Study Abroad in Barcelona
College Study Abroad
Explore Barcelona, Spain
Barcelona’s art, architecture, and gastronomic reputation alone are enough to command global attention. Add its political, economic, and cultural influence on its respected higher education system and you get an irresistible study abroad destination for students from around the world.
When you study abroad in Barcelona, you can expect to see 2,000 years of history, from Roman ruins and 19th-century architecture to Gothic buildings and world-famous museums. As the capital city of Spain’s Catalonia region, Barcelona is rich in cultural heritage with a magnificent coastline, making your Barcelona study abroad experience one to remember.
Study Tours & Cultural Excursions in Barcelona
With CIEE’s Barcelona advisors, local experts, and your fellow classmates, your study abroad courses will be complemented with our co-curricular activities and excursions beyond the city.
Every CIEE study abroad program has frequent cultural excursions and activities uniquely designed to complement the program’s academics and enhance students’ cultural immersion. In Barcelona, past study tours and excursions have included:
- Guided tours of the Picasso Museum and Gaudí’s Sagrada Família
- Day trips to the Dalí Theatre Museum in Figueres
- Hikes in the Collserola Natural Park
- Visits to the Roman ruins in the coastal city Tarragona and the medieval town of Girona
If you’re a student looking for an authentic study abroad experience in Barcelona, our cultural excursions allow you to do just that! Whether you want to study Spanish, participate in different cultural activities, or immerse yourself in Catalan culture, studying abroad in Barcelona offers something for everyone.
WHERE TO STUDY IN BARCELONA
CIEE Barcelona
CIEE Barcelona is conveniently located near Barcelona’s main square, Plaza Catalunya. A 20 minute walk from La Sagrada Familia and 10 minute walk from Casa Milà, our center provides students with easy access to some of the city's top attractions.
ESCI-UPF School of International Studies
ESCI was created in 1993 by the Catalan government and the Universitat Pompeu Fabra and offers bachelor’s degrees in business and marketing.
Universitat de Vic – Central University of Catalonia (UVic)
UVic is an independent state-supported institution, committed to the economic and social development of the region. The university offers a Business, Design, and Innovation program for international students on their Barcelona campus (at BAU Design College), just 20 minutes from CIEE by bus or metro.
Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF)
UPF is one of Spain’s leading universities, with 27 degree programs offered in English.
Universitat de Barcelona (UB)
UB was founded in 1450 and is the oldest and largest university in Barcelona. It has 105 departments, 98 degree programs, and 20 research centers.
Institute for Advanced Architecture of Catalonia (IAAC)
This international center applies research and development to architecture and urbanism, welcoming students and investigators from more than 60 countries.
INTERNSHIPS & VOLUNTEERING
Depending on their program of study and availability, students may be able to participate in an internship or volunteer. With offerings in English or Spanish, students have the opportunity to intern in Barcelona in any of the following ways:
- Help a company like Naru Sport market their international products
- Work in real estate and investment options
- Assist a firm like Audioconsultores with finance and accounting
Students can volunteer in Barcelona by helping children with homework after school, assisting kids with special needs during school breaks, and participating in food -drives to help feed people in need.
Barcelona Study Abroad Programs
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Advanced Liberal Arts
Barcelona, Spain
A variety of outings and trips beyond the city make your understanding of this diverse region complete – and unforgettable.
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Liberal Arts
Barcelona, Spain
With a solid background in Spanish language, you’re perfectly poised to get the most of all Barcelona has to offer
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Language + Culture
Barcelona, Spain
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January in Barcelona
Barcelona, Spain
Spend J-term exploring international marketing or the arts in the culture-filled capital of Catalonia.
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Summer Global Internship
Barcelona, Spain
Spend the summer honing your skills with an internship in tech, entrepreneurism, arts, communication, business, marketing, or tourism.
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Summer Global Internship Language Immersion
Barcelona, Spain
Spend the summer in a vibrant seaside city working with local and international businesses
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Summer Language + Culture
Barcelona, Spain
Beyond the classroom, get to know the city with guided tours to storied museums and cathedrals
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Summer Business + Culture
Barcelona, Spain
Spend summer exploring international business in the culture-filled capital of Catalonia.
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Global Architecture + Design
Barcelona, Spain
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Business + Culture
Barcelona, Spain
Gear up to join the global economy with international experience from one of the Europe’s major hubs – Barcelona.
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Economics + Culture
Barcelona, Spain
Host of the 1992 Summer Olympics, Barcelona is an ideal place to explore the impact of one massive event on its host’s economy.
Currency Spoken Languages IN BARCelonA Available Transportation Famous Local Climate Places to Explore Airport Social Norms What to Pack
Euro
Catalan, Spanish, English
Metro, tram, train, bus
Gerard Piqué, famous professional soccer (football) player
Warm and temperate with an average annual temperature of 62°F
La Rambla – a 656-foot tree-line boulevard filled with Catalan culture, theaters, shops, restaurants, and interesting architecture.
Barcelona-El Prat Josep Tarradellas Airport (BCN)
Don't wear your fraternity/sorority letters around the city – you'll stand out as a tourist.
Comfortable shoes, Spanish dictionary, water bottle, sunglasses
Frequently Asked Questions
WHY STUDY ABROAD IN BARCELONA
Click to OpenWith 8 UNESCO World Heritage Sites (e.g. La Sagrada Familia, Casa Vicens Gaudí, Palau Güell), 7 beaches, and 8 universities, Barcelona has much to explore, all while putting your Spanish language skills to the test.
WHAT TO PACK FOR STUDY ABROAD IN BARCELONA
Click to OpenWhile a student’s packing list for Barcelona is heavily influenced by the season and weather they will experience, we generally recommend that for spring and summer programs in Barcelona, students pack lightweight clothing like shorts and t-shirts, as well as sunglasses, umbrellas, and comfortable shoes. For fall and winter programs in Barcelona, we recommend that students pack for cooler weather, including jeans, scarves, jackets, and clothing that can be layered.
WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE STUDYING ABROAD IN BARCELONA
Click to OpenAs mentioned in our Pocket Guide to Barcelona, students should know several things before studying abroad in Barcelona, including information regarding currency, languages, transportation, climate, and social norms.
BENEFITS OF STUDYING ABROAD IN BARCELONA
Click to OpenAs a culturally and historically-rich city, there are several benefits of studying abroad in Barcelona, Spain, including great public transportation, exciting nightlife, historic destinations to see, local art, and more.
WHAT IS DIVERSITY LIKE IN BARCELONA
Click to OpenIn order to ensure our students feel welcomed, supported, and empowered while studying abroad, CIEE staff completes comprehensive diversity equity and inclusion (DEI) training. Staff provide students with advice, resources, and ongoing support both before and during their study abroad program in Barcelona.
For more detailed information on diversity in Barcelona, visit our Diversity in Barcelona page.
Study Abroad Scholarships & Grants
APPLY IN 1,2,3!
CIEE offers scholarships and grants for study abroad programs in Barcelona to students with demonstrated financial need, proven academic merit, and for specific CIEE programs. Students can apply for scholarships through 3 simple steps:
- Search for and apply to your dream program
- Review all available funding opportunities
- Complete the Scholarship & Grants portion of your application
STUDY ABROAD SCHOLARSHIPS
NEED-BASED SCHOLARSHIPS
Based on students' Estimated Family Contribution (EFC) from their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and enrolled institution. Complete the Scholarships & Grants portion of your program application to be considered for all awards to which you are eligible.
MERIT SCHOLARSHIPS
Based on academic achievement. Complete the Scholarships & Grants portion of your program application, along with an essay, to be considered for all awards to which you are eligible.
OTHER SCHOLARSHIPS
Other scholarship awards are based on program or alumni status.
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