Overview
The Barcelona Program for Interdisciplinary Studies (BaPIS) constitutes the cornerstone of UPF’s strategy for internationalization and innovation:
- By convening students from different backgrounds, from UPF and other countries, the program offers a space of convergence between instructors and students to set up fruitful dialogue and communal learning.
- By breaking down the barriers between knowledge areas, it promotes an interdisciplinary approach and the effective cross-fertilization of ideas and initiatives. With its hands-on approach and combination of STEM disciplines, Communication, Humanities and Social Sciences, BaPIS provides a unique environment for developing a crucial tool to rise to today’s challenges.
Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF)
Established in 1990, the Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF) is one of Barcelona’s newest institutions and has already earned an International Excellence Campus label from the Spanish Ministry of Education. In 2019, the UPF was the best University in Spain, and the campus is set in remodeled historic buildings just two blocks from the beach.
BaPIS has evolved from a previous study abroad program, the Hispanic and European Studies Program (HESP). After two decades of success and expansion, HESP has developed into a radically different project while maintaining its goal of promoting intercultural understanding in our increasingly interconnected world. Its new direction is aimed at local and international students, offering them a range of subjects to explore from a common perspective and in an exceptional intellectual and urban environment.
Requirements
Minimum G.P.A. Requirement
- 3.0
Class Requirement
- Junior-Senior Standing
Language Requirement
- Although helpful, no previous Spanish language knowledge is required.
- For courses taught in Spanish, a minimum of four semesters/quarters of college level Spanish, or equivalent, is required prior to enrolling.
Age Requirement
- All participants must be 18 years of age by the start of their program, unless they are participating on a customized program through their home institution and have home institution approval.
If you have any questions about whether you meet the requirements, please contact us and we’d be happy to help you decide which Barcelona SAE program is right for you!
Academics
The Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF) and Barcelona SAE have worked hard to create a study abroad program that allows you to earn credits towards your major, minor, or general electives. The courses are designed for international students, meaning that you will be able to take courses in English and/or have the advantage of learning in Spanish at a pace for non-native or fluent speakers.
Accreditation
The Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF) is recognized by the Spanish Ministry of Education as a degree granting institution of higher learning. After completing a Barcelona SAE program at the UPF, the transcript will be sent directly to the student’s home institution.
Course Approval
Before you go abroad, Barcelona SAE strongly recommends that you meet with your study abroad office and/or your academic advisor at your home institution, and are as transparent as possible about your plans. After your acceptance into the program, you will be required to submit an “Approval Contact for Study Abroad” form that will automatically inform your home institution of your intent to participate in a Barcelona SAE program. The earlier that you plan for your study abroad experience, the easier it will be to get your courses pre-approved and know exactly what transfer credit will be accepted at your home institution. Please remember that it is best to get multiple back up courses pre-approved, as this will give you some flexibility in setting up your class schedule or during the add/drop period. Think about courses that can work towards your major or minor, as well as courses that may fulfill your general education or elective requirements.
Credit Options
Your courses will be taught in English or Spanish and will primarily be lectures with some teamwork involved. Students will be in class at the UPF with other international students.
Creativity: The Human Factor
“Creativity: The Human Factor” is the axis of BaPIS. Under this motto, innovative courses promote forms of critical thinking, navigating across disciplines and building on crucial knowledge areas. From Ethics to Biology, from Artificial Intelligence to Humanities, from Legal systems to Politics and Society, from Economics to Design Thinking, courses at BaPIS aim to stimulate creative approaches to today’s big challenges.
A Quality Program
The Barcelona Program for Interdisciplinary Studies offers an exciting opportunity for local and international students to gain knowledge and experience in a multicultural environment. All instructors on the Program are high-profile UPF faculty with a distinguished research trajectory and proven international academic experience, who, together with the highly motivated students that participate, form the bedrock of a quality program.
Cultural Component
The UPF Education Abroad Program encourages experiential learning through cultural activities and on-site classes in the BaPIS curriculum. Courses include hands-on workshops, faculty-guided trips to relevant sites and institutions, course-related tours, company visits, seminars and sessions by guest speakers in which they share their expertise and perspectives.
Spanish Language
In addition to content-based courses, BaPIS includes the option of supplementing students’ credits through language courses at all levels. Five different levels of Spanish classes are offered, from beginner to proficiency, and even Spanish for heritage speakers. The proficiency level prepares students for the Instituto Cervantes DELE (Diploma de Español como Lengua Extranjera) exam, which they can take during their stay in Barcelona.
Important Notes
- Please note that not all courses will be offered every term, and the links below include courses and/or subject areas that have been offered in the past by the host institution. Institutions in Barcelona often do not finalize course listings until the beginning of the term, and as such, this list will be updated as the host institution provides additional information.
- For a complete listing of courses that will occur during your specific term abroad, please contact your Barcelona SAE Advisor.
UPF Course Offerings
- For a complete list of courses and syllabi through the BaPIS program, please click here.
Student Life
Be prepared to pack a lot into your time abroad! Your Barcelona experience will extend well beyond the classroom, and we are there to help you get the most out of it! Not only do we plan tons of Barcelona SAE Cultural Activities to keep you exploring the local culture, we send you a Weekly Cultural Agenda full of events so that you know what is happening throughout the city. You'll also have a Cultural Mentor who will help you to get involved in a club or activity based on your interests.
You'll also enjoy numerous Barcelona SAE Day Trips and Weekend Excursions (locations depend on term/program) that mix historical tours with modern events, while we try to get you off the beaten path to see Spain through a local lens.
And when you're not with us? We'll give you a Barcelona SAE Bucket List with 100 ways to experience the city! Go to a Barça game. Check out the Picasso Museum. Window shop in the Bohemian Gracia District. Discover a new restaurant with your Spanish friends. Why not?! There is no end to what you can do in Barcelona!
Dates & Costs
For a comparison of all of Barcelona SAE’s program dates, costs, and application deadlines, please visit our main Dates and Costs page.
Scholarships & Grants
At Barcelona SAE, we believe that studying and interning abroad should be affordable and accessible to ALL students. In addition to our low program costs, Barcelona SAE works with your home institution to accept most forms of financial aid…and we also have a wide variety of scholarships to help you bring your costs down even further.
Our TODOS Scholarships are focused on removing the barriers that often keep underrepresented groups with high financial need from studying abroad. This group includes, but is not limited to, students with diverse race, ethnicity, sex, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, age, or veteran status.
And did you know that you can receive an automatic $500 grant towards our UPF Semester Program if your home institution is a Barcelona SAE Affiliate Partner? Ask us how!
We also encourage you to reach out to your financial aid and/or study abroad office to learn about additional scholarship or grant opportunities available from your home institution. You may also want to consider applying for the Benjamin A. Gilman scholarship, which offers students up to $5,000 towards education abroad. Please note that you must be a US citizen, already accepted to a study abroad program, and a Pell Grant recipient.
Important Notes
- The program dates posted here are for reference only and are subject to change. Please do not book your flight until you have received the confirmed dates in your acceptance paperwork.
- Most housing will be in double rooms with students of the same gender (biological sex). If your home institution allows it, you can opt to pay a $300/month supplement for a single room (if available on a first-come, first-served basis). Please note that single rooms cannot be guaranteed.
- Please note that costs may fluctuate based on currency exchange.
What's Included
The BaPIS Semester/Quarter Program at the UPF Includes:
Countdown to Barcelona:
- Group Webinar and Pre-Departure Preparation
- Personalized Advising
While in Barcelona:
- UPF Tuition and Fees
- Official University Transcript from the Universitat Pompeu Fabra
- Bienvenid@s a Barcelona – Airport Welcome Service
- Logistical & Cultural Orientations
- Housing for the Duration of Program (Homestays include Breakfast/Dinner!)
- Comprehensive Medical & Accident Insurance
- 24-Hour Emergency Support
- English-Speaking Staff
Cultural & Social Activities:
- The Barcelona SAE Bucket List
- Overnight and/or Weekend Excursion(s)
- Day Trip(s) Outside of Barcelona
- Optional Weekend Excursion to Morocco (Additional cost applies)
- Weekly Cultural Agenda (The local perspective of what’s happening each week!)
- Weekly Cultural Activities (Cooking Classes, Dance Lessons, Intercambios, Barrio Tours, and MORE!)
- Cultural Mentor Program
- Welcome Activity
- Re-Entry Workshop & Farewell Meal
For Continued Success After the Program:
- Alumni & Career Services
- Invitation to Barcelona SAE’s LinkedIn Alumni Group
- Opportunity to Apply to be a “Barcelona SAE Alumni Ambassador” on Your Home Campus
- Invitations to Study Abroad & Internship Returnee Conferences Throughout the U.S.
The Program Does Not Include:
- Round-Trip Airfare to/from Barcelona
- Visa Costs (If Applicable)
- Mobile Phones & Charges
- Local Transportation
- Personal Items
Housing
Barcelona SAE offers our students a variety of housing options, which means that we have the perfect place in Barcelona for you to call your home away from home. We have carefully selected safe and adequate housing for each student but each living arrangement is different.
Important Notes:
- Housing in Barcelona is extremely competitive and participants will be placed based on availability. We make every effort to provide you with your preferred form of housing, but due to space limitations we cannot guarantee that you will get your first choice.
- There are no overnight guests allowed in any program housing. Our staff is happy to share a resource page for hotels and hostels for any visiting friends to use.
- Most housing will be in double rooms with students of the same gender (biological sex). You can opt to pay a $300/month supplement for a single room (if available on a first-come, first-served basis). Please note that single rooms cannot be guaranteed.
- If you have any questions or concerns, be sure to note this in your housing form.
Where will you live?
Housing for the program is spread throughout the city of Barcelona. Every neighborhood is easily accessible by public transportation and the city is very walkable. The normal commute in Barcelona is around 45 minutes using public transportation from your housing to your school or internship, it may be a bit more or less than this.
Each neighborhood has a different feel…Les Corts is where the soccer stadium is, Gracia is hipster and bohemian, Eixample has a gay friendly district and incredible architecture, Sagrada Familia has wonderful shopping, Sant Marti & Poblenou are tech powerhouses off the tourist path.
Homestay
Many students picture homestays as a house in the suburbs, but in fact it will most likely be an apartment in the city with a host family, the same distance to class or your internship as a shared apartment would be. A host family could be a married couple, it may be an older woman living on her own, or it may be a family with children. Most homestays are shared other students on the program, but in your housing preference form you should specify if you prefer to be with other participants or on your own in a homestay.
You should choose a homestay if:
- You want to live like a local. Students in homestays learn a lot about the local culture and lifestyle firsthand.
- You want to improve your Spanish. You will eat breakfast and dinner with your family everyday, so you will have plenty of opportunities to practice your language skills. Students in homestays normally see a much larger language skill improvement at the end of the program. You don’t need to speak any Spanish to begin in a homestay, but you will certainly be using it by the time you leave!
- You want to save money. Homestays provide a daily breakfast and dinner, and will do your laundry for you! This is included in the program, and has been a huge reason many students choose the homestay option.
- You want a home away from home! You will have your own set of keys, and you are free to come and go when you please without a curfew. Many students say the homestay feels “cozy” and report added support network (like someone to make you soup when you’re sick).
Check out this video for an additional student perspective on being in a homestay!
Student Residence Hall
Most locals live with their parents while they go to university, so dormitories are rare, but there are a few set up to house international students or those that come from outside the city. A student residence normally means a double room, unless you indicate you would like a single room and there is one available, and then shared kitchen areas and common areas including study areas with other students.
You should choose this option if:
- You'd like to be around more students. Typically the residence halls are home to American students but also students from around Europe/Spain or from other countries.
- You want a little bit more independence in exploring the city and the culture. We will have cultural activities and excursions for you to participate in, but much of the time you will be on your own to explore.
- You like to do your own grocery shopping and cooking. You will share the kitchen and be responsible for your own food, cooking and cleaning.
- Improving your Spanish is not a main goal of yours. Of course there will still be chances to speak Spanish, but you'll need to make an additional effort to meet locals and practice.
Shared Apartments
This choice places you in a shared apartment in the city with 2-6 other program participants. You will be placed in a double room with another student unless you indicate you would like a single room and there is one available. Apartments are spread throughout the city in residential areas so you can expect a 45 minute commute to class or your internship.
You should choose this option if:
- You'd like to be around students. In the shared apartment you will be sharing the apartment with other participants of the program.
- You want a little bit more independence in exploring the city and the culture. We will have cultural activities and excursions for you to participate in, but a lot of the time you will be on your own to explore.
- You like to do your own grocery shopping and cooking. You will share the kitchen and be responsible for your own food, cooking and cleaning.
- Improving your Spanish is not a main goal of yours. Of course there will still be chances to speak Spanish, but you'll need to make an additional effort to meet locals and practice.
Gender-Inclusive Housing
In order to further empower and support the growing population of LGBTQIA+ students nationally and to further align our in-country student support services with recognized best practices on over 400 U.S. campuses, Barcelona SAE now proudly offers gender inclusive housing as an option for all accepted program participants for all terms.
If you have further questions about gender-inclusive housing, please contact your Barcelona SAE advisor.
