless they are participating on a customized program through their home institution and have home institution approval.
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 in your major, minor, or electives. The courses are specifically designed for international students, meaning that you will be able to take courses 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, a JU transcript will be sent directly to the student’s home university.
Course Approval
Before you go abroad, Barcelona SAE strongly recommends that you meet with the study abroad office and/or your academic advisor at your home institution. 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. With that said, we suggest that students are as transparent as possible about their plans and make an appointment with their study abroad office immediately after submitting their Barcelona SAE application.
The earlier that students plan for their study abroad experience, the easier it will be to get all of their courses pre-approved and know exactly what transfer credit will be received at their home institution. Please remember that it is best to get multiple first and second choice courses pre-approved for your Barcelona SAE program, as this will give you some flexibility in setting up your class schedule. Don’t just think about the courses that are required for your major or minor, but also courses that can fulfill your general education or elective requirements.
Courses
Your courses will be taught in English or Spanish and will primarily be lectures with some teamwork involved. Class sizes are small to provide a personalized experience.
Credit Options
Students doing an internship will generally take SIS classes in the morning and attend their internship in the afternoon.
- Option A – 12 credits: 9 SIS Credits + 3 Internship Credits
- Option B – 12 credits: 6 SIS Credits + 6 Internship Credits
- Option C (Only by Petitioned Request) – 15 Credits: 9 SIS Credits + 6 Internship Credits
Important Notes
- Please note that not all courses listed above will be offered every semester, and the list above 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.
- For a complete listing of courses that will occur during your specific semester/quarter abroad at Barcelona SIS, please contact your Barcelona SAE Advisor.
- In order to receive credit from the Barcelona SIS school of record, Jacksonville University, students must receive a grade of C or higher.
Internship
During the internship portion of the program, you will complete specific projects for a local company in Barcelona, while completing online assignments, taking language classes, attending professional development workshops, and joining in cultural and social activities.
Your internship credit will be issued through Plymouth State University (PSU). To receive credit through PSU, interns must have completed a minimum of 60 hours (approximately 2 full years) of college or university credit before going on the program and be majoring or minoring in one of the fields listed here.
There are two different credit options for the SIS + Internship program:
- 12 Credits = 9 SIS + 3 PSU (120h+)
- 12 Credits = 6 SIS + 6 PSU (240h+)
It is important that students understand that they need to take their internship very seriously. Dedication to the role, dress code, behavior and communication are all of the utmost importance.
Please note that students may NOT change their number of internship credits during the ADD/DROP period. If a student signs up for 6+6 or 9+3, they must complete those specific credits.
How is credit given?
Credit will be assessed and given based on the successful completion of a variety of assignments. Assignments include an essay, journals, and evaluations and will be assessed based on this grading rubric.
- Minimum 3 page pre-departure paper based on intern’s goals for the program
- Directed, reflective internship journal completed by intern during the program (three entries)
- Mid-term Online Evaluation completed by intern
- Mid-term and Final Evaluations completed by internship supervisor
- 6-8 page reflective essay on overall learning experience
- Final video reflecting on internship
Credit is given in letter grade format (A,B,C,D,F) in a specific academic discipline. The amount of credit is awarded based on the number of hours interned: 120 hours = 3 credits, 240 hours = 6 credits.
About PSU:
Plymouth State University, Barcelona SAE’s accrediting partner, is a NEASC-accredited institution with more than 20 years of experience awarding internship credit both domestically and internationally. Plymouth State University has been nationally recognized for its commitment to the environment and for innovative programs that are making an impact both regionally and globally.
Student Life
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Be prepared to pack a lot into your time abroad! Your Barcelona experience will extend well beyond the classroom, and we are there to help you get the most out of it! Not only do we plan tons of Barcelona SAE Cultural Activities to keep you exploring the local culture, we send you a Weekly Cultural Agenda full of events so that you know what is happening throughout the city. You’ll also have a Cultural Mentor who will help you to get involved in a club or activity based on your interests.
You’ll also enjoy numerous Barcelona SAE Day Trips and Weekend Excursions (locations depend on term/program) that mix historical tours with modern events, while we try to get you off the beaten path to see Spain through a local lens.
And when you’re not with us? We’ll give you a Barcelona SAE Bucket List with 100 ways to experience the city! Go to a Barça game. Check out the Picasso Museum. Window shop in the Bohemian Gracia District. Discover a new restaurant with your Spanish friends. Why not?! There is no end to what you can do in Barcelona!
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.
Did you know that you can receive a $2000 discount off a Barcelona SIS + Internship Semester Program in 2021 if your home institution is a Barcelona SAE Affiliate Partner? Ask us how!
| Dates |
Cost |
Credits |
Deadline |
| Feb 4 - Apr 30, 2021 |
$14,895 |
12
9 or 6 Study
3 or 6 Internship |
Nov 1, 2020 |
Sep 9 - Dec 18, 2021*
*Dates are tentative and will be confirmed closer to the program date. |
TBA |
12
9 or 6 Study
3 or 6 Internship |
Jun 1, 2021 |
- 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.
- Costs are for shared rooms; an individual room is available for an additional fee.
- Please note that costs may fluctuate based on currency exchange.
What's Included
Our Semester + Internship Program at the Barcelona SAE Academic Study Center (SIS) Includes:
Countdown to Barcelona:
While in Barcelona:
- SIS Tuition and Fees
- Official University Transcript from Jacksonville University
- Internship Placement
- Staff Escort to First Day of Internship
- Airport Pick-Up (Must Arrive BEFORE 12:00pm on Program Start Date)
- 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
- A Weekend Excursion Outside of Barcelona (Exact number of excursion(s) and location(s) dependent on program and term – possible destinations may include but are not limited to Zaragoza, Seville, Granada, Basque Country, etc.)
- Multiple Day Trips Outside of Barcelona (Exact number of excursion(s) and location(s) dependent on program and term – possible destinations may include but are not limited to Tarragona, Girona, Montserrat, Figures, Besalú, etc.)
- 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 for Barcelona SAE’s “Best of the Best” Internship Program
- Opportunity to Apply to be a “Barcelona SAE Campus Ambassador Intern” 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. 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.
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.
Residence Halls
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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. This normally means a double room and then shared kitchen areas and common areas with other students. These are also located throughout the city, so you can expect a 45 minute commute to class or your internship.
You should choose a residence hall if:
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You’d like to be around more students. Typically the residence halls are home to American students but also students from around Europe or from other countries.
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You like to do your own grocery shopping and cooking. You will have a shared kitchen, and be responsible for your own food, cooking and cleaning.
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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.
Homestays
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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:
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You want to live like a local. Students in homestays learn a lot about the local culture and lifestyle firsthand.
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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 by the time you leave!
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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.
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You want a home away from home! You will have your own set of keys, and you are free to go in and out when you please without a curfew. Many students say the homestay feels “cozier” and report added support network (like someone to make you soup when you’re sick).
Check out this video for a student perspective on being in a homestay!
Shared Apartments
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This choice places you in a shared apartment in the city with 3-6 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.
You should choose apartment if:
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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.
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You like to do your own grocery shopping and cooking. You will share the kitchen with your roommates, and be responsible for your own food and cooking.
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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.
