Frequently Asked Questions
Still have lingering questions? Looking for more information on housing or payment options? Check through our frequently asked questions.
ALBA is a life-changing experience.
It is a small, personalized program that gives students the opportunity to add a truly unique element to their educational journey, allowing for both personal and professional growth.
Most importantly, ALBA offers accredited classes that apply to many degree paths while facilitating an intercultural perspective that can only be achieved by stepping foot in Barcelona. This knowledge will serve students throughout their entire lives.
Outside the classroom, students are immersed in the local culture through sponsored excursions, cooking classes, and other staff-led outings. All of this is included in the program’s fees.
ALBA is like a family—here to help and make sure everything goes smoothly.
Eligibility for the ALBA program is essentially:
- 18 years of age.
- In good standing at your home institution.
- 2.5 GPA minimum or a professor letter of recommendation.
- Sophomore, junior, or senior standing when the program begins.
- No previous Spanish language courses nor Spanish language required.
Do you meet all of the above requirements?
Submit your application here
Registering for the ALBA portal is the first step to studying abroad. Staff will then reach out to the student if there are additional tasks required.
Students are encouraged to apply for the program as soon as possible. Typically, ALBA suggests that students begin preparing to study abroad at least six months in advance. Depending on the term, there may still be spots available up to three months before the start of the term. However, it is best to be proactive and secure a spot in the program early on.
During Fall, Winter, and Spring terms, students are enrolled in classes for ten weeks.
The Summer term is a six-week intensive session, allowing students to earn the full amount of credits in a shorter time.
The program is not restricted to a single term. Students are invited to combine multiple terms, making it possible to study abroad for anywhere from two consecutive quarters up to an entire year.
ALBA is a flexible, quarter-length program that admits students from both semester and quarter-based schools. We have a long history of welcoming students who wish to study abroad for a single quarter as well as those who want to combine several terms.
No matter the length of study or the student’s home institution, ALBA has proven to be a great option for everyone.
- Portland State University enrollment (UW students will be enrolled at UW), transcripts, and other required campus fees.
- Tuition, including small-group classes with excellent professors from some of Spain’s finest universities.
- All class field trips and entrance fees to cultural institutions.
- Comprehensive medical insurance, except for UW students, who arrange their own insurance.
- 24-hour emergency assistance service.
- Up to 22 quarter credits or 15 semester credits.
- Five ALBA-sponsored full-day excursions outside of Barcelona.
- Cooking classes in the ALBA kitchen with a local chef.
Students should expect access to the student portal to complete enrollment tasks.
The portal allows students to manage payment tasks, access financial guidance, set up payment plan arrangements, and more.
After enrollment, students will be connected with ALBA staff and receive timely information via email to help them take daily steps toward their study abroad journey.
Our school is located right in the Barrio Gótico in the absolute center of the city. With full access to main city attractions and public transportation, you’ll find us next to plaça, in Portal de L’Angel 42.
ALBA is a haven in the heart of Barcelona. It’s a place to study, hang out, and experience interculturality.
The ALBA building has everything a student may need to facilitate learning. It’s for students to connect with professors, staff, and other students. It’s ideal for studying, meeting in groups, and it’s available for students 24/7. Students have access to common areas such as a kitchen, study tables, and a lounge. Most of all, ALBA is a place to have fun, make friends, and enjoy the views of the city center.
ALBA prides itself on being one of the most cost-effective study abroad programs. Program pricing varies based on the student’s home institution.
The costs of the program are broadly outlined on our Costs and Dates page. However, each student’s total cost may vary slightly based on their home institution.
Once accepted, students will have the option to request a student-specific cost estimate. For additional information prior to program acceptance, please contact us using the form on our website and specify your term(s) of interest and home university
Housing through ALBA is optional and must be requested in advance. When requesting housing, students must pay the housing fee or, if waiting on financial aid, contact ALBA to set up a payment plan
Although many things are included in the ALBA program, there may be additional costs. Expenses related to studying abroad can vary based on the individual student and their goals for the experience. Students should consider the cost of airfare, meals, transportation, leisure activities, and souvenirs when creating their personal study abroad budget.
Upon acceptance, students will be able to use the ALBA Student Portal to pay via credit/debit card or wire transfer.
ALBA’s refund policy states that students will receive a refund if they withdraw before the payment deadline, which is typically 90 days prior to the start of the term. It is the student’s responsibility to familiarize themselves with ALBA’s refund policies.
ALBA is a non-profit organization rather than an IRS-recognized educational institution and does not issue 1098-T forms. If a student’s home institution bills the program fees—especially for tuition—that institution is responsible for issuing the 1098-T form.
However, if a student pays ALBA directly, they may not be able to use those payments for education tax credits, as ALBA does not report these payments to the IRS as eligible tuition costs. Students who pay ALBA directly and wish to determine whether they can use these payments for tax credits should request a zero-balance account statement from ALBA. This statement can then be reviewed by a tax professional to assess its suitability for tax documentation.
ALBA offers a wide variety of upper-division courses. Students are encouraged to review the courses offered and discuss their options with their academic advisors. ALBA also provides Spanish language courses for students who wish to improve their language skills.
Students are encouraged to review the courses offered during the term they plan to study abroad. Each course includes a syllabus that outlines the course content.
It is recommended that students meet with an advisor at their home institution to discuss the transferability of courses and determine which options best suit their needs.
Students will select the courses they wish to take by completing the course selection task in their Student Portal.
Yes, ALBA is an accredited program, and the credits earned while studying abroad are generally transferable to other institutions in the U.S. However, it is essential for students to consult with their home university. Before committing to the program, students are strongly advised to obtain confirmation from their home institution that the credits they plan to take will count toward their degree.
ALBA classes are taught in English. The exception is Spanish language classes.
The weekly class schedule runs from Monday to Thursday, 8 AM to 8 PM. Attendance is required and expected; unexcused absences may directly impact a student’s grade.
Each term, the schedule may vary slightly to optimize class times based on professor availability and to minimize conflicts between courses.
For more information, please review the Academic Policies in the Student Portal.
Classes are held at our ALBA School Facilities. We have five fully equipped classrooms where classes take place daily. Nonetheless, professors often invite students to join classes on the streets of Barcelona to learn beyond the classroom and gain cultural insight.
Yes! ALBA offers multiple housing options to suit a variety of study abroad experiences. However, housing is not included by default. Students are responsible for requesting ALBA-arranged accommodations in advance if they require them.
ALBA offers multiple housing options for students upon request.
Our accommodations are designed to enhance intercultural experiences while meeting the unique housing standards of the city of Barcelona.
Yes, students are allowed to arrange their own accommodations.
Independent housing arrangements are available only for the Fall, Spring, and Winter terms.
If a student chooses to secure their own housing, we recommend doing so before the ALBA housing deadline. This ensures they can still fall back on ALBA-sponsored options if they encounter difficulties finding a suitable place.
Once a student has reviewed the housing options that are available, and decided which option is best for them, they will be able to select and pay for their housing in the student portal.
Studying abroad can be a life-changing experience! Students have the opportunity to build self-confidence and develop intercultural competence through their time abroad. Immersing themselves in another culture challenges students to step out of their comfort zone, fostering a deeper understanding not only of the world around them but also of themselves and their personal goals.
ALBA offers many opportunities for cultural advantages included in the experience, such as cooking classes, ALBA sponsored excursions and staff lead outings. Participating in these activities gives students the opportunity to become fully immersed in the local culture.
Studying abroad is an incredible opportunity, and taking some time to prepare can make the experience even more rewarding. Here are a few strategies students have used in the past to get the most out of their time abroad:
Goal Setting
Setting personal goals and intentions is a great way to stay motivated and focused. It helps provide direction, improves time management, and ensures students make the most of their experience.
Research Barcelona
Students shouldn’t wait until arrival to learn about their new city. There are many online resources that can help them become familiar with Barcelona’s culture, neighborhoods, and daily life.
Talk to Advisors and Alumni
Communication is key. Students should consult their advisors at their home institution and read about alumni experiences to gain insight and tips for navigating life in Barcelona.
Plan Travel Wisely
Barcelona and its surroundings offer countless opportunities for exploration. While weekend trips may be tempting, students should prioritize ALBA activities and other local experiences before booking far-off excursions, ensuring they don’t miss out on the city’s unique offerings.
Yes, it is!
Students will be enrolled at Portland State University for the duration of the program and will be covered under the policies associated with this enrollment.
While students coming from the University of Washington receive a tuition reduction, this allows them to allocate those funds toward the insurance required by the UW Global Business Center.
ALBA follows North American and Spanish practices for post-secondary institutions by making every effort to provide students with disabilities an equal opportunity to participate in courses, programs, and activities. It is the student’s responsibility to notify ALBA well in advance of any disabilities that require accommodation. Certain conditions may not be possible to accommodate, so please contact us for more information.
Barcelona is a relatively safe city. However, while violent incidents are rare, theft is a common problem that students may encounter. This makes it especially important for students to be responsible and vigilant with their personal belongings. Students will participate in a safety workshop during orientation to ensure they have the information they need to stay safe.
Safety is our number one priority:
- ALBA has established safety and emergency protocols for a variety of situations.
- ALBA staff are experienced in the city and well qualified to assist with any student-related incidents.
- Throughout the term, students have access to a 24/7 emergency line managed by ALBA staff.
- Before the start of the term, students are required to provide ALBA with their emergency contact information.
- In the event of an emergency, ALBA will communicate with the student and actively inform their emergency contacts of any developing situation.
Typically, students attending our program do not require a student visa. However, there are some cases in which they must apply for a visa:
The student is attending ALBA for two or more consecutive terms.
The student is not an American citizen, nor a national of a country that is exempt from a visa to enter the EU Schengen area.
They should definitely not. We advise students not to submit visa requests for dates outside the program period. ALBA can only provide a letter confirming the program dates. Therefore, if a student requests a visa to travel before or after their study abroad experience, the Spanish consulate is likely to reject the petition. Traveling for leisure is not considered a valid reason to remain within the EU beyond the 90 days allowed under the Schengen Agreement for short-term travel.
The Schengen Agreement is an international treaty between the EU and countries such as the USA, allowing foreign travelers to visit the European Schengen Area (including Spain) for up to 90 consecutive days without a visa.
This agreement makes studying abroad with ALBA much easier, as many students join us for a single quarter term without needing to apply for a visa. The 90-day limit established by the Schengen Agreement provides more than enough time to study abroad and enjoy some travel before returning home.
For more information, please visit: https://schengenvisainfo.com/schengen-area/
Round-trip tickets
Upon entrance, students may be required to prove that they have no intention of overstaying their welcome in the EU. As a precaution, we always suggest buying a round-trip ticket. This is generally sufficient proof of having the intention to return home before meeting the exit date established by law.
ETIAS
Fall Term 2026 and onwards: All students who are exempt from presenting a visa to enter the EU Schengen area must apply and pay for the ETIAS travel authorization, as it will be required upon arrival in the European Union.
For more information, please visit the following website: https://travel-europe.europa.eu/en/etias
Before a student applies for a visa, they must ask themselves whether they qualify to obtain one. Only students who meet the following criteria should undergo the procedure of applying for a student visa to study abroad:
- The student is attending ALBA for two or more consecutive terms.
- The student is not an American citizen, nor a national of a country that is exempt from a visa to enter the EU Schengen area.
Students who fit the above criteria must apply for a visa at least 2 months before the start of the program.
Application process
Locate your Spanish Consulate
Visit the Official Spanish Foreign Affairs Website to locate the institution that is closest and most convenient for you.
Schedule an appointment
Once on your chosen consulate’s website, immediately request an appointment, as they do tend to get booked. It is important that the date selected is not before 90 days from the beginning of the program.
Study the requirements specific to your consulate
Each consulate has a specific list of documents as well as an application form that you must fill out and present on the day of your appointment. Study them carefully and work to gather them as soon as possible (ALBA will provide you some of the required documents).
Attend your appointment
Be there on time with all the necessary documents. Dress nicely to give a good impression. After your interview, you will be required to leave your passport at the consulate so they can apply the visa to your passport. You will be told at your appointment whether or not you will have to return to pick up your passport after the visa application is over.
Check your status
You will be given a link that you must check regularly to see the status of your visa application. It can take up to four weeks to receive news of their verdict.
Once you know the result of your application, contact us.
Cost
The approximate cost of your visa application is $160. Although, there may be some other costs if you are required legal translations of your documents
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