- Home >
- BCA in Barcelona, Spain >
- FAQ about Athens
FAQ about Barcelona
Do I need to know Spanish to participate in the program?
BCA requires students to have at least four semesters of college-level Spanish to study at BCA Barcelona. There are three options of course instruction offered with the BCA Barcelona program 1) Take University of Barcelona courses only and attend class with Spanish students. 2) Enroll in BCA courses, taught by University of Barcelona faculty, with other BCA students. 3) Take a combination of courses: some from the University of Barcelona and some from the BCA core curriculum. University of Barcelona classes can be taught in Spanish and/or Catalan. BCA classes are held in Spanish.
Where is BCA Barcelona study center located?
The BCA Barcelona Study Center is located in the Raval campus of the University of Barcelona (downtown). The University is the oldest and largest University in Barcelona and has four campuses located in different parts of the city. Barcelona is the capital and most populous city of Catalonia and the second largest city in Spain. Barcelona has 68 municipal parks, seven beaches, and many historic sites and museums.
What can I study at BCA Barcelona?
The University of Barcelona consists of 20 university schools, 97 departments and 78 degree programs. For listings of programs go to http://www.ub.edu/organitzacio/en/structure/departments.htm.
Where will I live?
Students live with a host family while living in Spain. BCA places one student per family to encourage cultural and language immersion. Students do not have to pay for their lunch, the three daily meals will be provided by their host family.
Will my school accept credit from BCA Barcelona?
Each university has its own policy for transferring credits, so you will want to check with your university registration and records office to determine whether BCA credits are accepted. Upon completion, BCA sends transcripts from the University of Barcelona and BCA course reports to you and your college or university. If your school requires a transcript from a US institution, BCA will provide you with a transcript from Elizabethtown College, which is BCA’s school of record.
Will my financial aid transfer?
Financial aid from an individual school is transferred at the school’s discretion, but all federal aid is transferrable. Students should consult their financial aid advisor for further information and advice.
Why study with BCA? What sets BCA apart?
BCA is one of the nation's oldest independent organizations committed to promoting international understanding and academic excellence through college study abroad programs for US students and adult seminars for faculty and administrators. Rooted in the values of peace and justice, BCA promotes international understanding, awareness of global citizenship and academic scholarship through educational exchange. Among the special qualities of BCA's programs are unique opportunities to study peace and justice issues in places where conflict has profoundly affected culture, history and daily life; opportunity for cultural immersion; and tremendous academic and administrative support.
What are the application deadlines?
BCA encourages interested students to apply as soon as possible to get the process in motion. Applications for the spring semester are due by October 15. Fall semester applications are due by April 15. Students should expect an answer from BCA within three weeks after submitting a complete application.
Do I need a visa to study in Barcelona?
In order to legally study in Barcelona each student must obtain a student visa. To obtain a visa, please go to the Consulate of Spain that has jurisdiction over the state in which you permanently reside. BCA will assist students by sending some, but not all the documents necessary to present to the Consulate of Spain to obtain the visa. For more visa information please visit www.state.gov/s/cpr.rls/fco, http://www.travel.state.gov/travel/travel_1744.html, and travel.state.gov/passport.
Can I study abroad as a freshman?
To study abroad with BCA Barcelona, a student must have at least one year of undergraduate study. However, BCA encourages students to start planning in their first year and investigate which program is a good fit for their individual needs.
I am worried my GPA may not be good enough. Should I still apply?
BCA does employ minimum GPA standards for each study center. The required GPA varies by program and is an important tool in evaluating a student’s application; however, it is not the only consideration. BCA also takes into account the student’s personal statement and their letters of recommendation.
How many courses will I take?
Students will take a three-credit, pre-semester course called “Special Topics in Spanish Grammar and Culture.” It is important to consult with your advisor prior to studying abroad to decide what classes are needed to meet academic requirements of your college or university. Generally, students take four or five classes during the semester, receiving three credits for each class.
E-mail us with your questions
Questions? Please call:
1-866-222-6188
