Barcelona

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.

• Barcelona City Planning and Architecture

• Digital Photography You must bring your own digital camera. Acceptable cameras with manual settings include: a DSLR camera, Bridge camera, or Mirrorless interchangeable lens camera. Simple point-and-shoot cameras, video cameras, Go Pro or mobile phones are not acceptable. Each student must bring their own camera; students will not be permitted to share cameras.

• The Great Art Collections in Spain

• Ideas that Made Europe Taught only in SPRING. 

• The Image of Barcelona in Literature

• Introduction to Catalan Language

• Mediterranean Culture and History

• Modernism: Art Nouveau Architecture Sketched and Explained

• The Seven Wonders of Spain: Spanish Architectural History

• Spanish Art and Cultural Heritage

• Spanish Civilization and Culture

• Spanish Civilization and Culture Taught in Spanish. You must pass into at least level B2.1 on the Spanish placement exam in order to take this class. 4-5 semesters of college Spanish is approximately equivalent to level B2.1.

• Spanish Art Taught in Spanish. You must pass into at least level B2.1 on the Spanish placement exam in order to take this class. 4-5 semesters of college Spanish is approximately equivalent to level B2.1.

• Spanish Contemporary Art

• Spanish History and Politics: 1936 to the Present

• Urban Interventions, Graffiti, and Public Sculpture

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.

• Communication and Gender 

• Intercultural Communication

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.

• A Greater Middle East 

• An Urban Approach to Spain and Europe. Taught only in SPRING.

• Behavior and Incentives in Economics: The Case of Soccer Requires basic knowledge of Economics.

• Cultures without State: the Case of Catalonia

• The Creative Economy

• NEW! Econometrics. Requires basic knowlege of Economics. 

• Geopolitics and International Relations

• Inequality, Poverty, and Globalization

• International Economics Requires basic knowledge of Microeconomics & Macroeconomics and elementary Calculus.

• Mediterranean Politics

• Mediterranean Culture and History 

• Politics of the Developing World

• Politics, War, and Economics in the Age of Globalization

• Strategic Behavior in Business and Economics

• Understanding the European Economy Requires basic knowledge of Microeconomics & Macroeconomics and elementary Calculus.

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.

• Business in Action: Local Companies in a Global World

• Career Management: Finding your place in organizations

• Cross-Cultural Management

• Doing Business in Emerging Markets

• E-Commerce and Online Businesses

• Entrepreneurship and New Venture Creation

• NEW! Intercultural Management for Business. Taught in Spanish. You must pass into at least level B2.1 on the Spanish placement exam in order to take this class. 4-5 semesters of college Spanish is approximately equivalent to level B2.1. 

• International Business

• International Business Taught in Spanish. You must pass into at least level B2.1 on the Spanish placement exam in order to take this class. 4-5 semesters of college Spanish is approximately equivalent to level B2.1.

• International Finance

• International Marketing Strategies

• International Marketing Strategies Taught in Spanish. You must pass into at least level B1.2 on the Spanish placement exam in order to take this class. 4-5 semesters of college Spanish is approximately equivalent to level B1.2.

• NEW! Introduction to Cryptoeconomy and Decentralized Finances

• Managerial Skills for International Business

• Managing Services

• People Management

• Spanish for Business Taught in Spanish. You must pass into at least level B2.1 on the Spanish placement exam in order to take this class. 4-5 semesters of college Spanish is approximately equivalent to level B2.1.

• Strategic Management of the Firm Requires basic knowledge of Economics.

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.

• NEW! Emotions, Stress and Self-Regulation

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.

• NEW! Behavioral Neuroscience 
  
• NEW! Data Analysis Taught only in SPRING.
• NEW! Ethics in Artificial Intelligence. Taught only in SPRING. 
• NEW! Project Management for STEM students. Taught only in SPRING. 

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.

• Art and Gender in Contemporary Spain

• Barcelona: the City and its History

• Cinematic Creativity in Spain: Authorship, Industry, Politics

• Collective Intelligence, Planetary Challenges, and Public Problems Solving

• The Discursive Construction of Knowledge

• Ethics in a Globalization and Sustainability Context

• The Family of Tomorrow: Navigating Diversity, Inclusion and Gender Identity

• Filming from the Margins: Gender, Class Equality and Minority Groups in Contemporary Catalan Cinema

• From the Mundane to the Global: Politics of Everyday Life

• Gender-Based Violence and International Protection of Human Rights

• Generative Artificial Intelligence in Education, Culture and Society

• Geopolitics of Borders and Migration in the European Union

• Globalization, Human Development, and Sustainability: Politics and Policies in the Framework of the 2030 Agenda

• Great Ideas that Have Shaped our World: from the Axial Age to the Artificial Intelligence Revolution

• Innovation and the Law: How Technology Changes the Legal System

• Society and Politics in Contemporary Spain

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.

• NEW! Ageing Societies: Social, Economic, and Political Consequences

• Art and Gender in Contemporary Spain

• Artificial Intelligence, Creativity, and the Arts

• Barcelona: the City and its History

• Cinematic Creativity in Spain: Authorship, Industry, Politics

• Circular Economy

• NEW! Critical Approaches to Artificial Intelligence and Network Society

• NEW! Development, Environment and Social Justice

• Five Challenges for the Future of Sport Global Governance

• Gender, Sexuality, and Diversity: Past and Present

• NEW! Geopolitics of Borders and Migrations in the European Union

• NEW! Global Powers, Corporate Governance and Democracy 

• NEW! In the Mood for Love: Cultural Discourses on Love 

• Laws of Creativity. The Impact of Legal Systems on Artistic Practices and Other Creative Endeavors

• LGBTQ+: Exploring Identities and Diversity

• Mind, Brains, and Machines

• Society and Politics in Contemporary Spain

• Sovereignty, Democracy, and Constitutionalism in Europe

• The Collectivity Revolution: Building a Global Community

• NEW! The Jews in Spain: History, Heritage and Memory

• The Impact Journey: (Un)Sustainability, Climate Emergency, Authentic Leadership

• The Space Race: A Cultural History in the Cold War

• Understanding and Awakening your Creativity

• Understanding Globalization: Global Issues in a Historical Perspective

• NEW! Videographers Wanted

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.

• Autofiction and “La creación joven” in Barcelona: UPF film workshop

• Barcelona: The City and its History

• Literary Texts: Interpreting, Dialoguing, Creating

• Social Movements and Human Rights Achievements

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.

• NEW! Catalan Language and Culture 

• Climate Emergency, Environmentalism and Eco-social Transition

• NEW! Discourse Analysis to Understand Human Beings: Politics, Gender and Health

• NEW! Iconographs of the 21st Century  

• Literary Texts: Interpreting, Dialoguing, Creating

• NEW! Social Movements and Human Rights Achievements 

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.

• Beginner Spanish Language (6 U.S. semester credits / 12 ECTS)

• Beginner Spanish Grammar and Writing Skills (3 U.S. semester credits / 6 ECTS)

• Beginner Spanish Oral Skills (3 U.S. semester credits / 6 ECTS)

• Low Intermediate Spanish Language (6 U.S. semester credits / 12 ECTS)

• Low Intermediate Spanish Grammar and Writing Skills (3 U.S. semester credits / 6 ECTS)

• Low Intermediate Spanish Oral Skills (3 U.S. semester credits / 6 ECTS)

• Intermediate Spanish Language (6 U.S. semester credits / 12 ECTS)

• Intermediate Spanish Grammar and Writing Skills (3 U.S. semester credits / 6 ECTS)

• Intermediate Spanish Oral Skills (3 U.S. semester credits / 6 ECTS)

• Advanced Spanish Language (6 U.S. semester credits / 12 ECTS) 

• Advanced Spanish Grammar and Writing Skills (3 U.S. semester credits / 12 ECTS)

• Advanced Spanish Oral Skills (3 U.S. semester credits / 6 ECTS)

• Superior Spanish Language (6 U.S. semester credits / 12 ECTS) 

• Superior Spanish Grammar and Writing Skills (3 U.S. semester credits / 12 ECTS)

• Superior Spanish Oral Skills (3 U.S. semester credits / 6 ECTS)

• Spanish for Heritage Speakers (6 U.S. semester credits / 12 ECTS)  

• Spanish Grammar and Writing Skills for Heritage Speakers (3 U.S. semester credits / 6 ECTS)

• Spanish Oral Skills for Heritage Speakers (3 U.S. semester credits / 6 ECTS)

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.

• Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning in Business Management (Prereq: Business Organization; Business Marketing)

• Consumer Behavior (Prereq: Introduction to Marketing)

• Corporate Finance (Prereq: Accounting)

• Cross Cultural Management and Intercultural Communication (Prereq: Business Organization)

• Doing Business in Europe (Prereq: Business Organization)

• Financial Risk Management (Prereq: Corporate Finance)

• Global People Management and Leadership (Prereq: Business Organization)

• International Finance (Prereq: Accounting, Financial Management)

• International Management (Prereq: Business Organization)

• New Trends in International Marketing (Prereq: Introduction to Marketing)

• Strategic Brand Management (Prereq: Marketing Management)

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.

• Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning in Business Management (Prereq: Business Organization; Business Marketing)

• Consumer Behavior (Prereq: Introduction to Marketing)

• Corporate Finance (Prereq: Accounting)

• Cross Cultural Management and Intercultural Communication (Prereq: Business Organization)

• Digital Business Modeling and Competitive Strategy (Prereq: Business Organization, Business Strategy)

• Doing Business in Europe (Prereq: Business Organization)

• Financial Risk Management (Prereq: Corporate Finance)

• Global People Management and Leadership (Prereq: Business Organization) 

• International Finance (Prereq: Accounting, Financial Management)

• International Management (Prereq: Business Organization)

• NEW! International Product Management (Prereq: Marketing; Market Research or Marketing Strategy)

• NEW! Managing Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion in Business (Prereq: Business Organization)

• Marketing Research (Prereq: Business Organization; Business Marketing)

• New Trends in International Marketing (Prereq: Introduction to Marketing)

• NEW! Organizational Behavior (Prereq: Business Organization)

• Strategic Brand Management (Prereq: Marketing Management)

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.

• Beginner Spanish Language (6 U.S. semester credits / 12 ECTS)

• Beginner Spanish Grammar and Writing Skills (3 U.S. semester credits / 6 ECTS)

• Beginner Spanish Oral Skills (3 U.S. semester credits / 6 ECTS)

• Low Intermediate Spanish Language (6 U.S. semester credits / 12 ECTS)

• Low Intermediate Spanish Grammar and Writing Skills (3 U.S. semester credits / 6 ECTS)

• Low Intermediate Spanish Oral Skills (3 U.S. semester credits / 6 ECTS)

• Intermediate Spanish Language (6 U.S. semester credits / 12 ECTS)

• Intermediate Spanish Grammar and Writing Skills (3 U.S. semester credits / 6 ECTS)

• Intermediate Spanish Oral Skills (3 U.S. semester credits / 6 ECTS)

• Advanced Spanish Language (6 U.S. semester credits / 12 ECTS) 

• Advanced Spanish Grammar and Writing Skills (3 U.S. semester credits / 12 ECTS)

• Advanced Spanish Oral Skills (3 U.S. semester credits / 6 ECTS)

• Superior Spanish Language (6 U.S. semester credits / 12 ECTS) 

• Superior Spanish Grammar and Writing Skills (3 U.S. semester credits / 12 ECTS)

• Superior Spanish Oral Skills (3 U.S. semester credits / 6 ECTS)

• Spanish for Heritage Speakers (6 U.S. semester credits / 12 ECTS)  

• Spanish Grammar and Writing Skills for Heritage Speakers (3 U.S. semester credits / 6 ECTS)

• Spanish Oral Skills for Heritage Speakers (3 U.S. semester credits / 6 ECTS)

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!

• Architecture, Arts & Design
• Communication
• Education/ESL
• Event Planning
• Healthcare & Medical Research
• Law & Human Rights
• Marketing
• Nursing
• Technology & IT
• Women in Leadership

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.

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 are in English.

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 IQS Universitat Ramon Llull

AACSB ACCREDITATION

IQS is AACSB accredited and a founding member of Ramon Llull University.

LOCATION

IQS is located in the picturesque Sarrià neighborhood, northwest Barcelona.

ASA program housing is conveniently located in the Barcelona city center. It takes about 40-45 minutes to get to school by subway.

HOW MANY COURSES CAN I TAKE?

Students will take a minimum of 4 courses (12 US credits) or a maximum of 5 courses (15 US 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.  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. 

COURSE OFFERINGS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE. 

BUSINESS MANAGEMENT

All courses in English

Spring 2026
Applied Corporate Finance 6 ECTS / 3 US credits
Business Ethics and CSR 6 ECTS / 3 US credits
Business Strategies in Tourism 6 ECTS / 3 US credits
Commercial and Labor Law 6 ECTS / 3 US credits
Data Analysis 6 ECTS / 3 US credits
Data Visualization 6 ECTS / 3 US credits
Destination Management 4 ECTS / 2 US credits
Financial Markets 6 ECTS / 3 US credits
Information Systems 6 ECTS / 3 US credits
Innovation and Entrepreneurship 6 ECTS / 3 US credits
International Marketing 6 ECTS / 3 US credits
Introduction to Finance 6 ECTS / 3 US credits
International Finance 6 ECTS / 3 US credits
Marketing 6 ECTS / 3 US credits
Macroeconomics 6 ECTS / 3 US credits
Microeconomics 6 ECTS / 3 US credits
Organizational Behavior 6 ECTS / 3 US credits
Principles of Digital Marketing 6 ECTS / 3 US credits
Selling to Corporations 6 ECTS / 3 US credits
Strategic Marketing 6 ECTS / 3 US credits
Tourism Ethics & CSR 4 ECTS / 2 US credits

ENGINEERING

All courses in English. Open only to Engineering or related majors/minors.

Minimum enrollment must be met to open a class.

Spring 2026
Computer Programming 6 ECTS / 3 US credits
Electric Circuits 6 ECTS / 3 US credits
Electric Circuits Lab 2 ECTS / 1 US credit
Fluid Mechanics 6 ECTS / 3 US credits
Machine Design 6 ECTS / 3 US credits
Numerical Methods 6 ECTS / 3 US credits
Partial Differential Equations 6 ECTS / 3 US credits
Physics 6 ECTS / 3 US credits
Strength of Materials 6 ECTS / 3 US credits
Thermodynamics 6 ECTS / 3 US credits

HUMANITIES

All courses in English

Spring 2026
Christianity & Society in the 21st Century 6 ECTS / 3 US credits