Information for term Business + Culture
Application deadline, and cost information.
Overview
Click to OpenKnown for its stunning architecture, world-class cuisine, and vibrant cultural heritage, Barcelona is one of Europe's crown jewels. The city is also considered one of the region's most dynamic startup ecosystems and leaders in innovation and entrepreneurship. For these reasons, Barcelona has become an ideal destination for international students interested in studying business and culture.
Designed for students with a background in business, CIEE Barcelona's Business + Culture program offers students access to countless cultural wonders – all while earning college credit. From indulging in mouth-watering tapas to marveling at world-famous architect Antoni Gaudí's 20+ sites (like his masterpieces La Sagrada Família and Park Güell) to participating in traditional Catalan dances (like the native Sardana dance), you'll discover all Barcelona has to offer during your semester abroad with CIEE in Spain's most popular city.
Follow our Travels:
Unique Experiences
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DISCOVER
one of Europe’s most dynamic startup ecosystems.
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EXPLORE
Barcelona’s “District 22@”, a hub for innovative companies.
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LIVE
with a Spanish family and immerse yourself in local culture.
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STARTUPS
2,048 -
VISITORS YEARLY
12 M -
BUS LINES
150
Location & Culture
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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
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.
INTERNSHIP
Complement your studies with an internship in English or Spanish. You might help a company like Naru Sport market its international products; work with a team on real estate and investment options; or help a firm such as Audiconsultores with finance and accounting. Internships include required weekly class sessions to support and enhance the internship experience with academic grounding. Students applying for an internship are required to submit additional materials during the course selection process.
VOLUNTEERING
Get to know the people of the city and their language as you give back. Here are some of the ways you might serve:
- Help children with homework after school
- Assist kids with special needs during school breaks
- Collect food for people in need
Program Blogs
Click to OpenProgram Blogs
Daily Life
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HOUSING
All housing is within a 30-minute commute to CIEE.
Homestays: Live with a Spanish family, with or without another CIEE student, and immerse yourself in the city’s language and culture. Each student has an individual room.
Apartments: Students can live in apartments shared with other CIEE students. If local health and safety regulations permit, most students live in double or triple rooms. Each apartment will have shared common spaces, including kitchen and bathroom.
Residence Halls: Students usually live with a mix of CIEE students, local and international students. If local health and safety regulations permit, students live in single, double, or triple rooms. Students usually share kitchens and common areas.
Independent Housing is not permitted unless:
- You have a relative in the host city
- You have a medical condition that we are not able to support with our existing housing options
- Requested and approved by CIEE (even if these conditions are met)
Housing is tight in Barcelona. If we can’t accommodate your first housing choice, we’ll let you know before you arrive.
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MEALS
Homestay students have breakfast and dinner with their host families, and they are responsible for lunch. Meals are not included at residence halls or apartments.
Barcelona, Spain Where You'll Study
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A
CIEE BARCELONA
30 minutes, by public transportation, from homestays, shared apartments and the residence hall.
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B
GETTING AROUND
Students can take the metro to get from their homestays, shared apartments or residence halls to the CIEE Study Center.
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C
University of Vic
BAU School of Design Barcelona location
Academics
Click to OpenAcademics
CIEE’s Business + Culture program invites business students to improve their Spanish language skills and earn credits toward their degree with courses at CIEE Barcelona and Universitat Pompeu Fabra’s Escola Superior de Comerç Internacional (School of International Studies, or ESCI) or the Universitat de Vic – Universitat Central de Catalunya (UVic). Students are required to take one Spanish language course tailored to their skill level.
Escola Superior de Comerc Internacional (ESCI) offers bachelor’s degrees in business and marketing, as well as an International Business Program (IBP) for international students. ESCI hosts 500 students and is located 15 minutes from CIEE by bus or metro.
Universitat de Vic – Universitat Central de Catalunya (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 15 minutes from CIEE by bus or metro.
Spring 2024: Students taking courses at UVic may need to remain onsite until April 19, 2024, due to an extended course schedule.
GPA
CIEE or UVic Track: Students need to have a GPA of at least 2.5 at the time of application
ESCI Track: Students need to have a GPA of at least 3.0 at the time of application
Language Prerequisites
There are no specific language requirements for this program.
Additional Requirements
3 semesters of college-level micro- or macroeconomics, accounting, finance, management, or statistics. Must have junior-level standing or higher by the time of arrival in Barcelona.
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.
Program Requirements
Students are required to take four to five courses for 14-17 credits:
- One CIEE Spanish language course (Based on Spanish Language Placement Exam Results)
- Two business, economics, management, or marketing courses:
- Students can take both courses at CIEE (if enrolled on the CIEE only track); combine a CIEE course with a host institution course (ESCI, UVic); or take both courses at one of the host institutions (ESCI, UVic tracks)
- If you are on the ESCI or UVic track you must take at least 1 course at the host institution
- One to two elective courses (depending on credits):
- CIEE courses
- CIEE internship
- Host institution courses (ESCI, UVic)
Program Credit
Total credit: 14-17 U.S. semester/21-25.5 quarter credits
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
- Escola Superior de Comerç Internacional (ESCI) courses: 3-4 U.S. semester/4.5-6 quarter credits; 45-60 contact hours, as noted
- Universitat de Vic – Universitat Central de Catalunya (UVic) 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. As students gain proficiency in Spanish, they are encouraged to use their skills with local students, host families, and new acquaintances.
Class Format
ESCI direct enrollment courses are taken alongside Spanish students. ESCI International Business Program courses and UVic courses include other international students. CIEE courses are taken with other CIEE students only.
Grading
Students are evaluated based on class participation, in-class activities, homework assignments, exams, papers, and oral presentations. In some courses, grades are based on an exam and a group or individual project. ESCI and UVic professors grade on a 10-point scale and points are converted to U.S. letter grades.
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
Spanish and English
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
Click to OpenCourse Information
- Students who choose to take courses at a host institution are only allowed to take courses at one host institution (either ESCI or UVic).
- Students who choose to take all their courses at CIEE are responsible for confirming with their home schools that this is an approved option.
- Courses at CIEE and at ESCI are offered in both Spanish and English. Courses at UVic are only offered in English.
- At ESCI, students can take local courses and/or courses for international students in ESCI’s International Business Program (ESCI IBP).
- At UVic, all courses are for international students only.
- Students with four or 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.
Spring 2023 CIEE Courses
Click to OpenAcademic Projects
Business, Economics, Management, and Marketing
Communication, Journalism, and Media
History, Philosophy, Religion
Languages and Cultural Studies
Social Sciences
Visual and Performing Arts
Fall 2023 CIEE Courses
Click to OpenAcademic Projects
Business, Economics, Management, and Marketing
Communication, Journalism, and Media
History, Philosophy, Religion
Languages and Cultural Studies
Literature, Linguistics, and Writing
Social Sciences
Visual and Performing Arts
Host Institution Courses
Click to OpenThe following is a sample list of courses; not all are available every year.
THE ESCOLA SUPERIOR DE COMERÇ INTERNACIONAL (SCHOOL OF INTERNATIONAL STUDIES, or ESCI) BUSINESS COURSES
ESCI courses in English (3 credits)
- Culture and Business in Europe
- (Prerequisite: Business Organization)
- Culture and Business in America
- (Prerequisite: Business Organization)
- Culture and Business in Middle East and Africa
- (Prerequisite: Business Organization)
- Industrial and Services Marketing
- (Prerequisite: previous marketing knowledge recommended)
- International Product Management
- (Prerequisite: previous coursework in marketing, market research, and strategic marketing knowledge recommended)
- International Project Management
- (Prerequisite: Business Organization / Finance)
- International Strategic Management
- (Prerequisite: Business Organization/Marketing)
- International Marketing
- (Prerequisite: Marketing / Business Organization)
- International Expansion
- (Prerequisite: Business Organization)
- International Team Management
- (Prerequisite: Business Organization)
- Market Research Analytics
- (Prerequisite: Business marketing, Market Research, Statistics)
- People Management
- (Prerequisite: Business Organization.)
- Market Research I
- (Prerequisite: Fundamentals of Marketing / Introductory Statistics)
- Public Relations and Consumer Relations Management
- (Prerequisite: Marketing)
- Pricing Policies
- (Prerequisite: Intermediate Microeconomics required)
ESCI courses in Spanish (3 credits)
- Auditoria
- (Prerequisite: Contabilidad de Costes)
- Compras Internacionales
- (Prerequisite: Organización de Empresas)
- Contabilidad de Costes
- (Prerequisite: prior knowledge of accounting required)
- Cultura & Negocios en Asia
- (Prerequisite: Organización de Empresas)
- Direccion de Ventas
- (Prerequisite: Organización de Empresas/Marketing)
- Economia y Globalización
- (Prerequisite: Macroeconomía/ Economía Internacional)
- Gestion de la Sostenibilidad
- (Prerequisite: Organización de Empresas)
- Innovación y Emprendimiento
- (Prerequisite: Organización de Empresas)
- Logística Internacional
- (Prerequisite: Gestión de Operaciones / Distribución Comercial)
- Marketing Digital Internacional
- (Prerequisite: Marketing)
- Negociación Internacional
- (Prerequisite: Organización de Empresas)
- Retail Internacional
- (Prerequisite: Marketing)
- Técnicas de Previsión
ESCI International Business Program Courses in English (4 credits)
- Applied Marketing Research in the Digital Era
- (Prerequisite: Introduction to Marketing)
- Consumer Behavior
- (Prerequisite: Introduction to Marketing)
- Corporate Finance
- (Prerequisite: Accounting)
- Cross Cultural Management and Intercultural Communication
- (Prerequisite: Business Organization)
- Doing Business in Europe
- (Prerequisite: Business Organization)
- Economic Global Order
- (Prerequisite: Introductory Economics)
- Financial Risk Management
- (Prerequisite: Corporate Finance)
- International Management
- (Prerequisite: Business Organization)
- International Economics
- (Prerequisite: Introductory Micro and Macro Economics)
- New Trends in International Marketing
- (Prerequisite: Introduction to Marketing)
- Strategic Brand Management
- (Prerequisite: Marketing Management)
- Strategic Consumer Insight
- (Prerequisite: Introduction to Marketing)
UNIVERSITAT DE VIC – UNIVERSITAT CENTRAL DE CATALUNYA (UVIC) BUSINESS, DESIGN, AND INNOVATION COURSES
Spring 2024: Students taking courses at UVic may need to remain onsite until April 19, 2024 due to an extended course schedule.
Syllabi for the courses listed below can be found on the UVic website under the ‘Programme’ tab.
UVic courses in English (3 credits)
- Brand Design
- Design Thinking
- Digital Business
- Global Marketing
- Marketing and Fashion
- Leadership, Business, and Society
- Luxury Marketing
- Psychology of Communication and Publicity
- Retail Management
- Start-up Creation
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
Click to OpenScholarships & 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
To be considered, submit the CIEE Scholarships & Grants application within your CIEE program application. Learn more at the Scholarships & Grants section of our website.
See more scholarship infoDates & Fees
Click to OpenDates & 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring 2023 15 weeks | Deadline Passed | Jan 3, 2023 | Apr 19, 2023 |
$19,950
Click to Close
Program FeesCIEE 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 insurance with benefits. Participation Confirmation = $300 * Educational Costs = $14,983 ** Housing = $4,500 *** Insurance = $167 Total Fees = $19,950Estimated CostsStudents are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration. Meals not included in program fee = $1,768 † International Airfare = $1,200 †† Local Transportation = $135 ††† Books & Supplies = $100 Visa Fees = $160 Potential travel to consulate for visa = $500 Personal expenses = $1,280 †††† Total Estimated Costs = $5,143Financial AidCIEE 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. This breakdown has been prepared from the program budget for the purpose of calculating eligibility for financial aid. During the course of program operations, actual figures may vary. It should not, therefore, be used as a basis for calculation of refunds. CIEE reserves the right to adjust fees at any time. Students required by their US home institution to study abroad via CIEE's School of Record will be charged a $500 administrative fee in addition to the Program Fees listed. * 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 † Homestay includes two meals daily; no meals are included for students in the Residencia and Shared apartments options. Homestay students Fall & Spring should budget $885 for meals not included in fees †† round-trip based on U.S. East Coast departure ††† "Local transportation: t-jove (3 months) = 85€ ($90) / t-usual (1 month) = 40€ ($43) †††† "Personal expenses: minimum social life twice a week ($45 aprox) |
| Fall 2023 15 weeks | Apr 1, 2023 | Sep 4, 2023 | Dec 21, 2023 |
$19,950
Click to Close
Program FeesCIEE 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 insurance with benefits. Participation Confirmation = $300 * Educational Costs = $14,953 ** Housing = $4,500 *** Insurance = $197 Total Fees = $19,950Estimated CostsStudents are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration. Meals not included in program fee = $1,168 † International Airfare = $850 †† Local Transportation = $65 ††† Books & Supplies = $100 Visa Fees = $160 Potential travel to consulate for visa = $500 Personal expenses = $167 †††† Other = $0 ††††† Total Estimated Costs = $3,010Financial AidCIEE 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. This breakdown has been prepared from the program budget for the purpose of calculating eligibility for financial aid. During the course of program operations, actual figures may vary. It should not, therefore, be used as a basis for calculation of refunds. CIEE reserves the right to adjust fees at any time. Students required by their US home institution to study abroad via CIEE's School of Record will be charged a $500 administrative fee in addition to the Program Fees listed. * 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 † Homestay includes two meals daily; no meals are included for students in the Residencia and Shared apartments options. Homestay students should budget $600 for meals not included in fees. †† round-trip based on U.S. East Coast departure ††† Local transportation: t-jove (3 months) = 40€ ($43) / t-usual (1 month) = 20€ ($21) †††† Personal expenses: $100 emergency fund and cell phone expense + estimated cost of toiletries for one month ††††† Covid test fees for entry to the US, if required |
| Spring 2024 14 weeks | Oct 1, 2023 | Jan 3, 2024* | Apr 10, 2024* | |
| Academic year 2023-2024 14 weeks | Apr 1, 2023 | Sep 4, 2023 | TBD |
*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, ask your college or university study abroad advisor if your school charges additional fees for study abroad.
Looking for funding?
What's Included
Click to OpenWhat's Included
Our Staff
Click to OpenOur Staff
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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).
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José Luis Espinosa
Academic Director
José Luis holds a Ph.D. in Modern Languages and Gender Studies from the University of Salamanca (USAL).
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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
Here's what you need to do to take the next steps:-
1
START AN APPLICATION
Apply Now
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.
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