The Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona was founded on the basis of four principles: freedom to choose teachers, freedom to manage the University's capital, freedom to create individual study plans and availability of admission for every student. This young university has developed rapidly during its short history.

The UAB’s community includes 30,000 under-graduate students, 12,500 post-graduates as well as over 2,000 foreign students, 2,700 of scientific staff, made up of teachers and researchers, and 1,200 administrative staff. The University features 11 faculties divided into 50 departments offering a comprehensive selection of study programmes, such as the Humanities and Social Sciences, Health Sciences, Law, Business Studies, Art Technology, and Design, and Engineering. Although Catalan is the main language of instruction, a lot of subjects are available in Spanish and English.

The University belongs to the best education institutions of the country. It also boasts deserved recognition in the European Union for the high level of both university teaching and research. One of the most popular faculties of the university is the School of Modern Languages which forms a part of the UAB. Founded to teach modern languages, Escuela de Idiomas attracts students from various countries, providing top standards of teaching and modern technologies.

The School of Modern Languages has more than 25 years of history. Its buildings are shared with local students, giving foreigners the chance to communicate and practise their Spanish. The UAB gives students from all over the world the chance to study languages. There is no minimum level of language abilities to participate in the Spanish courses.

The school complex is a unique building dating back to 1905. Some years ago the school was completely renovated to keep standards of a modern academic centre, but preserving the details of its historic past. The school comprises 35 classrooms and 4 lecture halls. They are all equipped with multi-media technology and audiovisual materials. Also available is an interactive learning room with high-speed Internet connections, that students can use free of charge.

The University offers a wide range of free time activities, such as museum visits, guided tours and excursions to national parks or other places of interest. Cultural activities available in Barcelona are world famous and include excellent museums, theatres, world class concerts, galleries, and festivals throughout the year. Thanks to Barcelona's ideal location on the Mediterranean coast, many interesting destinations are within a few hours' reach.