Dates & Costs
ALBA Study Abroad caters to both quarter system schools and semester schools for both one term and consecutive term academic, immersive experiences. View the ALBA Academic Calendar.
We also take great pride in being one of the most dynamic, yet very affordable, study abroad programs available. How do we do it? The answer is actually pretty simple: We adamantly believe that everyone should have the opportunity to live and study abroad in this amazing Mediterranean city and to experience and learn about the world, so we do everything in our power to make it possible. View program tuition and housing costs
Dates
The ALBA program runs year-round with quarter terms that can easily add up to be equivalent to a full semester or even an entire year studying abroad in Barcelona. The length of your experience is up to you, all you have to do is check with your home institution Academic Advisor about all classes of interest to ensure academic compatibility.
More Info on Dates and Application Deadlines
Portland State University students – application process
Application deadline for Portland State University (PSU) students is well before this date and PSU applicants, ONLY PSU applicants, must complete the Vikings Abroad process and be cleared by PSU to attend. See advisor Rachel Landers at PSU Education Abroad to help get you started.
University of Washington students – application process
All students from the University of Washington (both Foster and non-Foster students) must apply through the UW Foster School of Business, Global Business Center, and wait for approval before filling in the ALBA application form. See Caroline Zeiher at the UW Foster Global Business Center for more information.
Students from all other universities – application process and transfer credits
Students from all universities are encouraged to apply to the ALBA program. In fact, we strive to achieve as much diversity as possible every term. You apply directly to ALBA. Once admitted and just before the beginning of the term you’re attending, ALBA will enroll you at Portland State University, which is where your transfer credits and transcripts will come from after the term has finished. Financial aid is available to all through PSU.
Costs
We work hard at making our program as affordable as possible so that everyone can have the chance to enjoy this truly unforgettable experience.
ALBA has no hidden costs. Although prices may vary according to agreements with our different partner schools, once you have paid the total cost of the program, there are no additional costs. The following chart is for approximate reference only.
*These amounts vary slightly (affecting the total) depending on the institution you are coming from, and your chosen housing option.
**Housing is optional and must be requested in advance. ALBA offers various sponsored housing options in addition to a shared apartment.
More Info on Costs, Payments and Refund Policy
The program INCLUDES:
- Portland State University enrollment (UW students will be enrolled at UW), transcripts, and other required campus fees.
- Tuition. Small-group classes with excellent professors from some of Spain’s finest universities.
- Comprehensive medical insurance. Except for UW Students, who hire their own insurance.
- 24-hour emergency assistance service.
- Up to 22 Quarter credits or 15 Semester credits.
- All class field trips and entrances to cultural institutions.
- Airport transfer to accommodation (If arriving within recommended dates and times).
- Orientation lunch and various Barcelona city tours.
- Cooking classes at ALBA kitchen with a local chef.
- All class field trips and entrances to cultural institutions.
- At least four ALBA-sponsored full-day excursions out of Barcelona.
The program DOES NOT INCLUDE:
- Flight or other transportation to and from, or around (Metro and Bus), Barcelona.
- Food or personal expenses or travel expenses beyond ALBA-sponsored events.
- Housing accommodation. If students wish to live in some of the ALBA-sponsored accommodation options, they must inform ALBA and pay the housing fees, at least 60 days before the start of the term.
- Class textbooks, and reading materials.
Payments
Once admitted, you will receive an acceptance letter and ALBA will provide you with two invoices: Program Deposit and Program Balance Payment. Both these payments will add up to cover the total cost of the program.
Program Deposit
The Program Deposit is a portion of the total cost of the program to be paid at least 60 days before the beginning of the term or by the indicated invoice due date. This payment acts as a sign of your commitment towards the program and will save your spot as we work together, towards your goal of studying in Barcelona. As your selected term approaches ALBA will begin to make arrangements and provide services that make your study abroad experience possible. In consequence, this program deposit will become partially non-refundable within 60 days of the start of the term. Within 30 days of the term’s orientation, the deposit is non-refundable due to commitment costs such as housing, faculty and activities. Students must communicate to ALBA their decision to not attend and to receive the deposit refund prior to 30 days before the term’s Orientation.
Program Balance Payment
This balance payment must be made by the date indicated on the balance invoice unless a special arrangement has been made, in writing, with ALBA. Failure to pay the balance by the date indicated on the invoice means the student’s place on the program is not secured and the student will not be enrolled. The balance payment covers the remaining costs associated with your ALBA term studying abroad.
Only students waiting for their financial aid to be disbursed may request for an extension to the payment due date. Balance payments are partially non-refundable up to 50% within 30 days of the term’s Orientation due to commitment costs such as housing, faculty and activities, and 100% non-refundable after the start of the term. Students must communicate to ALBA their decision to not attend and to receive the balance refund prior to 30 days before the term’s Orientation.
Applications Open
Receiving applications for academic years 2025 and 2026
