About Business, Hospitality, & Tourism at Universidad de Barcelona-CETT Program
If you're passionate about business, hospitality, or tourism and want to experience one of Europe's most dynamic cities, this semester program at Universidad de Barcelona-CETT is designed for you. CETT is a globally recognized specialized campus of the Universitat de Barcelona, renowned for its expertise in tourism, hospitality management, and gastronomy. Here, you'll take courses in English — or in Spanish if you have at least a high intermediate level — taught by industry professionals with real-world managerial experience, alongside both local Spanish students and international peers from around the world. The campus sits in Barcelona's green Horta neighborhood, just 20 minutes from the city center by metro, offering modern facilities in a welcoming and international academic environment.
Your coursework spans three focus areas — business, tourism management, and hospitality management — with over 110 courses to choose from. Each semester, you'll enroll in 3 to 6 courses totaling up to 270 contact hours, earning 18–27 ECTS credits (equivalent to 12–18 recommended U.S. semester credits). Courses range from Accommodation Management and Business Management for Tourism Intermediation to Applied Statistics for Marketing and Advanced Digital Project Management. A language placement exam determines eligibility for Spanish-language courses, and while no language requirement exists, enrolling in Spanish is strongly encouraged to deepen your cultural immersion.
Beyond the classroom, WorldStrides ensures your time abroad is rich with cultural discovery. You'll be greeted at the airport and supported by an experienced, English-speaking on-site team throughout your stay. An in-depth orientation upon arrival helps you get oriented to the city, academic culture, and your new home. Included cultural activities and excursions — such as city tours of Barcelona's Gothic Quarter and Gaudí masterpieces, intercambios language exchanges, cooking classes, and a trip to Valencia's City of Arts and Sciences — blend academic learning with genuine cultural immersion. Optional excursions like a Moroccan desert adventure or a cava cellar visit in Sitges are also available.
Housing options are flexible and tailored to your preferences: you can choose from city apartments shared with fellow international students, homestays with local families (including two meals a day), student residence halls, or independent housing with a corresponding program discount. All utilities and internet are included in standard housing arrangements. The program also includes international health insurance, 24/7 emergency assistance, access to mental health telehealth services, and career resources — so you're comprehensively supported throughout your experience.
This program is available as a fall semester (September–December), spring semester (January–May), or a full academic year for those seeking an even deeper immersion. Program costs range from $16,350 for a single semester up to $31,650 for the full academic year. To be eligible, you must be at least 18 years old and have a minimum 2.5 GPA, though exceptions may be considered with a letter of recommendation and statement of purpose. Whether you're aiming for a career in global hospitality, tourism management, or international business, studying in Barcelona puts you at the intersection of academic excellence and one of the world's most inspiring destinations.