The Barcelona SAE Academic Center at the School for International Studies (SIS) offers an unparalleled Barce-Local experience, where the city becomes the classroom. Perfect for students looking to fulfill major, minor, or general education requirements, this semester program delivers an immersive academic experience. With courses available in both English and Spanish, students are taught by experienced local and international faculty who bring real-world knowledge to every class.
The Barcelona SAE Academic Center semester program emphasizes hands-on learning and personalized support. Small class sizes ensure individualized attention, while cultural activities and field study excursions provide opportunities to apply classroom knowledge to real-world experiences across Barcelona.
Students will experience a dynamic curriculum that promotes intercultural understanding, global perspectives, and experiential education - and are encouraged to explore the city’s history, art, literature, and social issues, gaining a deep understanding of both Barcelona’s rich culture and its global significance. This program fosters academic growth and personal development, making it a truly unique and transformative study abroad experience.
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.
ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY
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
REQUIREMENTS
Minimum G.P.A. Requirement
Class Requirement
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. Most courses at the Barcelona SAE Academic Center (SIS) are taught in English, with some taught in Spanish, and you can take Spanish Language and Culture at any level.
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.
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 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.
Credit Options
- Option A (12 credits): 1 Spanish Language Course (45 Hours) Plus 3 Electives (45 Hours Each)
- Option B (12 credits): 4 Electives (45 Hours Each)
- Option C (15 credits): 1 Spanish Language Course (45 Hours) Plus 4 Electives (45 Hours Each)
- Option D (15 credits): 5 Electives (45 Hours Each)
Courses
Please
click here to view the available courses for this program under the academics tab.
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.
WHAT'S INCLUDED
The Semester Program at the Barcelona SAE Academic Center (SIS) 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
- 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.
Please click here for more information regarding our housing options.
APPLY NOW!
So…what are you waiting for? Apply Now and get ready to embark on the Barcelona experience of a lifetime!
