Barcelona Student Guide - Home

You're at the beach and students start noticing that many of the people on the beach are sunbathing topless. They are obviously a little uncomfortable with it and keep joking about looking away or trying to take photos. One student laughs loud enough that others start to take notice.

Have the discussion! What's happening here? What is it about the students' home culture that makes this weird or uncomfortable to them? What is it about the host culture that this seems normal? What does this say about our culture and theirs. How would a local feel if they visited a beach in the US?

You may not have all the answers, but this excersize turns an awkward moment into a teachable moment that expands students' way of thinking!

Here are some more examples you may experience:

Students may need to complete certain requirements or may simply be interested in a specific topic. Running a course that helps students fulfill requirements is very helpful, so get as many departments on board to accept the credit offered. The title of the program also plays a role in attracting students. It should be fun and catchy but also something that students will want to appear on their transcript. Additionally, consider incorporating popular interdisciplinary themes like social entrepreneurship, cultural diversity, or global leadership to make the program even more appealing.

If you’re running a semester-long program, students may be attracted to the idea of traveling while still having the comfort of a familiar face and group structure. This option is ideal for students not ready to travel alone. On the other hand, a short-term program might attract students who can’t fit a semester abroad into their schedule, are balancing work or family responsibilities, or feel intimidated by a long-term stay. Highlight how short-term programs still offer valuable opportunities to develop key skills, such as intercultural communication, resilience, and teamwork, within a manageable timeframe.

Start early. The sooner you promote your program, the more time students will have to plan and save. Confirming the group early also allows you to secure better flight prices, reducing costs for students. Consider promoting the program before key school breaks so students can discuss it with their families while at home. Additionally, Barcelona SAE can host information sessions or Q&A events at the start of a semester. This can capture students' attention when they are actively considering their academic plans for the year.

Mention the program in class: If possible, do a quick PowerPoint presentation with lots of visuals! You can also record a short video to share online. If you're repeating the program, invite a past student to speak to your current class.
Visit other classrooms: Ask if you can give the same talk in other professors' classes to reach more students.
Host information sessions (in-person and online): Include times and locations in printed materials and online. Cover key topics like the program, itinerary, housing, courses and credits, the application process, prices, financial aid, and expectations. Barcelona SAE can also host a online Q&A session or a webinar for students who can’t attend in person, making it easier for them to ask questions and connect.
Reach out to former students: Connect with past students who might be interested and tell them about the program. If there are specific students you’d love to have on the program, send them a personalized email. They’ll be thrilled you thought of them!
Talk about the program in department meetings: Ask to attend meetings from other departments that might be interested.
Collaborate with advisors: Ask how your program fits into other students' needs and encourage them to recommend it. Make sure they have flyers and other info to share.
Use interested students to recruit others: A student is more likely to join if they know someone else going. Consider offering a "refer a friend" discount, or simply let students know how many sign-ups are needed for the program to run. Make sure they have access to flyers and websites with more info, turning your enrolled students into ambassadors for the program! Note that Barcelona SAE can provide testimonials from other alumni who have participated in customized short-term programs, helping to further promote the experience.
Set up a booth at the study abroad fair: Bring plenty of flyers, posters, and anything related to Barcelona's local culture. If you’re repeating the program, involve past students to help with this.
Visit student organizations: Target groups like the “Spanish Table” or international student organizations. Also, use social media (Instagram, TikTok, Podcast) to reach more students.

Upon request, Barcelona SAE can send you some materials (customized A4 flyer, social media posts or email banner images), but feel free to reach out if you'd like any additional help. Here are some ideas for spreading the word:

Posters: Put up posters or flyers in common areas, classrooms, the career center, study abroad office, staff lounges, libraries, etc. Don’t forget to include contact info or a program website so students can easily get more details (tear-away flyers are super handy!).
Small flyers: Hand out half-page flyers in classes or at info tables. Include the basics like cost, dates, and easy ways to learn more (links to the website or social media).
Campus publications: See if you can write about the program in your school’s newsletter or magazine.
Banners: If your budget allows, a banner in the dining hall or other common areas can really grab attention!