A Semester in Barcelona
On this semester program, you’ll explore global business practices through a blend of academic coursework and real-world cultural immersion. Barcelona becomes your classroom as you study innovation, entrepreneurship, and contemporary business culture in one of Europe’s most dynamic cities.
Courses are delivered through a hybrid model at the Expanish Study Center and our partner universitiy, UVic, combining international perspectives with local expertise. Classroom learning is enhanced by site visits, guest speakers, and hands-on projects that connect theory to practice.
Learning doesn’t stop at the Study Center. You'll engage with the city through faculty-led activities, cultural visits, and neighborhood exploration, gaining insight into how business, culture, and innovation intersect in everyday life.
Take select courses at UVic, studying alongside local and international students while experiencing Spain’s higher education system firsthand.
The program is designed for students interested in business, international studies, innovation, and cultural analysis, offering an interdisciplinary approach that complements a wide range of majors.
Through collaborative projects, applied coursework, and exposure to Barcelona’s startup and creative ecosystems, you'll develop cross-cultural communication skills and a global business mindset that extends well beyond the semester.
Explore Your Courses in Barcelona
Students will receive a transcript from UVic for courses taken at the partner university. For courses taken at Expanish, students will receive a transcript issued through Westminster University and must request and pay for the transcript directly through Westminster.
Credits & Course Structure
During your semester in Barcelona, you will take 3–4 courses total, earning 12–15 U.S. semester credits.
Credits Breakdown:
6 U.S. credits from courses at UVic (local university)
6–9 U.S. credits from Spanish language and/or content courses at Expanish
Languages of Instruction:
UVic courses: English
Expanish courses: Spanish language or English-taught content courses
Weekly Schedule: Classes run Monday through Thursday, giving you long weekends to explore Barcelona and the surrounding region.
Spanish Language + Business & Elective Courses in English
Our Expanish center combines Spanish language courses with English-taught business and elective courses, creating a flexible academic schedule tailored to your goals.
Spanish Language Courses (3 Levels Available)
Students are placed according to their level through a placement test.
Elementary Spanish
Upper Elementary Spanish
Intermediate Spanish
Business & Elective Courses (Taught in English)
Students may enroll in 2–3 English-taught courses at the Expanish Center.
Available Courses Include:
Consumer Behavior
Supply Chain Management
International Business Management
Organizational Behavior in Spain
Macroeconomics
Corporate Finance
Negotiation
The Art of Branding: The Case of Barcelona
History of Political and Social Movements in Spain
Courses at UVic – Universitat de Vic (Partner University)
Take one course at our partner university to experience a local Spanish university environment and expand your academic options.
Academic Areas May Include:
Business & Economics
Health Sciences
Engineering
Education
Communication
Humanities
Social Sciences
On the button below, you will find the available UVic courses for Spring and Fall. Go to pages pages 6 - 9 for the most up to date University information.
Eligibility
2.75 minimum GPA
30 completed college credits when applying
If you have any questions regarding our program requirements, please reach out to our program advisors.
Visa Requirements:
Yes, this program requires a student visa
Studying at the Expanish Study Center
Located in the heart of Barcelona, the Expanish Study Center provides modern facilities, passionate instructors, and a strong support network. As a student, you’ll join a diverse international community, balancing academic excellence with meaningful cultural exchange.
Our Expanish Campus hosts students from around the world, giving you the opportunity to not only connect with the Spanish culture - but with the world.
Our school is in the heart of Barcelona, just a few minutes from famous landmarks, cafes, and go-to student areas.
Our mission is to connect cultures, by hosting our 3-4 weekly school events, you'll meet new friends and cultural traditions daily.
Studying at the Central University of Catalonia (UVic)
Study alongside Catalans, as well as other students from around the world!
Though you will be at an International University, the courses at UVic are offered in English.
Our Expanish study center and the Uvic campus are well connected through the city's metro and train system!
Student Housing & Program Prices
What's Included in Your Barcelona Semester Program?
Program Essentials | Cultural & Social Activities |
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Hear from Our Barcelona Students
Studying abroad in Barcelona is genuinely the best decision I have ever made in my life, & I don't think anything will ever top this experience. Expanish provided everything, from housing to day trips & even introduced me to my closest friends. From cooking family dinners in our residence hall to taking a 34-person program trip to Morocco, every moment in Barcelona made every anxious though worth it :') I couldn't imagine going abroad & choosing any other program. One of my biggest fears was struggling to make friends in my classes, but our program placed us together & basically forced us to bond, & it ended up being the best part of studying abroad. I love every single person I've met here & I can't believe that I have to leave it all behind in 3 weeks.The worst part of studying abroad genuinely is having to leave. If you're debating going abroad, do it. Please.
This was the best time of my life. Expanish was so helpful and the staff is great. The experience was incredible and I love Barcelona. Additionally going off of that, the teaching was good and very different than in the United States of America. It is different because we do a lot of presentations which we don’t do in the United States. I have definitely become a better public speaker.
I went to Barcelona this past summer from the United States to study Spanish at the Expanish school and my experience there was incredible. It was my first time traveling to another country alone and they made me feel safe. He helped me when I had any problems or questions. I learned a lot of things and above all it was very fun learning with other students from different parts of the world.
Great language school! Made most of my friends from the school because it's such a fun and conversational environment! Enjoyed the staff and the after class activities.
One of my favorite parts about studying abroad was living with my host mom. Expanish did a really good job pairing me and my friend with her because we have a lot of the same interests and we had a lot to talk about.
Meet Our Barcelona Staff
Paula Cerdeira Núñez
Academic Director
<br />
Jessica López
Student Services
Emma Martín
Groups Program Senior Coordinator
Lena Tahmassian
Study Abroad Academic Coordinator
Gisela Giralt
Student Services & Activities
Francesc Farré
Academic Coordinator
Alex Palau
Instructor
Montse Capilla Brustenga
Instructor
Paula Cerdeira Núñez
Academic Director
<br />
Jessica López
Student Services
Emma Martín
Groups Program Senior Coordinator
Lena Tahmassian
Study Abroad Academic Coordinator
Gisela Giralt
Student Services & Activities
Francesc Farré
Academic Coordinator
Alex Palau
Instructor
Montse Capilla Brustenga
Instructor
Ángel Campayo
Instructor
Guillem Borrero Pérez
Instructor
Cristina Guillén
Instructor
Mariana Ducros
Instructor
Miguel Ángel Garrido García
Instructor
Patricia González
Instructor
Eva María Galeote Ortigosa
Instructor
Marta Fuertes Alfayate
Instructor
Ana Pardo Pastrana
Instructor
Zohra Bakkali
Facilities Assistant
Read From Our Blog
Areeza: Studying In Barcelona Changed My Life
Areeza Kabani, a student at University of California Irvine, recently completed a UCEAP Business in Barcelona study abroad program with Expanish. In this candid reflection for Expanish she describes how the experience - the good, the bad and everything in between - has changed her for the better.
10 Reasons to Fall In Love with Barcelona
Contemplating studying in Barcelona? This vibrant Mediterranean city offers an unparalleled experience. It's a chance to immerse yourself in Spanish, connect with people globally, and uncover the city's top ten delights.
11 Things I Wish I Knew Before Studying In Barcelona
Areeza Kabani, a student at University of California Irvine, recently completed a three-month UCEAP Business in Barcelona study abroad program with Expanish. In a series of articles written for Expanish, Areeza shares some key tips for other US university students alongside thoughtful and candid reflections about her experience.
