Education abroad is a research-proven, high impact practice that nurtures academic success, cultural fluency, finding community, and personal growth. By starting abroad, University of Miami students will have the opportunity to enhance critical study, communication, intercultural, and transferable skills that will serve them throughout their college years and beyond. 

Students will start their University of Miami journey in beautiful Barcelona in the fall, where they will take 12 U.S. credit hours of coursework alongside their UM peers, taught by local and international faculty at our U.S. accredited study center, the Barcelona SAE Academic Center at the Barcelona School for International Studies (SIS). Living with a local host family or in a residence hall, students will be immersed in Spanish language and culture while taking part in both structured learning and independent discovery. 

Start Abroad in Barcelona lays the groundwork for students to successfully transition to University of Miami by focusing on:

• Academic Success: Integration of coursework, experiential learning, and good study practices to set your student up for academic success in the years to follow. 
• Cultural Competence: Practicing cultural humility and learning to embrace diverse perspectives with respect and openness to foster an understanding that transcends borders.
• Finding Community: Creating a community where students develop lifelong connections with their peers, their host culture, and with the University of Miami. 
• Personal Growth: Fostering a supportive learning environment will help students develop additional skills such as resilience, self-awareness, adaptability, success mindset, and perseverance.

Barcelona SAE is a leading and reputable education abroad provider, composed of established education abroad professionals who not only follow but actively contribute to national best practices in education abroad programming. Barcelona SAE focuses exclusively on providing the best academic and cultural experience in Barcelona while specializing in personalized student support.

Why Barcelona SAE?

COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION

Barcelona is a city that thrives on diversity, and here at Barcelona SAE, our staff shares a similar mentality. We created TODOS (The Outcomes-Based Diversity Outreach Strategy) aimed at removing the barriers keeping students and educational institutions of varied diverse economic, educational, ethnic and social backgrounds from studying abroad.

OUR TEAM

Year after year, Barcelona SAE students rate “interaction with the staff” as one of the highlights of their Barcelona experience. Our staff is multilingual and composed of Spanish, Catalan, and American study abroad experts. Our passion for international education, our commitment to individualized service to our students, and our expertise in Barcelona facilitates the strongest combination of cultural, academic, and professional experiences for our students.

Please click here to learn more about the Barcelona SAE team that will be supporting UM students onsite.

Class Requirement

• University of Miami Spring 2025 admitted first year students will be sent an invitation to apply.

Minimum High School G.P.A. Requirement

• 2.5

Language Requirement

• Although helpful, no previous Spanish language knowledge is required.

Age Requirement

• All participants must be 18 years of age by the program start date of September 16, 2024.

Visa Requirement

• Since the program is less than 90 days, a student visa will not be required for US passport holders.
• However, if you have any personal travel planned to Europe before or after the program, please be aware that you can only stay 90 days in the Schengen Zone during a 180 day period without a visa. Please note that Barcelona SAE is unable to assist with any visas that are not related to or required by our programs.

• April 17, 2024: Student & Family Zoom Information Session at 5:00pm ET.
• April 18, 2024: The Start Abroad in Barcelona application portal opens on the Barcelona SAE website at 12:00pm ET.
• May 6, 2024: Start Abroad in Barcelona applications are due to Barcelona SAE by 5:00pm ET. 
• May 8, 2024: Students will be notified of acceptance or waitlist to the Start Abroad in Barcelona program.
• May 15, 2024: For students who are accepted into the Start Abroad in Barcelona program, a $500 confirmation deposit is due. Please note this amount goes towards the overall program cost. If Barcelona SAE does not receive the $500 confirmation deposit by that date, we will automatically withdraw the student and the $75 application fee will not be refunded. In addition, the $500 confirmation deposit is non-refundable once it is paid.
• Early June 2024: Invoices will be sent to students for the remaining program fee.
• July 18, 2024: Full program balance is due. Students who are not paid in full by this date will be charged an additional $250 late fee and jeopardize their spot in the program.
• July & August 2024: Virtual pre-departure sessions - exact dates and times TBD.
• September 16, 2024: Program start date and student arrival in Barcelona.
• December 13, 2024: Program ends and housing check-out.

In addition, we encourage you to carefully review the “Payment Deadlines & Refund” policy tab for more information regarding financial liability.

Barcelona School for International Studies (SIS)

Students will attend classes at the Barcelona SAE Academic Study Center at the Barcelona School for International Studies (SIS), which is a Spanish institution with U.S. accreditation. The courses offered at SIS are taught by local and international faculty who have significant experience teaching U.S. students. Class sizes are purposely small to provide a personalized learning experience and includes a variety of hands-on experiential learning through field studies, museum and industry visits, and guided reflection.

Barcelona SAE’s office and staff are housed in the same space as the SIS classrooms and are available for appointments and walk-ins. Next to the office, students also have a designated gathering space to study and meet. WiFi is available throughout the office and classrooms.

Coursework

Students will enroll in 12 U.S. credit hours, and all students will take: 

• One Spanish Language Class (3 credits)
• Academic Writing Foundations in a Global Context (3 Credits)
• Building Cultural Competence and Preparing for College Success (3 Credits)

And choose ONE of the following:

• Introduction to the Peoples of Spain: Cultural Diversity, Past and Present (3 Credits)
• Introduction to Sports and Society in Spain and Catalonia (3 Credits)

Please note the courses listed are subject to change based on final approval from the University of Miami.

REQUIRED COURSES

Students will be placed in one of the following:

1. Spanish Language and Culture (3 Credits)
   • Elementary Spanish Language and Culture (A1)
   • Upper Elementary Spanish Language and Culture (A2)
   • Intermediate Spanish Language and Culture (B1)
2. OR Spanish Writing Intensive for Heritage Speakers (3 Credits)

ACADEMIC WRITING FOUNDATIONS IN A GLOBAL CONTEXT (3 CREDITS)
University of Miami Course Code: WRS 105 (UM Writing Studies)

This course introduces students to the expectations of academic writing at a university level using the study abroad experience as an overarching theme.  Using various methods of writing processes and protocols, and creation of good habits, students will complete the course with a portfolio of their own writing which has been reviewed and improved through self-analysis, peer-review and professor mentoring. The skills focused on in this course are aimed at fostering the success necessary at a university level and beyond. Students will learn different styles of writing including persuasive essays, informational texts, and a mini-thesis with emphasis placed on the writing process, research and revision.

Students will hone their writing skills by focusing on topics such as: the student experience abroad and current events in Barcelona, Spain and the world.  This will facilitate a deeper understanding of world events and the students’ place in it during such a crucial time in their lives. 

BUILDING CULTURAL COMPETENCE AND PREPARING FOR COLLEGE SUCCESS (3 CREDITS)
University of Miami Course Code: TBC

This introductory course on building cultural competence provides students with a comprehensive understanding of the fundamental principles, skills, and knowledge necessary for navigating and engaging with diverse cultural contexts. As globalization and interconnectedness continue to shape our world, the ability to communicate effectively and act appropriately across cultural boundaries is becoming increasingly crucial in various personal and professional settings. Studying abroad provides students the perfect opportunity to employ experiential education in order to gain a first-hand understanding of these concepts. 

Based on Like a Fish in Water: How to Grow Abroad When You Go Abroad, the course explores key concepts related to cultural competence, including cultural awareness, sensitivity, humility, adaptability and communication. The curriculum is designed to foster self-reflection, critical thinking, resilience and practical skills development, the “Cultural Superpowers” to be employed during a successful study abroad experience, college career and beyond.

ELECTIVE COURSES - CHOOSE ONE:

INTRODUCTION TO PEOPLES OF SPAIN: CULTURAL DIVERSITY (3 CREDITS) 
University of Miami Course Code: TBC

Spain is one the most diverse countries in continental Europe. The Peninsula has long been a destination for peoples coming north from Africa, west from Europe, and most recently, east from the Americas. The course incorporates field studies and interactive components to ensure that students will have the opportunity to explore first-hand the successes and tensions inherent in Spanish diversity today.

INTRODUCTION TO SPORTS AND SOCIETY IN SPAIN AND CATALONIA (3 CREDITS)
University of Miami Course Code: TBC

This course analyzes the role that sport plays within modern Spanish and Catalan culture. Historical framework will be provided through an analysis of the history of modern sport, the introduction of modern sport in early 20th Century Spain and Catalunya and its early adoption by groups in Spanish and Catalan society for socio-cultural and political purposes. The relationship between politics, media and sport will serve as a useful route to understanding wider issues in Spain and beyond. The module will take a hands-on approach to the subject matter by using case studies, field trips and guest speakers as well as utilizing cross-cultural comparison with the sports and culture debate in the United States.

Course Registration

Once accepted into the program, Barcelona SAE will enroll the students in their SIS courses. 

Fall Semester Coursework that Transfers to UM

Start Abroad in Barcelona students will enroll as full-time non-degree seeking status at the U.S. School of Record for SIS, Jacksonville University. Students on this program will take classes at SIS alongside their Start Abroad in Barcelona peers. 

Upon returning to campus, Start Abroad in Barcelona courses successfully completed with a grade equivalent of a “C” or higher will appear on students’ University of Miami academic records as transfer credit. If a student earns a C- or lower, the transcript will show NC for no credit. Grades earned during Start Abroad in Barcelona will not be calculated into the students’ UM Grade Point Average (please note that this is different from the upperclassman who will get a letter grade back from what they study in Barcelona).

Preparation

Prior to travel, Barcelona SAE facilitates ongoing orientation for students and their families through virtual sessions, weekly newsletters, and a comprehensive online guide. 

Upon arrival to Barcelona, students will participate in a customized orientation, called the Barce-Local Integration Week which includes:

• Customized orientation sessions with onsite staff
• Workshops on cultural differences and Catalan and Spanish history
• Important information on safety, security, and travel
• Practical information on public transportation and city logistics
• Group welcome meal
• A guided tour of the Gothic Quarter
• A crash-course in basic Spanish

Please note that participation in all orientation activities is required. 

Flights

Students will be responsible for booking their own international roundtrip airfare to/from Barcelona (BCN) and will receive specific arrival and departure instructions at a later date.

Transportation

Transportation from the El Prat Barcelona Airport (BCN) on arrival day will be provided as part of the designated arrival day.

Once in the city, students will be shown how to purchase tickets for and navigate Barcelona’s public transportation system, which is convenient and accessible.

At the conclusion of the program, students will be provided with instructions on how to return to the airport for their departing flights. 

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.

Start Abroad in Barcelona students can choose from two different housing options and are able to rank their preference between:

• Shared Homestay with one of our carefully-vetted local families, receiving breakfast and dinner daily. 
• Student Residence Hall with our local live-in Resident Assistant. 

Please click here to learn more about our housing options (and note that Shared Apartments are not available for Start Abroad in Barcelona students).

Please note that 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.

Activities & Excursions

Our Barcelona SAE Conecta program offers a variety of immersive cultural activities throughout the fall. These activities are shared with students from other Barcelona SAE programs, allowing Start Abroad students the opportunity to connect with upperclassmen. These hands-on activities are organized with the intention of giving students the tools to integrate as much as possible during the semester. 

Example Cultural Activities include:

• Cooking Class & Group Meal: Learn to prepare a traditional multi-course Catalan meal under the guidance of a professional chef. After all of our hard work, we will be able to enjoy the meal we have prepared and take home a copy of the recipes we've learned.
• Market Scavenger Hunt: We’ll meet at one of Barcelona’s neighborhood markets to discuss food shopping, market culture, and the types of products that are available and typically consumed throughout the year. After a quick crash course on survival phrases to shop in Spanish, we will be divided into groups and provided a shopping list to gather local products.
• Guided Tour: Join us for a tour of two of  the Old City neighborhoods: El Born and La Barceloneta. El Born is one of Barcelona's trendiest neighborhoods boasting the Picasso museum and a Cultural Center with ruins from the 1700s, and La Barceloneta is the city’s port neighborhood, originally home to local fishermen families. You will learn about the neighborhood’s history, discover their charm, and learn the differences and similarities they share. 
• Dance Class: Are you ready for some dancing? Students will learn how to handclap a Rumba song and tap their heels for a Sevillana. This class will be taught by a professional dance teacher and students will enjoy time to learn and practice the techniques of a variety of Spanish dances. 

In addition, students receive a weekly Cultural Agenda highlighting upcoming local events, networking opportunities, and cultural activities. Barcelona SAE also facilitates two day trips and one weekend excursion, chaperoned by Barcelona SAE staff, during the semester. 

• One weekend excursion outside of Catalonia including transportation, accommodation, guides and entrance fees. This excursion will be customized and open only to Miami First Year students. Examples of popular weekend trip destinations include Valencia, and the Basque Country, and others.
• An optional excursion (at additional cost) to Morocco will be offered to the students through a third-party partner organization. Students will work directly with the partner organization to manage their bookings. Included in the price of the trip is all activities, meals, lodging and transportation during the trip. 

Onsite Support

Barcelona SAE’s office and staff are located in the same space where students will be attending their SIS classes. As part of the program, we provide:

• A 24/7 emergency phone handled by bilingual Barcelona SAE staff. 
• An expert Health & Safety team dedicated to managing both minor and major incidents, training onsite staff, and overseeing Barcelona SAE’s comprehensive Risk Management Plan. 
• English-speaking mental health professionals that have vast experience working with international students. Under the CISI comprehensive insurance package, students have 10 therapy sessions free of cost.

Cost Breakdown

The Fall 2024 Start Abroad in Barcelona Semester Program cost per student is $21,950 and includes:

Countdown to Barcelona:

• Group Webinar and Pre-Departure Preparation
• Personalized Advising

While in Barcelona:

• SIS Tuition and Fees (12 U.S. Credits)
• Official University Transcript from Jacksonville University
• Arranged Pick up and Transportation from the Airport with Barcelona SAE staff
• 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
• One weekend excursion outside of Catalonia including transportation, accommodation, guides and entrance fees. This excursion will be customized and open only to UM's Start Abroad in Barcelona students. Examples of popular weekend trip destinations include Valencia, and the Basque Country, and others.
• Optional Weekend Excursion to Morocco (Additional cost applies)
• Weekly Cultural Agenda (The local perspective of what’s happening each week!)
• Weekly Cultural Activities (Cooking Class, Dance Lesson, Intercambio, Barrio Tour, and MORE!)
• Cultural Mentor Program
• Group Welcome Meal
• Group 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

The Program Does Not Include:

• Round-Trip Airfare to/from Barcelona
• Mobile Phones & Charges
• Local Transportation
• Personal Items
• Anything Else Not Listed Here

Scholarships & Financial Aid

Please note that no scholarships or financial assistance will be available for the Start Abroad in Barcelona Program for the Fall 2024 semester. 

Please click here to apply.

The deadline to apply is Monday, May 6th at 5:00pm ET. Students will submit a $75 application fee, which is non-refundable if the student is accepted. If the student is waitlisted/not accepted into the program, the $75 will be refunded.

Once a student is officially accepted into the Start Abroad in Barcelona program, the $75 application fee is non-refundable. 

PAYMENT DEADLINES

For students that are accepted into the Start Abroad in Barcelona program, a $500 confirmation deposit will be due by Wednesday, May 15th (note this amount will be applied to the overall cost of the program). If Barcelona SAE does not receive the $500 confirmation deposit by that date, we will automatically withdraw the student and the $75 application fee will not be refunded. In addition, the $500 confirmation deposit is non-refundable once it is paid.

Barcelona SAE will then bill the student the remaining program fee, which is due by Thursday, July 18th. Students who are not paid in full by this date will be charged an additional $250 late fee and jeopardize their spot in the program.

REFUND POLICY

Because Barcelona SAE makes financial commitments on behalf of our participants well in advance of the program start date, refunds can only be made in accordance with the terms listed below. Please note that the Start Abroad in Barcelona refund policy is different from the standard Barcelona SAE refund policy.

In cases where an accepted Start Abroad in Barcelona student withdraws for any reason, the following refund policy is in place:

1. The $75.00 application fee and $500.00 confirmation deposit are non-refundable once paid for students that are accepted into the Start Abroad in Barcelona program.
2. Withdrawing 76-91 days prior to the program start date (May 15th-July 2nd) will result in a full refund of program cost, with the exception of your $75 application fee and $500 confirmation deposit.
3. Withdrawing 60-75 days prior to the program start date (July 3rd- July 18th) will result in a 50% refund of the program cost, with the exception of your $75 application fee. If you have not yet paid your program balance, you will be held financially responsible for this amount.
4. Withdrawing 1-59 days prior to the program start date (July 19th-September 15th) or on or after the program start date will result in no refund. 

SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES

1. In the case of expulsion from the host institution or deportation from the host country, or any other withdrawal that is a result of a participant’s breach of the Barcelona SAE code of conduct, no refund will be given.
2. In the case of serious documented illness, all recoverable costs will be refunded, with the exception of your $500 confirmation deposit and $75 application fee. Any serious illness that causes a participant to withdraw must be documented by a licensed U.S. or Spanish physician with notification sent to Barcelona SAE in writing.

IMPORTANT NOTE ABOUT WITHDRAWALS AND FINANCIAL LIABILITY

I understand that my application will be considered active unless I notify Barcelona SAE in writing to firstyear@barcelonasae.com of my intent to withdraw. The withdrawal will be effective on the date of receipt of notification.

NON U.S. CITIZENS

If you are not a U.S. Citizen, please note that it is your responsibility to obtain the necessary visa and supply a copy of this to Barcelona SAE upon receipt. If you fail to obtain the necessary visa for a Barcelona SAE program and need to withdraw as a result, the above refund policy will apply.