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Autonomous Univ. of Barcelona

Program Overview

Situated in the suburb of Bellaterra in the hills above Barcelona, the Autonomous University of Barcelona (UAB) is set on a unified campus in a forested setting. Its location in the green zone that surrounds the city reflects the university's focus on environmental and related societal issues at both the academic and philosophical levels. As one of the newest of Barcelona's institutions of higher learning, UAB has quickly distinguished itself on a national level for its academic excellence and research, and it is currently ranked as a premier Spanish university.
 
The campus organization of UAB is unique in Spain, and it will feel very natural to California students. All classrooms, department offices, sports facilities, 24-hour libraries, cafeterias, and small shops are located conveniently in the central square of the campus or among the arbors and gardens. EAP also has an office on campus to assist you.
 
Most EAP students live in downtown Barcelona. Frequent and rapid electric train service connects the campus with the city center and provides a relaxing commute.
 
Students who would like to begin their program early can opt to start with the summer Pre-Intensive Language Program (pre-ILP), Cádiz. The pre-ILP is also helpful for students who feel they may benefit from additional language preparation.
 
Students attend classes with international and/or host country students.

Language of Instruction

Catalan; Spanish


Language Study

 
The program begins with a three-week Spanish intensive language program (ILP) that includes an introduction to Catalan. During the year, Spanish language study is available but not required. Catalan language study is available and highly recommended.
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Duration

Go to the Participants section to see current or past calendars.

You may extend your EAP participation from the fall to the year option (plan in advance for your visa).

Fall :  
​late August to mid-January 

Pre-ILP + Fall :  
mid-July to mid-January
 

Year :  
​mid-August to early July​

Pre-ILP + Year :  
mid-July to early July

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​Students participating in the fall option will not return in time for the winter quarter / spring semester at UC.​

Housing

During the ILP, you will live in the Colegio Mayor Sant Jordi. During this month, you find your housing for the remainder of the year in an apartment, private home, boarding house, or colegio mayor (university residence). You may live with international students, other UC students, or Spanish students. All students in Barcelona get a list of recommended “homes” in town. This list has been used by former EAP participants and consists of a variety of options, such as living with a “señora,” a family, or sharing apartments with other students. The list is updated every year. Barcelona has a variety of distinctive neighborhoods, and staff at the EAP Study Center can advise you about which area might suit you best.
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Extracurricular Activities

The UCEAP Study Center in Barcelona organizes various extracurricular activities throughout the year. Past excursions and events have included visits to museums and historical sites in Barcelona and around Catalonia, entrance to festivals, and group celebratory dinners at Thanksgiving and the end of the year.
 
UCEAP in Barcelona also offers the opportunity to apply for academic internships with various local organizations.


On-site Support

EAP students are supported by UC's network of EAP offices at every UC campus and partnerships with EAP host universities throughout the world. EAP programs in Barcelona are administered by a faculty member from the University of Illinois who serves as Study Center Director. Along with the Barcelona Study Center, located at the University of Barcelona campus, EAP maintains an office and staff at the Autonomous University of Barcelona. The Study Center Director and on-site staff help students integrate into local culture and provide assistance with academics, housing, safety, and other issues.
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See the EAP Program Guide (PDF) for program-specific details about host institutions, program structure, and courses; academic culture and conduct; internships, research, & independent study; units, exams, and grades; orientation; housing; and information about the intensive language program (if applicable).​
Although you submit an EAP application for the Barcelona university of your choice, the Barcelona Study Center Director may recommend one university over the other as a better fit, depending on your major field of study or academic interests, before final placement is made.
 

Autonomous University of Barcelona

Autonomous University of Barcelona
The Autonomous University of Barcelona (UAB) was founded in 1968, a year of dramatic student activism throughout Europe. The university’s leadership has maintained its dedication to innovative and progressive education for the university’s 30,000 students. Nowhere is this more apparent than in the design of the campus itself that, unlike most European universities, brings together all of its facultades, much of the student housing, many research facilities, and libraries in one attractive setting. The faculty and administration of UAB are especially interested in international exchange and provide excellent service to EAP students both directly and through EAP’s on-campus office.
 
The fields of study that are the most important and have the widest course offerings are political science and sociology, international and intercultural studies, communications studies (audiovisual, advertising, communication, journalism, and public relations), music, peace and conflict, European studies, and all the global studies areas. Students in these and related fields will find plenty of courses from which to choose.
 
 
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Student Reviews

Course Opportunities

Regular university courses in most academic disciplines are available; most UC students take courses in communications, film/media studies, international studies, and political science. The EAP Study Center also organizes core courses in related disciplines.
Use the following resources to learn about courses on EAP:
  • EAP Program Search provides information on general areas of study.
  • Host institution online catalogs or course listings:
  • MyEAP Course Catalog lists courses previously taken by UC students. Additional courses may be available and not all courses may still be offered. Since courses in new programs have not yet been taken for credit, they may not appear in the MyEAP Course Catalog.
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If you feel you might benefit from a head start on the academic culture of Spain, you may also enroll in EAP's summer Pre-Intensive Language Program (pre-ILP), Cádiz.​

Units

ILP: 3 to 4.5 UC quarter units
Semester: 18 UC quarter units per semester.
 
All students are required to take a full-time course of study while abroad. Students generally enroll in four courses to meet the minimum requirement. Units taken during the pre-ILP and ILP do not count toward the semester minimum unit requirement. 
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Internships, Research, and Independent Study

Independent study and internships for academic credit are possible in this program. Arrangements are generally made at the EAP Study Center after arrival.
 
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Participation in UCEAP is a great value! The cost of studying abroad on UCEAP programs is typically less than that of non-UC study abroad programs. The dollar figures listed in the chart below represent an estimate of: 1) the UCEAP fees for the current year, and 2) the additional amount needed to cover your living expenses in this location. Estimates for personal travel, entertainment and Non-Resident (out of state) Fees are not included.
 
Keep in mind that on UCEAP you take your financial aid with you. The amount of your financial aid package will take into account the total estimated costs of this experience. One advantage of selecting UCEAP for study abroad is that we facilitate the process by working with your UC Financial Aid Office (FAO), informing them of your UCEAP participation and providing them with your UCEAP budget. Just like your UC Campus billing office, we receive your financial aid and scholarships from your FAO, apply it to cover the UCEAP program fees, and disburse any remaining aid on a set schedule.
 

Estimated EAP Costs *

OptionWeeksUnits (Qtr)Units (Sem)UCEAP Fees 1Additional Costs 2
(Estimated)
 
Fall2122.515TBDTBD
Pre-ILP + Fall272919.3TBDTBD
Year4540.527$14,400$16,800
Pre-ILP + Year504731.3$16,350$19,250
 
* Estimates do not include Non Resident Fees. If you are subject to out-of-state tuition at your UC campus, you will pay Non-Resident Fees on UCEAP.

1 UCEAP Fees: This represents an estimate of UCEAP fees for the current year. Actual amounts will vary due to potential changes to UC fees, exchange rate fluctuation, etc. This figure includes UC tuition and fees for undergraduate, in-state residents. For a detailed breakdown of what’s included in this estimate, visit the Participants Portal and select the appropriate program. Non-Resident Fees apply: If you are subject to out-of-state tuition at your UC campus, you will pay non-resident fees on UCEAP.

2 Additional Costs: Average living expenses include but are not limited to room and board, transportation, books, supplies, and other incidentals and do not include recreational travel or entertainment. The total cost will vary depending on your personal expenses, exchange rate fluctuation, and the program you attend. For a detailed breakdown of the estimate, visit the “Cost” tab of the appropriate program.

All fees are subject to change without notice.

These expenses are estimated for 2012-13. Actual amounts will vary due to potential changes to UC fees, exchange rate fluctuation, etc. For a more detailed breakdown of 2012-13 payment information, visit the Participants Portal and select the appropriate program.  Estimates do not include Non Resident Fees. If you are subject to out-of-state tuition at your UC campus, you will pay Non Resident Fees on UCEAP.
 
Here’s what is included in the estimate:
 
  • Predeparture expenses (health clearance, student visa, etc.)
  • Round-trip airfare from California
  • UC fees
  • Tuition at UAB
  • Accident and medical insurance
  • On-site orientation at the Colegio Mayor Sant Jordi
  • Intensive language program instruction and housing
  • Estimated room and board expenses for the year
  • Tour of "modernist" Barcelona featuring Miró and Gaudì
  • Excursion to Montserrat and Codorníu
  • Excursion to Figueres and Girona
  • Tour of "medieval" Barcelona and entrance to festivals
  • Entrance fees to Catalan Parliament, theater production
  • Books and other incidental expenses
  • Thanksgiving dinner
  • Year end dinner
  • Automatic transfer of credits and grades to your UC transcript
​While on UCEAP, you are covered by UC’s accident and medical insurance, including non-medical benefits, and 24/7 travel assistance anywhere in the world.​

Scholarships

UCEAP scholarships are available. Please visit our scholarships overview page for general information and details  regarding eligibility requirements and application deadlines.

Eligibility

Class Level:

Junior, Senior

Language Prerequisites:

Spanish
- The University-level language requirement is: minimum 5 quarters / 3 semesters with a minimum language GPA of 2.85.
* Students with less than 2 years of University-level Spanish language must enroll in the summer Pre-ILP.

GPA:

2.85 cumulative GPA at the time of application and maintained through the end of the last term prior to departure.

All applicants must also have:

  • Serious academic goals and a clear plan for integrating EAP studies into the student's UC degree program.
  • Social, interpersonal, and cross-cultural sensitivity; maturity; willingness to adapt successfully to different living and academic environments; appropriate behavior in a variety of situations.
  • A willingness to abide by program regulations.
  • Completed all campus- and program-specific requirements.

Application Information and Deadlines

Application deadlines and information on the application process are available through your Campus EAP Office. Supplemental predeparture materials will be required for many programs, including, but not limited to, host institution applications, visa and housing applications, medical clearances, etc.

For participation in the program, you must meet all deadlines and submit complete application materials.