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THE Academics TEAM
THE Academics TEAM
Sensi aguilar Solano, Phd
Sensi aguilar Solano, Phd
Academic Director at Barcelona SAE
Sensi (she/her/ella) holds an MA in Intercultural Communication from the University of Sheffield and a PhD in Translation and Intercultural Studies from the University of Manchester. She studied Translation and Interpreting (English, German, and Russian) at the Universidad de Granada. She has taught Spanish language and Translation Studies at institutions including the University of Sheffield, University of Manchester, University of Leeds, University of Chicago, University of Massachusetts Boston, and Universitat Pompeu Fabra in Barcelona. Her research has been presented and published internationally.
ACADEMIC ACCOMMODATIONS
Do you use academic accommodations at your home university?
We want to provide the support you need to have a successful semester with us!
If you require accommodations, please disclose this to us as soon as possible — ideally before arrival — either in your medical self-assessment or to your Barcelona SAE advisor.
Please provide us with the required and official documentation from your doctor or university.
CULTURAL DIFFERENCES IN ACADEMICS
CULTURAL DIFFERENCES IN ACADEMICS
How might universities in Spain & Europe be different from home?
Course Scheduling
Grading
Assessment Methods
Campus Culture
Student Involvement on Campus
Athletics
Exchange Programs
Multilingualism
University Communication
Meal Times
Courses tend to meet less frequently but for longer sessions (ex. 2 hrs once a week).
Grading is tough and on a 0–10 scale in Spain, with 5 is often considered passing. Grades of 9–10 are rare and difficult to achieve. Failing a course is normal, especially in challenging majors like engineering.
Final exams are heavily weighted; continuous, small assessments are less frequent.
With fewer assignments, your grade will heavily depend on your midterm and final exams, so your performance on these tests is critical.
Significantly less emphasis on campus-based life. Most students commute from home (no dorms on campus).
Students are much more independent and tend to identify with their degree program more than the institution.
Campus is mainly academic—no medical centers, gyms, or security offices.
Limited & less structured extracurricular activities (clubs, student government., etc.).
Sports aren't central to campus identity. Students participate in sports clubs outside of their universities.
The Erasmus+ program is used for European students to study abroad. Very common to spend the year studying in another country during undergrad.
Many universities offer degrees in English for international students, but Spanish is the main language in Spanish universities.
More indirect or formal; written communication can be slow or administrative. Not common to receive frequent reminders or follow-ups.
Lunch at 2–3 pm, dinner at 9–10 pm. Cafeterias may not be big or with as many options.
Academic conduct Expectations
Academic conduct Expectations
The academic component is the most important aspect of your program abroad!
Regardless of where you are studying, the student-conduct expectations are:
BE PUNCTUAL & PRESENT
Always arrive before class starts, ready to work.
Being late is disrespectful, disruptive, and may result in being marked absent.
BE RESPECTFUL & ENGAGED
Engage in discussions and ask relevant questions.
Stay off your phone and unrelated materials on your laptop during class.
Complete readings and come prepared.
Only water and coffee are allowed in class (Spain). No food is permitted.
Arrive rested; sleeping in class is rude.
Being visibly hungover or under the influence in class may lead to expulsion.
WEAR PROPER ATTIRE
In Barcelona, people don’t usually wear loungewear or athletic clothes outside unless going to the gym or beach. Treat class like a job and dress appropriately—sportswear, sweatpants, pajamas, and beachwear are not suitable for the classroom.
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