people walking streets barcelona
Barcelona, Spain

Economics + Culture

Study Program Part-Time Internship

Dates

-

15 weeks

Costs

Credit

12 - 15 semester hours

18 - 22.5 quarter hours

Eligibility

Application Deadline

The application deadline has passed.

Apply Now

Request Information

Contact Us

Dates

-

15 weeks

Costs

Credit

12 - 15 semester hours

18 - 22.5 quarter hours

Eligibility

Application Deadline

Apply Now

Request Information

Contact Us

Dates

TBD

Credit

12 - 15 semester hours

18 - 22.5 quarter hours

Eligibility

Application Deadline

Apply Now

Request Information

Contact Us

Tentative Dates

-

16 weeks

Credit

12 - 15 semester hours

18 - 22.5 quarter hours

Eligibility

Application Deadline

Apply Now

Request Information

Contact Us

Overview

Designed for students with a background in economics, the Economics + Culture program offers students the unique opportunity to explore Barcelona's countless cultural wonders while earning college credits in one of Spain's most important economic centers.

Immerse yourself in Spanish university life and enroll in courses delivered in English or Spanish at the Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF) 's Economics and Business school or Barcelona Program for Interdisciplinary Studies (BaPIS). UPF ranks as the top university in Spain in economics and business (Times Higher Education ranking, 2022), making it the ideal institution to study economics while learning abroad in Barcelona.

Outside the classroom, your courses will be complemented with co-curricular activities and excursions beyond the city to provide intercultural understanding.

Unique Experiences

ANALYZE CURRENT ECONOMIC CHALLENGES

and explore the differences between European and U.S. economic models.

GET AN INSIDER’S LOOK

on the impact of European integration on Spain’s economy.

STRENGTHEN YOUR INTERCULTURAL SKILLS

by completing group projects with Spanish students.

1.1 M

JOBS

143 K

MILES OF BIKE LANES

39

FOOD MARKETS

Experience
  • barcelona park bike excursion
  • barcelona side street houses balcony

Your Destination

Culture, sport, fashion, finance, media, and entertainment – Barcelona is brimming with it all. The largest city on the Mediterranean Sea, Barcelona is home to 1.6 million in the city proper and 4.5 million in the broader metro area. It is edged with a river on either side and backed by the Serra de Collserola mountains to the west.  

Castilian Spanish and Catalan are the official languages. Both are regularly used in all aspects of life, and Catalan is not imposed. Taxi drivers, shopkeepers, professors, and host families all speak clear Castilian when Spanish speakers are present. Spanish is widely used at the university. Students don’t need to speak Catalan but learning a few words can open doors to making new friends. 

CIEE Barcelona is conveniently located in a historical pedestrian passageway in the heart of the city. In it, students will find staff offices, classrooms, and open-air terraces. It is close to the host universities and to the city’s main attractions. 

CIEE wants all our students to feel welcomed, supported, and empowered to succeed while studying abroad. Local CIEE staff have provided details about conditions and cultural attitudes that students with specific identities might encounter in Barcelona.

The Culture

students abroad barcelona excursion culture

EXCURSIONS & ACTIVITIES

  • One of our popular day trips takes you to Montserrat, a Benedictine monastery retreat high atop one of the most spectacular mountain ranges in Catalunya. Not only is its history of significant religious importance but the surrounding natural beauty is nothing short of breathtaking. There you can visit the monastery to see La Moreneta (the black Madonna), listen to the world-renowned Boys’ Choir (whose history dates back to the 14th century), and trek any of the numerous mountain trails where you’ll take in incredible countryside views and see the most unusual rock formations in all of Catalonia. Are you ready? Let’s go! 
  • Discover the Gràcia neighborhood, famous for its bohemian and artistic style and streets filled with color and culture. 
  • Visit the oldest preserved garden, reflecting both Neoclassical and Romantic styles – and try your luck in the park’s labyrinth maze! 
  • Eat like a local and try popular traditional dishes like churros, patatas bravas, tortilla de patata, tapas and pinchos. 
  • See a flamenco show! 
  • Hike the Carretera de les Aigües for amazing views over the city. 
intern abroad barcelona students mingle

INTERNSHIP

  • Get valuable international work experience with a for-credit internship. You might develop a marketing plan for the Museum of Chocolate in Barcelona or use market research to see how social responsibility affects startups at Associació Coworking de Catalunya (COWOCAT).   
  • Placements include startups, small- to medium-sized companies, and magazine and publishing houses, among others. Internships include a required weekly class to support the experience with academics.  
  • Students applying for an internship are required to submit additional materials during the course selection process.
barcelona classroom learning languge

LANGUAGE-LEARNING ENHANCEMENT

Lectures, films, discussion groups, and neighborhood tours are all possibilities that will expand your cultural knowledge while you practice speaking Spanish.

CIEE LOCAL MENTORS

Local university students help you get to know the city and meet new friends with small group activities like city tours, flamenco night, and more. 

 

 


 

Program Blogs

From CIEE

Volunteering in Local Schools

By Fernando Janeiro at CIEE

Kara, from Elon University has started her volunteering in a local school to help local students with their English. Check it out her insights in this video!

From CIEE

Donations to Roba Amiga

By Fernando Janeiro at CIEE

Every semester, at CIEE Barcelona it is offered to students the option to donate clothes and electronic devices. This Fall semester several Economics + Culture students participated in this opportunity... keep reading

From CIEE

Academic differences at Host Institutions

By Fernando Janeiro at CIEE

Esmy, from George Washington Unviersity shared her thoughts about the academic differences between her Host Insitution course at UPF and her classes at George Washington University. Esmy explains how her... keep reading

What People are Saying

  • "CIEE Barcelona offers excellent courses and is in one of the best cities in the world."

    David G., Williams College

  • "CIEE was a well organized, fun, and intellectual study abroad host. I loved every second i spent studying and living among CIEE peers, and would not trade this experience for the world. It has been an amazing mix of work and culture, and i believe that the staff, facilities, and people are largely to thank."

    Adam W., Duke University

  • "They were very supportive and accommodating my entire time abroad they made sure I adjusted well and I really enjoyed the programs that they offered on the weekend for those students that were not able to travel"

    Emani F., Spelman College

  • "They offered wonderful support and are a great program!"

    Kara F., Elon University

Housing
Academics

Academics

The CIEE Economics and Culture Program in Barcelona is designed for economics or business majors who want to increase their Spanish language skills while taking rigorous coursework. Students will take classes at the Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF) Department of Economics & Business and/or through the UPF BaPIS program, and starting in the Spring of 2024, students will have the option to take courses at Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB). Students will also choose from a selection of CIEE elective courses. Language courses are taught by experienced professors who specialize in teaching Spanish as a second language. All other courses are taught by experienced university faculty and business professionals. 

Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF)  is a highly-ranked public university in Barcelona created in 1990 by the Autonomous Government of Catalonia. It is known for its small class sizes and international outlook. The curriculum includes commercial management, labor economics, game theory, public policy analysis, international finance, social entrepreneurship, and more. CIEE students attend classes at the Ciutadella Vila Olímpica Campus. 

CIEE Barcelona is located near Barcelona’s main square, Plaça de Catalunya. 

Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB) is a public University with an enrollment of more than 40,000 students. It was founded in 1968 under the principles of autonomy, participation, and social commitment. Today, it is the second highest-ranking Spanish university according to the Times Higher Education World University Rankings.

Fall 2023: Students taking Direct Enrollment courses may need to remain onsite until December 21, 2023, due to an extended course schedule.

GPA

UPF Track: A cumulative GPA of 3.0 is required 

UAB Track: A cumulative GPA of 2.75 is required

Language Requirements

There are no specific language requirements for this program.

Additional Requirements

  • Three semesters of college-level micro- or macroeconomics 
  • One semester of calculus recommended 
  • UPF Track: Students must have junior-level standing or higher by time of arrival in Barcelona to attend courses at UPF. 
  • UAB Track: Starting Spring of 2024, students with sophomore-level standing will be able to participate on the UAB Track (UAB only). 

Please refer to the detailed Program Essential Eligibility Criteria.

Individual courses may have additional prerequisites; for CIEE courses, these are listed in the syllabi below. Students are responsible for having their own course approval conversations with their advisors.

Requirements

Through Fall 2023, students are required to enroll in five courses for a total of 15 credits, including:  

  • One CIEE Spanish language course 
  • Two to three CIEE elective courses 
  • One to two UPF host institution courses 
    • UPF host institution (Department of Economics and Business) 
    • UPF Barcelona Program for Interdisciplinary Studies (BaPIS) 

As of Spring 2024, the EC program will be composed of 2 tracks, with two different host institutions: 

  1. UPF (Universitat Pompeu Fabra) 
  2. UAB (Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona) 

Students will need to choose one track (UPF or UAB) and they can’t combine courses from both host institutions. 

In the rare case that a CIEE partner school has enrollments exceeding the UPF maximum per home institution, CIEE will work with any impacted students and our partner school to explore alternative tracks and/or programs 

UPF TRACK  

Students enroll in 4-5 courses inclusive of:  

  • One UPF or UPF BaPIS course  
  • Three to four CIEE elective courses 
  • At least one course must be in business, economics, management, or marketing.  

UAB TRACK   

Students enroll in four to five courses inclusive of:  

  • One UAB course  
  • Three to four CIEE elective courses 
  • At least one course must be in business, economics, management, or marketing.

Program Credit

Total credit (through Fall 2023): 15 U.S. semester/22.5 quarter credits 

Total credit (as of Spring 2024): 12-15 U.S. semester/18-22.5 quarter credits (15 semester/18 quarter credits recommended) 

Course Credit

  • CIEE courses: 3 U.S. semester/4.5 quarter credits; 45 contact hours  
  • CIEE Internship: 3 U.S. semester/4.5 quarter credits; 15 seminar hours, 100 internship placement hours  
  • Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF) or UPF BaPIS courses: 3 U.S. semester/4.5 quarter credits; 45 contact hours, unless otherwise noted  
  • Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB) host institution courses: 3 U.S. semester/4.5 quarter credits; 45 contact hours, unless otherwise noted

Individual courses may have additional prerequisites; for CIEE courses, these are listed in the syllabi below. Students are responsible for having their own course approval conversations with their advisors.

Academic Culture

Courses are academically challenging, and involve daily reading and homework assignments, and attendance at lectures and field trips. Students are responsible for knowing the dates of exams and assignments. Dates are firm and attendance is required.

Class Format

UPF courses are of two types: UPF and UPF-BaPIS. UPF courses meet twice a week for 1.5 hours, plus additional small-group seminar sessions, and include local and international students. Typical class size for direct enrollment courses is 70-100 students (20-30 for seminars). UPF-BaPIS (Barcelona Program for Interdisciplinary Studies) courses include other local and international students and meet twice a week for 2 hours. Typical class size for UPF-BaPIS courses is 15-30 students.

Courses at CIEE Barcelona are attended by CIEE students exclusively. Typical class sizes for CIEE courses are no more than 16 students in Spanish language courses, and 15-25 students in elective courses. 

UAB content classes include no more than 30 students, and they are only for CIEE students.

Grading

In CIEE, UPF, and UAB courses, students are graded based on class participation, in-class activities, homework assignments, exams, papers, and oral presentations. UPF and UAB professors grade on a 10-point scale, which CIEE converts to recommended U.S. letter grade equivalents.

Individual courses may have additional prerequisites; for CIEE courses, these are listed in the syllabi below. Students are responsible for having their own course approval conversations with their advisors.

Language of Instruction

English and/or Spanish

Individual courses may have additional prerequisites; for CIEE courses, these are listed in the syllabi below. Students are responsible for having their own course approval conversations with their advisors.

Courses

Course Information

  • UPF courses are for local students 
  • UPF BaPIS courses are for local and international students 
  • Some courses on the UPF website are not available for international students. If in doubt, please contact your AA. 
  • Students with four to five semesters of college-level Spanish are encouraged to take two courses in Spanish 
  • Students with six or more semesters of college-level Spanish are encouraged to take all their classes in Spanish.

Academic Projects

Course
Language
Semester Credit

Business, Economics, Management, and Marketing

Course
Language
Semester Credit

Communication, Journalism, and Media

Course
Language
Semester Credit

History, Philosophy, Religion

Course
Language
Semester Credit

Languages and Cultural Studies

Course
Language
Semester Credit

Literature, Linguistics, and Writing

Course
Language
Semester Credit

Social Sciences

Course
Language
Semester Credit

Visual and Performing Arts

Course
Language
Semester Credit

Agriculture

Course
Language
Semester Credit

Natural Resources, Conservation, and the Environment

Course
Language
Semester Credit

Psychology

Course
Language
Semester Credit

Academic Projects

Course
Language
Semester Credit

Business, Economics, Management, and Marketing

Course
Language
Semester Credit

Communication, Journalism, and Media

Course
Language
Semester Credit

History, Philosophy, Religion

Course
Language
Semester Credit

Languages and Cultural Studies

Course
Language
Semester Credit

Literature, Linguistics, and Writing

Course
Language
Semester Credit

Social Sciences

Course
Language
Semester Credit

Visual and Performing Arts

Course
Language
Semester Credit

Agriculture

Course
Language
Semester Credit

Natural Resources, Conservation, and the Environment

Course
Language
Semester Credit

Psychology

Course
Language
Semester Credit

UNIVERSITAT POMPEU FABRA (UPF) DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMICS AND BUSINESS COURSES in English 

This is a sample list of courses. Not all of the following courses are available every year.  

  • Advanced Macroeconomics  
  • Business Logistics  
  • Commercial Management II  
  • Consumer Behavior  
  • Cost Accounting I  
  • Econometrics II  
  • Econometrics III  
  • Economic Institutions and Markets  
  • Finance  
  • Financial Management I  
  • Financial Management II  
  • Forecasting Techniques  
  • Foreign Trade II  
  • Game Theory and Design of Institutions  
  • Human Resources I  
  • Human Resources II  
  • International Business History  
  • Industrial Organization  
  • International Economics I  
  • International Finance  
  • International Finance Economics  
  • International Marketing  
  • Macroeconomics  
  • Management of Non-Profit Organizations  
  • Marketing  
  • Markets and Derivatives  
  • Mathematics for Finance  
  • Modern Statistical Computing  
  • Multivariant Analysis  
  • Networks, Crowds, and Markets  
  • New Topics in Marketing Management  
  • Operations Management  
  • Operations Research  
  • Organizational Behavior  
  • Principles of Public Economics  
  • Psychology and Business  
  • Real Analysis  
  • Strategic Management I  
  • Topics in Macroeconomics  

UNIVERSITAT POMPEU FABRA (UPF) DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMICS AND BUSINESS COURSES in Spanish 

This is a sample list of courses. Not all of the following courses are available every year.  

  • Dirección Comercial I / Commercial Management I  
  • Marketing de Servicios / Service Marketing  
  • Recursos Humanos I / Human Resources I  
  • Direccion Estrategica I / Strategic Management I  
  • Economia Internacional I / International Economics I  
  • Gestión de Instituciones Sanitarias / Management for Health Institutions  
  • Investigacion de Mercados / Market Research  

UNIVERSITAT POMPEU FABRA Barcelona Program for Interdisciplinary Studies (BaPIS) COURSES in English 

Course offerings may vary from semester to semester. Courses are 3 U.S. credits.  

Syllabi for the courses listed below can be found online.

Here is a sample of BaPIS courses in English:

  • Analytics for Social Good  
  • Anthropocene – How People Are Transforming the Planet  
  • Art, Mind and the Brain  
  • Barcelona the City and its History  
  • Building a Brain  
  • Contemporary Spanish Art  
  • Ethics in a Globalization and Sustainability Context  
  • From Hipocrates to Personalized Medicine: Healthcare Adapted to Societal Changes  
  • Gender-based Violence and International Protection of Human Rights  
  • Global Marketing and Culture of FC Barcelona  
  • Great Ideas that Have Shaped our World: From the Axial Age to the Robot Revolution  
  • Innovation and the Law. How Technology Changes the Legal System  
  • LGTB+: Exploring Identities and Diversity  
  • Stardom Wars: Controversies on Creativity and Authorship in Spanish Cinema  
  • The Collectivity Revolution  
  • The Jews in Spain: History, Heritage and Memory  

UNIVERSITAT POMPEU FABRA Barcelona Program for Interdisciplinary Studies (BaPIS) COURSES in Spanish   

Course offerings may vary from semester to semester. Courses are 3 U.S. credits.

Syllabi for the courses listed below can be found online.

Here is a sample of BaPIS courses in Spanish:

  • Innovación e inteligencia artificial en el gobierno: la transformación creativa de la gobernanza urbana  
  • ¿Qué es noticia? verdad, desinformación y hegemonía  

UNIVERSITAT AUTÒNOMA DE BARCELONA (UAB) 

UAB Content Courses 

Course offerings may vary from semester to semester. Courses are taught in English and are 3 U.S. credits.  

  • UAB Study Abroad Program sample courses in English (taken with other CIEE students only):  
  • The Seven Wonders of Spain: Spanish Architecture History  
  • Communication and Gender  
  • Mediterranean Culture and History

Note: This course listing is for informational purposes only and does not constitute a contract between CIEE and any applicant, student, institution, or other party. The courses, as described, may be subject to change as a result of ongoing curricular revisions, assignment of lecturers and teaching staff, and program development. Courses may be canceled due to insufficient enrollment.
"(GI)" denotes courses that originated at CIEE's Global Institutes and that are offered at multiple CIEE sites.

Scholarships

Scholarships & Grants

CIEE offers scholarships and grants annually to help students like you make your study abroad dream a reality.

Students who apply to this program are eligible for the following scholarships and grants:

  • Ping Scholarships for Academic Excellence
  • Global Access Initiative (GAIN) Grants
  • CIEE Gilman Go Global Grant
  • MSI Grant

To be considered, submit the CIEE Scholarships & Grants application within your CIEE program application.

Learn more about scholarships

Dates & Fees

Dates & Fees

You get more for every dollar when you study abroad with CIEE, because our high-quality programs include everything from excursions to insurance. There are no hidden charges, and no disappointing surprises when you arrive.

Program

Application Due

Start Date

End Date

Fees & Housing

Program Spring 2024 15 weeks Application Due Deadline Passed Start Date End Date Fees & Housing $20,950
Program Fall 2024 15 weeks Start Date End Date Fees & Housing $20,950
Program Academic year 2024-2025 Start Date * End Date TBD*
Program Spring 2025 16 weeks Start Date * End Date *

*Dates for this program are provided as tentative dates. Please consult with your study abroad advisor to confirm dates before purchasing your flights.

To help you budget, keep in mind that students are responsible for the cost of international airfare, local transportation, books and supplies, visas, and personal expenses. In addition, your college or university may charge additional fees for study abroad, or may require you to receive a transcript via CIEE's School of Record, which carries an additional fee of $500.

Program Fees

CIEE offers the most student support of any provider in its program fee, including an airport greeting, full-time leadership and support, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, pre-departure advising, and CIEE iNext travel protection with benefits.

Participation Confirmation = $300*

Educational Costs = $15,706**

Housing = $4,750

Insurance = $194

Total Fees = $20,950

Estimated Costs

Students are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration.

Meals not included in program fee = $1,120

International Airfare = $1,250††

Local Transportation = $65†††

Books & Supplies = $100

Visa Fees = $160

Potential travel to consulate for visa = $500

Personal expenses = $260††††

Total Costs = $3,455

Optional Housing

CIEE accommodation options are detailed in the Housing section. Based on availability, Select or Select Plus Housing can be chosen during the application process for an additional fee:

Select Housing Fee = $750^

Select Plus Housing Fee = $1,500^^

Financial Aid

CIEE offers the most grants and scholarships of any study abroad organization, including $8 million/year in travel grants, merit-based scholarships, institutional and MSI grants, and Gilman Go Global Grants.

See Scholarships

*non-refundable

**direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students

For students in homestays, families provide 2 meals (breakfast and dinner). For students in apartments, you should budget approx. $260 per month for groceries if you plan on making your own meals, and more if you plan on eating out regularly.

††Round-trip based on U.S. East Coast departure

†††Local transportation: t-jove (3 months) = 40€ ($43) / Local transportation: t-usual (1 month) = 20€ ($21)

††††$100 emergency fund + cell phone expense + toiletries

^first-come, first serve, based on availability

^^first-come, first serve, based on availability

Program Fees

CIEE offers the most student support of any provider in its program fee, including an airport greeting, full-time leadership and support, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, pre-departure advising, and CIEE iNext travel protection with benefits.

Participation Confirmation = $300*

Educational Costs = $15,706**

Housing = $4,750***

Insurance = $194

Total Fees = $20,950

Estimated Costs

Students are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration.

Meals not included in program fee = $1,120

International Airfare = $1,250††

Local Transportation = $65†††

Books & Supplies = $100

Visa Fees = $160

Potential travel to consulate for visa = $500

Personal expenses = $260††††

Total Costs = $3,455

Optional Housing

CIEE accommodation options are detailed in the Housing section. Based on availability, Select or Select Plus Housing can be chosen during the application process for an additional fee:

Select Housing Fee = $750^

Select Plus Housing Fee = $1,500^^

Financial Aid

CIEE offers the most grants and scholarships of any study abroad organization, including $8 million/year in travel grants, merit-based scholarships, institutional and MSI grants, and Gilman Go Global Grants.

See Scholarships

*non-refundable

**direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students

***homestay includes two meals daily; no meals are included for students in the Residencia option

For students in homestays, families provide 2 meals (breakfast and dinner). For students in apartments, you should budget approx. $260 per month for groceries if you plan on making your own meals, and more if you plan on eating out regularly.

††round-trip based on U.S. East Coast departure

†††Local transportation: t-jove (3 months) = 40€ ($43) / t-usual (1 month) = 20€ ($21)

††††$100 emergency fund + cell phone expense + toiletries

^first-come, first serve, based on availability

^^first-come, first serve, based on availability

Program Fees

CIEE offers the most student support of any provider in its program fee, including an airport greeting, full-time leadership and support, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, pre-departure advising, and CIEE iNext travel protection with benefits.

Estimated Costs

Students are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration.

Financial Aid

CIEE offers the most grants and scholarships of any study abroad organization, including $8 million/year in travel grants, merit-based scholarships, institutional and MSI grants, and Gilman Go Global Grants.

See Scholarships

Program Fees

CIEE offers the most student support of any provider in its program fee, including an airport greeting, full-time leadership and support, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, pre-departure advising, and CIEE iNext travel protection with benefits.

Estimated Costs

Students are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration.

Financial Aid

CIEE offers the most grants and scholarships of any study abroad organization, including $8 million/year in travel grants, merit-based scholarships, institutional and MSI grants, and Gilman Go Global Grants.

See Scholarships

What's Included

Tuition

Housing

Pre-departure Advising

Advising before you depart to set goals and answer questions

Optional on-site airport meet-and-greet

Orientation

Introduction to your program plus practical information about living in your host city

On-site Staff

Full-time program leadership and support in your city

Cultural and/or Co-curricular Activities

Excursions and/or Study Tours

Travel Protection

CIEE iNext travel protection

24/7 emergency on-site support

Staff

Our Staff

Andrés Tabárez

Center Director

Andrés Tabárez is Center Director at CIEE Barcelona. Andrés holds a Ph.D. in Classical Studies from the University of Barcelona (UB).

José Luis Espinosa

Academic Director

José Luis holds a Ph.D. in Modern Languages and Gender Studies from the University of Salamanca (USAL).

Fernando Janeiro

Senior Program Manager

Nando holds a Master's Degree in Humanities from Universitat Pompeu Fabra (Barcelona) and is certified as a Spanish as a Second Language instructor (International House/ Universitat de Barcelona).

Get Started Steps

Get Started

Here’s what you need to do to take the next steps:

1

Start an Application 
You're one step closer to an amazing study abroad experience!

2

Connect With Your Campus Study Abroad Office 
Share your plans and confirm you're on track to meet all required steps to go abroad. 

3

Contact Us 
Send us an email if you still have questions or need information about applying to this program.

Request Info