Navigate Up
Sign In
Autonomous Univ. of Barcelona
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 attend classes with international and/or host country students.

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.
    • ​
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: Students generally enroll in four courses to meet the minimum requirement of 18 UC quarter units per semester.
 
Students are required to take a full-time course of study while abroad.
​

Language of Instruction

Catalan; Spanish


Language Study

Catalan; Spanish
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.
​


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.
 
​

Duration

Go to the Participants section to see current or past calendars.
​
Pre-ILP + Year :  
mid-July to early July ​

Year :  
mid-August to early July​
 

  :  

  :  

  :  

  :  

  :  

  :  


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.
​

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.
​
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).​

Host Institutions

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.
 
 
​

Estimated Cost

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 represent: 1) the amount of the fees that are paid directly to UCEAP in the current year, and 2) an estimate of the amount needed to cover personal living expenses in this location. Personal travel and entertainment are not included here.
 
Don't forget that you take your financial aid with you and the amount of your financial aid package will take into account the estimated TOTAL COST of this experience, as it is estimated below.
 
These expenses are estimated for 2012-13. Amounts will vary for 2012-13 participation due to potential changes to UC fees, exchange rate fluctuation, etc. Non-Resident Fees apply: If you are subject to out-of-state tuition at your UC campus, you will pay the same fees on UCEAP. For a more detailed breakdown of 2012-13 payment information, visit the Participants Portal and select the appropriate program. 
 
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
​

Estimated EAP Costs*

Options Cost
  • Year
  • Pre-ILP + Year
  • $32,000
  • $36,400
*Based on most recent costs to the nearest $100.

Scholarships

UCEAP scholarships for the 2012-13 academic year are available. Please visit our scholarships overview page for general information and details  regarding eligibility requirements and application deadlines.

Application Requirements

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.

Minimum Criteria:

 All applicants must also have:
  • Serious academic goals and a clear plan for integrating EAP studies into the student's UC degree program
  • Social and cross-cultural sensitivity; maturity; ability to adapt successfully to a different environment and an new education system; ability to assess and exhibit appropriate behavior in a variety of situations
  • A willingness to abide by program regulations
  • An endorsement by the Campus EAP Selection Committee and completion of all campus-specific requirements (an interview may be required)

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.

Visit your Campus EAP Office for more information: