Expanish: Business, Culture & Innovation (Semester) Barcelona

Fact Sheet:
Click here for a definition of this term Language of Instruction:	English, Spanish	Click here for a definition of this term Class Status:	1-first year, 2-sophomore, 3-junior, 4-senior, 5-grad student, 6-other
Housing Options:	Apartment (shared), Dormitory, Homestay	Click here for a definition of this term Areas of Study:	Accounting, Advertising, Anthropology, Business, Business Administration, Communication, Communications, Culture, Economics, Entrepreneurship, European Studies, Finance, Food Communications, Humanities, International Business, Marketing, Other Language & Literature, Spanish
Program Type:	Study Abroad	Minimum GPA:	2.75

Business, Culture & Innovation

Your semester in Barcelona starts here.

16 weeks split between the Expanish Study Center and Universitat de Vic (UVic). Monday through Thursday classes mean real three-day weekends to explore Europe. Named a 2026 GoAbroad Finalist.

Dual University

Study like a local at both our Expanish Study Center and a local university, Universitat de Vic. Choose from a variety of courses in English and make international friends.

Beyond the Classroom

Learning doesn't stop at the Study Center. You'll engage with the city through faculty-led activities, cultural insights, and neighborhood exploration.

Career-Ready Skills

Through collaborative projects, applied coursework, and exposure to Barcelona's startup and creative ecosystems, you'll develop a global business mindset that extends well beyond the semester.

3-Day Weekends

Classes run Monday through Thursday, giving you the opportunity to relax and enjoy longer weekends throughout your semester abroad.

Explore Your Courses in Barcelona

Academic Breakdown

During your semester in Barcelona, you'll take 4–5 courses total, earning 12–15 U.S. semester credits.

12–15

Total US Credits

4–5

Courses per Semester

Mon–Thu

Class Days

Weeks, Long Weekends Free

Expanish Classes UVic Classes Program Requirements

6–9 U.S. credits come from Spanish language and/or content courses at Expanish.

Spanish language courses from elementary through advanced levels
English-taught content courses connected to the program theme
Small class sizes with dedicated language faculty
Classes held at the Expanish Barcelona Study Center
Transcripts for Expanish courses are issued through Westminster University, requested and paid for directly through Westminster

6 U.S. credits come from courses at Universitat de Vic (UVic), all taught in English.

Study alongside Catalan and international students
Courses connected to business, culture, and innovation
Transcripts issued through Central University of Catalonia (UVic)
Expanish and UVic campuses are well connected via Barcelona's metro and train system

Explore All UVic Courses

Open to sophomores, juniors, and seniors in good academic standing
No prior Spanish required, placement testing determines your language course level
Full-time enrollment across Expanish and UVic coursework required
Official transcripts issued for all coursework completed

Sample weekly schedule for Barcelona semester students

Each semester and student schedule varies, but all students are split between two campuses with 3-day weekends.

Studying at the Expanish Study Center

A campus in the heart of the city.

Located in the heart of Barcelona, the Expanish Study Center provides modern facilities, passionate instructors, and a strong support network. You'll join a diverse international community, balancing academic excellence with meaningful cultural exchange.

International Student Body

Our Expanish campus hosts students from around the world, giving you the opportunity to connect with Spanish culture and with the world.

Centrally Located

Our school is in the heart of Barcelona, just a few minutes from famous landmarks, cafes, and go-to student areas.

Weekly Activities

Our mission is to connect cultures. By hosting 3-4 weekly school events, you'll meet new friends and cultural traditions daily.

Studying at Universitat de Vic

Your local campus.

International Student Body

Study alongside Catalans, as well as other students from around the world.

English Courses

Though you'll be at an international university, the courses at UVic are offered in English.

Well Connected

Our Expanish Study Center and the UVic campus are well connected through the city's metro and train system.

Where You'll Live

Housing in Barcelona

Explore your housing options below. Every option is walkable or well connected to the Study Center. For detailed program fee information by housing type, visit our Barcelona Semester program page.

Homestay

Single or double rooms
Shared bathroom (comfort option: private bathroom)
Half-board: breakfast and dinner
Bed linens and towels included, one load of laundry per week
20–35 min average commute, safe neighborhoods

Student Apartment

Single or double rooms, double available for students traveling together
Shared bathroom, private option may be available
Self-catering with access to a shared kitchen
Bed linens, towels, and weekly cleaning of common areas included
Up to 35 minutes to the school, safe neighborhoods

Student Residence

Private room with private ensuite bathroom
Self-catering, optional breakfast, half board, or full board meal plans
Kitchenette in room: microwave, fridge/freezer, sink
20 min via subway (L3 line, 6 stops)
Live with Spanish and international students, 24/7 reception with security

Every Stamp in Your Passport

What's Included in Your Barcelona Semester

Program Essentials

Tuition
Official Transcripts
Housing
Airport Transfer Service
International Medical Insurance
Onsite Support
24/7 Emergency Response

Cultural & Social Activities

Welcome City Tour
Welcome Pack
Orientation
Welcome & Farewell Dinner
Local Cooking Class
Local Dance Class
Two Day Trips

Hear From Our Barcelona Students

The best weeks of their lives, in their words.

"Studying abroad in Barcelona is the best decision I have ever made. Expanish provided everything, from housing to day trips, and introduced me to my closest friends."

Areeza Kabani

UC Irvine

"The good thing is you will meet a lot of people and can establish relationships with people from all over. It's a great experience overall."

Aiden

University of California

"Studying abroad in Barcelona gave me so much personal growth. Living and learning in a totally new environment taught me things about myself that a classroom back home never could."

Ava McDougall

CommonWealth University

Plan Your Semester

Dates & Fees

Term	Dates	Duration	Credits
Spring	January – April	16 Weeks	12–15
Fall	September – December	16 Weeks	12–15

For confirmed application deadlines and full program fees, visit our Dates & Fees page. Scholarships available: see our Financial Aid page.

Good to Know

Frequently Asked Questions About Semesters in Barcelona

Is studying abroad in Barcelona worth it for a semester?+

Yes. Barcelona is one of Europe's top student cities, offering a mix of world-class universities, Mediterranean lifestyle, and a vibrant international community. A semester here lets you improve your Spanish while experiencing culture, architecture, and travel opportunities across Europe.

Do I need to speak Spanish to study abroad in Barcelona?+

No, our semester programs in Barcelona offer courses in English and are open to all Spanish levels. That said, studying Spanish while abroad can significantly enhance your day-to-day experience in the city.

How much does a semester abroad in Barcelona cost?+

Costs vary depending on housing and lifestyle, but our semester programs include tuition, housing options, and student support services. See our program fees in the Housing section above. Barcelona is more affordable than many major European cities like London or Paris.

Can I earn college credit during a semester in Barcelona?+

Yes, our semester programs are designed to offer transferable academic credit. We recommend checking with your home university to confirm credit transfer policies.

What is student life like in Barcelona?+

Student life in Barcelona is dynamic and social, with beaches, cultural events, nightlife, and student organizations. It's easy to meet both local and international students.

Is Barcelona safe for international students?+

Barcelona is generally safe, especially in student areas. Like any major city, it's important to stay aware of your surroundings, particularly regarding pickpocketing in tourist areas.

Questions? We're Here.

Contacts

Study Abroad Programs Manager

Lily Judge

Applications, enrollment, and general program questions for the Barcelona Semester.

lily.judge@expanish.com

Barcelona Study Center

Passatge de Méndez Vigo, 8, L'Eixample, 08009 Barcelona, Spain

USA Phone

+1 202 600 9810

General Inquiries

expanish.com/contact-spanish-school

Programs : Brochure