barcelona fountain plaza famous
Barcelona, Spain

Language + 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 from all academic backgrounds, CIEE Barcelona's Language + Culture program invites you to study abroad in Spain's most popular and cultural city! During your time abroad, you will have every opportunity to explore the city's most famous street, La Rambla, stroll through the mysterious alleys of the Gothic Quarter, hike the impressive mountains of Tibidabo or Montjuïc, enjoy delicious beachside paella at La Barceloneta, and more. When class is in session at CIEE Barcelona, you'll take courses delivered in English across a wide variety of topics, including history, religion, literature, linguistics, marketing, journalism, and more.

You'll also have the opportunity to immerse yourself in Spanish language learning at CIEE's partner school, Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF). Outside the classroom, you'll participate in co-curricular activities and excursions organized by CIEE beyond the city to enhance classroom learning and develop intercultural understanding.

Unique Experiences

JOIN A HOST FAMILY

at their Barcelona home and soak up the Spanish language and local customs.

CONNECT WITH SPANISH STUDENTS

in a language exchange that helps you practice all you’re learning.

EXPERIENCE LIFE

in a cosmopolitan city that is rooted in ancient tradition and reaching forward to the future.

9

UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITES

10

BEACHES

12

METRO LINES

Experience
  • barcelona busy street people eating
  • students visit castle wall barcelona spain

Your Destination

Culture, sport, fashion, finance, media, 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. A walk through the city reveals 2,000 years of history at every turn, including Roman ruins, 19th-century modernist architecture, ultramodern showpieces, and the Gothic buildings of the Old Town.

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

montserrat-focused-cultural-excursion

HIGHLIGHT EXCURSION

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!

barcelona biking trip abroad

EXCURSIONS & ACTIVITIES

  • 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.
barcelona intern working on laptop

INTERNSHIP

Students can opt for a for-credit CIEE internship to gain practical, real-world work experience at NGOs, schools, publishing companies, marketing agencies, businesses, and more. Internships include weekly classroom components that enrich the experience.

Program Blogs

Food in Barcelona!

By Sydni B.

Learning how to eat your way through a new place can be challenging. I, myself, am a picky foodie. I love to try new foods and eat but I also... keep reading

Best Places to Visit Outside of Barcelona

By Victoria K.

Calling all students studying abroad in Barcelona ! Barcelona is a beautiful, historial, lively, and culturally rich city that allows students studying abroad in Spain to immerse in the Spanish... keep reading

From CIEE

Volunteering in a local High School

By Elena Rodríguez at CIEE

Adam from Cornell University is volunteering every week in a local high school, helping local students with their English speaking. This is what he said: "Volunteering at Escola Pia has... keep reading

What People are Saying

  • "It is a great program that is well structured and that has a lot of resources for students who partake in the program."

    Maria M., St Catherine University

  • "I had the most amazing semester and enjoyed the classes."

    Claudia H., Elon University

  • "It was a wonderful experience and when I had questions they were most usually answered."

    Caroline D., Elon University

Housing
Academics

Academics

Students with 0-3 prior semesters of Spanish can dramatically increase their language proficiency while taking coursework in English across subject areas at CIEE Barcelona and Universitat Pompeu Fabra’s Barcelona Program for Interdisciplinary Studies (BaPIS). Starting in the Spring of 2024, students will also have the option to take courses at Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB). 

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 and offers degrees in fields ranging from business to social sciences. CIEE students attend classes at the Ciutadella Vila Olímpica Campus. Language courses are taught by experienced professors who specialize in teaching Spanish as a second language. 

Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB) is a public University with an enrollment of over 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. 

CIEE Barcelona is located near Barcelona’s main square, Plaza de Catalunya. CIEE courses are taught by local university faculty members.

GPA

UAB: 2.75

UPF: 3.0

Language Requirements

0-3 semesters of college-level Spanish (or equivalent)

Additional Requirements

Through Fall 2023, students must enter as a junior or senior. 

UAB Track: Starting in Spring 2024, students with sophomore status will be able to participate on this track. 

UPF Track: Students on the UPF track are required to be at Junior status at the time of application.

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 the Fall 2023 semester, students enroll in four classes per semester: 

  • One required UPF host institution Spanish language course (6 credits) 
  • Two CIEE elective courses or one CIEE elective course and an internship 
  • One UPF BaPIS elective course 

As of Spring 2024 the LC 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 affected students and our partner school to explore alternative tracks and/or programs 

UPF Track  

Students will be required to enroll in 3-4 classes per semester:  

  • One UPF Spanish language course (6 credits)  
  • One or two CIEE elective courses (3 credits each)  
  • One UPF-BaPIS elective course (3 credits)  

UAB Track  

Students will be required to enroll in 3-4 classes per semester:  

  • One UAB Spanish language course (6 credits)  
  • One or two CIEE elective courses (3 credits each)  
  • One UAB elective course (3 credits)

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/22.5 quarter credits (15 US semester 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 Barcelona Program for Interdisciplinary Studies (BaPIS) host institution courses: 3 U.S. semester/4.5 quarter credits; 45 contact hours, unless otherwise noted 
  • Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF) host institution language course: 6 U.S. semester/9 quarter credits; 90 contact hours 
  • Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB) Study Abroad host institution courses: 3 U.S. semester/4.5 quarter credits; 45 contact hours, unless otherwise noted  
  • Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB) host institution language course: 6 U.S. semester/9 quarter credits; 90 contact hours

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

There are no specific language requirements for this program.

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

  • Once a student starts internship hours, they may not drop the internship 
  • UPF host institution Spanish language courses meet for 8 hours per week and are 6 U.S. credits 
  • UPF BaPIS courses are taught in English for local and international students 

Starting Spring 2024: 
The LC program will be composed of 2 tracks, with two different host institutions: UPF (Universitat Pompeu Fabra) and UAB (Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona). Students need to choose one track (UPF or UAB) and they can’t combine courses from both host institutions. 

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

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

Natural Resources, Conservation, and the Environment

Course
Language
Semester Credit

Psychology

Course
Language
Semester Credit

UPF Required Language Courses

Language courses are 6 U.S. credits, meet for 8 hours per week, and are taught at UPF.  

  • Beginning Spanish Language 
  • Pre-Intermediate Spanish Language 
    • (Prerequisite: one semester of college-level Spanish, or the equivalent) 
  • Intermediate Spanish Language 
    • (Prerequisite: two or three semesters college-level Spanish, or the equivalent) 

UPF Barcelona Program for Interdisciplinary Studies (BaPIS) Courses

Course offerings may vary from semester to semester. Courses are taught in English and 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 and Gender in Contemporary Spain 
  • Artificial Intelligence, Creativity, and the Arts 
  • Barcelona the City and its History 
  • Contemporary Spanish Art 
  • Circular Economy 
  • Gender-based Violence and International Protection of Human Rights 
  • Global Marketing and Culture of FC Barcelona 
  • Globalized World, Globalized Problems? Creative Proposals From Public Service Television Worldwide 
  • Innovation and the Law. How Technology Changes the Legal System 
  • LGTB+: Exploring Identities and Diversity 
  • Mind, Brains and Machines 
  • The Impact Journey: (Un) Sustainability, Climate Emergency, Authentic Leadership 
  • The Jews in Spain: History, Heritage and Memory 

UNIVERSITAT AUTÒNOMA DE BARCELONA (UAB) 

UAB Language Courses (required) 

Language courses are 6 U.S. credits and meet for over 6 hours per week.  

  • Beginner Spanish  
  • Elementary Spanish  
  • Low Intermediate Spanish  
  • Intermediate Spanish  

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