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Program Overview
Program Overview
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Popular Subject Areas
Design & Visual Arts
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Location
Barcelona
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Host University
Universidad de Vic - Elisava
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Term
Fall 6 2023
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Program Dates
Sep 02, 2023 - Dec 22, 2023
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Program Length
Semester
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Application Deadline
Jun 01, 2023
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Forms and Payment Deadline
Jun 15, 2023
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Credit
24 ECTS Credits
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Eligibility
2.75 Minimum GPA*
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Cost
$14,950
- Apply Now
Study Abroad Program Description
This program is ideal for students with a background in design, or for students with little design experience, but who have an interest in taking graphic design or visual arts courses in English. You will choose one of two tracks:
Track A
Students without a background in design will be required to take the three mandatory graphic design courses and can round out their enrollment with either one other design and visual art course or a Spanish language course.
Track B
Students with a background in design have the option of selecting any four courses from the graphic design and visual arts course offering list, or they may choose to take three courses from this list, along with a Spanish language class.
Visa Information:
Enjoy Flexibility with ISA Flex
We’ve partnered with Arizona State University (ASU) to help you overcome common study abroad challenges by adding an ASU Online course to your ISA program. With more than 2,100 courses to choose from, ISA Flex minimizes academic challenges, like major requirements and limited course options, so you can make the most of your experience abroad. Once you’ve applied, access the Flex form in your ISA Student Portal for more information on how to add this to your program and enroll in the course you need.
*Eligibility
MINIMUM GPA
Students must have a minimum grade point average of 2.75.
MINIMUM ADMISSIONS PREREQUISITES
There is no language prerequisite for this program.
- You will use design programs such as Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop, and Adobe InDesign in many of your classes, so background knowledge or familiarity with several or all of these programs would be beneficial.
- In order to obtain your Elisava acceptance letter, which is necessary for the acquisition of a student visa, you must submit a copy of your passport. If you do not have a passport and are planning to participate in this program, please apply for your passport now.
What's Included
Comprehensive Advising and Support
Comprehensive Advising and Support
A team of helpful ISA staff members is here to support you through the entire study abroad process, from finding the perfect program through re-entry. The Program Advisors will help you choose your program based on your unique objectives. Once you’ve selected your program, you will work with your Program Manager on the application process as well as pre-departure forms and finances. Your Program Manager will also assist with academics, housing, visas, and city-living/cultural guidance.
In addition to individual advising, you will receive virtual resources to help prepare you for your time abroad. This includes the ISA Student Portal, which houses your program application, pre-departure forms/resources, and the online orientation. The online orientation is a pre-cursor to the on-site orientations and offers city-specific resources about living in your host city, communication, packing, diversity abroad, how to be academically successful, and more.
24-Hour Emergency
24-Hour Emergency
The ISA Health, Safety, and Security team facilitates an in-house on-call system with a U.S.-based employee and manager who are on-call and available in case of emergency 24-7. ISA regular office hours are Monday through Thursday, 7:00am - 7:00pm and Friday, 7:00am - 5:00pm Central Time.
If you are a parent or student needing assistance in an emergency situation outside of the regular office hours, please call the ISA office at 512-480-8522 to access the ISA emergency contact information for that particular week. Students who experience an emergency while abroad will also have access to on-site staff 24-hour emergency assistance.
Comprehensive Health, Safety, and Security Support
Comprehensive Health, Safety, and Security Support
Health, Safety, and Security (HSS) for ISA students is jointly managed by our resident staff and HSS team. This team works to monitor risk at program locations, respond to any crises that may arise, and develop policies to further ensure the health, safety, and security of students abroad with ISA.
Airport Reception
Airport Reception
Ground transportation is provided from the airport as long as you arrive during the ISA designated arrival date and time and at the appropriate airport. Upon acceptance into your program, you will receive the “How to Book Your Flight” form which outlines the specific details for airport reception.
Airport reception is not provided for most Intensive Month or J-Term programs.
Tuition at the Host University
Tuition at the Host University
Tuition and administrative fees at the host university are included in the program price. Classes are held at the host university and are taught by local and/or visiting faculty. Some classes will have additional fees that are not included in the program price.
Spanish Visa Support
Spanish Visa Support
Housing
Housing
Housing is guaranteed and included in the price of all ISA programs, with the exception of Pacific programs, in which housing is offered at an additional cost. Accommodation options will vary according to program site and session. For more details about ISA's housing options and applicable security deposits, please refer to the housing tab for your program of interest.
Meals and Laundry Service
Meals and Laundry Service
The possibility for included meals and/or laundry services vary per location and housing option. Meals and laundry services are provided with most homestays to a degree. For more details, please refer to the housing tab for your program of interest.
Bridging Cultures Orientation
Bridging Cultures Orientation
The Bridging Cultures Orientation will be delivered to you in the first few days of your time abroad. It is designed to prepare you for a successful, positive, and rewarding experience that will influence the rest of your life. This is accomplished through introducing you to your host city’s culture and infrastructure as well as through goal setting, intercultural awareness, diversity and professional development activities.
Full-Time Resident Staff
Full-Time Resident Staff
The full-time resident staff is available to assist you with all aspects of your experience abroad. The resident staff provides support during official course registration and arranges the Bridging Cultures Program orientation, excursions, weekly meetings, cultural activities, and much more. Staff members are trained to ensure the well-being of each program participant and are dedicated to facilitating a positive and meaningful study abroad experience.
On-Site ISA Offices
On-Site ISA Offices
Most program locations have an on-site ISA office within the program city. The on-site offices provide you with an additional comfortable space in the city and serve as a common meeting place and resource center.
Internet Access
Internet Access
As an ISA student, you will enjoy free internet access at ISA on-site offices, computer labs at the host university, and/or your ISA housing.
ISA Discovery Model
ISA Discovery Model
ISA programs facilitate learning and development through co-curricular activities. We rely on host universities to provide quality instruction in the classroom, but ISA is the main facilitator of learning outside of the classroom. Efforts to promote student learning are shaped by a teaching and learning framework we call the ISA Discovery Model.
According to this model, student learning and development is organized into five areas of discovery: 1. Intercultural, 2. Historical, 3. Sociopolitical, 4. Professional and 5. Environmental
Throughout the duration of your ISA program, we provide you with the opportunity to pursue these five areas of discovery through the Bridging Cultures Orientation, excursions, cultural activities, and references to non-ISA sponsored events and opportunities.
Excursions
Excursions
Organized excursions are included with each program to complement the academic component of your abroad experience. These complementary experiences are designed to engage student learning outside of the classroom in the five areas of the Discovery Model. Transportation and guided tours are included, as well as hotel accommodations and breakfast during multi-day excursions. Additional optional excursions may be offered during each program that are not included in the program cost.
Excursions are not included for Intensive Month, J-Term, and some summer sessions.
Cultural Activities
Cultural Activities
The ISA program staff develops unique cultural activities custom-designed to invite you to experience the local color of your host city, while learning about the history and culture of your new surroundings. Speaking the native language with locals, tasting the regional cuisine, and partaking in the native traditions are only a few of the ways these cultural activities lead to full appreciation of the program city.
Insurance
Insurance
A Blanket Accident and Sickness Policy is included in the program and covers you during the official on-site period of the program. This is not an optional benefit; every ISA participant will be covered by this policy. A full description of coverage can be found on the ISA website.
We recommend that you maintain comprehensive health insurance while abroad. This is particularly important if you have any pre-existing conditions but is also beneficial if you have an injury or illness while abroad and require further treatment upon your return home. Please be sure to consult with your current insurance provider to confirm coverage policies while traveling abroad.
Official Transcript from the Host University
Official Transcript from the Host University
Upon completion of the ISA program, your host university will issue an official transcript with all coursework taken abroad. ISA's Academic Records Department will process and forward the official transcript to the appropriate office at your home university, and a photocopy will be sent to your permanent home address for your records. ISA will provide a cover letter to accompany the transcript with important academic information, including the host university's grading system and recommended U.S. letter grade equivalencies, translated course titles, and credit conversion recommendations.
Professional Development Toolbox
Professional Development Toolbox
The Professional Development Toolbox, available in the online orientation section of the student portal, will help you identify the skills and key competencies you have developed through your personal, academic, and cultural experiences. This toolbox helps you to articulate the transferable skills developed through study abroad in a way that shows potential employers or post-graduate universities the benefits our you will provide them as a direct result of your experience abroad.
Scholarship Opportunities
Scholarship Opportunities
As an ISA participant, you will have the opportunity to apply for scholarships or grants that can be applied directly to assist with your study abroad program. ISA offers over $1,000,000 in scholarships and grants each year. To see what opportunities are available, please visit the Support & Funding page.
Academics
Credits
ECTS Credits
24
Recommended U.S. Semester Credits
24
Recommended U.S. Quarter Units
36
Academic Information
Students will use design programs such as Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop, and Adobe InDesign in many of their classes, so background knowledge or familiarity with several or all of these programs would be benificial.
COURSE AVAILABILITY
- Please note that the offering below is a sample, based on what Elisava has offered in previous semesters. Once the official offering has been received and the courses have been updated, this message will dissappear.
- Courses and course availability are subject to change. Requests for sample syllabi can be made to the Barcelona Program Manager.
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Track A
Students without a background in design will be required to take the three mandatory graphic design courses and can round out their enrollment with one other design and visual art course options, or a Spanish language course. -
Track B
Students with a background in design have the option of selecting four courses from the graphic design and visual arts course offering list, or they may choose to take three courses from this list, along with a Spanish language class.
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LANGUAGE COURSES AND PLACEMENT EXAM
- There is no language requirement for this program. No student, regardless of language level, will be required to enroll in Spanish language. However, it is strongly encouraged that students enroll in language in order to fully immerse themselves in the language and culture of the area.
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Enrollment in Spanish courses is determined by the results of a language placement exam administered by the host university. Please note that your performance on the placement exam may not reflect the number of semesters of language instruction you’ve already completed at your home university. We strongly suggest that students who are trying to place into any level of language beyond true beginning prepare for the language placement exam by reviewing previous coursework. Availability of Spanish courses is based on enrollment numbers. All students should seek pre-approval for alternate courses in the event of last-minute cancelations.
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All students should prepare alternate courses in the event that a Spanish level is canceled due to lack of enrollment.
COURSE LEVEL RECOMMENDATIONS
- Determination of course equivalencies will be done by advisors and credential evaluators at participants' U.S. home institutions.
COURSE CREDIT
- Per the Universidad de Vic - Elisava 6 ECTS = 3 U.S. Credits
- ISA can recommend credit equivalencies, but credit transfer is ultimately determined by the student's home university.
TRANSCRIPT INFORMATION
- The transcript from the Universidad de Vic - Elisava will reflect ECTS credits for each course listed below. The contact hours for each course will not be reflected on the transcript but are listed in order to help determine transfer credit. Please be in touch with your U.S. university regarding transfer credit for this program.
Courses
select allclear all
Course Disclaimer
- Courses and course hours of instruction are subject to change.
Support & Funding
U.S. Team
Danielle Ramsey-Smith
Senior Program Manager, Spain
Iowa Native Danielle graduated from Central College with a B.A. in Spanish and Sociology. During undergrad, Danielle studied abroad in Spain, Germany/Austria, and Mexico. After graduation, she worked as an English teacher for high school students in Madrid, Spain. Upon to her return to the U.S., Danielle worked as a summer camp director and eventually went back to get a Master’s degree in Higher Education and Student Affairs at the University of Iowa so she could better help students in their journeys. Danielle loved her international experiences and can’t wait to share her knowledge about international education, Spain, personal experiences and more with students! In her free time Danielle likes hiking with her dogs, kayaking, music, language learning, and reading. As a Program Manager, Danielle looks forward to guiding students on their journey to international adventures, educational experiences, and unexpected opportunities!
Anna Bonura
Program Manager, Spain
Born and raised in Florida, Anna graduated from Rollins College with a Bachelor of Arts degree in International Relations and Spanish. Always ready for new opportunities to travel and see more of the world, Anna spent a summer in Madrid, Spain and a semester abroad in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Upon graduation, Anna moved to the small little island of Menorca, Spain to teach English to primary school students. She loved everything about her experience in Spain and is so excited to share her knowledge and stories with students. Anna is passionate about international education and language learning, and she loves music and yoga. As a Program Manager, Anna is so excited to help guide students on an exceptional and unforgettable adventure, much like her own, abroad.
BARCELONA TEAM
Manuel Urí Martín
Resident Director, Spain
Manuel Urí Martín
Resident Director
Born and raised in Madrid, Manuel Urí Martín studied at the Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, where he received his doctorate in Spanish Philology. He has taught as a professor at the Université Stendhal in Grenoble, France; at Carleton University in Canada and also at the Universidad Internacional Menéndez Pelayo in Santander, the Canary Islands and Seville. Manuel started working at ISA in 2008 and has been the ISA Resident Director in both Madrid and Barcelona during this time. His extensive work experience, passionate personality and sincere desire that each one of his students enjoy studying abroad, undoubtedly make him a great member of the ISA team. Manuel and the rest of the ISA Barcelona staff are dedicated to making your experience in Spain an excellent one.
Cristina Canales Contador
Senior Cultural Activities Coordinator, Spain
Cristina Canales Contador
Senior Cultural Activities Coordinator
Cristina was born in Barcelona and graduated from the University of Barcelona with a Bachelor’s degree in Tourism and Management. Cristina has been working in ISA for more than 9 years, she is very passionate about her work as she enjoys helping students have the richest experience possible. In addition, Cristina speaks Catalan, Spanish, English, and some French. In her free time, Cristina is passionate about Barcelona, its culture and nature, loves to spend time with her friends, traveling and trying food from all around the world! One of her best experiences was to travel to India with his grandfather and doing volunteering service with Fundación Vicente Ferrer, an NGO that works in Anantapur, the poorest area of the country. Traveling abroad has change her life and the way to see the different cultures.
Daniel Ostad
Senior Housing Coordinator, Spain
Daniel Ostad
Senior Housing Coordinator
Daniel grew up in Washington, DC and graduated from the College of Charleston in South Carolina with a degree in Anthropology. He has gained a passion for international education, travel, and cultural understanding through his own adventures throughout North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia and Africa. As a college student, Daniel studied abroad with ISA in Granada, Spain. Later in 2001, he joined the ISA Granada team then in 2008 he became the Resident Director in ISA Meknes, Morocco until 2017. Since then Daniel has been coordinating housing in Barcelona. On his free time he enjoys biking, snorkeling, skating, hiking and yoga, however surfing is his obsession. When there are no waves you can usually find Daniel relaxing in one of Barcelona’s many outdoor cafes.
Janelle Forster
Senior Student Care Coordinator, Spain
Janelle Forster
Senior Student Care Coordinator
Although originally from southern Idaho, Janelle has spent most of her life living outside of the United States. Her first move abroad was at the age of seven, when her family moved to England and the Netherlands for a year-long sabbatical. Later on, she supplemented her studies with two study abroad programs: the first in Calgary, Canada, to study architecture and then with ISA in Barcelona. Before moving back to Barcelona in 2007, she graduated from the University of Idaho with a B.S. in Architecture and a B.A. in Spanish. She found her calling as an ISA director in 2010, and since then has enjoyed managing the Student Care Department. In her free time, she enjoys travelling, dancing, cooking and riding horses, and is always open to new experiences!
Danielle Roberge
Strategic Programs Manager, Spain
Danielle Roberge
Strategic Programs Manager
Danielle was born in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains and has lived in various parts of the United States, France and now Spain. She first studied abroad in Paris, France when she was just 15 years old and there she developed a taste for learning new languages and exploring different cultures. Over the years she has participated in many study abroad programs in various countries around the world and has earned a B.A. in International Studies from Maryville College and a M.A. in International Education from SIT Graduate Institute. In 2015, she took a leap of faith and moved to Spain, where she plans to settle down. In her free time she enjoys listening to live music, hiking, camping, sailing, paddle surfing, and BBQ-ing on her balcony.
David Pardos i Aybar
Student Services Coordinator, Spain
David Pardos i Aybar
Student Services Coordinator
Rossella De Gregorio
Student Services Coordinator, Spain
Rossella De Gregorio
Student Services Coordinator
Judit Solans
Cultural Activities Coordinator, Spain
Judit Solans
Cultural Activities Coordinator
Matthew Rizzo
Academics and Student Care Coordinator, Spain
Matthew Rizzo
Academics and Student Care Coordinator
Walter Uribe
Academic Coordinator, Spain
Walter Uribe
Academic Coordinator
Walter spent most of his life living in Mataró, a town on the coast north of Barcelona, but came back to the city shortly after university. After completing his Humanities degree at the Pompeu Fabra University, he also achieved a postgraduate degree in Music Business at the same university. He loves music and production and whenever the occasion arises, he enjoys getting on the microphone and singing some R&B. While working at the famous Liceu theatre in Barcelona, he discovered a profound appreciation for opera and a new interest in sharing his culture with people from other countries through music. Walter takes pride in helping students while they are far from home and hopes to help them discover the beauty of Barcelona.
Funding Your ISA Program
Wondering how you’ll fund your program? ISA’s got you covered! If you receive financial aid for your home university, you will likely be able to use those funds for study abroad too. The first step is usually speaking with your home university. Check out the steps for using financial aid here.
Need to know how much to budget for a term abroad? Take a look at the additional expenses you might expect, depending on your program.
As an ISA participant, you have the opportunity to apply for scholarships and grants that can be applied directly to assist with your study abroad programs. We offer over $1,000,000 in scholarships and grants each year. To see what opportunities are available, visit the scholarships and grants page.
View all Funding OptionsHousing
Living in ISA housing will allow you the opportunity to experience aspects of the Spanish lifestyle that are inaccessible to the average visitor. Regardless of your housing option, you will have a short commute to your university. Travel times to the various university buildings generally range between 15 and 35 minutes depending on housing and class locations. With an open and adaptable mind, the experience of living in another culture can be highly rewarding.
We strive to match your housing preferences with our available accommodations, however, housing preference requests cannot be guaranteed.
Homestay
Host families are a great choice if you are seeking full linguistic and cultural immersion during your time abroad. Each host family has been carefully selected by ISA’s resident staff in order to best accommodate your needs and to ensure a comfortable living situation. Homestays will provide two meals a day and laundry service once a week. You will typically share a room with another ISA student of the same gender. Single rooms may be available for an additional fee.
Apartment
Apartments are a great housing option if you are seeking complete independence during your time abroad. Apartments are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis, and availability is limited. Rent and utilities are included in the program price, and each apartment is fully furnished. Apartments, spread throughout the city, typically house four-six ISA students, and are made up of single and double occupancy rooms. Meals and laundry service are not included. In this ISA housing option, you will pay a $500 security deposit. ISA may retain some, or all, of this deposit in the event of damage to property, or if utility usage exceeds the allotted monthly amount.
Student Residence
The student residence is a great choice if you would like to be independent while living with other international and local students. With availability limited on a first-come, first-served basis, you will room with another ISA student of the same gender. Single rooms may also be available for an additional fee. Meals are not included and laundry can be done on-site with coin-operated machines. In this ISA housing option, you will pay a $500 security deposit. ISA may retain some, or all, of this deposit in the event of damage to property, or if utility usage exceeds the allotted monthly amount.
Independent Housing
You may elect to secure housing independently. If you select this option, you will receive a discount equal to the housing portion of the program price.
Excursions
THERE’S MORE TO DISCOVER WITH ISA
Valencia
Valencia is famous for its beaches, oranges, paella, and the "City of Arts and Sciences", an eye-catching cultural complex hosting museums, performing arts, and the biggest aquarium in Europe. After exploring the city, you will have the chance to enjoy a fabulous day on the beach, taking part in water sports such as paddle boarding, surfing, canoeing, etc. A 100% Mediterranean experience!
Valencia
Valencia is famous for its beaches, oranges, paella, and the "City of Arts and Sciences", an eye-catching cultural complex hosting museums, performing arts, and the biggest aquarium in Europe. After exploring the city, you will have the chance to enjoy a fabulous day on the beach, taking part in water sports such as paddle boarding, surfing, canoeing, etc. A 100% Mediterranean experience!
Sitges
On this excursion you will visit one of the most emblematic towns on the Catalan coast, just south of Barcelona. Famous for its charming downtown and beautiful beaches, Sitges was also an important modernist center in the 1960’s. On the way you will visit a cava cellar where you will learn about the manufacturing process of the Catalan champagne.
Sitges
On this excursion you will visit one of the most emblematic towns on the Catalan coast, just south of Barcelona. Famous for its charming downtown and beautiful beaches, Sitges was also an important modernist center in the 1960’s. On the way you will visit a cava cellar where you will learn about the manufacturing process of the Catalan champagne.
Morocco * Optional
This multi-day, optional excursion takes you across Morocco, one of the most colorful and diverse countries in the world. It encompasses direct cultural encounters with locals, guided tours through the medina, and opportunities to learn the ins and outs of haggling with Moroccan vendors. You will have unforgettable experiences in the Sahara desert riding camels and waking up to see the spectacular views of the sunrise.
Morocco
This multi-day, optional excursion takes you across Morocco, one of the most colorful and diverse countries in the world. It encompasses direct cultural encounters with locals, guided tours through the medina, and opportunities to learn the ins and outs of haggling with Moroccan vendors. You will have unforgettable experiences in the Sahara desert riding camels and waking up to see the spectacular views of the sunrise.
Cultural Activities in Barcelona
The ISA on-site team encourages you to explore the city and culture of Barcelona. The team facilitates this by offering a robust calendar of events that showcase what makes Barcelona special.
These activities vary each term, and previous offerings have included a soccer league, intercambios (language exchange with locals), cooking classes, and city tours (Sagrada Familia, City Bus Tour, Gothic Quarter, etc.).*
*These activities are available to students at little to no additional cost.
Cultural Activities in Barcelona
The ISA on-site team encourages you to explore the city and culture of Barcelona. The team facilitates this by offering a robust calendar of events that showcase what makes Barcelona special.
These activities vary each term, and previous offerings have included a soccer league, intercambios (language exchange with locals), cooking classes, and city tours (Sagrada Familia, City Bus Tour, Gothic Quarter, etc.).*
*These activities are available to students at little to no additional cost.