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Program Overview
Program Overview
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Popular Subject Areas
Spanish Culture & Society
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Location
Barcelona
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Host University
Universidad Pompeu Fabra
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Term
Summer 1 2025
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Program Dates
Jun 28, 2025 - Jul 26, 2025
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Program Length
Summer
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Application Deadline
Apr 25, 2025
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Forms and Payment Deadline
May 10, 2025
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Credit
12 ECTS Credits
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Eligibility
3.00 Minimum GPA*
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Cost
$6,850
- Apply Now
Study Abroad Program Description
The BISS (Barcelona International Summer School) program is great for a wide variety of students. It offers Spanish language courses at all levels, as well as Area/Culture Studies and International Relations courses offered in both English and Spanish. Courses will be taken with other visiting international students.
Visa Information:
*Eligibility
MINIMUM GPA
Students must have a minimum grade point average of 3.00.
MINIMUM ADMISSIONS PREREQUISITES
There is no language prerequisite for this program.
- It is recommended you have at least sophomore standing at the time of participation in the program. If you have only one graded semester on your transcript, you may still be able to participate, however, there will be a higher GPA requirement and additional application materials needed. Please reach out to the Barcelona Program Manager for more information.
What's Included
Comprehensive Advising and Support
Comprehensive Advising and Support
A team of helpful ISA staff members is here to support you through the entire study abroad process, from finding the perfect program through re-entry. The Program Advisors will help you choose your program based on your unique objectives. Once you’ve selected your program, you will work with your Program Manager on the application process as well as pre-departure forms and finances. Your Program Manager will also assist with academics, housing, visas, and city-living/cultural guidance.
In addition to individual advising, you will receive virtual resources to help prepare you for your time abroad. This includes the ISA Student Portal, which houses your program application, pre-departure forms/resources, and the online orientation. The online orientation is a pre-cursor to the on-site orientations and offers city-specific resources about living in your host city, communication, packing, diversity abroad, how to be academically successful, and more.
24-Hour Emergency
24-Hour Emergency
The ISA Health, Safety, and Security team facilitates an in-house on-call system with a U.S.-based employee and manager who are on-call and available in case of emergency 24-7. ISA regular office hours are Monday through Thursday, 7:00am - 7:00pm and Friday, 7:00am - 5:00pm Central Time.
If you are a parent or student needing assistance in an emergency situation outside of the regular office hours, please call the ISA office at 512-480-8522 to access the ISA emergency contact information for that particular week. Students who experience an emergency while abroad will also have access to on-site staff 24-hour emergency assistance.
Comprehensive Health, Safety, and Security Support
Comprehensive Health, Safety, and Security Support
Health, Safety, and Security (HSS) for ISA students is jointly managed by our resident staff and HSS team. This team works to monitor risk at program locations, respond to any crises that may arise, and develop policies to further ensure the health, safety, and security of students abroad with ISA.
Airport Reception*
Airport Reception*
Ground transportation is provided from the airport as long as you arrive during the ISA designated arrival date and time and at the appropriate airport. Upon acceptance into your program, you will receive the “How to Book Your Flight” form which outlines the specific details for airport reception.
*Airport reception is not provided for most Intensive Month or J-Term programs, as well as programs that combine 2 intensive months, such as Quarter programs.
Tuition at the Host University
Tuition at the Host University
Tuition and administrative fees at the host university are included in the program price. Classes are held at the host university and are taught by local and/or visiting faculty. Some classes will have additional fees that are not included in the program price.
Spanish Visa Support
Spanish Visa Support
Your ISA Program Manager will be available to help you with the visa process for Spain, if a visa is needed for your program. They will provide resources, guidance on necessary steps to obtain your visa, and deliver supporting visa application materials to you as needed. A Spanish student visa is required for U.S. students participating in academic programs in Spain lasting 91 days or more. For non-U.S. citizens, you should contact your consulate to verify specific entry requirements.
To obtain a Spanish student visa, you must:
A) schedule an appointment (where applicable) and apply in person at the consulate, or
B) take part in the ISA Spain Visa Service* (if applicable), where you may pay an extra fee for ISA to schedule and attend an appointment on your behalf.
Note: the ISA Spain Visa Service typically has deadlines well in advance of your program application deadline, often 1 month earlier or more. This is due to the appointment dates the consulate gives ISA. Should you want to use the ISA Spain Visa Service, we encourage you to apply to your program as early as possible.
Failure to obtain a visa for programs lasting 91 days or more could result in you having to cancel or switch programs.
Please contact your ISA Program Manager for more information regarding the Spain Visa Service or any visa related questions or concerns.
Housing
Housing
Housing is guaranteed and included in the price of all ISA programs, with the exception of Pacific programs, in which housing is offered at an additional cost. Accommodation options will vary according to program site and session. For more details about ISA's housing options and applicable security deposits, please refer to the housing tab for your program of interest.
Meals and Laundry Service*
Meals and Laundry Service*
*The possibility for included meals and/or laundry services vary per location and housing option. Meals and laundry services are provided with most homestays to a degree. For more details, please refer to the housing tab for your program of interest.
Bridging Cultures Orientation
Bridging Cultures Orientation
The Bridging Cultures Orientation will be delivered to you in the first few days of your time abroad. It is designed to prepare you for a successful, positive, and rewarding experience that will influence the rest of your life. This is accomplished through introducing you to your host city’s culture and infrastructure as well as through goal setting, intercultural awareness, diversity and professional development activities.
Full-Time Resident Staff
Full-Time Resident Staff
The full-time resident staff is available to assist you with all aspects of your experience abroad. The resident staff provides support during official course registration and arranges the Bridging Cultures Program orientation, excursions, weekly meetings, cultural activities, and much more. Staff members are trained to ensure the well-being of each program participant and are dedicated to facilitating a positive and meaningful study abroad experience.
On-Site ISA Offices
On-Site ISA Offices
Most program locations have an on-site ISA office within the program city. The on-site offices provide you with an additional comfortable space in the city and serve as a common meeting place and resource center.
Internet Access
Internet Access
As an ISA student, you will enjoy free internet access at ISA on-site offices, computer labs at the host university, and/or your ISA housing.
ISA Discovery Model
ISA Discovery Model
ISA programs facilitate learning and development through co-curricular activities. We rely on host universities to provide quality instruction in the classroom, but ISA is the main facilitator of learning outside of the classroom. Efforts to promote student learning are shaped by a teaching and learning framework we call the ISA Discovery Model.
According to this model, student learning and development is organized into five areas of discovery: 1. Intercultural, 2. Historical, 3. Sociopolitical, 4. Professional and 5. Environmental
Throughout the duration of your ISA program, we provide you with the opportunity to pursue these five areas of discovery through the Bridging Cultures Orientation, excursions, cultural activities, and references to non-ISA sponsored events and opportunities.
Excursions*
Excursions*
Organized excursions are included with each program to complement the academic component of your abroad experience. These complementary experiences are designed to engage student learning outside of the classroom in the five areas of the Discovery Model. Transportation and guided tours are included, as well as hotel accommodations and breakfast during multi-day excursions. Additional optional excursions may be offered during each program that are not included in the program cost.
*Excursions are not included for Intensive Month, J-Term, some summer sessions, as well as some programs that combine 2 intensive months, such as Quarter programs.
Cultural Activities
Cultural Activities
The ISA program staff develops unique cultural activities custom-designed to invite you to experience the local color of your host city, while learning about the history and culture of your new surroundings. Speaking the native language with locals, tasting the regional cuisine, and partaking in the native traditions are only a few of the ways these cultural activities lead to full appreciation of the program city.
Insurance
Insurance
A Blanket Accident and Sickness Policy is included in the program and covers you during the official on-site period of the program. This is not an optional benefit; every ISA participant will be covered by this policy. A full description of coverage can be found on the ISA website.
We recommend that you maintain comprehensive health insurance while abroad. This is particularly important if you have any pre-existing conditions but is also beneficial if you have an injury or illness while abroad and require further treatment upon your return home. Please be sure to consult with your current insurance provider to confirm coverage policies while traveling abroad.
Official Transcript from the Host University
Official Transcript from the Host University
Upon completion of the ISA program, your host university will issue an official transcript with all coursework taken abroad. ISA's Academic Records Department will process and forward the official transcript to the appropriate office at your home university, and a photocopy will be sent to your permanent home address for your records. ISA will provide a cover letter to accompany the transcript with important academic information, including the host university's grading system and recommended U.S. letter grade equivalencies, translated course titles, and credit conversion recommendations.
Professional Development Toolbox
Professional Development Toolbox
The Professional Development Toolbox, available in the online orientation section of the student portal, will help you identify the skills and key competencies you have developed through your personal, academic, and cultural experiences. This toolbox helps you to articulate the transferable skills developed through study abroad in a way that shows potential employers or post-graduate universities the benefits our you will provide them as a direct result of your experience abroad.
Scholarship Opportunities
Scholarship Opportunities
As an ISA participant, you will have the opportunity to apply for scholarships or grants that can be applied directly to assist with your study abroad program. ISA offers over $1,000,000 in scholarships and grants each year. To see what opportunities are available, please visit the Support & Funding page.
Academics
Credits
ECTS Credits
12
Recommended U.S. Semester Credits
6
Recommended U.S. Quarter Units
9
Academic Information
It is recommended that students have a sophomore standing before participating in this program. However, you may still be able to participate if you have only one graded semester on your transcript. In that case, to apply for the program, you must have a 3.5 GPA, submit a letter of intent, and submit one (1) letter of recommendation.
COURSE AVAILABILITY
The courses below reflect the most current list of courses released by the host university. Please refer to this list when completing your pre-registration form. Some courses only currently offer a course description and not a full syllabus. These courses should have updated syllabi by the end of March so please check back. Also note that courses are always subject to change.
- The courses in the UPF summer program are open to Spanish locals and international students alike.
- Requests for sample syllabi can be made to the Barcelona Program Manager.
COURSE SELECTION
You will enroll in two courses on this program. Spanish Language courses are available for 3 ECTS (1.5-2 US credits). If you wish to take Spanish Language, please reach out to your Barcelona Program Manager for more information about those courses.
TRANSCRIPT INFORMATION
The transcript from the Universitat Pompeu Fabra will reflect ECTS credits for each course listed below. The contact hours for each course will not be reflected on the transcript but are listed in order to help determine transfer credit. Please be in touch with your U.S. university regarding transfer credit for this program.
Courses
select allclear all
Course Disclaimer
- Courses and course hours of instruction are subject to change.
Support & Funding
ISA is here to support you when it comes to navigating identity questions related to traveling abroad, providing resources and information for your accessibility needs, and identifying funding for your program abroad.
SUPPORT TEAM
Our U.S. staff is available to support you though every stage of your study abroad journey. Please reach out with any questions about ISA programs or life on-site to your country-specific Program Manager.
Our on-site staff are there for you as soon as you arrive in country and will support you throughout your time abroad.
U.S. Team
Kamryn Chapman
Program Manager, Spain
Originally from Tipton, Iowa, Kamryn earned degrees in International Business and Spanish from Oklahoma State University. Her semester-long study abroad to Barcelona confirmed her passion for exploration, adventure and learning through immersion. Upon her return to the U.S. she worked in her university’s study abroad office to help her fellow students embark on adventures of their own. Kamryn is eager to continue helping students make their study abroad experience as seamless as possible so they can sit back and soak it all in! In her free time, Kamryn enjoys hiking, crafting, cooking, and enjoying live music.
Megan Hix
Program Manager, Spain
Megan is a native Texan who earned dual degrees in Journalism and Government from the University of Texas at Austin. For the past five years, she has been teaching English in primary and secondary schools in Madrid, Spain, where she developed a passion for international education and cultural exchange. In her free time, Megan enjoys cooking, watching UT football games, visiting museums and practicing yoga. Although she sometimes misses spending her afternoons on a sunny Spanish terraza, Megan is happy to be back in Texas helping other students start their adventures abroad with ISA!
BARCELONA TEAM
Cristina Canales Contador
Resident Director, Spain
Cristina Canales Contador
Resident Director
Cristina was born in Barcelona and holds a Bachelor’s degree in Tourism and Management from the University of Barcelona. With over fifteen years of experience at ISA both nationally and internationally, Cristina is highly dedicated to her work, finding fulfillment in helping students make the most of their international experiences. Fluent in Catalan, Spanish, English, and with a working knowledge of French, Cristina is a true global communicator. In her free time, she enjoys exploring Barcelona’s rich culture and natural beauty, spending time with friends, traveling, and sampling cuisines from around the world. One of Cristina’s most memorable experiences was traveling to India with her grandfather, where she volunteered with Fundación Vicente Ferrer, an NGO focused on supporting the underserved community in Anantapur, one of the country’s most impoverished regions. This experience profoundly impacted her, shaping her perspective on global cultures and further fueling her passion for travel and service.
Daniel Ostad
Resident Director, Spain
Daniel Ostad
Resident Director
Daniel grew up in Washington, DC and graduated from the College of Charleston in South Carolina with a degree in Anthropology. He has gained a passion for international education, travel, and cultural understanding through his own adventures throughout North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia and Africa. As a college student, Daniel studied abroad with ISA in Granada, Spain. Later in 2001, he joined the ISA Granada team then in 2008 he became the Resident Director in ISA Meknes, Morocco until 2017. Since then Daniel has been coordinating housing in Barcelona. On his free time he enjoys biking, snorkeling, skating, hiking and yoga, however surfing is his obsession. When there are no waves you can usually find Daniel relaxing in one of Barcelona’s many outdoor cafes.
Zara Cifuentes
Student Services Coordinator, Spain
Zara Cifuentes
Student Services Coordinator
Zara was born in Barcelona, her beloved city. She is 23 years old and has graduated from tourism management at CETT- University of Barcelona. During her studies, Zara has participated on an exchange in Seoul, South Korea, where she could learn from another culture and have her first international experience. From that moment on she decided to work in the world of study abroad so that she could help other students who want to fulfill their dreams. In addition to this, she loves to travel and to meet new cultures, so in 2023 she joined ISA.
Janelle Forster
Senior Student Care Coordinator, Spain
Janelle Forster
Senior Student Care Coordinator
Although originally from southern Idaho, Janelle has spent most of her life living outside of the United States. Her first move abroad was at the age of seven, when her family moved to England and the Netherlands for a year-long sabbatical. Later on, she supplemented her studies with two study abroad programs: the first in Calgary, Canada, to study architecture and then with ISA in Barcelona. Before moving back to Barcelona in 2007, she graduated from the University of Idaho with a B.S. in Architecture and a B.A. in Spanish. She found her calling as an ISA director in 2010, and since then has enjoyed managing the Student Care Department. In her free time, she enjoys travelling, dancing, cooking and riding horses, and is always open to new experiences!
Danielle Roberge
Senior Student Services Coordinator, Spain
Danielle Roberge
Senior Student Services Coordinator
Danielle was born in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains and has lived in various parts of the United States, France and now Spain. She first studied abroad in Paris, France when she was just 15 years old and there she developed a taste for learning new languages and exploring different cultures. Over the years she has participated in many study abroad programs in various countries around the world and has earned a B.A. in International Studies from Maryville College and a M.A. in International Education from SIT Graduate Institute. In 2015, she took a leap of faith and moved to Spain, where she plans to settle down. In her free time she enjoys listening to live music, hiking, camping, sailing, paddle surfing, and BBQ-ing on her balcony.
Rossella De Gregorio
Student Services Coordinator, Spain
Rossella De Gregorio
Student Services Coordinator
Walter Uribe
Academic Coordinator, Spain
Walter Uribe
Academic Coordinator
Walter spent most of his life living in Mataró, a town on the coast north of Barcelona, but came back to the city shortly after university. After completing his Humanities degree at the Pompeu Fabra University, he also achieved a postgraduate degree in Music Business at the same university. He loves music and production and whenever the occasion arises, he enjoys getting on the microphone and singing some R&B. While working at the famous Liceu theatre in Barcelona, he discovered a profound appreciation for opera and a new interest in sharing his culture with people from other countries through music. Walter takes pride in helping students while they are far from home and hopes to help them discover the beauty of Barcelona.
Identity Resources
Accessibility & Accommodations
With our wide portfolio of program types and locations, we’re confident there is a suitable, accessible program for each student.
Securing accommodations abroad can take time, so we ask that those with requests inform ISA early in the advising process. We recommend reaching out to your Program Manager or our Accessibility Team (accessibilityteam@worldstrides.com) to discuss your accessibility needs or accommodations abroad.
Destination Information
Our diversity pages for each ISA destination include information on Indigenous communities, languages, race and ethnicity, religion, LGBTQIA+, and disability access. We hope it will help when reflecting upon and contextualizing intersectionality in your host community.
Identity Blog
ISA offers students the opportunity to blog about their experiences abroad from their own diverse perspectives. These posts can be found on the ISA Student Blog, and interested students should email diversity@studiesabroad.com for more information.
Funding
All students should have the opportunity to study abroad. To help make this a reality, ISA offers a variety of scholarships to help cover your study abroad costs. To learn more about our scholarship opportunities, check out our scholarships & grants page!
If you receive financial aid from your home university, you can likely use those funds for study abroad, as well. Speak with your home university’s financial aid office to learn about your options. Check out steps for using financial aid.
Questions about scholarships and funding? Email us at higheredfinaid@worldstrides.org
Housing
Living in ISA housing will allow you the opportunity to experience aspects of the Spanish lifestyle that are inaccessible to the average visitor. Regardless of your housing type, you will have a commute to your university, typically via public transportation. With an open and adaptable mind, the experience of living in another culture can be highly rewarding.
We strive to match your housing preferences with our available accommodations, however, housing preference requests cannot be guaranteed.
Homestay
Host families are a great choice if you are seeking full linguistic and cultural immersion during your time abroad. Each host family has been carefully selected by ISA’s resident staff in order to best accommodate your needs and to ensure a comfortable living situation. Homestays will provide two meals a day and laundry service once a week. You will typically share a room with another ISA student of the same gender. Single rooms may be available for an additional fee.
Apartment
Apartments are a great housing option if you are seeking complete independence during your time abroad. Apartments are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis, and availability is limited. Rent and utilities are included in the program price, and each apartment is fully furnished. Apartments, spread throughout the city, typically house four-six ISA students, and are made up of single and double occupancy rooms. Meals and laundry service are not included. In this ISA housing option, you will pay a $300 security deposit. ISA may retain some, or all, of this deposit in the event of damage to property, or if utility usage exceeds the allotted monthly amount.
Student Residence
The student residence is a great choice if you would like to be independent while living with other international and local students. With availability limited on a first-come, first-served basis, you will room with another ISA student of the same gender. Single rooms may also be available for an additional fee. Meals are not included and laundry can be done on-site with coin-operated machines. In this ISA housing option, you will pay a $300 security deposit. ISA may retain some, or all, of this deposit in the event of damage to property, or if utility usage exceeds the allotted monthly amount.
Independent Housing
You may elect to secure housing independently. If you select this option, you will receive a discount equal to the housing portion of the program price.
Excursions
THERE’S MORE TO DISCOVER WITH ISA
Valencia
Valencia is famous for its beaches, oranges, paella, and the "City of Arts and Sciences", an eye-catching cultural complex hosting museums, performing arts, and the biggest aquarium in Europe. After exploring the city, you will have the chance to enjoy a fabulous day on the beach, taking part in water sports such as paddle boarding, surfing, canoeing, etc. A 100% Mediterranean experience!
Valencia
Valencia is famous for its beaches, oranges, paella, and the "City of Arts and Sciences", an eye-catching cultural complex hosting museums, performing arts, and the biggest aquarium in Europe. After exploring the city, you will have the chance to enjoy a fabulous day on the beach, taking part in water sports such as paddle boarding, surfing, canoeing, etc. A 100% Mediterranean experience!
Costa Brava
On this multi-day tour you will visit the amazingly bizarre Dalí Museum, the fisherman's town of l'Escala, and the beautiful seaside village of Roses. You will also enjoy a boat ride to Cadaqués, the small coastal town where Salvador Dalí once lived.
Costa Brava
On this multi-day tour you will visit the amazingly bizarre Dalí Museum, the fisherman's town of l'Escala, and the beautiful seaside village of Roses. You will also enjoy a boat ride to Cadaqués, the small coastal town where Salvador Dalí once lived.
Sitges
On this excursion you will visit one of the most emblematic towns on the Catalan coast, just south of Barcelona. Famous for its charming downtown and beautiful beaches, Sitges was also an important modernist center in the 1960’s. On the way you will visit a cava cellar where you will learn about the manufacturing process of the Catalan champagne.
Sitges
On this excursion you will visit one of the most emblematic towns on the Catalan coast, just south of Barcelona. Famous for its charming downtown and beautiful beaches, Sitges was also an important modernist center in the 1960’s. On the way you will visit a cava cellar where you will learn about the manufacturing process of the Catalan champagne.
Cultural Activities in Barcelona
The ISA on-site team encourages you to explore the city and culture of Barcelona. The team facilitates this by offering a robust calendar of events that showcase what makes Barcelona special.
These activities vary each term, and previous offerings have included a soccer league, intercambios (language exchange with locals), cooking classes, and city tours (Sagrada Familia, City Bus Tour, Gothic Quarter, etc.).*
*These activities are available to students at little to no additional cost.
Cultural Activities in Barcelona
The ISA on-site team encourages you to explore the city and culture of Barcelona. The team facilitates this by offering a robust calendar of events that showcase what makes Barcelona special.
These activities vary each term, and previous offerings have included a soccer league, intercambios (language exchange with locals), cooking classes, and city tours (Sagrada Familia, City Bus Tour, Gothic Quarter, etc.).*
*These activities are available to students at little to no additional cost.