Human and Social Sciences Program in English in Barcelona

Spain Barcelona Gaudi Sagrada Familia 50941984
What's Included

We invite you to study abroad with API in beautiful Barcelona at the prestigious Universitat Pompeu Fabra! Choose from an array of human and social sciences courses conducted in English, as well as Spanish language courses at all levels. This unique interdisciplinary program focuses on promoting intercultural understanding in our increasingly interconnected world.

Earn valuable academic credit from one of Spain's top universities, enroll in classes alongside students from Spain and around the world, experience life in one of Europe's most vibrant and cosmopolitan cities, and explore all that Spain has to offer!

What's Included?

Highlights

Pre Departure Services

Advising

APIConnect Platform

Orientation Materials and Resources

Access to International Phone Plans

API Alumni Network

Social Networking

Scholarships

On Site Services

Airport Reception

On-Site Orientation

Excursions

Tuition

Medical and Life Insurance

Resident Directors

Social and Cultural Activities

Welcome and Farewell Group Meals

Volunteer Opportunities

Tutoring

Housing (including meals and laundry with host families)

Language and Culture Tools

Re-Entry Services

Re-Entry Materials and Support

Post-Program Evaluation

Transcript

Alumni Network and API Ambassador Program
View all opportunities and amenities

Application Requirements

  • Minimum 3.0 G.P.A.
  • Junior or Senior standing at time of application
  • Open to all levels of Spanish speakers
  • Students who wish to take advanced-level Spanish courses must have completed 4 semesters of college-level Spanish or the equivalent
  • Completed API application
  • University Approval Form
  • Official transcript
  • Additional application forms (including a housing form, a course form, and visa form)
  • Personal Statement/Motivation letter
  • One (electronic) passport-sized photo
  • Entry requirements: valid passport with student visa
Dates & Fees
Session Program Dates Program Cost Application Deadline Extended Application Deadline Payment Deadline
Fall Sep 19, 2023 - Dec 2, 2023 $13,900 Apr 15, 2023 No Extension May 15, 2023
Academic Year Sep 19, 2023 - Mar 23, 2024 $28,500 Apr 15, 2023 No Extension May 15, 2023
Spring Jan 3, 2024 - Mar 23, 2024 $13,900 Oct 10, 2023 No Extension Nov 9, 2023

*Students who complete their applications by the priority deadline will be registered for classes and assigned API housing first. As such, students applying early have a better chance of getting their desired courses and their first-choice housing assignment.

Excursions

API students participate in excursions designed to help familiarize them with the culture and surrounding areas of their host city and country. The following is a listing of potential excursions for API Barcelona programs. API may need to modify the excursions offered in a given term due to travel restrictions or health and safety concerns.

  • Gastronomy and the Mediterranean Sea

    Delta del Llobregat is the area placed between Montjüic and Garraf, a natural environment outside the noise of Barcelona. Close to the delta there are coastal villages such as Castelldefels and El Prat del Llobregat. In one of these villages students will have the chance to taste a traditional Catalan meal.

  • Madrid

    Spain’s capital blends the modern with an important cultural and artistic heritage. On this day trip students will have the opportunity to visit one of Europe’s most important art museums and enjoy the beautiful Madrid center to experience first hand this blend of modernity and history.

  • Tarragona and Costa Daurada

    With almost 60 miles of golden sandy beaches, la Costa Daurada stretches from the north of Tarragona to the Ebro delta. Tarragona’s biggest lure is the wealth of ruins in Spain’s second most important Roman site, including mosaic-packed museums and a seaside amphitheater. Les Cases d’Alcanar or Altafulla conjure up a mix of Mediterranean essences. The towns alternate between flat alluvial land and craggy coast depicting the terrain; between mud and rocks; olive trees and rice fields; marl rocky banks and lagoons.

  • Girona and Costa Brava

    Girona is a jewel of culture and history acquired over 2,000 years. The medieval town is surrounded by a magnificent wall, which is preserved almost in its entirety. The Jewish quarter, known as the “Call”, spreads out in a maze of small, narrow, and often steeply sloping streets. After the historical visit, students will stop in Costa Brava to discover the beauty of the Mediterranean sea.

  • Winery and Calçotada

    El Penedès is one of Spain’s richest regions both in historical and gastronomical terms. Sant Sadurní d’Anoia is the center of production of cava (sparkling wine). Students will discover a place of stunning beauty and culture in a vineyard built by “Modernista” architects. Calçotada is an annual gastronomical celebration held only in winter time.

  • Seville

    Seville, capital of the Andalucía region of southern Spain, is a unique example where history, tradition, and modernity merge in an incomparable city. The core of Islamic Seville includes the area on the East bank of the Guadalquivir where the Cathedral, the Christian Alcázar, and the medieval quarter is known as the Barrio Santa Cruz is located today. To explore the city’s narrow streets and smell the orange blossoms in Spring while mingling with people at a cafe is definitely an unforgettable experience.

  • Gastronomy and the Mediterranean Sea

    Delta del Llobregat is the area placed between Montjüic and Garraf, a natural environment outside the noise of Barcelona. Close to the delta there are coastal villages such as Castelldefels and El Prat del Llobregat. In one of these villages students will have the chance to taste a traditional Catalan meal.

  • Madrid

    Spain’s capital blends the modern with an important cultural and artistic heritage. On this day trip students will have the opportunity to visit one of Europe’s most important art museums and enjoy the beautiful Madrid center to experience first hand this blend of modernity and history.

  • Tarragona and Costa Daurada

    With almost 60 miles of golden sandy beaches, la Costa Daurada stretches from the north of Tarragona to the Ebro delta. Tarragona’s biggest lure is the wealth of ruins in Spain’s second most important Roman site, including mosaic-packed museums and a seaside amphitheater. Les Cases d’Alcanar or Altafulla conjure up a mix of Mediterranean essences. The towns alternate between flat alluvial land and craggy coast depicting the terrain; between mud and rocks; olive trees and rice fields; marl rocky banks and lagoons.

  • Girona and Costa Brava

    Girona is a jewel of culture and history acquired over 2,000 years. The medieval town is surrounded by a magnificent wall, which is preserved almost in its entirety. The Jewish quarter, known as the “Call”, spreads out in a maze of small, narrow, and often steeply sloping streets. After the historical visit, students will stop in Costa Brava to discover the beauty of the Mediterranean sea.

  • Winery and Calçotada

    El Penedès is one of Spain’s richest regions both in historical and gastronomical terms. Sant Sadurní d’Anoia is the center of production of cava (sparkling wine). Students will discover a place of stunning beauty and culture in a vineyard built by “Modernista” architects. Calçotada is an annual gastronomical celebration held only in winter time.

  • Seville

    Seville, capital of the Andalucía region of southern Spain, is a unique example where history, tradition, and modernity merge in an incomparable city. The core of Islamic Seville includes the area on the East bank of the Guadalquivir where the Cathedral, the Christian Alcázar, and the medieval quarter is known as the Barrio Santa Cruz is located today. To explore the city’s narrow streets and smell the orange blossoms in Spring while mingling with people at a cafe is definitely an unforgettable experience.

Program Details

What You’ll Study

TOTAL CREDITS - 12-15 U.S. semester credits

The Human and Social Sciences Program includes both local and international students who participate in hands-on activities and workshops, seminars and projects, sessions led by guest speakers, as well as course-related tours and visits. Students will engage in critical thinking while exploring a range of subjects across various disciplines, which aim to stimulate creative approaches to today’s big challenges within a multicultural environment.

Various levels of Spanish language courses are available. Students who wish to take elective courses taught in Spanish must have completed a minimum of 4 semesters of college-level Spanish or the equivalent.

TRANSCRIPTS

API students will receive a transcript from the Universitat Pompeu Fabra upon completion of their program.

  • Headshot

    Kayla Cole

    Kayla Cole will be your Program Manager and will help prepare you for your API program.

    (she/her/hers)

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    Alicia Castillo

    Alicia Castillo will be your Resident Director and a resource for you on-site.

    (she/her/hers)

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    Mireia Pujol

    Mireia Pujol will be your Student Services Director in Barcelona and will assist you in adjusting to the Spanish culture!

    (she/her/hers)

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    Arnau Roma Sansa

    Arnau Roma Sansa will be your Resident Director and a resource for you on-site.

    (he/him/his)

Courses
Click Here to Find Classes

COURSE OFFERINGS

Students may choose 4 or 5 courses (offered in either English or Spanish). All courses are equivalent to 6 ECTS or 3 U.S. semester credits. Not all courses are available each semester. Additional classes may be offered once a student is on-site.

CREDIT INFORMATION

Most API partner universities in Spain operate on the contact hour system, wherein the number of credits earned depends on the time spent in class. To determine the conversion of contact hours to U.S. semester credits, divide the contact hours available by 15.

Courses at Universitat Pompeu Fabra (Human and Social Sciences Program in English in Barcelona)

For the most up-to-date course availability on this program, explore our Class Finder. Sort courses by term, area of study, and more!

Click here to find courses, syllabi, and more!

Courses at Universitat Pompeu Fabra (Human and Social Sciences Program in English in Barcelona)

For the most up-to-date course availability on this program, explore our Class Finder. Sort courses by term, area of study, and more!

Click here to find courses, syllabi, and more!

Courses at Universitat Pompeu Fabra (Human and Social Sciences Program in English in Barcelona)

For the most up-to-date course availability on this program, explore our Class Finder. Sort courses by term, area of study, and more!

Click here to find courses, syllabi, and more!

Highlights
  • Classes taught in Spanish & English
  • FORUM on Education Abroad QUIP certified
Housing

API students in Barcelona can choose from three different housing options. Students may choose to live with a host family, in a student apartment, or in a student dormitory. Internet access is included in all three options.

Students who choose to live with families share a double room with a fellow API student and be provided with 2 meals per day and laundry service. Students can opt for a single room for an additional fee.

API apartments in Barcelona generally have 2-4 bedrooms (the majority of which are double-rooms) with a shared kitchen, common area, and bathrooms. Apartments are located throughout the center of Barcelona and tend to be 30-45 minutes from the universities. Students can opt for a single room for an additional fee.

Students who would prefer apartment-style living alongside other Spanish and American students would enjoy API’s dorm/residence hall option. The student dorm has both single and double-room options, with a shared kitchen and private bathroom. Internet access is guaranteed in all rooms. This option carries an additional fee.

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