Universitat Abat Oliba
Introduction
Barcelona - a seaside city that can only be described as living, breathing art in motion. CUA students interested in spending a semester in Barcelona have the opportunity to do so through Universitat Abat Oliba (UAO). The UAO is a Catholic higher education institution that promotes "a continuous quest for truth... and the preservation and communication of knowledge for the good of society." Despite being located in Barcelona, which maintains a proud Catalan heritage, most courses are taught in English or Spanish to the benefit of UOA's diverse, international student population.
Academics & Curriculum
CUA students spending a semester at UAO enroll in 5 classes worth 30 ECT, or 15 US credits. It is possible to take a full course-load in English-taught courses, but those wishing to take classes taught in Spanish should be at an intermediate skill level before going abroad. Applicants should know that class sizes range from 10-60 students, and that students are welcome to enroll in courses from different schools/departments without restriction.
An easily navigable spreadsheet of course offerings compiled by the Office of Education Abroad
can be found here. For a list of all available courses and course syllabi, students
can search Universitat Abat Oliba's website here. Choose an area of study, select a degree track, and then click "Study Plan". The syllabi will be under the drop-down menus. Please be sure to take note of the language of instruction.
Students selected by the Office of Education Abroad to participate in this program will receive an email from the international office at UAO containing additional application materials, including a learning agreement in which students may submit their requested courses.
2023-2024 Abat Oliba Factsheet:
1. UAO CEU 2023-24-Factsheet.pdf
2023-2024 Courses in English:
Courses in English UAO CEU.pdf
Accommodation & Meals
Participants on this program live in shared, furnished apartments offered through an independent housing provider. Apartments are located approximately 30 to 45 minutes by public transit from campus. Students should plan ahead for their commutes to class - this is a great time to get some reading done or catch a glimpse of a different part of the city.
The apartment includes double rooms furnished with broadband internet (pack an ethernet cable!), washer and drying rack, shared bathroom, and kitchen, which includes a refrigerator, stove, oven, cookware, utensils, and dishes. The rooms include a shared desk with a clean, thick mattresses in good condition, clean pillows in good condition, bed linens (one set per resident), comforters (one per resident), and towels (two per resident).
Students are responsible for providing their own meals. Many grocery stores, cafes, and restaurants are located within walking distance of the apartments.
Scholarships
Students attending this program may wish to consider applying for one or more of the following scholarships:
Other scholarship options are listed on the Office of Education Abroad's
scholarships webpage.
Exchange Scholars
Exchange Scholar programs at The Catholic University of America provide an immersive international experience for a limited number of highly qualified students. This exclusive opportunity enables students to study at a select group of prestigious universities worldwide. Exchange partner schools are selected on the basis of mission, academic excellence, dedication to internationalization, and a commitment to research.
