EAP-UAB Reciprocity Programme

EAP Study Center at UAB

EAP staff assist students to select courses for each area of study according to the student's major/minor, in order to obtain UC credit, giving advice and recommendations. On this basis, students prepare a preliminary study list, and students are allowed to attend courses during the first weeks. after this, student meet with members of EAP to finalise their study list and proceed to enrol. Enrolling at UAB is a complex process and the EAP staff is there to help will all the steps.

At the time when UC students enrol at UAB they are given a personal enrol account and a NIU (Número de Identificación Universitaria), which is a necessary tool to use the virtual campus, to contact with their professors, a to find course material and information.

One of the most important activities organised by the Study Center is a language exchange meeting to promote integration and help students improve their language level and meet new people.

Upon the arrival of UC students on campus, each student receives a UAB ID card and a welcome package containing academic material as well as fliers with general information on Barcelona and its language and culture.

The Study Center offers UC students a campus tour to visit the different departments, gymnasium, computer rooms, cinema and theatre.

An orientation is given about on-campus activities and a detailed explanation on the system to use to find suitable UAB courses. The centre also provides all the information needed on housing options offered at the UAB on site residency hall, as well as the different systems to look for off-campus housing.

University of California at UAB

Overview

Situated in the suburb of Bellaterra in the hills above Barcelona, the Autonomous University of Barcelona (UAB) is set on a unified campus in a forested setting. Its location in the green zone that surrounds the city reflects the university's focus on environmental and related societal issues at both the academic and philosophical levels. As one of the newest of Barcelona's institutions of higher learning, UAB has quickly distinguished itself on a national level for its academic excellence and research, and it is currently ranked as a premier Spanish university.

The campus organization of UAB is unique in Spain, and it will feel very natural to California students. All classrooms, department offices, sports facilities, 24-hour libraries, cafeterias, and small shops are located conveniently in the central square of the campus or among the arbors and gardens. EAP also has an office on campus to assist you.

Most EAP students live in downtown Barcelona. Frequent and rapid electric train service connects the campus with the city center and provides a relaxing commute.

Students attend classes with Spanish and international students.

Course Opportunities

Regular university courses in most academic disciplines are available; most UC students take courses in communications, film/media studies, international studies, political science/ sociology, economics, spanish literature, latin american studies, peace & conflict studies, music, history, linguistics and environmental science.

The EAP Study Center also organizes core courses in related disciplines.

Units

3 to 6 UC quarter units
Semester: Students generally enroll in four courses to meet the minimum requirement of 18 UC quarter units per semester.

Students are required to take a full-time course of study while abroad.

Language of Instruction

Spanish and Catalan

Language Study

The program begins with a four-week Spanish intensive language program (ILP) that includes an introduction to Catalan. During the year, Spanish language study is available but not required and  Catalan language study is available.

Internships, Research, and Independent Study

Independent study and internships for academic credit are possible in this program. Arrangements are generally made at the EAP Study Center after arrival.

At the Autonomous University of Barcelona in particular, you have access to an extensive network of agreements with businesses and organizations that cater to the university’s departmental strengths in the areas of political science, sociology, international (global) and intercultural studies, communications studies, music, peace and conflict studies, Education studies and  European studies.

The EAP Study Center and university are constantly adding new contacts with businesses, nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) and governmental organizations, and previous participants have explored a wide variety areas:

• Communication majors have worked • on Web and social networking projects and have also interned with local newspapers
• Political science students have worked • with NGOs that address immigration and racism issues in Spain and Catalonia
• Psychology majors have shadowed • doctors in hospitals and even joined a psychologist during interviews with inmates at a local penitentiary
• An environmental studies student • helped track EU consumption patterns for an environmental consulting firm

Whether conducting linguistic research on the intonation patterns of Valencian Catalan, leading English conversation groups, or learning about the intricacies of business through an internship at a Spanish bank, you will have numerous opportunities outside of the classroom in Barcelona to improve your language skills in a professional setting and gain practical experience in your major field of study.

The University

The Autonomous University of Barcelona was founded in 1968, a year of dramatic student activism throughout Europe. The university’s leadership has maintained its dedication to innovative and progressive education for the university’s 30,000 students. Nowhere is this more apparent than in the design of the campus itself that, unlike most European universities, brings together all of its facultades, much of the student housing, many research facilities, and libraries in one attractive setting. The faculty and administration of UAB are especially interested in international exchange and provide excellent service to EAP students both directly and through EAP’s on-campus office.

Housing

During the ILP, students live in the Colegio Mayor Sant Jordi. During this month, you find your housing for the remainder of the year in either an apartment, private home, boarding house, or colegio mayor (university residence). You may live with international students, other UC students, or Spanish students. Barcelona has a variety of distinctive neighborhoods, and staff at the EAP Study Center can advise you about which area might suit you best.

Cultural activities and excursions included in Autonomous-EAP program

• On-site orientation at the Colegio Mayor Sant Jordi
• Barcelona tour; La Pedrera, MNAC museum, Sagrada Família, Parque Güell
• General orientation at UB ( Housing, safety,...)
• Academic orientation (courses) and Welcome tour at UAB
• Tour of "modernist" Barcelona featuring Miró and Gaudì
• Excursion to Montserrat and Codorníu or Freixenet
• Excursion to Figueres ( Dalí museum) and Girona
• Excursion to Zaragoza, Belchite and Fuendetodos (Goya)
• Excursion to Valencia (Las Fallas)
• Excursion to Costa Brava ( S’Agaró and Pals)
• Excursion to Tarragona (Santes Creus) and “Calçotada”
• Tour of "medieval" Barcelona and entrance to festivals
• Entrance fees to Catalan Parliament, theater production
• Thanksgiving dinner
• Year end dinner
• Automatic transfer of credits and grades to your UC transcript