Language Requirement: None
Academic Standing by Program Start: Sophomore or above
Location: Europe, Spain
GPA: 2.75

Program Overview

In this exchange program, you will enroll directly in classes at Blanquerna School of Communication and International Relations at Ramon Llull University, located in the center of Barcelona. The university specializes in International Relations and educating and training journalists, publicists, public relations professionals, and professionals in the fields of cinema and television. As an exchange student, you will be able to take classes in Communication, International Relations, or Global Communication Management, and there are classes available in English, Spanish, and Catalan.

There are approximately 2,000 students enrolled in the Blanquerna School of Communication and International Relations, so you can expect to experience a smaller campus environment at Blanquerna. Classes are small, which facilitates faculty-student engagement and helps you get to know your classmates. In addition, there are a variety of extracurricular activities that are offered, including sports and music, and Blanquerna has a range of student services designed to support diverse students.

Barcelona is a vibrant city in Catalonia and sits on the coast of northeastern Spain. With a population of around 1.6 million, it is the second most populous municipality in Spain. Barcelona has a rich heritage and remains a popular destination for study abroad students. You can spend plenty of time soaking up the sun on the city’s beaches, visiting the renowned architectural wonders of Antoni Gaudi, or engaging in the many opportunities to experience arts and culture.

Dates and Deadlines

Term Year Deadline Arrival Date Departure Date
Fall Semester 2026 02/01/2026 Early September Late December
Academic Year 2026-27 02/01/2026 Early September Late June
Spring Semester 2027 02/01/2026 Early February Late June

The application process for this program is competitive: GEO staff will review your application materials, and a decision about your enrollment will not be made until after the application deadline. In some cases, an interview is required. If your program requires an interview, you will be contacted with further details about this process after the application deadline. Early applications are encouraged.

Successful applicants will receive an exchange nomination from GEO. Selection will be based on a holistic review of your application. This includes a review of your GPA, transcripts (including courses taken and in-progress), any additional requirements or prerequisites (see section "Additional Requirements"), and written statements. 

Applying for an exchange program involves 2 steps. If you receive a nomination from GEO, you will also need to complete the host university's application, which is administered and reviewed by your host university directly. Instructions will be provided after acceptance by GEO. The host university makes the final decision regarding acceptance into the program.

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Discount for Pell Recipients

To expand access to study abroad, GEO is offering a $500 discount for this program to UO students who currently have the Pell Grant as part of their federal financial aid (FAFSA).

Academic Details

Blanquerna prides itself on its ability to combine theory with practice, which encourages students’ creativity, critical analysis, and interdisciplinary work. Classes are generally small, at around 12 students, and most classes will focus on seminars and group discussions. The small class sizes promote personalized learning, and most instructors both teach and practice their craft.

Depending on the department you intend to take classes in, the primary language of instruction may vary. Most classes in Blanquerna’s Communication degrees are taught in Catalan or Spanish, and most classes in Blanquerna’s International Relations or Global Communication Management degrees are taught in English. Not all courses are open to exchange students. Each May, Blanquerna will share a list of courses that are open to exchange students and details about the language of instruction for each class.

A particularly highly recommended class for exchange students is Seminar III for exchange students, which is worth 8 ECTS credits. In addition, Blanquerna offers free Catalan and Spanish courses for exchange students each semester. These courses are credit-bearing, allowing you to earn 2 ECTS credits for each course.

Though Blanquerna does not require any evidence of Catalan or Spanish proficiency, if you do not have the minimum recommended level of proficiency (B1 within the Common European Framework), you may experience challenges participating in your courses successfully.

Students attending Blanquerna for the fall semester are required to take their final exams in December during Blanquerna's Special Session Exam. You will need to confirm with Blanquerna early in the fall semester that you wish to take your exams in December. 

Blanquerna uses the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS) which is a workload-based system for measuring and comparing study results. ECTS credits are transferred to the UO at the rate of 1 ECTS credit = .75 quarter credits. Most courses are worth 3 or 4 ECTS.

  • Students attending Blanquerna must register for 15-30 ECTS in the fall semester and for 30 ECTS in the spring semester.
  • Spring semester students: the courseload required to reach 30 ECTS is extremely rigorous (you may be required to take 8-12 classes). You are encouraged to consider applying for the fall semester or academic year.

Note: Students should consult with their UO academic advisor before submitting their course enrollment to Blanquerna.

Course Equivalencies

UO students: please refer to the UO Course Equivalency Process and the UO Office of the Registrar Course Equivalency Database.

Non-UO students: Actual credit awarded is determined by the relevant department at your university in consultation with the study abroad office. Check with your study abroad advisor for more information.

Additional Requirements

Though Catalan or Spanish language proficiency is not required, one year of experience is recommended in order to facilitate daily life in Spain. In addition, the minimum level of proficiency that is recommended in order to take courses in Spanish or Catalan is B1 within the Common European Framework.

Housing Description

Though Blanquerna can share some general recommendations about housing, you will be responsible for arranging your own housing. The main options that are available are residence halls or apartments. You are encouraged to look for accommodation well in advance, as it can be difficult to find available housing in Barcelona.

When searching for housing, it is recommended that you use a service dedicated to student housing. Barcelona Centre Universitari (BCU) is the official hosting service for universities in Barcelona. They help you to get accommodation in Barcelona, either in a hall of residence or a flat. You can browse what is available at this link.

Budget and Price

Blanquerna School of Communication and International Relations Exchange

Exchange programs have a fixed program fee that is calculated based on your Oregon residency status and the number of semesters that you spend abroad. Please note that the terms available for each exchange vary based on the university's academic calendar.

Please only include the relevant program fee when determining your estimated total cost of attendance.

2025 Fall Semester

Program Fees Paid to GEO
UO Exchange Program Fee - Oregon Resident $4,885
UO Exchange Program Fee - Non-Resident $11,550
UO Study Abroad Fee ($500 per semester) $500
Estimated UO Insurance* $300
Other Estimated Expenses
Estimated Housing (paid directly to host university or housing company)** $3,400
Estimated meals $1,200
Estimated airfare from Eugene to Barcelona $1,500
Estimated books & supplies $200
Estimated cell phone expenses $225
Estimated travel clinic & pre-departure physical $50
Estimated local transportation $250
Estimated travel to visa processing center (if applicable) $500
Estimated visa expenses $200
Estimated additional living expenses*** $1,775
Estimated cost of acquiring passport $150
Total
Total Estimated Cost of Attendance - Oregon Resident $28,815
Total Estimated Cost of Attendance - Oregon Resident $28,815
Total Estimated Cost of Attendance - Oregon Resident $28,815
Total Estimated Cost of Attendance - Non-Resident $42,145
Total Estimated Cost of Attendance - Non-Resident $42,145
Total Estimated Cost of Attendance - Non-Resident $42,145

Included in Program Costs: Program tuition, medical insurance, pre-departure orientation

* Estimated insurance cost per program, based on program length ($2.50 per day of coverage). The insurance fees will be charged to your UO student billing account. 

**For more information about estimated housing and living expenses, please visit: https://www.blanquerna.edu/en/accommodation

***This is a rough estimate for other living expenses, such as doing laundry, buying toiletries, going to the movies, etc. This amount will vary depending on your spending habits. This does not include personal travel. 

Please visit GEO Billing Information for information about how you will be billed and when payments are due.

Cancellation Policy

Cancellation Date Cancellation Penalty
Upon acceptance to program

Student agrees to $500 non-refundable program deposit 
8 weeks before program start date

Student is responsible for 50% of total GEO program fees  
Program start date or after program begins

Student is responsible for 100% of total GEO program fees 
Note that scholarship funds are not able to be applied to program deposit.

2026 Spring Semester

Total
Total Estimated Cost of Attendance - Oregon Resident $28,815
Total Estimated Cost of Attendance - Oregon Resident $28,815
Total Estimated Cost of Attendance - Oregon Resident $28,815
Total Estimated Cost of Attendance - Non-Resident $42,145
Total Estimated Cost of Attendance - Non-Resident $42,145
Total Estimated Cost of Attendance - Non-Resident $42,145
Program Fees Paid to GEO
UO Exchange Program Fee - Oregon Resident $9,770
UO Exchange Program Fee - Oregon Resident $9,770
UO Exchange Program Fee - Non-Resident $23,100
UO Exchange Program Fee - Non-Resident $23,100
UO Study Abroad Fee ($500 per semester) $1,000
UO Study Abroad Fee ($500 per semester) $1,000
Estimated UO Insurance* $770
Estimated UO Insurance* $770
Other Estimated Expenses
Estimated Housing (paid directly to host university or housing company)** $7,650
Estimated Housing (paid directly to host university or housing company)** $7,650
Estimated meals $3,000
Estimated meals $3,000
Estimated airfare from Eugene to Barcelona $1,500
Estimated airfare from Eugene to Barcelona $1,500
Estimated books & supplies $400
Estimated books & supplies $400
Estimated cell phone expenses $450
Estimated cell phone expenses $450
Estimated travel clinic & pre-departure physical $50
Estimated travel clinic & pre-departure physical $50
Estimated local transportation $375
Estimated local transportation $375
Estimated cost of acquiring passport $150
Estimated travel to visa processing center (if applicable) $500
Estimated travel to visa processing center (if applicable) $500
Estimated visa expenses $200
Estimated visa expenses $200
Estimated additional living expenses*** $3,000
Estimated additional living expenses*** $3,000

Included in Program Costs: Program tuition, medical insurance, pre-departure orientation

* Estimated insurance cost per program, based on program length ($2.50 per day of coverage). The insurance fees will be charged to your UO student billing account. 

**For more information about estimated housing and living expenses, please visit: https://www.blanquerna.edu/en/accommodation

***This is a rough estimate for other living expenses, such as doing laundry, buying toiletries, going to the movies, etc. This amount will vary depending on your spending habits. This does not include personal travel. 

Please visit GEO Billing Information for information about how you will be billed and when payments are due.

Cancellation Policy

Cancellation Date Cancellation Penalty
Upon acceptance to program

Student agrees to $500 non-refundable program deposit 
Upon acceptance to program

Student agrees to $500 non-refundable program deposit 
8 weeks before program start date

Student is responsible for 50% of total GEO program fees  
8 weeks before program start date

Student is responsible for 50% of total GEO program fees  
Program start date or after program begins

Student is responsible for 100% of total GEO program fees 
Program start date or after program begins

Student is responsible for 100% of total GEO program fees 
Note that scholarship funds are not able to be applied to program deposit.

2025-26 Academic Year

Total
Total Estimated Cost of Attendance - Oregon Resident $28,815
Total Estimated Cost of Attendance - Oregon Resident $28,815
Total Estimated Cost of Attendance - Oregon Resident $28,815
Total Estimated Cost of Attendance - Non-Resident $42,145
Total Estimated Cost of Attendance - Non-Resident $42,145
Total Estimated Cost of Attendance - Non-Resident $42,145
Program Fees Paid to GEO
UO Exchange Program Fee - Oregon Resident $9,770
UO Exchange Program Fee - Oregon Resident $9,770
UO Exchange Program Fee - Non-Resident $23,100
UO Exchange Program Fee - Non-Resident $23,100
UO Study Abroad Fee ($500 per semester) $1,000
UO Study Abroad Fee ($500 per semester) $1,000
Estimated UO Insurance* $770
Estimated UO Insurance* $770
Other Estimated Expenses
Estimated Housing (paid directly to host university or housing company)** $7,650
Estimated Housing (paid directly to host university or housing company)** $7,650
Estimated meals $3,000
Estimated meals $3,000
Estimated airfare from Eugene to Barcelona $1,500
Estimated airfare from Eugene to Barcelona $1,500
Estimated books & supplies $400
Estimated books & supplies $400
Estimated cell phone expenses $450
Estimated cell phone expenses $450
Estimated travel clinic & pre-departure physical $50
Estimated travel clinic & pre-departure physical $50
Estimated local transportation $375
Estimated local transportation $375
Estimated travel to visa processing center (if applicable) $500
Estimated travel to visa processing center (if applicable) $500
Estimated visa expenses $200
Estimated visa expenses $200
Estimated additional living expenses*** $3,000
Estimated additional living expenses*** $3,000
Estimated cost of acquiring a passport $150

Included in Program Costs: Program tuition, medical insurance, pre-departure orientation

* Estimated insurance cost per program, based on program length ($2.50 per day of coverage). The insurance fees will be charged to your UO student billing account. 

**For more information about estimated housing and living expenses, please visit: https://www.blanquerna.edu/en/accommodation

***This is a rough estimate for other living expenses, such as doing laundry, buying toiletries, going to the movies, etc. This amount will vary depending on your spending habits. This does not include personal travel. 

Please visit GEO Billing Information for information about how you will be billed and when payments are due.

Cancellation Policy

Cancellation Date Cancellation Penalty
Upon acceptance to program

Student agrees to $500 non-refundable program deposit 
Upon acceptance to program

Student agrees to $500 non-refundable program deposit 
8 weeks before program start date

Student is responsible for 50% of total GEO program fees  
8 weeks before program start date

Student is responsible for 50% of total GEO program fees  
Program start date or after program begins

Student is responsible for 100% of total GEO program fees 
Program start date or after program begins

Student is responsible for 100% of total GEO program fees 
Note that scholarship funds are not able to be applied to program deposit.

IMPORTANT: The GEO Cancellation Policy is effective from the time a student agrees to pay their non-refundable program deposit or electronically signs the program commitment form, regardless of application or acceptance status. It is essential to read this policy before a potential cancellation takes place, to fully understand the withdrawal and cancellation penalties, and to understand what it means financially to commit to a study abroad program.

Students who cancel their participation must notify GEO in writing. Email is acceptable (geoinfo@uoregon.edu). Verbal notification to GEO or notification given to a non-UO campus study abroad office is not sufficient.

For full details, see the complete GEO Cancellation Policy.

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