Barcelona

Quick Facts The City Academics Excursions Experiences Housing Accessibility & Inclusion Eligibility Cost & Dates What's Included Program Calendar

Quick Facts

Language	Open to all Spanish levels. Classes in English and Spanish
Housing	Shared Apartment, Residence Hall, or Homestay
Sample Overnight Excursions	Madrid, Sevilla, Córdoba
Sample Day Excursions	Girona, Tarragona, Sitges
Volunteer Opportunities	Volunteer opportunities available
Visa Service	ASA may be able to get your Student Visa FOR YOU if you live or study in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Maine, or Vermont. Minimum number of sign-ups required. The additional fee for this service is $150. Full details will be sent to eligible students after they are accepted to the ASA program. If you do not live or study in these specific states, you will need to apply for your visa on your own – ASA will send you detailed, helpful information about how to apply for your visa after you are accepted.

The City

Located in northeast Spain on the coast of the Mediterranean Sea, Barcelona is one of Europe’s oldest cities. Yet, it boasts cutting edge style, cuisine, and culture, as well as some of the most amazing Modernist architecture in the world. No other city in the world looks quite like Barcelona. Experiencing it will forever change your perception of the world around you!

Barcelona’s architecture ranges from medieval to surreal, sometimes even on the same block. From the centuries-old Gothic Quarter to the sophisticated, tree-lined boulevards of the Eixample district, Barcelona’s architecture is from an array of vastly different styles and eras.

Barcelona’s landscape was forever changed by Catalan architect, Antoni Gaudí. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, he built a number of Modernist parks and buildings that, although they were built over a century ago, look surreal and futuristic even by today’s standards. Gaudí built the majestic Sagrada Familia Cathedral, as well as Parc Güell – a veritable wonderland of gardens, mosaics, winding park benches, hidden footpaths, and whimsical cottages that look like they’re straight out of a fairy tale.

Of course, we would be remiss not to mention Barcelona’s connection to artists such as Pablo Picasso, Salvador Dalí, and Joan Miró. Barcelona’s Picasso Museum is a must-see, and outside of the city in the town of Figueres is the birthplace of Salvador Dalí and an incredible museum celebrating his life and works.

But don’t worry, if you’re not into art and architecture, there is still plenty to keep you busy! When the weather is warm, head down to the Olympic Village or the beach to work on your tan. Cheer on the soccer team, Barça, in a match at Camp Nou, or grab a bite outside at one of the city’s numerous tapas bars. Barcelona’s fast and efficient public transportation system will make it easy for you to explore every corner of this amazing city.

Course Offerings

Semester & Academic Year Programs

Summer Programs

Universitat Autónoma de Barcelona (UAB)
Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF)
ESADE Business School (AACSB accredited)

Host Institutions

UNIVERSITAT AUTÓNOMA DE BARCELONA (UAB) AT CITY CENTER CAMPUS

Universitat Autónoma de Barcelona (UAB) is a public university that has grown quickly in size and stature since its founding in 1968 and has multiple campuses in greater Barcelona. ASA students will take classes at the UAB Sant Pau Campus located in the city center of Barcelona, in the beautiful and centrally located Eixample neighborhood. ASA student housing is also in Barcelona city center, conveniently located campus. It takes most students only 15-25 minutes to get to school by subway.

The Sant Pau Campus is close to the world-famous Sagrada Familia cathedral. The Eixample neighborhood is home to one of the most famous streets in all of Barcelona, the stunning Passeig de Gracia. Here 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.”

The UAB semester program offers a wide variety of electives in English, open to students at any Spanish level. You can take courses as varied as Business, Art History, Communications, Photography, Architecture, Economics, International Relations, Spanish Culture, Spanish Language, and more. A handful of elective classes are taught in Spanish for students who are at the Intermediate or Advanced level. We also offer a 6-week summer program at UAB.

ELISAVA SCHOOL OF DESIGN AND ENGINEERING

ELISAVA – the Barcelona School of Design and Engineering – was founded in 1961. Its headquarters on La Rambla could not be more centrally located – you will have the advantage of living and studying in the very heart of Barcelona, close to all the major attractions and museums, shopping, and more. ASA student housing is in Barcelona city center, conveniently located to the ELISAVA campus. It takes most students only 15-25 minutes to get to school by subway.

ELISAVA offers undergraduate degrees in Design and Engineering in Industrial Design, as well as postgraduate degrees in Photography, Interior Design, Graphic Design, and more. The mission of ELISAVA is to promote knowledge, research, development, and innovation in the fields of Design, Industrial Design, and Communications. ELISAVA strives to prepare students to meet professional challenges at an international level, to be active both in their community and in the business sector. In this way, students are assured viability in a constantly changing global environment.

In 2000, ELISAVA won a National Innovation and Design Award, and in 2013 and 2015, it had the honor of being ranked among the top design and architecture schools in Europe by Domus magazine. ELISAVA students have won numerous design awards, and their work has been featured in major publications such as Wired magazine.

In your free time, we hope you will join ELISAVA’s Theatre Troupe, composed of teachers, students, and personnel of the school. And one of the most recent additions to the ELISAVA community is a Gospel Choir. Joining one or both of these groups would be a wonderful way to integrate into the school community and meet local students!

UNIVERSITAT DE BARCELONA (UB)

Universitat de Barcelona (UB) is the leading public university in the city of Barcelona. The UB is the largest school in terms of enrollment, with 64,000 students enrolled – including about 11,000 international students from 120 different nationalities. Founded in 1450, the UB is considered one of the most important universities in Spain, due to its long tradition, prestige, and quality. Currently, it is the top Spanish university in the QS World University Rankings, Academic Ranking of World Universities, and SCImago.

The UB Hispanic Studies program teaches Spanish language and culture to international students, offering a a wide range of language, culture, and elective courses throughout the academic year.

Classes at Universitat de Barcelona (UB) are taken in the historic building of the UB as well as the Jeroni Granell Building, both of which are located in Barcelona’s city center 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 will take most students only 15-25 minutes to get to school by subway.

UNIVERSITAT POMPEU FABRA (UPF)

Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF) is a public university founded in 1990. It is a large school with a student body of about 11,000. A large number of these students come from international backgrounds. The UPF is renowned for its high academic standard.

ASA students studying at the UPF will take classes at the UPF Ciutadella campus, 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.

UPF offers several study options for ASA students. The first is the Interdisciplinary Studies Program, open to students with any level of Spanish, with courses in English or Spanish. The second is the International Business Semester Program with Business classes in English, and can be combined with classes from the Interdisciplinary Studies Program.

ASA also offers a Summer program at the UPF with a variety of courses in English.

CETT-UB: SCHOOL OF TOURISM, HOSPITALITY, AND GASTRONOMY

The CETT – Universitat de Barcelona (abbreviated CETT-UB) is a private international university affiliated with Universitat de Barcelona. It is known as the CETT: School of Tourism, Hospitality and Gastronomy. The school was founded in 1969 and has been growing steadily, with about 2,500 students now enrolled. Of the 2,500 enrolled students, about 700 are international. Although the school is named for its focus on Tourism, Hospitality and Gastronomy studies, they also have courses in Business and other disciplines.

The CETT-UB semester program offers a wide variety of electives taught in English and Spanish. Courses are offered in Food Culture and Culinary Arts, Business Management, Hospitality Management, Tourism Management, and more. This program is open to students at any Spanish level, though a few electives are taught in Spanish for students at the Intermediate or Advanced levels.

The CETT-UB campus is located in the Horta neighborhood, close to Mundet metro (subway) stop. Students should expect anywhere from a 30-45 minute commute by metro to reach CETT-UB from their ASA program housing.

ESADE BUSINESS SCHOOL

ESADE Business School is a private university, founded in 1958. ESADE is a global academic institution known for its state-of-the-art facilities, academic quality, international outlook, and focus on individual student development. ESADE is the first Spanish university to be awarded the three most prestigious international accreditations: AACSB, EQUIS, and AMBA.

ESADE’s International Summer Program focuses on Business and Marketing courses, along with cultural, social, and academic discoveries. Students will have the opportunity to learn and interact with classmates and professors from different cultural backgrounds through a dynamic and innovative learning system. Classes include company visits and meetings with corporate and social leaders. Past class groups have visited companies such as HP, Nissan, Mango, Desigual, and others.

Students can attend masterclasses at ESADE’s Rambla of Innovation, an entrepreneurship ecosystem featuring 5 experimentation laboratories with the latest technology.

With strong ties to the business world, ESADE stands out for its innovation and contribution to social transformation. ESADE’s faculty, staff, and alumni network are considered their greatest assets. Currently, the ESADE student body comes from over 100 countries.

Students can attend either a 4-week summer session or an 8-week summer session at ESADE. A variety of business-related electives taught in English, as well as optional Spanish language courses, are offered. This program is open to students of any Spanish language level.

Classes at ESADE Business School are held at ESADE’s Creapolis Campus, located in Sant Cugat town, which is about 30 minutes away from Barcelona city center by metro (subway). ASA program housing is conveniently located near the metro, and it takes most students about 40 minutes to get to school by subway.

Semester and summer programs include 1 overnight excursion and 2 day excursions. Destinations may vary by term. Past terms have included trips to:

Madrid (overnight excursion)– While Madrid’s nightlife, la marcha, is world famous, daytime offers some of the world’s greatest art collections, palaces, and parks. Stay in the heart of this bustling city with its liveliest neighborhoods within walking distance. We’ll also visit the picturesque hilltop city of Toledo, its stunning cathedral, and its famous collection of El Greco paintings.
Sevilla (overnight excursion)– We’ll see all of the most important sites in the Andalusian city of Sevilla: the Giralda Tower, the Royal Palaces, the Cathedral, and more. The Old Quarter, where we’ll stay, is full of quaint plazas and shops, and just a short walk away you can explore the Triana neighborhood, home to tapas bars, restaurants, and music venues.
Córdoba (day excursion) - In Córdoba you’ll see the world famous 8th century Mosque, tour the historic Jewish Quarter, and explore the winding, ancient cobbled streets. During the 10th and 11th centuries under Muslim rule, Córdoba was one of the world’s largest and most advanced cities, as well as one of great religious diversity. A center of learning in math and astronomy, it housed the world’s largest library.
Tarragona (day excursion)– Tarragona was once the capital of Rome’s Hispania province. Its archaeological ruins include a Roman circus and coliseum. You’ll also have time to relax on the beach – one of Tarragona’s biggest attractions!
Girona (day excursion) – The highlight of this Catalan city is its wonderfully preserved Gothic Quarter, which includes a Jewish history museum, Arab baths, and one of the largest Gothic cathedrals in the world. Enjoy the view and take beautiful photos from atop the city’s medieval wall.

Experiences

Getting out and exploring on your own is one of the best parts about studying abroad. Here are just a few of the unforgettable experiences you can have abroad with ASA!

Catch an FC Barcelona match at Camp Nou stadium

Sun yourself on the world’s longest park bench at Park Guell - it’s covered in colorful mosaics made from broken plates, cups, and dishes

Watch the sunset overlooking Barcelona from the Bunkers of Carme

Take a Spanish cooking class and learn how to make paella yourself

<span>Only 1 hour away from Barcelona by train, take a day trip to the medieval town of Girona – otherwise known as Braavos, Oldtown, and King's Landing from Game of Thrones</span>

Only 1 hour away from Barcelona by train, take a day trip to the medieval town of Girona – otherwise known as Braavos, Oldtown, and King's Landing from Game of Thrones

Join an intramural soccer team

Dip freshly made churros into velvety hot chocolate in the Gothic Quarter - a favorite breakfast or late night treat

When it’s warm out, sunbathe on the W Hotel rooftop - a popular Sunday activity

Take the train or fly to southern Spain for a weekend and discover Flamenco music and dance

Take a Flamenco dance class

<span>Share a paella with friends by Barceloneta Beach – rice, veggies, and seafood simmered in golden, aromatic saffron (vegetarian paella available too!)</span>

Share a paella with friends by Barceloneta Beach – rice, veggies, and seafood simmered in golden, aromatic saffron (vegetarian paella available too!)

Ride a retro Ferris Wheel with a view of Barcelona at Tibidabo amusement park

Hike the peaks of Montserrat

<span>Check out a city festival, like La Mercè in September. Catalans celebrate their culture with parades, dancing, music, and the famous human towers, a tradition that dates back to the 18th century</span>

Check out a city festival, like La Mercè in September. Catalans celebrate their culture with parades, dancing, music, and the famous human towers, a tradition that dates back to the 18th century

<span>Shop for groceries or pick up food to go at the famous La Boqueria, a market dating back to the 1200’s. You’ll find fresh fruit and veg, fish and seafood, butcher, charcuterie, fresh pressed juices, sandwiches and prepared foods, sweets, and much more</span>

Shop for groceries or pick up food to go at the famous La Boqueria, a market dating back to the 1200’s. You’ll find fresh fruit and veg, fish and seafood, butcher, charcuterie, fresh pressed juices, sandwiches and prepared foods, sweets, and much more

Catch an FC Barcelona match at Camp Nou stadium

Sun yourself on the world’s longest park bench at Park Guell - it’s covered in colorful mosaics made from broken plates, cups, and dishes

Watch the sunset overlooking Barcelona from the Bunkers of Carme

Take a Spanish cooking class and learn how to make paella yourself

Only 1 hour away from Barcelona by train, take a day trip to the medieval town of Girona – otherwise known as Braavos, Oldtown, and King's Landing from Game of Thrones

Join an intramural soccer team

Dip freshly made churros into velvety hot chocolate in the Gothic Quarter - a favorite breakfast or late night treat

When it’s warm out, sunbathe on the W Hotel rooftop - a popular Sunday activity

Take the train or fly to southern Spain for a weekend and discover Flamenco music and dance

Take a Flamenco dance class

Share a paella with friends by Barceloneta Beach – rice, veggies, and seafood simmered in golden, aromatic saffron (vegetarian paella available too!)

Ride a retro Ferris Wheel with a view of Barcelona at Tibidabo amusement park

Hike the peaks of Montserrat

Check out a city festival, like La Mercè in September. Catalans celebrate their culture with parades, dancing, music, and the famous human towers, a tradition that dates back to the 18th century

Shop for groceries or pick up food to go at the famous La Boqueria, a market dating back to the 1200’s. You’ll find fresh fruit and veg, fish and seafood, butcher, charcuterie, fresh pressed juices, sandwiches and prepared foods, sweets, and much more

Did you go abroad with ASA and have a memorable experience we should add to this list? Contact us! We'd love to hear from you!

Housing

All ASA housing is located in Barcelona city center, generally 15-30 minutes from school by Metro. Exact commute can vary depending on which university you attend. Housing includes Internet and is located in safe neighborhoods within a reasonable distance from school. For specific information on housing distance from your university in Barcelona, please click the “Host Institutions” tab.

Students will complete a Housing Request Form after being accepted to the program. ASA then places students within our housing pool while accommodating as many preferences as possible. Most of the time, we’re able to place students in their first choice housing option, but due to limited space in certain options, we can’t guarantee all preferences will be met.

Housing Options:

Shared Apartment (meals not included)

Double occupancy room in apartment of approximately 2-8 occupants. Apartments may be single gender or all gender. Meals not included; each apartment has fully equipped kitchen where you can prepare your own meals. A limited number of single rooms are available for an additional fee. Apartments are located in various neighborhoods throughout Barcelona city center, such as Eixample, Sagrada Familia, Gracia, and Gothic Quarter.

Spanish homestay (breakfast & dinner and 1 load of laundry per week included)

Single occupancy room. Daily breakfast and dinner provided, as well as one load of laundry per week. Typically 1-2 students per homestay. Can accommodate vegetarian diets.

Off-campus Residence Hall without meal plan (available Spring 2025 only)

Guaranteed single room in student residence hall without meal plan. Located in the Sants neighborhood. En suite bathroom “pod”, in-room kitchenette (microwave, sink, and mini-fridge), gym, weekly cleaning, on-site cafeteria, and 24-hour building security. Some flats have access to a larger shared kitchen. Meals can be purchased a la carte in the cafeteria. The cafeteria can accommodate vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free diets. The residence hall houses students from any country and is all gender. SPACE IS LIMITED. APPLY EARLY FOR BEST AVAILABILITY!

Off-campus Residence Hall with full meal plan (available Spring 2025 only)

Guaranteed single room in student residence hall with 3 meals a day provided in on-site cafeteria. Located in the Sants neighborhood. En suite bathroom “pod”, in-room kitchenette (microwave, sink, and mini-fridge), gym, weekly cleaning, on-site cafeteria, and 24-hour building security. Cafeteria can accommodate vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free diets. The residence hall houses students from any country and is all gender. Limited availability - early booking is recommended. SPACE IS LIMITED. APPLY EARLY FOR BEST AVAILABILITY!

Pricing varies based on housing type. Please click the “Cost & Dates” tab for pricing.

Housing FAQ

Can I room with a friend?

Yes, in most cases we are able to accommodate you if you request to live with a same-gender friend or friends. In addition, mixed gender roommate requests can usually be accommodated in shared apartments or residence hall (but you will not be sharing a room). Please keep in mind that roommate requests must be mutual, so be sure your friend requests you back! You will complete a detailed Housing Questionnaire after being accepted to the program, and on this form you can give us the name(s) of those you want to live with.

When will I find out where I'll be living?

ASA will notify you of your living arrangements via email approximately 1-2 weeks before the start of your program. You will receive a detailed description of your housing and the location, and if there are other ASA students in your housing, we will include their names and email addresses.

What if I don't like my host family?

If it is a problem with the homestay and not a language or cultural misunderstanding, ASA will move you to a different homestay right away. We have on-site staff in every city who are there to help students with any issues they encounter while abroad, and who check in periodically with students throughout their stay to ensure all is well.

Will my host family speak English?

No, but there’s no need to worry! Living in a homestay is the best way for you to learn Spanish, and you’ll be amazed at how quickly you will improve. Also, don’t forget that they've hosted international students before, so they understand that you are there to learn their language and want to help you.

What should I bring with me?

A detailed list of what to bring (and what not to bring) will be included in your ASA pre-departure handbook, which will be emailed to you about a month before your program begins. Students living in a homestay should consider bringing a small gift for their host, such as a candle, kitchen towel, chocolates, etc.

Are meals included?

Homestay accommodation includes breakfast and dinner. Residence Hall housing can include a full meal plan if you so choose. Shared Apartment accommodation does not include meals, but each apartment has a fully equipped kitchen, and grocery stores are within walking distance.

What is the food like?

The food is great and will be typical of your host country. Be prepared to try new things! If you have any food allergies or dietary needs, please let ASA know as soon as possible and we'll be happy to advise you on your options.

How far will I live from school?

For specific information on housing distance from each university in Barcelona, please click the “Host Institutions” tab. We place a high priority on location, and all ASA students live within a reasonable distance from their classes!

Accessibility & Inclusion

Diversifying study abroad is a priority for ASA. Detailed information for underrepresented groups considering Barcelona can be found below. You should also check out Diversity Abroad’s Spain Travel Guide.

If you have questions or concerns about how any of your identities may impact your study abroad experience, please contact us.

Details

Culture & Ethnicity

Barcelona is the capital of Catalonia, one of the 17 autonomous communities within Spain. Catalonia has 4 official languages, with Catalan and Spanish being the most predominant.

Natives of Catalonia are proud of their Catalan language and culture. Children learn both Catalan and Spanish in school so that they speak both fluently. A movement in favor of Catalan independence from Spain has grown over the last decades. A referendum for Catalonia’s independence from Spain was attempted in 2017 but did not result in independence.

In addition to Spanish which is spoken nationwide, Spain has a diversity of languages spoken regionally – Catalan in Catalonia, Gallego in Galicia, Euskera in the Basque Country, and Valencian in Valencia autonomous community.

The racial and ethnic makeup of Spain is becoming just as diverse as its languages. The total number of Spanish Muslims is nearly 2 million when factoring nationals as well as migrants from Morocco, Pakistan, Senegal, and other countries. While the Spanish government does not record statistics on the ethnic and racial background of its population, it records the population of non-citizens in Spain, which in 2018 equaled 4.7 million, around 10% of the population. Migrants largely come from the following countries: Morocco, Romania, UK, China, Colombia, Ecuador, Bulgaria, Germany, and Ukraine. Spain has the largest Romanian population in Western Europe, as well as a small Jewish community primarily residing in Madrid, Barcelona, Málaga, and a couple other cities.

The population of Barcelona is primarily of Spanish or Catalan descent. Their ancestries are linked to the Moors of the Middle Ages, the Romans, and the pre-Roman Iberian peoples. Non-nationals make up about 17% of the city’s inhabitants. There are minority groups from abroad as well, with communities from the Philippines, Ecuador, Pakistan, China, Morocco, and other countries.

Black salons and barbershops (click here and here) are available in Barcelona. There are also stores that sell Black haircare products in Barcelona, but you should consider bringing your favorite haircare products with you and enough to last your entire stay, because you may not find the same brands or variety of products that you’re used in the US. Here are some helpful suggestions on haircare products and tools to bring with you. You can also check out the Diversity Abroad guide to managing Black hair abroad.

Disability Accommodation

Spain’s ‘Developed National Accessibility Plan’ requires the removal of all architectural barriers to help accommodate disabled persons. Other legislation has also been implemented to ensure social inclusion and integration is a normality across Spain.

According to Wheel the World, the tourism industry in Spain tries to comply with accessibility guarantees, and transportation has adaptations. Most subway and train stations in Barcelona are accessible, and in general, major museums, restaurants and accommodations do not have obstacles for people with reduced mobility. Additional information can be found here. Airports in Spain have free assistance for people with reduced mobility, hearing and vision as well as cognitive disabilities. For more information about these services, click here.

We encourage you to open a dialogue with us so we can assess accessibility in housing and academic spaces. The U.S. State Department has advice for international travelers with disabilities at this link.

Food

If you live in a shared apartment or residence hall, you can prepare your own meals. If you plan to live with a homestay family, please notify us about any special dietary needs with as much advance notice as possible, so we can assess whether your needs can be accommodated within a homestay family.

Resources for dietary needs for allergies, religious beliefs, or other preferences below. We strongly encourage you to order food/allergy translation cards to help communicate your needs while abroad.

Financial Aid & Money Matters

ASA allows payment deferral until your institution releases your Financial Aid, and we offer payment plans upon request to students who need it. More information on billing and payment can be found here.

ASA also has several scholarships you can apply for within our program application. Students who receive a Pell Grant as part of their Financial Aid package are eligible to apply for the Gilman Scholarship.

First Generation

ASA provides hands-on support throughout the entire process. This includes housing, course registration, flight and arrival logistics, and student visa guidance. While you're abroad, our on-site staff is available to support you 24/7. They coordinate social and cultural activities and offer guidance on the local culture, to give you and your support system peace of mind throughout your program. We also have an online orientation for parents/families/support systems at this link.

Gender Identity & Sexuality

We welcome students with any gender identity and sexuality on all of our programs.

Spain is one of the most progressive countries in the world regarding gender and sexuality. Homosexuality and the right to gender change are legal, while discrimination of any kind is illegal. While there is still no official recognition of non-binary genders, the country does recognize intersex and has legislation upholding their rights.

Check out the International LGBTQ+ Travel Association Guide here.

Mental Health

Students with a range of mental health conditions can successfully study abroad. If you take any medications, please review the U.S. State Department recommendations for traveling abroad with medications.

ASA is happy to talk to you about what resources are available for any mental or physical health needs you have. Please reach out to us by clicking here. Having advance notice of what your needs are will allow us to identify resources to support you, such as therapy or ongoing medical care to allow you to be successful. Any ASA team member is a safe person to share things with!

With your ASA program, you'll also have a paid subscription to mindhamok, a 24-7 service designed to support study abroad students’ mental, physical, and social wellbeing. mindhamok's curated online and live resources give you tools to help you succeed.

You can use mindhamok to: Request an appointment with a coach/therapist; Live chat with a coach/therapist about concerns such as roommate issues, relationships, etc.; Discuss homesickness, culture shock, or adjustment concerns; and much more.

For more information, see our mental & emotional health information here.

Non-Traditional Students

ASA welcomes all degree-seeking undergraduate students on any of our programs. We are happy to talk through any component of your identity (e.g. age, marital status, parental/caregiver status, military affiliation, et al.) that may affect your ability to participate on a program. Click here to contact us.

Religion

Catalonia has had a fairly consistent Roman Catholic affiliation through most of its history and currently maintains a majority Christian population. Islam is the third largest religion in Barcelona at approximately 10%, and is the fastest growing. However, secularism is on the rise, and there are minority populations of other faiths such as Islam, Buddhism, Judaism, Baha’I, and Hinduism. ASA is happy to help you find a place of worship in Barcelona - just ask us.

Eligibility

Universitat Autónoma de Barcelona (UAB)
Summer/Semester/Academic Year

Requirements
- Minimum GPA 2.75 (Applicants with GPA between 2.60-2.74 will be considered on a case-by-case basis.)
- Language requirement: None. Open to students with any level of Spanish.
- At least 18 years of age
- Must have completed at least 2 semesters at a U.S. or Canadian college/university before applying and be currently enrolled full-time
- Official Transcript from your college or university. Must show your courses currently in progress, as well as your final grades for at least 2 full semesters (min. 24 semester credits), not including semesters in progress. If you have attended more than one institution, you must submit an Official Transcript from each institution.
- ASA Application. To start a new application or continue an existing application, click here.
- Scan of your valid passport that does not expire sooner than 6 months after the day you plan to return home from abroad. If you don’t have a valid passport, confirmation of an expedited passport application is required before you can be accepted into this program. Please submit your passport application by expedited service if you do not have a valid passport.
- For Application Deadlines, please click the Cost & Dates tab.

ELISAVA School of Design and Engineering
Semester/Academic Year

Requirements
- Minimum GPA 2.75 (Applicants with GPA between 2.60-2.74 will be considered on a case-by-case basis.)
- Language requirement: None. Open to students with any level of Spanish.
- At least 18 years of age
- Must have completed at least 1 semester at a U.S. or Canadian college/university before applying
- Official Transcript from your college or university. If you have attended more than one institution, you must submit an Official Transcript from each institution.
- Personal Statement/Letter of Motivation (maximum 1 page) describing your personal and academic motivations for wanting to study abroad at ELISAVA
- Résumé/CV (maximum 2 pages)
- If you are a student with Design experience, you must submit a Portfolio of your design projects.
  - 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.
- Portfolio is not required for students without Design experience.
- ASA Application. To start a new application or continue an existing application, click here.
- Scan of your valid passport that does not expire sooner than 6 months after the day you plan to return home from abroad. A scan of your valid passport is required before you can be accepted into this program. Please submit your passport application by expedited service if you do not have a valid passport.
- For Application Deadlines, please click the Cost & Dates tab.

Universitat de Barcelona (UB)
Semester/Academic Year

Requirements
- Minimum GPA 2.5 (Applicants with GPA between 2.30-2.49 will be considered on a case-by-case basis.)
- Language requirement: None. Open to students with any level of Spanish.
- At least 17 years of age
- Must have graduated from high school
- Transcript from most recent institution attended (unofficial is ok).
- ASA Application. To start a new application or continue an existing application, click here.
- Scan of your valid passport that does not expire sooner than 6 months after the day you plan to return home from abroad. If you don’t have a valid passport, confirmation of an expedited passport application is required before you can be accepted into this program. Please submit your passport application by expedited service if you do not have a valid passport.
- For Application Deadlines, please click the Cost & Dates tab.

Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF)
Semester/Academic Year

Requirements
- Minimum GPA 3.0
- Language requirement: The Interdisciplinary Studies Program and the International Business Program are open to students with any level of Spanish.
- At least 18 years of age
- Must be currently enrolled full-time at a U.S. or Canadian college/university and completed at least 4 semesters or 60-90 credits before applying (must have junior or senior standing at time of application).
- Official Transcript from your college or university. Must show your courses currently in progress, as well as your final grades for at least 4 semesters. If you have attended more than one institution, you must submit an Official Transcript from each institution.
- ASA Application. To start a new application or continue an existing application, click here.
- Scan of your valid passport that does not expire sooner than 6 months after the day you plan to return home from abroad. A scan of your valid passport is required before you can be accepted into this program. Please submit your passport application by expedited service if you do not have a valid passport.
- For Application Deadlines, please click the Cost & Dates tab.

Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF)
Summer

Requirements
- Minimum GPA 3.0 (Applicants with GPA 2.80-2.99 will be considered on a case by case basis)
- Language requirement: None. Open to students with any level of Spanish.
- At least 18 years of age
- Must be currently enrolled full-time at a U.S. or Canadian college/university and have completed at least 2 semesters/min. 30 semester credits before applying.
- Official Transcript from your college or university. Must show your courses currently in progress, as well as your final grades for at least 2 full semesters (min. 30 semester credits), not including semesters in progress. If you have attended more than one institution, you must submit an Official Transcript from each institution. If you have only 1 graded semester on your transcript, you may still be able to participate, but there will be a higher GPA requirement and additional application materials needed. Please contact ASA for details!
- One recommendation letter from a professor at your college or university
- Personal Statement/Letter of Motivation (1-2 pages) describing your academic and personal reasons for wanting to study abroad at Universitat Pompeu Fabra.
- ASA Application. To start a new application or continue an existing application, click here.
- Scan of your valid passport that does not expire sooner than 6 months after the day you plan to return home from abroad. A scan of your valid passport is required before you can be accepted into this program. Please submit your passport application by expedited service if you do not have a valid passport.
- For Application Deadlines, please click the Cost & Dates tab.

CETT-UB: School of Tourism, Hospitality, and Gastronomy
Summer/Semester/Academic Year

Requirements
- Minimum GPA 2.5 (Applicants with GPA between 2.40-2.49 will be considered on a case-by-case basis.)
- Language requirement: None. Open to students with any level of Spanish.
- At least 18 years of age
- Must have completed at least 1 semester at a U.S. or Canadian college/university before applying
- Official Transcript from your college or university. If you have attended more than one institution, you must submit an Official Transcript from each institution.
- ASA Application. To start a new application or continue an existing application, click here.
- Scan of your valid passport that does not expire sooner than 6 months after the day you plan to return home from abroad. A scan of your valid passport is required before you can be accepted into this program. Please submit your passport application by expedited service if you do not have a valid passport.
- For Application Deadlines, please click the Cost & Dates tab.

ESADE Business School
Summer

Requirements
- Minimum GPA 2.75 (Applicants with GPA between 2.60-2.74 will be considered on a case-by-case basis.)
- Language requirement: None. Open to students with any level of Spanish.
- At least 18 years of age
- Must have graduated from high school
- Official transcript from most recent institution attended. If you have attended more than one institution, please submit a transcript from each institution.
- Personal Statement/Letter of Motivation (1-2 pages) describing your academic and personal reasons for wanting to study abroad at ESADE Business School.
- ASA Application. To start a new application or continue an existing application, click here.
- Scan of your valid passport that does not expire sooner than 6 months after the day you plan to return home from abroad. A scan of your valid passport is required before you can be accepted into this program. Please submit your passport application by expedited service if you do not have a valid passport.
- For Application Deadlines, please click the Cost & Dates tab.

Cost & Dates

Billing Information and Cancellation Policy

Price Breakdowns / Estimated Costs of Attendance

Please wait to book a flight until you receive arrival instructions from ASA.