Study Abroad in Barcelona
College Study Abroad
Explore Barcelona with CIEE
When you study abroad in Barcelona, Spain, you'll be captivated by the city's blend of rich history, architectural wonders, and vibrant culture. Immerse yourself in world-class museums, bustling streets, and diverse cuisine while exploring the iconic works of Antoni Gaudí and enjoying the famous Mediterranean climate. You'll have pleasant weather year-round, perfect for exploring the city’s beautiful beaches and outdoor spaces. It's only natural that studying abroad in Barcelona on a CIEE program offers a dynamic atmosphere that creates an enriching study abroad experience filled with personal growth, cultural immersion, and cherished memories.
While abroad, students may complete a full- or part-time internship in Barcelona, gaining real-world international work experience and developing valuable professional skills. Internships are available across diverse industries, including business, marketing, arts, sustainability, and more, providing a well-rounded perspective of today's global job market and enriching the overall study abroad experience.
Top Activities in Barcelona with CIEE
Every CIEE Barcelona study abroad and international internship program includes frequent cultural excursions uniquely designed to complement the program’s academics and enhance students’ cultural immersion. In Barcelona, past excursions have included:
- Uncover artistic genius with guided tours of the Picasso Museum and Gaudí’s Sagrada Família, an architectural masterpiece
- Step into a surreal world with a day trip to the Dalí Theatre Museum in Figueres
- Travel back in time as you explore the Roman ruins in the coastal city of Tarragona and the medieval town of Girona, two iconic historic gems
About CIEE Barcelona
CIEE Barcelona is located on a beautiful pedestrian passageway near Barcelona's main square, Plaça Catalunya. Built in 1864, this passageway is considered one of the most interesting and well-preserved passages in the Eixample. Despite some houses being remodeled for business use, the passage has retained its original charm and character. It is a hidden gem in Barcelona, reflecting the city's rich architectural heritage and offering a glimpse into 19th-century urban design.
CIEE Barcelona features 15 classrooms, a student lounge, conference rooms, and complimentary Wi-Fi and printer access. CIEE Barcelona also boasts several 19th-century terraces where students can relax, enjoy the outdoors, and bask in Barcelona's lovely weather.
Beyond the Center, students will find they're only minutes from cafés, restaurants, and important cultural attractions. Students who love to shop will particularly appreciate being only a block from Passeig de Gràcia, the equivalent of New York's Fifth Avenue. Here, there's a lot to see including gorgeous architecture, high-class stores, and more.
Experience CIEE Barcelona
Where You’ll Study in Barcelona
CIEE Barcelona
CIEE Barcelona is conveniently located near Barcelona’s main square, Plaça de Catalunya.
Institute for Advanced Architecture of Catalonia (IAAC)
IAAC is a leading educational and research center in Barcelona that focuses on innovative architecture, urbanism, and technology.
ESCI-UPF School of International Studies
ESCI-UPF School of International Studies, part of Pompeu Fabra University in Barcelona, offers comprehensive programs in international business and marketing.
Universitat de Vic – Central University of Catalonia (UVic)
UVic Barcelona campus offers a program in international business, focusing on areas such as international marketing, finance, and management.
Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF)
UPF is one of the leading public universities in Barcelona, known for its strong research focus, innovative education, and modern facilities.
Universitat de Barcelona (UB)
The UB, founded in 1450, is Catalonia’s largest and most prestigious public university, known for its extensive academic programs and research excellence.
Internships & Volunteering in Barcelona
Depending on their study program and availability, students may be able to participate in an international internship or volunteer work abroad. With offerings in English or Spanish, students have the opportunity to intern in Barcelona in any of the following ways:
- Collaborate with exciting startups from a variety of industry innovation hubs
- Interact with emerging, cutting-edge technologies and learn from outstanding researchers
- Assist international companies with business development and market research projects
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
- Barcelona, Spain
- Study Program
- Part-Time Internship
Business students will want to experience entrepreneurial spirit for 16 weeks in Barcelona while exploring the city's innovative and vibrant culture.
- Barcelona, Spain
- Study Program
- Part-Time Internship
Spend 12 weeks interning abroad PT (20 hours/week) and earning academic credit while immersing yourself in Spanish culture in cosmopolitan Barcelona.
- Barcelona, Spain
- Full-Time Internship
Spend 12 weeks interning abroad FT (30-40 hours/week) and earning academic credit while immersing yourself in Spanish culture in cosmopolitan Barcelona.
- Barcelona, Spain
- Study Program
- Full-Time Internship
Summer in Barcelona – one of Southern Europe’s most dynamic startup ecosystems – when you gain experience working an internship in business or marketing.
- Barcelona, Spain
- Study Program
- Part-Time Internship
Spend 6 weeks of your summer interning abroad PT (15-20 hours/week) and earning academic credit while exploring Spain's cosmopolitan city, Barcelona.
- Barcelona, Spain
- Study Program
- Part-Time Internship
Study Spanish, explore what Barcelona has to offer, and land a PT internship – in disciplines like business or marketing – all in the same summer.
- Barcelona, Spain
- Study Program
Spend four summer weeks in Barcelona studying business, exploring the region, gaining perspectives, and learning about local commercial successes.
- Barcelona, Spain
- Study Program
Learn about Spain while you're in it – taking courses in either English or Spanish – when you choose to study abroad for four weeks in beachy Barcelona.
- Barcelona, Spain
- Study Program
- Part-Time Internship
Improve your Spanish fluency in a semester in Barcelona, allowing you to better connect with your peers or even get work experience with a PT internship.
- Barcelona, Spain
- Study Program
Watch a flamenco show, dine on churros, and take in the architecture – while earning credits in a class – when you spend your winter break in Barcelona.
- Barcelona, Spain
- Study Program
- Part-Time Internship
Spend a full semester developing your Spanish in beautiful Barcelona, where you'll find a variety of electives to enroll in across 16 colleges.
- Barcelona, Spain
- Study Program
Architecture and sustainability students can take advantage of a semester in Barcelona, where you'll focus on building cities that address climate change.
- Barcelona, Spain
- Study Program
- Part-Time Internship
Spend a full semester in Barcelona, where you can take courses in English, go to sporting events, check out the architecture, and even do a PT internship.
- Barcelona, Spain
- Study Program
- Part-Time Internship
Stand out from the crowd when your resume boasts classes – and a business management or marketing internship – from your 16-week semester in Barcelona.
- Barcelona, Spain
- Study Program
- Part-Time Internship
Designed for STEM majors, enroll in engineering, technology, and science courses that align with your degree while exploring all Barcelona has to offer.
- Barcelona, Spain
- Study Program
Get taught by instructors in English or Spanish during your semester in Barcelona, where you can take courses for your major or classes focused on Spain.
Currency
Euro
Spoken Languages in Barcelona
Catalan, Spanish, English
Available Transportation
Metro, tram, train, bus
Famous Local
Gerard Piqué - professional footballer who played as a center-back for FC Barcelona and the Spanish national team
Climate
Warm and temperate with an average annual temperature of 62°F
Places to Explore
La Rambla – a 656-foot tree-line boulevard filled with Catalan culture, theaters, shops, restaurants, and interesting architecture
Airport
Barcelona-El Prat Josep Tarradellas Airport (BCN)
Social Norms
Don't wear your fraternity/sorority letters around the city – you'll stand out as a tourist.
What to Pack
Comfortable shoes, water bottle, sunglasses
Frequently Asked Questions
With 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.
Read More: The 6 Best Places to Learn Spanish Abroad
While 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.
Read More: Your Go-To Spain Study Abroad Packing List for Every Season
As 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.
As 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.
Read More: Why Study Abroad? Top 7 Benefits of Studying Abroad
In 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.
The cost of studying abroad in Barcelona varies depending on the specific program that you choose and how long you plan to study abroad for. For detailed cost information, we recommend researching each individual Barcelona study abroad program page.
For costs not included in your program’s outlined fees, it’s important to consider factors surrounding your individual journey while abroad.
Read more: How Much Does it Cost to Study Abroad?
Yes, you can absolutely complete an internship abroad in Barcelona with CIEE. Our international internship programs allow college students to choose from a variety of full- and part-time internships abroad in a variety of fields, including manufacturing, finance, hospitality, healthcare, public policy, and more!
Search our internship opportunities to get started!
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.
Talk To A Student Who's Lived It...
Reach out to one of our Student Ambassadors to learn what CIEE Study Abroad is really like from alums who've lived it! Address any questions you may have about Barcelona, from your academic interests and travel planning to housing and cultural differences.
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