Description
Study abroad in the vibrant city of Barcelona, Spain, at the Autonomous University of Barcelona (UAB), an institution well known for its excellence in research and teaching.
Quick Facts
Partner Program Type – Exchange
Minimum GPA – 3.0 for Economics majors, 2.85 for other majors
Prerequisites – If you plan to take courses taught in Spanish, there is a Spanish Prerequisite.
One of the following must be completed by the time of departure (If you are unsure which one applies to you, see here):
- Second Language Learner: Completion of Spanish 6
- Native Spanish Speaker or Heritage Spanish Speaker with some formal training: Show proof of having completed (or a plan to complete prior to the program start) at least the intermediate level courses (second year) or equivalent. This could be high school courses, a UC placement, AP, IB, or SATII exam score, or language evaluation equivalent to the completion of the intermediate level (second year) or above; or high-intermediate, advanced, or upper-division Spanish courses on my transcript.
- Heritage Spanish Speaker with no formal training: Show proof of a plan to complete a minimum of one university-level Spanish course for Native/Heritage speakers prior to the program start to strengthen my knowledge in the four basic language skills necessary for the courses I will take in the program.
Contact Global Learning at globallearning@ucsc.edu to inquire about how to provide proof of meeting the Spanish prerequisite.
Eligibility – Good academic and disciplinary standing, Min Age: 18, Open to All Majors, Junior or Senior class standing by the time of departure
Term Options
Fall Semester – mid-September to early February
- students must miss both fall and winter quarters in order to participate in this session
Spring Semester – mid-February to early July
- students must miss both winter and spring quarters in order to participate in this session
Academic Year – mid-September to early July
Partner Program deadline dates
Cost
Location
City & University
Barcelona is the capital of Catalonia and the second-largest city in Spain. It is well known for its architecture and art, most notably the Spanish architect Antoni Gaudi. In addition to its vibrant art and music culture, Barcelona is a cosmopolitan city and is a popular destination for its delicious cuisine, beautiful beaches, and eclectic neighborhoods.
Accommodations
University-managed housing is not guaranteed but is available and accessible to exchange students. Learn more about UAB on-campus residence hall Vila Universitaria or off-campus accommodations in Barcelona.
You are responsible for applying for, securing, and paying for accommodations directly to the housing provider. Visit the host university website for actual costs.
Student Support
The UAB International Relations Area staff assists exchange students with important pre-departure steps, arrival information, and activities, and general support throughout the program. UAB also offers opportunities for exchange students to successfully integrate into the culture, society, and student life.
Country Information Resources
- U.S. Department of State Country Information Page
- CDC Travelers’ Health
- OSAC Country Security Report
Students with Disabilities
If you need support services abroad, notify your UCSC Disability Resource Center (DRC) Coordinator. The on-campus disability office attends to students who have physical, visual, auditory, learning, and mental disabilities.
Identities Abroad and Away
UC Santa Cruz Global Learning is committed to inclusion and equity in our various program options as well as striving to make everyone’s experiences abroad enriching, positive, and safe.
Learn more on our Identities Abroad and Away webpage.
Academics
Host University Courses
As a UAB exchange student, you will enroll full-time in courses alongside other local and international students for a semester or full academic year.
Course Search
Most classes are taught in Spanish. Learn about subjects offered at UAB. Look up Subjects in English.
- Economics – see pre-approved economics courses. You may enroll in Economics courses taught in Spanish if you have completed at least 2 years of university-level Spanish language study with a minimum language GPA of 2.85.
Satisfying Requirements
It may be possible to satisfy major, minor, GE, and/or electives on this program.
Learn more about:
- How to request major or minor credit
- How to request GE credit
Course Load Requirements
You are required to enroll in a full-time course load while abroad as defined by your host institution:
- 30 ECTS per semester is standard
As a UCSC student, you must also continue to meet UCSC Satisfactory Academic Progress, which requires students to enroll in a minimum of 12 UCSC quarter credits per quarter. At UAB, you are required to ensure you meet this requirement by enrolling in the equivalent of at least 24 quarter credits each semester after conversion (see below).
Credit Conversion
UAB uses ECTS credits. These will be converted to UCSC quarter credits when added to your UC transcript.
- 5 ECTS credits = 4 quarter credits at UCSC
- 10 ECTS credits = 8 quarter credits at UCSC
- 15 ECTS credits = 12 quarter credits at UCSC
- 20 ECTS credits = 15 quarter credits at UCSC
Academic Restrictions
Some courses abroad may have enrollment limitations and/or restrictions, such as prerequisites. Review course information provided by the university partner to understand any course limitations and/or restrictions prior to official course enrollment abroad.
Economics Majors:
- You can use up to three (s) courses from abroad to satisfy Economics major requirements.
- You have the option to take only one course outside the Economics department.
If you are unsure about your eligibility to enroll, please contact UCSC Global Learning at globallearning@ucsc.edu before applying to this program.
Academic Differences
Please note that the academic system, such as assignments, exams, course structure, grading system, etc., at your host institution may be different from what you are used to at UCSC. We highly recommend researching the academic system at your host university in advance to best prepare for your experience abroad.
Academic Calendar
We recommend comparing the host university academic calendar to the UCSC academic calendar to see how the academic calendars, holidays, and breaks differ.