barcelona street night tables
Barcelona, Spain

Summer Language + Culture

Study Program

Dates

-

4 weeks

Costs

Credit

3 - 4 per session semester hours

4.5 - 6 per session quarter hours

Eligibility

Application Deadline

Apply Now

Request Information

Contact Us

Dates

-

4 weeks

Costs

Credit

3 - 4 per session semester hours

4.5 - 6 per session quarter hours

Eligibility

Application Deadline

Apply Now

Request Information

Contact Us

Dates

-

4 weeks

Costs

Credit

3 - 4 per session semester hours

4.5 - 6 per session quarter hours

Eligibility

Application Deadline

Apply Now

Request Information

Contact Us

Dates

-

8 weeks

Costs

Credit

3 - 4 per session semester hours

4.5 - 6 per session quarter hours

Eligibility

Application Deadline

Apply Now

Request Information

Contact Us

Dates

-

8 weeks

Costs

Credit

3 - 4 per session semester hours

4.5 - 6 per session quarter hours

Eligibility

Application Deadline

Apply Now

Request Information

Contact Us

Dates

-

12 weeks

Costs

Credit

3 - 4 per session semester hours

4.5 - 6 per session quarter hours

Eligibility

Application Deadline

Apply Now

Request Information

Contact Us

Overview

Spend your summer experiencing Barcelona's countless cultural wonders, all while earning college credit! Designed for students from various academic backgrounds, this Language + Culture program provides the perfect opportunity to live and learn in Spain's vibrant beach city.

When class is in session at CIEE Barcelona, you'll enroll in your choice of classes, all delivered in English or Spanish, across subjects including history, art, marketing, urban culture, and more. You'll also have the opportunity to gain fluency fast by taking a Spanish language course.

Outside the classroom, you'll have time to enjoy Barcelona's impressive architecture, mouth-watering cuisine, and rich history!

Unique Experiences

LIVE WITH A HOST FAMILY

at their Barcelona home and upgrade your Spanish language skills as you learn about local customs.

FAST-FORWARD YOUR LANGUAGE SKILLS

or explore Spanish art, history, politics, or urban culture with classes taught in English and Spanish.

EXPERIENCE LIFE

in a cosmopolitan city rooted in ancient tradition and reaching toward the future.

9

UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITES

10

BEACHES STRETCH ALONG THE MEDITERRANEAN SEA

12

METRO LINES

Experience
  • barcelona tour students streets spain
  • selfie barcelona photobooth ciee center

Your Destination

Barcelona is the capital of Catalonia, a region in northeastern Spain with its own distinctive history, culture, and language. Exploring the city, you will observe Roman remains contrasting with the ultramodern buildings, reflecting the city’s commercial and industrial successes. CIEE’s Summer Language + Culture program allows you to discover this rich, new culture and gain a critical global perspective. 

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

barcelona students share meal

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.

Program Blogs

From CIEE

My favorite Spanish cafes, restaurants, and markets

By College Study Abroad Ambassador at CIEE

By: Masani Salazar Being in Barcelona , Spain for the majority of my fall semester has been a great food adventure. This study abroad opportunity has enabled me to taste... keep reading

From CIEE

The Top 10 Best Places to Study Abroad for College Students

By College Study Abroad at CIEE

@cieestudyabroad Top 10 Best Places to Study Abroad for College Students #cieestudyabroad #studyabroad #wheretostudyabroad #studyabroadprograms #howtostudyabroad #collegestudyabroad #collegestudent #greenscreen Caramel Latte - Prod. By Rose Have you ever wondered, "Where... keep reading

From CIEE

A Guide to the Best Eats in Barcelona

By College Study Abroad Ambassador at CIEE

By: Alexa Levy Barcelona , located in the heart of Catalonia, has one of the most delectable food scenes around the world! From tapas hidden in the narrow alleys of... keep reading

What People are Saying

  • "It is such an immersive experience. Its the perfect way to travel if you havent gone abroad before"

    Kyndal A., University of Washington

  • "I loved living in a homestay, and I enjoyed the CIEE class I took."

    Kaitlin C., Barnard College

  • "It was incredible and so much more than I expected!"

    Kelsey G., University of Colorado-Boulder

  • "The course was really well organized and did a lot to make sure that we understand the material."

    Nikki M., University of Illinois at Chicago

Housing
Academics

Academics

This summer program is designed for students to learn about Spain and Spanish culture and/or take their Spanish language skills to the next level, with a choice of one, two, or three four-week sessions.  Options include an advanced language course and content courses in art, history, branding and urban culture taught in English and Spanish. 

The Advanced Spanish course is taught by experienced professors who specialize in teaching Spanish as a second language. CIEE courses are taught by university faculty members. 

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

GPA

2.5

Language Requirements

Students need 4 semesters of college-level Spanish (or equivalent) to take courses taught in Spanish.

Additional Requirements

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

  • Students enroll in one 3-credit course per session 
  • Optional: Communicative Spanish course (1 credit) 

Program Credit

Total credit: 3-4 U.S. semester/4.5-6 quarter credits per session 

Course Credit

  • CIEE courses: 3 U.S. semester/4.5 quarter credits; 45 contact hours per session 
  • CIEE Communicative Language course: 1 U.S. semester/1.5 quarter credits; 15 contact hours 

Students studying with CIEE for multiple sessions may only take Communicative Spanish once.   

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

CIEE courses are designed to follow U.S. academic culture and standards. The class environment typically features a combination of traditional lecture and discussion with co-curricular excursions and activities. Heavy emphasis is placed on student participation. To avoid falling behind, students should not plan personal travel out of the city when classes are in session and plan trips for the weekends. 

Class Format

Classes are open only to CIEE students and meet Monday through Friday.  Language classes are small, typically with up to 15 students per class, and emphasize communication and work in small groups.  Content courses typically have no more than 20 students. 

Grading

Students are graded based on class participation, class activities, homework assignments, exams, papers, and oral presentations.  Grades are assigned on a 100-point scale. 

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 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

Students studying with CIEE for multiple sessions may only take Communicative Spanish once.

Summer Session I 2024

Course
Language
Semester Credit

Summer Session II 2024

Course
Language
Semester Credit

Summer Session III 2024

Course
Language
Semester Credit

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
  • CIEE Stem Scholarship

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 Summer Session I 2024 4 weeks Start Date End Date Fees & Housing $4,750
Program Summer Session II 2024 4 weeks Start Date End Date Fees & Housing $4,750
Program Summer Session III 2024 4 weeks Start Date End Date Fees & Housing $4,750
Program Summer Session I and II 2024 8 weeks Start Date End Date Fees & Housing $8,550
Program Summer Session II and III 2024 8 weeks Start Date End Date Fees & Housing $8,550
Program Summer Sessions I, II and III 2024 12 weeks Start Date End Date Fees & Housing $12,350

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 = $3,028**

Housing = $1,225

Insurance = $197

Total Fees = $4,750

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 = $280

International Airfare = $1,250††

Local Transportation = $21†††

Books & Supplies = $30

Personal expenses = $150††††

Total Costs = $1,731

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 = $200^

Select Plus Housing Fee = $400^^

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-usual (1 month) = 20€ ($21)

††††Personal expenses: $100 emergency fund and cell phone expense + estimated cost of toiletries for one session

^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 = $3,028**

Housing = $1,225

Insurance = $197

Total Fees = $4,750

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 = $280

International Airfare = $1,250††

Local Transportation = $21†††

Books & Supplies = $30

Personal expenses = $150††††

Total Costs = $1,731

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 = $200^

Select Plus Housing Fee = $400^^

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-usual (1 month) = 20€ ($21)

††††Personal expenses: $100 emergency fund and cell phone expense + estimated cost of toiletries for one session

^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 = $3,028**

Housing = $1,225

Insurance = $197

Total Fees = $4,750

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 = $280

International Airfare = $1,250††

Local Transportation = $21†††

Books & Supplies = $30

Personal expenses = $150††††

Total Costs = $1,731

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 = $200^

Select Plus Housing Fee = $400^^

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-usual (1 month) = 20€ ($21)

††††Personal expenses: $100 emergency fund and cell phone expense + estimated cost of toiletries for one session

^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 = $5,603**

Housing = $2,450

Insurance = $197

Total Fees = $8,550

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 = $560

International Airfare = $1,250††

Local Transportation = $64†††

Books & Supplies = $80

Personal expenses = $300††††

Total Costs = $2,254

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 = $400^

Select Plus Housing Fee = $800^^

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: 2 t-usual (1 month) = 40€ ($43)

††††Personal expenses: $100 emergency fund and cell phone expense + estimated cost of toiletries for one session

^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 = $5,603**

Housing = $2,450

Insurance = $197

Total Fees = $8,550

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 = $560

International Airfare = $1,250††

Local Transportation = $64†††

Books & Supplies = $80

Personal expenses = $300††††

Total Costs = $2,254

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 = $400^

Select Plus Housing Fee = $800^^

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: 2 t-usual (1 month) = 40€ ($43)

††††Personal expenses: $100 emergency fund and cell phone expense + estimated cost of toiletries for one session

^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 = $8,178**

Housing = $3,675

Insurance = $197

Total Fees = $12,350

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 = $840

International Airfare = $1,250††

Local Transportation = $107†††

Books & Supplies = $150

Personal expenses = $450††††

Total Costs = $2,797

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 = $600^

Select Plus Housing Fee = $1,200^^

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)

††††Personal expenses: $100 emergency fund and cell phone expense + estimated cost of toiletries for one session

^first-come, first serve, based on availability

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

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

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