Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF)

Universitat Pompeu Fabra's Interdisciplinary Studies and International Business programs offer a variety of courses in English and Spanish. 

 

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.

 

Parc Guell Barcelona
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Academics & Eligibility

Learn about the academic opportunities and requirements for this program.

Course Information

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.

APPLY EARLY for the best course selection. Courses are assigned on a first come, first served basis. 

Credit Information

  • 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) 

Eligibility Criteria

  • 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 1 year 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.

Course Finder

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.

 

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.

 

Please check the syllabus for prerequisites. Most UPF International Business Program courses can be combined with Interdisciplinary Courses. 

 

COURSE OFFERINGS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE.

 

Use the filters above to search for courses or click "View All Courses" to browse available courses on this program.

Costs & Dates

Program pricing and important dates.

Program dates are subject to change. Although date changes are rare, they are typically changes made by the host institution and are, therefore, outside of ASA's control. If any changes are made to your program dates, ASA is not responsible for fees or losses associated with changing or canceling your plane ticket, additional lodging and other travel costs, etc.

Please do not book a plane ticket until you are accepted to an ASA program and receive written notification of your program's arrival and departure date.

* Prices subject to change. Financial aid available.

ASA is a small program, but that’s what makes it so great. The personal attention can’t be beat and I made plenty of friends outside of the group.

Chelsea Francis

I would recommend ASA to other students because not only was it a great price for what you get, but it was so much fun and the site director was great.

Morgan Pecknold

ASA is a very thorough program. It is well organized and structured, yet allows for plenty of independent activity and personal responsibility. There were many times where I felt foreign, but I rarely felt like a tourist. I engaged in the culture with the ASA program, I didn’t just take a picture and a souvenir

Aaron Bannasch

Housing

Explore your accommodation options for this program.

We place a high priority on safety, housing location, and proximity to school. Your exact commute will vary depending on which university you attend, but rest assured you will live in Barcelona city center. Some neighborhoods we often use are Eixample, Sagrada Familia, and Gracia. Housing includes Internet and is located in safe neighborhoods within a reasonable distance from school. For the distance from your university, please see the Housing FAQs.

 

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.

 

Shared Apartment

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

Spanish Homestay

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. This is a great way to improve your Spanish language skills and experience Spanish culture first hand!

In most cases we can accommodate same-gender roommate requests. You'll complete a Housing Request Form after being accepted, and you can give us the name(s) of those you want to live with. Roommate requests must be mutual, so be sure your friend requests you back!

All ASA semester housing is located in Barcelona city center, generally 15-30 minutes from school by Metro. Exact commute will vary depending on which university you attend. For specific information on housing distance from each university in Barcelona, please click the “Academics” tab and scroll down to your host institution. For the Summer Internship program, your internship will be located approximately 25-45 minutes from your housing, by public transportation. This is a reasonable commute in a city the size of Barcelona. We place a high priority on location, and all ASA students live within a reasonable distance from their classes or internship!

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.

Homestay accommodation includes breakfast and dinner. Shared Apartment accommodation does not include meals, but each apartment has a fully equipped kitchen, and grocery stores are within walking distance.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Excursions

Explore the region with organized trips and cultural activities.

Summer programs include 1 day excursion. Destinations may vary by term. Past terms have included trips to:

Madrid

Madrid

Overnight

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

Sevilla

Overnight

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

Córdoba

Day Trip

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

Tarragona

Day Trip

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

Girona

Day Trip

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

Unique cultural and educational experiences included in your program.

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!

 

Root for FC Barcelona

Root for FC Barcelona

Catch an FC Barcelona match at Camp Nou stadium
Visit Park Guell

Visit Park Guell

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
Bunkers of Carme

Bunkers of Carme

Watch the sunset overlooking Barcelona from the Bunkers of Carme
Make Paella

Make Paella

Take a Spanish cooking class and learn how to make paella yourself
Enjoy Churros con Chocolate

Enjoy Churros con Chocolate

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

Learn Flamenco

Take a Flamenco dance class
Discover Tibidabo

Discover Tibidabo

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

Hike Montserrat

Hike the peaks of Montserrat
Experience Catalan Culture

Experience Catalan Culture

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 at La Boqueria

Shop at La Boqueria

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

Program Inclusions

What's included in your program fee.

What's Included

  • Exclusive "A WORLD OF CARE" Student Support Suite
  • ROOM & BOARD / ROOM ONLY: We offer the following housing options:

    • Shared apartment with fully equipped kitchen. Meals not included.

    • Spanish homestay with daily breakfast and dinner and 1 load of laundry per week included. 

  • TUITION for the maximum number of credits or courses indicated on the program course offerings page. Enrolling in more than the maximum number of credits/courses (if permitted by the host institution) will result in an additional fee.

  • ACADEMIC CREDITS: Students who receive pre-approval from their home institution can transfer the credits they earn to their home institution.

  • OFFICIAL TRANSCRIPT: For study programs, final transcript is issued by your host institution. Upon completion of a study program, ASA will provide one free shipment of your final transcript to your U.S. institution. For internship programs, a Certificate of Completion showing your hours will be issued upon completion of the program.

  • EXCURSIONS: Semester programs include 1 day excursion and 1 overnight excursion. Summer programs include 1 day excursion. Locations to be decided.

  • CULTURAL ACTIVITIES in Barcelona (museum visits, walking tours, etc.)

  • METRO PASS: The Summer Internship programs includes a 10-ride Metro pass to get you started. 

  • INTERNET ACCESS: Students will have free Internet access at their host institution and in their program housing.

  • AIRPORT PICK-UP: Group ground transportation is provided from Barcelona (BCN) airport for students who arrive on the official arrival date, by the designated time.

  • SITE DIRECTOR: Students will have an on-site director to assist them with any academic or cultural difficulties they may encounter.

  • MEDICAL INSURANCE: Comprehensive international medical insurance is included. Click here for details on benefits and coverage.

  • VISA ADVISING: Students are ultimately responsible for obtaining their visa (if required for their term), but ASA will provide detailed, helpful information upon acceptance about which visa students will need and how to go about applying for one. Please click here and scroll down to “Student Visa Information” to find out if a visa is required for your program.

    • 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.

  • PRE-DEPARTURE HANDBOOK & ON-SITE ORIENTATION

  • SUBSCRIPTION TO SAFETURE SAFETY-ENHANCING MOBILE APP

  • SUBSCRIPTION TO MINDHAMOK: a 24-7 service designed to support your mental, physical, and social wellbeing throughout your program. You can find out more about mindhamok in our Pre-Departure Guide for All Programs

  • $150 RETURNING STUDENT CREDIT toward your next ASA Summer program! (Up to 2 Summer programs)
  • $350 RETURNING STUDENT CREDIT toward your next ASA Semester program! (Up to 2 Semester programs)

Not Included

  • Round trip airfare and travel expenses to and from the program location

  • Books, materials, lab fees

  • Local transportation

  • Personal expenses

  • Meals and laundry, if you requested shared apartment housing

  • Daily lunch, if you requested homestay housing

  • Meals on excursions

  • Student visa, if required

  • Transportation from the airport if the student does not arrive on the official arrival date by the designated time

  • Transportation back to the airport at the end of the program

For academic year students and those enrolling in more than one session, housing, medical insurance, and other ASA services and benefits are not provided during the break between sessions. For academic year students, medical insurance during winter break can be purchased for an additional fee, if it is required to get your visa.

Cost of Attendance & Budget Sheet

Program Calendar

Key dates and milestones for your program.

Program dates are subject to change. Although date changes are rare, they are typically changes made by the host institution and are, therefore, outside of ASA's control. If any changes are made to your program dates, ASA is not responsible for fees or losses associated with changing or canceling your plane ticket, additional lodging and other travel costs, etc.

Please do not book a plane ticket until you are accepted to an ASA program and receive written notification of your program's arrival and departure dates.

  1. TBA

    Arrival and Housing Move-in

    For group airport pick-up, students should arrive at Barcelona (BCN) airport mid-September (TBA) between 7am-2pm
  2. TBA

    ASA Orientation

  3. TBA

    Orientation at UPF

  4. TBA

    Classes Begin

  5. TBA

    Excursions - locations TBA

  6. TBA

    Holiday, no classes

  7. TBA

    Final exams

  8. TBA

    Housing move-out; students depart

  1. TBA

    Arrival and Housing Move-in

    For group airport pick-up, students should arrive at Barcelona (BCN) airport mid-September (TBA) between 7am-2pm
  2. TBA

    ASA Orientation

  3. TBA

    Orientation at UPF

  4. TBA

    Classes Begin

  5. TBA

    Excursions - locations TBA

  6. TBA

    Friday classes are held

  7. TBA

    Holiday, no classes

  8. TBA

    Final exams

  9. TBA

    Housing move-out; students depart

  1. January 7, 2026

    Arrival and Housing Move-in

    For group airport pick-up, students should arrive at Barcelona (BCN) airport on Jan. 7 between 7am-2pm
  2. January 7-9, 2026

    ASA Orientation

  3. March 11-12, 2026

    Holiday, no scheduled activities

  4. Jan. 8-9

    Orientation at UPF

  5. Jan. 12

    Classes Begin

  6. TBA

    Excursions - locations TBA

  7. March 18-19

    Final exams

  8. March 20 by 12 pm

    Housing move-out; students depart

  1. January 7, 2026

    Arrival and Housing Move-in

    For group airport pick-up, students should arrive at Barcelona (BCN) airport on Jan. 7 between 7am-2pm
  2. January 7-9, 2026

    ASA Orientation

  3. TBA

    Holiday, no scheduled activities

  4. Jan. 8-9

    Orientation at UPF

  5. Jan. 12

    Classes Begin

  6. TBA

    Excursions - locations TBA

  7. March 17 & 19

    Final exams

  8. March 20 by 12 pm

    Housing move-out; students depart

Accessibility & Inclusion

We are committed to making study abroad accessible to all students.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Ready to Apply?

Take the next step in your study abroad journey. Contact our team to learn more about our programs and start your application today.

Apply Now