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Barcelona

SELECT AN INSTITUTION/TERM

SEMESTER PROGRAMS: UNIVERSITAT AUTÓNOMA DE BARCELONA (UAB)

SEMESTER PROGRAMS: ELISAVA – BARCELONA SCHOOL OF DESIGN AND ENGINEERING

SEMESTER PROGRAMS: UNIVERSITAT DE BARCELONA (UB)

SEMESTER PROGRAMS: INTERDISCIPLINARY STUDIES AT UNIVERSITAT POMPEU FABRA (UPF)

SEMESTER PROGRAMS: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS AT UNIVERSITAT POMPEU FABRA (UPF)

SUMMER INTERNSHIPS IN BARCELONA

SEMESTER PROGRAMS: UNIVERSITAT AUTÓNOMA DE BARCELONA (UAB)

Application Deadlines: See this page

APPLY EARLY for the best course selection. Courses are assigned on a first come, first served basis. If you are concerned about getting into a particular class, please call us at 617-327-9388 to confirm availability. 

Language Requirement: Open to all Spanish levels. Courses available in English & Spanish.

Additional Requirements: Please see the Eligibility section on this page

Possible U.S. Credits: 12-15 semester credits (24-30 ECTS). ECTS = European Credit Transfer System. 2 ECTS = 1 U.S. semester credit. Classes are taken with American and other international students.

Final Transcript: Issued by Universitat Autónoma de Barcelona (UAB).    

LOCATION

Classes at Universitat Autónoma de Barcelona (UAB) are held Monday through Thursday at the UAB Sant Pau Campus, located in the city center of Barcelona. The UAB Sant Pau campus is located in the beautiful and centrally located Eixample neighborhood of Barcelona, close to the world-famous Sagrada Familia cathedral.

ASA program housing is conveniently located in the Barcelona city center, close to the UAB Sant Pau Campus. It takes most students only 15-25 minutes to get to school by subway.

HOW MANY COURSES CAN I TAKE?

If you're not going to take Spanish Language, you may enroll in either:

  • 4 elective courses = total 12 semester credits

  • 5 elective courses = total 15 semester credits

If you're going to take Spanish Language, you may enroll in one of the following:

  • Spanish language for 3 U.S. credits + 3 electives = total 12 semester credits

  • Spanish language for 3 U.S. credits + 4 electives = total 15 semester credits

  • Spanish language for 6 U.S. credits + 2 electives = total 12 semester credits

  • Spanish language for 6 U.S. credits + 3 electives = total 15 semester credits

MANDATORY ALTERNATE COURSES

You MUST have 3 alternate courses approved by your home institution, in addition to your top choices. This will give you back-ups in case of changes in course availability or schedule conflicts. UAB will not process your registration if you do not give 3 alternates plus your top choices. Ex: If you plan to take 4 courses, you must have 7 different courses approved. If you plan to take 5 courses, you must have 8 different courses approved. Spanish Language counts as just one course selection. 

COURSE OFFERINGS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE.

SPANISH LANGUAGE

Spanish Language is offered during both Fall & Spring semesters.

Taking Spanish Language will assist you greatly during your stay, but it's not mandatory. Language levels listed below (A1, A2, etc.) are from the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.

Students who enroll in a Spanish language course, as well as students who sign up for electives taught in Spanish, will take a placement test online shortly before departure. The placement test will determine which Spanish level you are placed in.

Beginner Level
Spanish Language, Level A1 – 3 semester credits / 6 ECTS
Spanish Language, Level A1 – 6 semester credits / 12 ECTS

Elementary Level
Spanish Language, Level A2 – 3 semester credits / 6 ECTS
Spanish Language, Level A2 – 6 semester credits / 12 ECTS

Low Intermediate Level
Spanish Language, Level B1.1 – 3 semester credits / 6 ECTS
Spanish Language, Level B1.1 – 6 semester credits / 12 ECTS

Intermediate Level
Spanish Language, Level B1.2 – 3 semester credits / 6 ECTS
Spanish Language, Level B1.2 – 6 semester credits / 12 ECTS

High Intermediate Level
Spanish Language, Level B2.1 – 3 semester credits / 6 ECTS
Spanish Language, Level B2.1 – 6 semester credits / 12 ECTS

Advanced Level
Spanish Language, Level B2.2 – 3 semester credits / 6 ECTS
Spanish Language, Level B2.2 – 6 semester credits / 12 ECTS

Superior Level
Spanish Language, Level C1.1 – 6 semester credits / 12 ECTS

HUMANITIES

3 U.S. SEMESTER CREDITS / 6 ECTS EACH

Taught in English, unless noted otherwise next to the course title.

All elective courses are Upper Division.

Available during both Fall and Spring semesters, unless noted otherwise next to the course title.

COMMUNICATIONS

3 U.S. SEMESTER CREDITS / 6 ECTS EACH

Taught in English, unless noted otherwise next to the course title.

All elective courses are Upper Division.

Available during both Fall and Spring semesters, unless noted otherwise next to the course title.

ECONOMICS, POLITICS, INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS 

3 U.S. SEMESTER CREDITS / 6 ECTS EACH

Taught in English, unless noted otherwise next to the course title.

All elective courses are Upper Division.

Available during both Fall and Spring semesters, unless noted otherwise next to the course title.

BUSINESS, FINANCE, MARKETING

3 U.S. SEMESTER CREDITS / 6 ECTS EACH

Taught in English, unless noted otherwise next to the course title.

All elective courses are Upper Division.

Available during both Fall and Spring semesters, unless noted otherwise next to the course title.

PSYCHOLOGY

3 U.S. SEMESTER CREDITS / 6 ECTS EACH

Taught in English, unless noted otherwise next to the course title.

All elective courses are Upper Division.

Available during both Fall and Spring semesters, unless noted otherwise next to the course title.

STEM

3 U.S. SEMESTER CREDITS / 6 ECTS EACH

Taught in English, unless noted otherwise next to the course title.

All elective courses are Upper Division.

Available during both Fall and Spring semesters, unless noted otherwise next to the course title.

SEMESTER PROGRAMS: ELISAVA – BARCELONA SCHOOL OF DESIGN AND ENGINEERING

Application Deadlines: See this page

Language Requirement: Open to all Spanish levels. Classes available in English & Spanish.

Additional Requirements: Open to students with or without previous Design study

Possible U.S. Credits: 12-15 semester credits (24-30 ECTS). ECTS = European Credit Transfer System. 2 ECTS = 1 U.S. semester credit. Students will take 4-5 courses. Classes are taken with American and other international students.

Final Transcript: Issued by ELISAVA Universitat de Vic, Universitat Central de Catalunya

All students MUST have 2 additional (alternate) classes approved by their home institution, in addition to their top choices.  This will give you back-ups in case of changes in course availability or schedule conflicts. ELISAVA will not process your registration unless you list at least 2 alternate courses plus your top choices.

LOCATION

Classes are held at ELISAVA, located in the city center of Barcelona, on the famous La Rambla and near the waterfront. ASA program housing is conveniently located in the Barcelona city center. It takes most students only 15-25 minutes to get to school by subway.

TRACK A

FOR STUDENTS WITHOUT PREVIOUS DESIGN STUDY

Students in Track A take the 3 mandatory core courses indicated below, plus 1-2 additional courses of their choosing. It is not mandatory to take Spanish language.

TRACK B

FOR STUDENTS WITH PREVIOUS DESIGN STUDY

Students in Track B take any 4-5 classes of their choosing from the list below. Students in Track B must submit a Design portfolio with their application. It is not mandatory to take Spanish language.

Guidelines for Design Portfolio
    • Format: A4 or standard letter size, maximum 4 pages in a single document; pdf file. Must not exceed 2 MB. 
    • Content: Submit material that corresponds to the desired track or which highlights skills in previous coursework.  Where possible it's encouraged to share designs in pdf format as indicated above. Ideally, submit their best works and explain why those pieces were chosen. Students can provide a link to a website. However, be sure to guide the applicant on what content to view.

COURSE OFFERINGS

3 U.S. SEMESTER CREDITS / 6 ECTS EACH
  • Design Contexts: Culture, History, Art, and Architecture – MANDATORY FOR STUDENTS IN TRACK A
    This course relates different branches of human knowledge like architecture, design, sociology, history and intending to develop a cognitive map of the world. The course analyses the basic theories and practices of art, architecture and design from the industrial revolution to the present day and discusses their social and cultural impact. Taking Barcelona as a case study, the course will provide the student with analytical and discursive tools in order to develop a global understanding of the design and its relationship with the social context from a critical and innovative point of view. The course takes advantage of the extensive resources of Barcelona, complementing the classes with visits to the city’s museums such as MNAC National Museum of Art of Catalonia), MACBA (Museum of Contemporary Art of Barcelona), Joan Miró Foundation and the Picasso Museum, emblematic buildings by Gaudi, Mies van der Rohe and other world-class architects, among others.

  • Digital Representation Principles – MANDATORY FOR STUDENTS IN TRACK A
    The capacity of communicating through images and expressing the relevant aspects of a project, from the idea to the final proposal, is a fundamental aspect of design. This course is aimed at providing students with representation concepts and techniques that are broadly applied in design fields. Based on exercises, talks and workshop sessions, the course embraces the ability of students to define and show their ideas by learning about the options and features that Adobe Photoshop, Adobe InDesign and Adobe Illustrator offer as a powerful suite specifically conceived for design professionals. Mandatory for participants to the Study Abroad program without experience in digital representation and visual narrative, the course is also recommended for those design students who want to deepen their knowledge of digital tools and learn more about the Adobe Suite. The course also approaches the basic concepts of video editing and production, as well as fundamentals of presentation techniques.

  • Advanced Principles in Design – MANDATORY FOR STUDENTS IN TRACK A
    Through demonstrations, workshops and studio sessions, this course will improve students’ creativity and knowledge regarding innovative ways of creating and doing, both traditional and contemporary. As creative minds and human beings in a constant learning process, we must understand the importance of context and the interactions between the artist/designer and the surrounding world. This course will guide students through research and project exercises, culminating in the creation of an ephemeral installation within the public space of Barcelona. Visiting and re-visiting the city will help students reach an immersive understanding driven by analysis, data visualization, sketches and presentations. Students will select the most interesting ideas and make them happen.

  • Interior Spaces
    The Interior spaces course introduces design students to the complexities of the development of the interior spaces, as well as putting them in touch with the local architecture and design culture. The course structure is designed to provide a general framework for the development of a range of projects, from small scale briefs to a larger scale proposal for a residential interior. The program provides the student with knowledge and skills in all areas of space planning, theory and concept, model-making and freehand drawing as well as communication. With active participation of the students, several practical exercises integrated within the course promote a conceptual and experimental approach to design through a hands-on learning method. It usually begins with a presentation to provide the theoretical foundation that aims to deepen the comprehension of a specific subject.

  • Typography and Graphic Design
    Graphic Design is the discipline that uses visual concepts to communicate ideas. This course aims to practice the Graphic design tools, Color, Image, Composition and Typography and the relation between them. Typography is one of the most important tools for graphic designers. Students will experiment from movable type fonts to digital typography movement. In this course students will learn how to design projects that will range from artistic and experimental calligraphy, typography, poster composition, branding, or editorial design to digital interaction. The students will also learn basic communication skills, considering that contemporary narratives require the capacity of dealing with static and dynamic images.

  • Furniture and Product Design
    This course focuses on product and furniture design, covering the entire process from conceptualization, formalization, development and pre-production of a designed object from the human, domestic or work environment. The course will analyze the social, ergonomic and aesthetic environment of the user, the method for producing the final work and its impact on the environment as a whole. As part of the development and design of products, the class will visit factories, showrooms and design boutiques and will use the school’s workshops for producing a model of a piece of furniture.

  • Retail Design and Visual Merchandising
    Retail is naturally the showplace for new ideas, new concepts and new products. As such, the store environment serves as the selling stage for the latest merchandise offerings of the day, and a tool of communication used to create a dialogue with the targeted customer. Through effective visual merchandising, the retailer communicates both the attributes of the brand and the attributes of the products offered. The main goal of this course is to introduce students to the importance of retail design and visual merchandising as an integral component of a successful retail strategy. The principles, philosophies and technologies of both, retail design and visual merchandising will be studied through exploration of the marketplace, visits, and hands-on classroom experimentation.

  • Motion Graphics and Visual Communication
    In the last years moving images have become the new graphics in the digital world. The net is full of Graphics animating fonts, illustrations and pictures that move creating the sensation of dynamism. The main goal of this subject is to introduce students to the motion graphics field and also learn visual communication as the tool to facilitate the communication of the ideas. The content will focus on Storytelling, Digital Illustration, Digital filmmaking and the Digital tools that help to build it all.

  • Design for Packaging
    This course introduces the necessary tools for conceptualizing and developing comprehensive packaging projects. Packaging is one of the most relevant branches of contemporary design not only for practical reasons, since almost all products going to the market require a package that protects them and preserves their quality, but also from a conceptual point of view, since it is the complex crossroads of highly demanding technical requirements and exciting opportunities for communicating the values of the products and their brands to the public. In this course, students will learn to communicate the attributes of a product and the placement of a brand. The goal is to understand the factors affecting production and selection of a package for a specific product, its possibilities and materials.

  • Food Design
    This course focuses on food from its origins to the present, in order to understand the complex system behind the fact of “feeding” people. The course will approach this subject from gastronomy, anthropology, history, etymology and food systems amongst other disciplines, thus the course has the aim of giving the students diverse approaches and tools to make them capable not just to understand this interdisciplinary subject but to create design objects or services in relation with food and gastronomy with sense and content.  The course will introduce students to the interaction of design, as a creative process, with food and health, as a fundamental part of the human being. 

  • Spanish Language, Level A1.1
    For students who have never taken Spanish before – Beginner I level.

  • Spanish Language, Level A1.2
    Beginner II level.  Students will be required to take a placement test, which will determine which level you are placed in.

  • Spanish Language, Level A2.1
    Elementary I level.  Students will be required to take a placement test, which will determine which level you are placed in.

  • Spanish Language, Level A2.2
    Elementary II level.  Students will be required to take a placement test, which will determine which level you are placed in.

  • Spanish Language, Level B1.1
    Low Intermediate level.  Students will be required to take a placement test, which will determine which level you are placed in.

Course offerings are subject to change.

 
 

SEMESTER PROGRAMS: UNIVERSITAT DE BARCELONA (UB)

Application Deadlines: See this page

Language Requirement: Open to all Spanish levels. Classes available in English & Spanish.

Possible U.S. Credits: 12-16 semester credits (24-32 ECTS). ECTS = European Credit Transfer System. 2 ECTS = 1 U.S. semester credit. Students will take 3-5 courses. Classes are taken with American and other international students.

Final Transcript: Issued by Universitat de Barcelona (UB)

LOCATION

Classes at Universitat de Barcelona (UB) are held Monday through Thursday at the main university campus, located in the city center of Barcelona and near the world-famous Plaça de Catalunya and Passeig de Gracia. Along the Passeig de Gracia you can find some of Barcelona’s most famous modernist architecture, including Gaudí’s Casa Mila and Casa Batlló, as well as the “Block of Discord.”

ASA program housing is conveniently located to the university. It takes most students only 15-25 minutes to get to school by subway.

HOW MANY COURSES CAN I TAKE?

If you're not going to take Spanish Language, you may enroll in either:

  • 4 elective courses (total 12 U.S. credits / 24 ECTS)

  • 5 elective courses (total 15 U.S. credits / 30 ECTS) 

If you're going to take Spanish Language, you may enroll in either:

  • 2 electives + Spanish Language for 7 U.S. credits (total 13 U.S. credits / 26 ECTS)

  • 3 electives + Spanish Language for 7 U.S. credits (total 16 U.S. credits / 32 ECTS)

MANDATORY ALTERNATE COURSES

You MUST have 3 alternate electives approved by your home institution, in addition to your top choices. This will give you back-ups in case of changes in course availability or schedule conflicts. Ex: If you plan to take 3 electives, have 6 approved. If you plan to take 4 electives, have 7 approved. If you plan to take 5 electives, have 8 approved.

COURSE OFFERINGS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE.

SPANISH LANGUAGE COURSES

7 U.S. SEMESTER CREDITS / 14 ECTS EACH

Taking Spanish Language is recommended because it will assist you greatly during your stay to learn the local language. However, it is not mandatory to take Spanish language. Language levels listed below (A1, A2, etc.) are from the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.

Universitat de Barcelona offers 5 language levels (Beginner, Elementary, Intermediate, Advanced, and Proficiency) that may be further divided into additional sub-levels, depending on student demand.

Students who enroll in a Spanish language course will take a placement test after arrival. The placement test will determine which Spanish level you are placed in.

Beginner I Level
Spanish Language, Level A1.1 

Beginner II Level
Spanish Language, Level A1.2 

Beginner III Level
Spanish Language, Level A2

Elementary I Level
Spanish Language, Level B1.1 

Elementary II Level
Spanish Language, Level B1.2 

Intermediate I Level
Spanish Language, Level B2.1 

Intermediate II Level
Spanish Language, Level B2.2 

Advanced I Level
Spanish Language, Level C1.1 

Advanced II Level
Spanish Language, Level C1.2 

Proficiency Level (recommended for Heritage Speakers)
Spanish Language, Level C2 

ELECTIVES IN ENGLISH- FALL

3 U.S. SEMESTER CREDITS / 6 ECTS EACH

ELECTIVES IN ENGLISH- SPRING

3 U.S. SEMESTER CREDITS / 6 ECTS EACH

ELECTIVES IN SPANISH- FALL

3 U.S. SEMESTER CREDITS / 6 ECTS EACH

Students who sign up for courses in Spanish will take a placement test administered by UB after arrival. The results of your placement test will determine your level and which electives in Spanish you can take. The recommended Spanish level is listed next to the course titles below.

ELECTIVES IN SPANISH- SPRING

3 U.S. SEMESTER CREDITS / 6 ECTS EACH

Students who sign up for courses in Spanish will take a placement test administered by UB after arrival. The results of your placement test will determine your level and which electives in Spanish you can take. The recommended Spanish level is listed next to the course titles below.

 
 

SEMESTER PROGRAMS: INTERDISCIPLINARY STUDIES AT UNIVERSITAT POMPEU FABRA (UPF)

Application Deadlines: See this page

Language Requirement: Open to all Spanish levels. Classes available in English & Spanish. Students who wish to take elective courses in Spanish must have completed at least 4 semesters of college Spanish before attending UPF (having reached at least High Intermediate level). A placement test will determine your Spanish level.

Possible U.S. Credits: 12-15 semester credits (24-30 ECTS). ECTS = European Credit Transfer System. 2 ECTS = 1 U.S. semester credit. Students will take 3-5 courses. Classes are taken with American and other international students.

Final Transcript: Issued by Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF) 

LOCATION

Classes at Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF) are held at the UPF Ciutadella campus in the Barcelona city center, located near the Olympic Village and Ciutadella Park – very close to the beach. ASA program housing is conveniently located to the university. It takes most students only 15-25 minutes to get to school by subway.

HOW MANY COURSES CAN I TAKE?

If you're not going to take Spanish Language, you may enroll in either:

  • 4 elective courses = total 12 U.S. credits / 24 ECTS

  • 5 elective courses = total 15 U.S. credits / 30 ECTS

If you're going to take Spanish Language, you may enroll in:

  • A total of either 24 or 30 ECTS. Spanish Language credit values vary, so the number of courses you can take will depend on how many credits your Spanish Language class is. See credit values below.

MANDATORY ALTERNATE COURSES

You MUST have 3 alternate electives approved by your home institution, in addition to your top choices. This will give you back-ups in case of changes in course availability or schedule conflicts. Ex: If you plan to take 3 electives, have 6 approved. If you plan to take 4 electives, have 7 approved. If you plan to take 5 electives, have 8 approved.

COURSE OFFERINGS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE.

ELECTIVES IN ENGLISH- FALL

3 U.S. SEMESTER CREDITS / 6 ECTS EACH

Please check the syllabus for prerequisites. You can combine courses from this program with courses from the UPF International Business Program. To view it, simply select it from the dropdown at top left.

ELECTIVES IN ENGLISH- WINTER

3 U.S. SEMESTER CREDITS / 6 ECTS EACH

Please check the syllabus for prerequisites. You can combine courses from this program with courses from the UPF International Business Program. To view it, simply select it from the dropdown at the top left.

ELECTIVES IN SPANISH- FALL

3 U.S. SEMESTER CREDITS / 6 ECTS EACH

These are for students with a High Intermediate level of Spanish or higher. Students who wish to take electives in Spanish must have completed at least 4 semesters of college Spanish before attending UPF and must take a Spanish placement test administered by UPF. The results of your placement test will determine your Spanish level and which electives in Spanish you can take.

Please check the syllabus for prerequisites. You can combine courses from this program with courses from the UPF International Business Program. To view it, simply select it from the dropdown at top left.

ELECTIVES IN SPANISH- WINTER

3 U.S. SEMESTER CREDITS / 6 ECTS EACH

These are for students with a High Intermediate level of Spanish or higher. Students who wish to take electives in Spanish must have completed at least 4 semesters of college Spanish before attending UPF and must take a Spanish placement test administered by UPF. The results of your placement test will determine your Spanish level and which electives in Spanish you can take.

Please check the syllabus for prerequisites. You can combine courses from this program with courses from the UPF International Business Program. To view it, simply select it from the dropdown at top left.

SPANISH LANGUAGE

Taking Spanish Language will assist you greatly during your stay, but it's not mandatory. Students who enroll in Spanish Language will take a placement test administered by UPF. The placement test will determine your Spanish level.

SEMESTER PROGRAMS: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS AT UNIVERSITAT POMPEU FABRA (UPF)

Application Deadlines: See this page

Language Requirement: Open to all Spanish levels. Classes available in English & Spanish.

Possible U.S. Credits: 12-15 semester credits (24-30 ECTS). ECTS = European Credit Transfer System. 2 ECTS = 1 U.S. semester credit. Students will take 3-5 courses. Classes are taken with American and other international students.

Final Transcript: Issued by Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF)

LOCATION

Classes at Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF) are held at the UPF Ciutadella campus in the Barcelona city center, located near the Olympic Village and Ciutadella Park – very close to the beach. ASA program housing is conveniently located to the university. It takes most students only 15-25 minutes to get to school by subway.

HOW MANY COURSES CAN I TAKE?

If you're not going to take Spanish Language, you may enroll in either:

  • 4 elective courses = total 12 U.S. credits / 24 ECTS

  • 5 elective courses = total 15 U.S. credits / 30 ECTS

If you're going to take Spanish Language, you may enroll in:

  • A total of either 24 or 30 ECTS. Spanish Language credit values vary, so the number of courses you can take will depend on how many credits your Spanish Language class is. See credit values below.

MANDATORY ALTERNATE COURSES

You MUST have 3 alternate electives approved by your home institution, in addition to your top choices. This will give you back-ups in case of changes in course availability or schedule conflicts. Ex: If you plan to take 3 electives, have 6 approved. If you plan to take 4 electives, have 7 approved. If you plan to take 5 electives, have 8 approved.

COURSE OFFERINGS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE.

BUSINESS IN ENGLISH- FALL

3 U.S. SEMESTER CREDITS / 6 ECTS EACH

Please check the syllabus for prerequisites. You can combine courses from this program with courses from the UPF Interdisciplinary Program. To view it, simply select it from the dropdown at top left.

BUSINESS IN ENGLISH- WINTER

3 U.S. SEMESTER CREDITS / 6 ECTS EACH

Please check the syllabus for prerequisites. You can combine courses from this program with courses from the UPF Interdisciplinary Program. To view it, simply select it from the dropdown at top left.

SPANISH LANGUAGE

Taking Spanish Language will assist you greatly during your stay, but it's not mandatory. Students who enroll in Spanish Language will take a placement test administered by UPF. The placement test will determine your Spanish level.

NOTE: The program end date varies by which classes you take. The posted program end date for the International Business Program is valid if you take only Business. If you take Spanish Language, you'll have a slightly different program end date. Contact ASA for details.

SUMMER INTERNSHIPS IN BARCELONA

Application Deadlines: See this page

Language Eligibility: Internships are English-speaking and open to all levels of Spanish. Spanish-speaking internships are also available for students with a high Spanish level.

Internship Duration: 8 weeks

Possible U.S. Credits: Students may receive transfer credit from their home institution by getting pre-approval. Start by asking your study abroad advisor at your home institution about the approval process, and feel free to contact ASA with any questions.

All internships are unpaid.

LOCATION

Internships are located approximately 25-45 minutes from ASA program housing by public transportation. This is a reasonable commute in a city the size of Barcelona. All ASA housing is located in safe neighborhoods in Barcelona city center, and near the Metro!

WHY BARCELONA?

  • An international internship gives you an edge in your post-college job search
  • Outstanding place for an internship because it's an innovation hub and major player in Europe's economy. Home to a range of industries including Tech, Business, Marketing, Education, Design, the Arts, and more
  • English-friendly and super international vibe
  • Barcelona is Spain's gateway to Europe, with easy access to other cities by plane or train. You'll have Fridays off to travel, explore, and enjoy yourself
  • Experience Spanish and Catalonian culture first-hand - the relaxed Mediterranean lifestyle plus beaches, great food, lively neighborhoods, and rich culture

WHY INTERN THROUGH ASA?

  • Personalized Placements Matched to your Goals: Our Internship Coordinator has decades of experience placing hundreds of students in Barcelona internships. We personally match each student with a host company/organization that aligns with your career goals and academic background.
  • Spanish not required: Internships are English-speaking. A basic knowledge of Spanish is helpful, but not required. Spanish-speaking internships are also available for students with a high Spanish level.
  • Stellar Advice & Support: Before you depart, you'll have access to our Barcelona Internship Coordinator and expert, who will find the ideal placement for you and assist with any questions you have. Once on-site, our Internship Coordinator and local staff are there to provide guidance and support throughout your internship experience – they can help with questions or challenges you experience during your placement, as well as outside of it – such as health, safety, housing, and more. And, we'll have ongoing check-ins with you during your stay to make sure everything is going well.
  • Intercultural Competencies, Skill Building, Cultural Immersion: In addition to professional development, you’ll benefit from living and working in a Spanish environment. You’ll develop cultural fluency and intercultural skills that are sought after in today’s workplace. Most placements don’t require previous Spanish language experience, but if you do know some Spanish, you’ll also be able to deepen your language skills.
  • Extra Enrichment & Learning Activities: ASA takes your internship beyond your day-today work to give you even more experience to add to your résumé. To provide broader insight into your field, your program will include 2-4 activities outside of work hours that complement your internship and/or field and enrich your experience. See the Placement Profiles below for examples.
  • Academic Credit: Internships are eligible for college credits if you obtain pre-approval from your home institution. We’re happy to assist you by communicating with your home institution and providing any needed information. Simply contact ASA for assistance!

WILL I HAVE ANY FREE TIME?  WHAT ARE THE INTERNSHIP HOURS?

Work hours are Monday through Thursday, so you’ll have Fridays off to travel and enjoy yourself. You’ll be scheduled for 24 to 32 hours per week. The work schedule for a placement of 32 hours per week is 9am-5pm Mon-Thurs, with a 1-hour lunch break. If you sign up for fewer hours, your schedule is adjusted accordingly. Your exact schedule will be confirmed once you’re matched with a placement.

During the application process, we’ll ask you how many hours you’re looking for. 24 hours per week is the minimum, and 32 is the maximum.

Being flexible about the number of hours can increase the number of placements available to you, as different organizations have different needs.

If you need a specific number of hours to get academic credit, we’ll be sure to meet this when we place you.

Your total work hours will depend on your weekly schedule. Here’s the range:

  • 6 hours per day = 180 total hours
  • 7 hours per day = 210 total hours
  • 8 hours per day = 240 total hours

AVAILABLE PLACEMENTS

Click on your field of interest below to learn more about what your internship will entail!

THE PLACEMENT PROCESS

When you apply, you’ll complete our Internship Questionnaire. This will give us valuable information about your goals and interests and helps us determine whether we have a placement that’s a good fit. Click here and go to Eligibility for the full list of application requirements.

After being accepted to the program, you’ll have a brief phone or Zoom chat with our Internship Coordinator (20-30 minutes maximum). We’ll get to know you and your career goals and expectations, and confirm your Spanish language level. (Internships are English-speaking. For all placements except Nursing, a basic knowledge of Spanish is helpful, but not required.)

Our Internship Coordinator will then begin the process of matching you with available opportunities. Placements are carefully vetted to ensure a match to your goals and interests, while providing a positive work atmosphere. Location and commute are also considered.

You can expect to receive your placement 2-3 weeks before the program starts. It will have all the details about the company, your schedule, the type of work/projects, location, and any dress code.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Who is eligible for this program?
College/university students from any major are welcome to apply, though the Nursing internship is only for Nursing students. Students must have completed at least 2 semesters of college/university before the program starts. Internships are customized to your academic background, language ability, and career goals. Click here and go to Eligibility for the GPA and other requirements, or view the placement profiles above.

Do I need to speak Spanish?
Spanish is not required for most placements, though it can be helpful. We offer English-speaking internships, and can connect you to language classes if you’re interested in improving your Spanish skills while abroad. The only placement that requires a basic Spanish language level is the Nursing internship. Spanish-speaking internships are also available for students with a high Spanish level.

Can I receive academic credit?
Yes! We can help you coordinate with your academic advisor or study abroad office to ensure your internship meets credit requirements.

Are internships paid?
No, they are unpaid. These are educational placements designed to enhance your academic and career development while living in Barcelona.

When will I know what my placement is?
You can expect to receive your placement 2-3 weeks before the program starts. It will have all the details about the company, your schedule, the type of work/projects, location, and any dress code.

Is housing included?
Yes! Our programs include safe and centrally located housing, with support from our on-site staff. Click here for housing options.

What kind of support will I have?
ASA provides stellar pre-departure support as well as on-the-ground in Barcelona, including orientation, emergency assistance, ongoing check-ins throughout your internship, and advice for any questions or challenges you have during your internship.

 

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