The Barcelona International Summer School (BISS) at Universitat Pompeu Fabra offers a flexible, modular summer program of credit‑bearing courses (from 1 to 4 weeks) taught in English and Spanish by UPF faculty, designed to deepen knowledge across disciplines in a truly international environment. Students can choose courses from themed academic tracks such as Artificial Intelligence & Data Science, Business & Economy, Media & Culture, Global Politics, Health & Wellbeing, and Language Skills. Classes blend interdisciplinary theory with practical, applied learning, often exploring real‑world challenges and contemporary issues, and are complemented by social and cultural activities in Barcelona that enhance both academic insight and local understanding.
The Barcelona International Summer School offers academic programs of the same high standard as UPF, with courses designed for both UPF students and international participants. The cross-disciplinary courses cover leading topics aligned with the university's faculty research themes, offering students the chance to explore cutting-edge knowledge in fields like Business, Law, Engineering, and Humanities. These courses are taught by expert faculty, ensuring a rigorous academic experience while encouraging intellectual exchange and global perspectives.
The extracurricular side of the program emphasizes engaging participants in authentic, culturally enriching activities that go beyond typical tourist experiences. Instead of focusing on conventional sightseeing, the social program encourages meaningful interactions with the local community, offering opportunities to explore local traditions, events, and customs for a truly unique and immersive experience.
The university does not provide accommodation directly. However, the program has established partnerships with several student halls, offering discounted rates for students to secure suitable housing during their stay.