Information for term Business + Culture
Application deadline, and cost information.
Overview
Click to OpenImprove your Spanish language skills and boost your cultural knowledge while studying international business in the capital of Catalonia. Choose from courses in English at CIEE Barcelona and CIEE’s partner schools, 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), while immersing yourself in Barcelona’s culture, history, and community. CIEE Barcelona is in downtown Barcelona, near the city’s main square. Both ESCI and UVic are just 20 minutes from CIEE.
All courses are complemented with CIEE co-curricular activities and excursions beyond the city to enhance classroom learning and provide intercultural understanding.
COVID-19 Vaccination Requirement
CIEE is requiring all participants to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 before traveling on programs. Read more ›
Follow our Travels:
Unique Experiences
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EXPLORE
the region of Catalonia and surrounding provinces with exciting excursions.
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LIVE
with a Spanish family and immerse yourself in local culture.
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TAKE FIELD TRIPS
to monuments and guided tours of the city.
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UNESCO World Heritage Sites
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beaches
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universities
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Location & Culture
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Your Destination
This capital of Catalonia, a region in northeastern Spain with its own history, culture, and language, is perfectly situated between mountains and the Mediterranean Sea. Its location is just one of the things that attracts millions of visitors each year. Stroll through the city and observe 2,000 years of architectural history - from Roman remains to a network of narrow streets in the Old Town - contrasting with the ultramodern showpieces that continue to redesign its skyline.
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
- Get to know Spanish students with conversation exchanges.
- See Barcelona from new heights with a hike and excursion to Collserola.
- See for yourself why landmarks like the Picasso Museum and Gaudi’s artworks engender awe from visitors around the world.
- Explore beyond Barcelona, with highlights that could include Roman ruins in the coastal city Tarragona, the medieval town of Girona, the Dalí museum in Figueres, among others.
INTERNSHIP
Complement your studies with an internship in English or Spanish. You might help a company like Naru Sport market their 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 weekly in-class sessions to support and enhance the internship experience with academic grounding.
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
- Help 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.
Housing is tight in Barcelona. If we can’t accommodate your first housing choice, we’ll let you know before you arrive. -
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 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 2023: Students taking courses at UVic may need to remain onsite until April 22, 2023 due to an extended course schedule.
GPA
CIEE or UVic Track: Students need to have a GPA of at least 2.5
ESCI Track: Students need to have a GPA of at least 3.0
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
- Two business, economics, management, and marketing courses:
- Students can take both courses at CIEE; combine a CIEE course with a host institution course (ESCI, UVic); or take both courses at one of the host institutions (ESCI, UVic)
- 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
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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.
- Heritage speakers and students with advanced language skills may request an exception to the language requirement and replace it with a content course taught in Spanish.
- 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.
Fall 2022 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
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
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 2023: Students taking courses at UVic should expect to remain onsite until April 22, 2023 due to an extended course schedule.
Syllabi for the courses listed below can be found HERE 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fall 2022 16 weeks | Deadline Passed | Sep 1, 2022 | Dec 19, 2022 |
$19,850
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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 = $15,156 ** Housing = $4,200 *** Insurance = $194 Total Fees = $19,850Estimated 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 = $150 Visa Fees = $160 Potential travel to consulate for visa = $500 Personal expenses = $1,280 †††† Other = $125 ††††† Total Estimated Costs = $5,318Financial 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) ††††† Covid test fees for entry to the US, if required |
| Academic year 2022-2023 33 weeks | Deadline Passed | Sep 1, 2022 | Apr 19, 2023 |
$38,708
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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 = $29,514 ** Housing = $8,700 *** Insurance = $194 Total Fees = $38,708Estimated 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 = $3,536 † International Airfare = $1,200 †† Local Transportation = $270 ††† Books & Supplies = $250 Visa Fees = $160 Potential travel to consulate for visa = $500 Personal expenses = $2,560 †††† Other = $125 ††††† Expenses during break = $1,440 †††††† Total Estimated Costs = $10,041Financial 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) ††††† Covid test fees for entry to the US, if required †††††† Academic year students who wish to stay onsite are responsible for arranging their housing and meals during the semester break. This amount can vary greatly. |
| Spring 2023 15 weeks | Oct 1, 2022 | 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) |
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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Fernando Janeiro
Senior Program Manager
Nando holds a Masters 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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