Business + Culture
Your Business + Culture program in Barcelona lasts a full semester and is designed for students with a background in business. You will enroll in a combination of CIEE courses, host institution courses, and courses taught online through CIEE's global academic partner, ASU. Enhance your experience with co-curricular and extracurricular activities while immersing yourself in Spanish culture. Live and learn in Barcelona!
Unique Experiences
Discover
one of Europe’s most dynamic startup ecosystems
Explore
Barcelona’s “District 22@,” a hub for innovative companies
Live
with a Spanish family and immerse yourself in local culture
Your Destination
Barcelona is Spain’s cosmopolitan city, celebrated for its thriving business landscape and rich cultural heritage. As a global hub for entrepreneurship, finance, and international trade, Barcelona offers exceptional opportunities for students studying business and culture. The city’s unique blend of Catalan and Spanish traditions, iconic landmarks like Casa Batlló and the Magic Fountain of Montjuïc, world-class museums, and thriving creative industries make Barcelona the perfect place to study abroad.
Program Highlights
- Academic Courses: Choose from CIEE courses, host institution courses, and online courses delivered by CIEE’s global partner, ASU, that align with your academic major.
- Optional Internship Placements: Enhance your program with an optional for-credit internship that aligns with your career aspirations.
- Immersive Experiences: Participate in activites, excursions, study tours, and more that showcase your host city's culture, values, and local art, film, music, cuisine, and sports scenes.
- Academic Projects: Enroll in an optional for-credit independent research project or service-learning project for increased professional development opportunities.
Excursions & Activities
CIEE’s excursions and cultural activities in Barcelona will open doors for you to explore Spain’s rich diversity, language, culture, history, and timeless beauty in ways that will enhance your time abroad.
Samples of past excursions and activities:
- Trek Montserrat's breathtaking mountain trails, exploring a Benedictine monastery retreat and witnessing the unique rock formations of Catalonia
- Wander the colorful streets of Gràcia, immersing yourself in the neighborhood's bohemian vibe and artistic flair
- Dive into the captivating art of flamenco at one of Barcelona's renowned tablaos
Please note: Activities are based on past programs and subject to change at CIEE's discretion to adapt to local circumstances and participant feedback. Our goal when arranging activities is always to enhance your experience.
Program Blogs
How Study Abroad Transformed the Way I See the World
By: Ryan Schwartz My CIEE study abroad program in Barcelona ended just last week, but I already wish I could have the time back. I first arrived in Barcelona on... keep reading
5 Reasons to Say Yes to a Homestay Abroad
By: Hosanna Assefa I was in the middle of eating my lunch in the dining hall when I received that daunting email. “ CIEE Barcelona Housing Survey Due Tonight!” the... keep reading
A Sunny Escape: Day-Tripping to Sitges
By: Stella Khan I made the decision to spend the weekend with my three friends in Sitges, a quaint beach town that is only 30 minutes away by train, to... keep reading
Housing & Meals
Housing
CIEE Barcelona offers diverse housing options to ensure you’re comfortable in your home away from home. From homestays to shared apartments, we strive for your accommodation preferences to be met. Additionally, all housing options are located in neighborhoods with convenient access to public transportation, shops, cafés, and eateries.
Standard Housing: Includes a single room at a homestay or a single room at a residence hall located within 50 minutes from CIEE Barcelona. Homestays feature a kitchen, living room, and bathroom shared with a host family. Residence Halls boast shared kitchens, common areas, and laundry facilities shared with other students.
Select Housing: Includes a double room at a shared apartment located within 30 minutes from CIEE Barcelona. Apartments boast shared kitchens, common areas, and laundry facilities shared with other students. Select housing requires an additional fee.
Select Plus Housing: Includes a single room at a residence hall located within 30 minutes from CIEE Barcelona. Residence halls boast shared kitchens, common areas, and laundry facilities shared with other students. Select Plus housing requires an additional fee.
A note: The default criterion to assign housing is first-come, first-served; however, other factors may also be considered. If we cannot accommodate your first housing choice, we'll let you know before you arrive. Non-standard housing options require an additional fee that can be found in the program Dates and Fees.
Meals
- Homestays: Students have breakfast and dinner with their host families, and they are responsible for lunch. Students do not typically have access to use the kitchen at the host family home.
- Residence Halls and Shared Apartments: Meals are not included.
Academics
CIEE Barcelona: Study near Barcelona’s main square, Plaça Catalunya, on a beautiful pedestrian passageway, only minutes from cafés, restaurants, and important cultural attractions. CIEE Barcelona features classrooms, a student lounge, conference rooms, and charming 19th-century terraces where students can relax outdoors.
Escola Superior de Comerc Internacional (ESCI): A division of Barcelona’s Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), 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.
Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB) is a public University with an enrollment of more than 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.
Arizona State University (ASU): Brought to you by CIEE in partnership with ASU, enhance your international coursework with online classes that align with your degree requirements. ASU offers thousands of online courses in asynchronous 7.5-week sessions that fit within the CIEE academic calendar.
Course Information
- Students who choose to take courses at a host institution are only allowed to take courses at one host institution [either ESCI, UVic, or UAB ].
- 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 and UAB 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.
Academic Projects
Business, Economics, Management, and Marketing
Communication, Journalism, and Media
Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services
Engineering and Engineering Technologies
History, Philosophy, Religion
Languages and Cultural Studies
Literature, Linguistics, and Writing
Mathematics and Statistics
Social Sciences
Visual and Performing Arts
Agriculture
Natural Resources, Conservation, and the Environment
Psychology
Academic Projects
Business, Economics, Management, and Marketing
Communication, Journalism, and Media
Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services
Engineering and Engineering Technologies
History, Philosophy, Religion
Languages and Cultural Studies
Mathematics and Statistics
Social Sciences
Visual and Performing Arts
Agriculture
Natural Resources, Conservation, and the Environment
Psychology
The 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 U.S. 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 U.S. 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 U.S. 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
AVAILABLE SPRING 2024
UNIVERSITAT AUTÒNOMA DE BARCELONA (UAB)
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.
UAB courses in English
- The Seven Wonders of Spain: Spanish Architecture History
- Communication and Gender
- Mediterranean Culture and History
CIEE proudly partners with ASU to deliver asynchronous, online coursework that aligns with your degree requirements from anywhere you study abroad.
CIEE and ASU offer courses online per program eligibility, at no additional charge. Be sure to review online courses with your home school advisor.
Check the CIEE Program Dates and ASU start dates below to maximize course options within your program!
Search ASU Online Courses BROWSE FAQs for more INFO
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.
Discover Internship Opportunities
We're excited you're considering this program! Next, explore the types of internships you can choose from for an epic internship abroad with CIEE Study Abroad.
Explore Industry Options
Students interning in Barcelona are placed with innovative startups and global organizations across various sectors. The most sought-after profiles are those with interests in business, engineering, marketing, and communication, reflecting the city's vibrant work scene that thrives on creativity and collaboration.
Business Management and Administration
Study international business practices, multicultural leadership, and global market dynamics in Scotland, China, and more.
Marketing, Sales and Service
Explore global market dynamics, cross-cultural consumer engagement, and sales techniques in firms, agencies, and companies.
Browse Internship Opportunities
Explore internship placements available through this program to find the right fit for your academic and professional goals.
Disclaimer: Internship placements are subject to availability and host employer hiring discretion. Application and payment of CIEE fees does not guarantee specific placement. This internship listing is for informational purposes only and does not constitute a contract between CIEE and any applicant, student, institution, or other party.
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.
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 Fall 2025 16 weeks | Application Due Deadline Passed | Start Date | End Date | Fees & Housing $20,950 |
| Program Academic year 2025-2026 34 weeks | Application Due Deadline Passed | Start Date | End Date | Fees & Housing $41,800 |
| Program Spring 2026 15 weeks | Start Date | End Date | Fees & Housing $21,950 | |
| Program Fall 2026 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, ask your college or university study abroad advisor if your school charges additional fees for study abroad.
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 | $14,956 ** |
| Housing | $5,500 *** |
| Insurance | $194 |
| Total Fees | $20,950 |
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. Housing is assigned on a first-come, first-served basis; however, other factors may also be considered.
| Select Housing Fee | $1,500 |
| Select Plus Housing Fee | $2,250 |
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.
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 |
*non-refundable fee
**direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students
***Housing fees listed are for financial aid purposes only and should not be considered a basis for calculation of refunds.
†The listed estimated cost is for students in homestays. Families provide 2 meals (breakfast and dinner) and students purchase lunch (there isn’t usually access to a kitchen). 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
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 | $29,556 ** |
| Housing | $11,750 *** |
| Insurance | $194 |
| Total Fees | $41,800 |
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. Housing is assigned on a first-come, first-served basis; however, other factors may also be considered.
| Select Housing Fee | $1,500 |
| Select Plus Housing Fee | $2,250 |
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.
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 |
*non-refundable fee
**direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students
***Housing fees listed are for financial aid purposes only and should not be considered a basis for calculation of refunds.
†The listed estimated cost is for students in homestays. Families provide 2 meals (breakfast and dinner) and students purchase lunch (there isn’t usually access to a kitchen). 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
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 | $15,206 ** |
| Housing | $6,250 *** |
| Insurance | $194 |
| Total Fees | $21,950 |
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.
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 | $1,142 † |
| International Airfare | $1,000 †† |
| Local Transportation | $72 ††† |
| Books & Supplies | $60 †††† |
| Visa Fees | $160 |
| Potential travel to consulate for visa | $500 |
| Personal expenses | $210 ††††† |
| Total Costs | $3,144 |
*non-refundable fee
**direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students
***Housing fees listed are for financial aid purposes only and should not be considered a basis for calculation of refunds.
†The listed estimated cost is for students in homestays. Families provide 2 meals (breakfast and dinner) and students purchase lunch (there isn’t usually access to a kitchen). For students in apartments, you should budget approx. $265 per month for groceries if you plan on making your own meals, and more if you plan on eating out regularly.
††Round-trip flight based on U.S. East Coast departure ranges from $700-1200 dependent on carrier.
†††Local transportation: €44/$48 T-jove (3-month unlimited public transport rides on metro, bus, and train systems) / €22/$24 T-usual (1-month unlimited rides)
††††Total estimate cost for school supplies the duration of program
†††††$100 emergency fund + cell phone expense (low-cost SIM card with a 30GB-50GB data plan) + toiletries
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.
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.
Estimated Costs
Students are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration.
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
Our Staff
Andrés Tabárez
Center Director
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.
Get Started
1
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 CIEE
We're here to help! Send us an email if you still have questions or need information about applying to this program.
4
Interested in an optional internship?
After being accepted to this program and submitting the required internship documents, work with CIEE staff on your internship goals and select which positions to interview for. CIEE will reach out to companies that would be a good fit for you, your interests, and your qualifications. Finalize your internship placement upon arrival!
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