Academics

Fields of Study: Humanities, Social Sciences

Take courses in business and economics with a distinctly Spanish focus at two institutions in Barcelona. This program offers curriculum at both Pompeu Fabra University (UPF) and the Expanish Study Center, designed specifically for UC students, with small class sizes and excellent support from Expanish staff.

Pompeu Fabra University is a globally ranked research institution, with instruction provided by some of Barcelona's top academics. The Expanish Study Center offers additional academic courses, optional Spanish language courses, and an internship placement with a Barcelona-based company to gain hands-on experience, in addition to extensive cultural activities and comprehensive housing support.

Unique Study Opportunities

  • Take coursework at two institutions focusing on business and economics in the Spanish context.
  • Participate in an internship with a local company.
  • Get to know fellow UC students in small classes.

Language

Language of Instruction: English, Spanish

Spanish Language Study: Optional

Spanish language courses are offered from beginner to intermediate levels.

Even though all other coursework is taught in English, you'll find Spanish language study to be helpful as you navigate living in a Spanish-speaking country. Barcelona is an international city and many folks speak some English, but being able to communicate with even a little Spanish is incredibly useful and could open up more opportunities for getting to know locals.

If you choose to take a Spanish language course, you will complete a placement exam a few months before the start of the program to determine your course level.

Courses and Credit

Requirements While Abroad

To successfully complete this program:

  • Take a full-time course of study: a minimum of four courses totaling 18 quarter/12 semester UC units
  • Take two courses through Pompeu Fabra University and at least two additional courses at the Expanish Study Center
  • You may select one course for pass/no pass
  • Class attendance is mandatory. Absences are only excused in the case of medical reasons with a note from a doctor resident in Barcelona

Current Program Courses

Exact offerings may vary depending on enrollment and instructor availability. Final course offerings are announced before the start of the program.

Pompeu Fabra University course options may include:

Expanish course options may include:

Also available are Spanish language courses at the elementary, upper elementary, and intermediate levels.

Expanish and UPF courses do not have specific pre-requisites, but some courses may require previous knowledge in the subject or upper-division standing. Refer to the syllabi for further guidance.

*Students cannot take both Culture and Business: Spain Top Brands (UPF) and The Art of Branding: The Case of Barcelona (Expanish).

Experiential Learning

Research and independent study for academic credit are typically not available.

Course Registration

A few months before the start of the semester, UCEAP will email you a course selection form to indicate which which courses you wish to take through Expanish and UPF. Course enrollment is held on a first-come, first-served basis. Enrollment in your top course preferences isn't guaranteed so be sure to have back-up courses in mind. Please be aware that this predeparture course enrollment represents your final course enrollment for the program and there won't be an add/drop period at the beginning of the term.

Catalogs and Resources

  • Trying to decide what Spain program is right for you? Refer to the Spain Comparison Chart and Spain Programs by Degree for additional guidance.
  • UCEAP Course Catalog: See a list of courses students have taken on this program. This isn't a current representation of course offerings on this program. Reference the above links to review recent course offerings.
  • Campus Credit Abroad: Learn the types of credit (major, minor, general education, elective) students from your campus received at this location. There are currently no listings for this program in the database.

Academic Culture

This program is designed for UC students and is taught by faculty from local universities. You'll be in classes with other UC students and class sizes are relatively small. You're required to attend class, arrive punctually, and participate actively in your courses. Attendance is taken at every course meeting.

All courses may require a combination of exams, papers, reports, and projects that will constitute your final grade.

Grades

You'll earn direct UC credit and grades for all coursework.  All courses and grades will appear on your UC transcript and will be calculated into your UC GPA.

Grades for this program are typically available in late February for the fall semester late July for the spring semester. If you will be studying abroad in your final term , grades may not arrive in time to meet degree verification deadlines.  Please speak with your campus academic advisor about your graduation plans.