University and Location
Founded in 1958 by a group of entrepreneurs and Society of Jesus members as an independent, nonprofit university, ESADE continues to follow the Jesuit traditions of personal development, social responsibility and global education. In 1995, ESADE became part of Ramon Llull University, one of the most innovative and modern universities in Spain comprised of 11 different higher education and research institutes. With an approach dedicated to personal development and social responsibility, ESADE boasts its own innovative learning model, based on the development of professional and management skills and techniques in the fields of business and law. ESADE offers over 85 undergraduate, graduate, research and certificate programs to an international population representing over 90 nationalities.
Located in the northeastern corner of Spain, Barcelona is a vibrant city known for its spectacular art and architecture. The capital of the Catalonian region of Spain, Barcelona has two official languages, Spanish and Catalan. Rensselaer students will study on the Sant Cugat Campus of ESADE, a green, modern and innovative city, almost half of which is located within the Collserola Natural Park, one of the largest metropolitan parks in the world. The ESADE campus is a modern facility with state of the art academic and leisure facilities, as well as the Creopolis Technology and Innovation Park. Public transportation allows easy access to the social life, culture, beach, dynamic business environment and transportation connections of Barcelona, approximately 30 minutes from campus.
Language and Instruction
English and Spanish. A
B1 level of Spanish language according to the Common European Framework for Reference of Languages (CEFR) is required of students who wish to undertake coursework in Spanish. Demonstrate proof of Spanish language ability is required. A one credit intensive language course is offered during the two-week orientation period prior to the start of each semester.
Available Fields of Study
Primarily business and management, with a limited number of humanities and Spanish language classes
Program Dates
Fall: Late August-Early December
Spring: Early January-Late June
Course Selection and Registration
Exchange students may take elective courses only. Students register prior to arrival using the ESADE Intranet. All course changes must be made during a designated add-drop period. Course descriptions can be found
here. A final course list is normally available in April for the following fall semester, and October for the following spring.
Course load
ESADE uses the European Credit Transfer System or ECTS. One ECTS credit is normally interpreted as approximately .5 of a U.S. semester credit. Exchange students may take a maximum of 33 ECTS credits per semester. Rensselaer students must take a minimum courseload equivalent of 12 Rensselaer credits in order to maintain full-time student status. This is typically 24 ECTS credits.
Grading and Academic Evaluation
ESADE assigns grades according to the following scale. Rensselaer students may not take any class on a pass/fail basis. A minimum grade of 5.0 is required in order to earn Rensselaer credit.
0,0 - 4,9 Fail
5,0 - 6,9 Pass
7,0 - 8,9 Distinction
9,0 - 10 Outstanding
9,0 – 10 Honors
Accommodation and Meals
Students may apply to live in the
Roberto di Nobili Residence Hall, located on the ESADE campus, or in private accommodation. Housing is not guaranteed, and students who are interested in living on campus should contact the residence hall as soon as they have received their ESADE acceptance.
Estimated Expenses and Cost of Living
Students pay regular Rensselaer tuition while on exchange at ESADE and will receive all regular financial aid for which they are eligible. Students are also responsible for airfare, accommodation, and other living expenses. Individual student expenses will vary according to lifestyle and travel. Students should expect to spend at least US$1500 per month to cover housing, location transportation, meals and miscellaneous living expenses. Additional cost information is available at the
ESADE website.
Questions? Please contact Karen Dvorak, Program Manager