Economics + Culture
Designed for students with a background in economics, the Economics + Culture program offers students the unique opportunity to explore Barcelona's countless cultural wonders while earning college credits in one of Spain's most important economic hubs.
Immerse yourself in Spanish university life and enroll in courses delivered in English or Spanish at the Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF) or the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB). Outside the classroom, you'll have plenty of time to explore everything Barcelona has to offer. From indulging in mouth-watering tapas at one of the city's 19 Michelin-starred restaurants to marveling at world-famous architect Antoni Gaudí's 20+ sites, your time in Spain's most famous city will be nothing short of life-changing!
Unique Experiences
Analyze current economic challenges
and explore the differences between European and U.S. economic models.
Get an insider's look
on the impact of European integration on Spain’s economy.
Strengthen your intercultural skills
by completing group projects with Spanish students.
Your Destination
Culture, sport, fashion, finance, media, entertainment – Barcelona is brimming with it all. The largest city on the Mediterranean Sea, Barcelona is home to 1.7 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.
The Culture
Excursions & Activities
- Visit Montserrat, where you can see La Moreneta (the black Madonna), hear a Boys’ Choir, and hike trails with incredible views and unique rock formations
- Discover the Gràcia neighborhood, famous for its bohemian and artistic style and streets filled with color and culture
- Visit the oldest preserved garden in Barcelona, 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
Internships
For-credit Internship: Get valuable international work experience with a for-credit internship. Placements include startups, small- to medium-sized companies, and magazine and publishing houses, among others. Internships include a required weekly class to support the experience with academics. Students applying for an internship are required to submit additional materials and home school approval during the course selection process.
LANGUAGE-LEARNING ENHANCEMENT
Lectures, films, discussion groups, and neighborhood tours are all possibilities that will expand your cultural knowledge while you practice speaking Spanish.
CIEE LOCAL MENTORS
Local university students help you get to know the city and meet new friends with small group activities like city tours, flamenco night, and more.
Program Blogs
How Studying Abroad Reconnected Me with Friends from My Past
By: Aiden Lo During this study abroad, I reconnected with four people who I haven’t met in five years. All of them were from a summer camp in Toledo. I... keep reading
Traveling Within Your Host Country
By: Jordyn R. Greenfield When I first embarked on my study abroad experience, I was so excited for my first big opportunity to see the world. I wanted to visit... keep reading
Embracing Barcelona: My Unforgettable Experience with CIEE's Economics and Culture Program
By: Brenda Padilla A Glimpse into My World Hi, I'm Brenda, and I'm set to graduate in May 2025 . Currently, I am a junior at Duke University majoring in... 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. Final placements are communicated to all students 3 weeks before arrival.
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’s Economics + Culture program is designed for economics or business majors. Students take classes at the Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF) Department of Economics & Business and/or through the UPF BaPIS program, or at the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB). Students will also choose from a selection of CIEE elective courses. Content courses are taught by experienced university faculty and business professionals. Language courses are taught by experienced professors who specialize in teaching Spanish as a second language.
CIEE Barcelona is located near Barcelona’s main square, Plaça de Catalunya.
Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF) is a highly ranked public university in Barcelona created in 1990 by the Autonomous Government of Catalonia. AT UPF, students can take courses with local students through the Department of Economics and Business administration, or with other international students at the Barcelona Program for Interdisciplinary Studies (BaPIS). All courses are usually held at Ciutadella Vila Olímpica Campus.
Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB) is a public University founded in 1968 with an enrollment of more than 40,000 students. UAB is the second highest-ranking Spanish university according to the Times Higher Education World University Rankings. At UAB, students take courses with other CIEE students from the UAB Study Abroad Program. All courses are usually held at Casa Convalescència Campus.
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
- UPF courses are for local students
- UPF BaPIS courses are for local and international students
- Some courses on the UPF website are not available for international students. If in doubt, please contact your AA.
- Students with four to 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
Literature, Linguistics, and Writing
Mathematics and Statistics
Social Sciences
Visual and Performing Arts
Agriculture
Natural Resources, Conservation, and the Environment
Psychology
UNIVERSITAT POMPEU FABRA (UPF) DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMICS AND BUSINESS COURSES in English
This is a sample list of courses. Not all of the following courses are available every year. Courses are 3 U.S. credits, and syllabi for the courses listed below can be found online.
- Advanced Macroeconomics
- Business Logistics
- Commercial Management II
- Consumer Behavior
- Cost Accounting I
- Econometrics II
- Econometrics III
- Economic Institutions and Markets
- Finance
- Financial Management I
- Financial Management II
- Forecasting Techniques
- Foreign Trade II
- Game Theory and Design of Institutions
- Human Resources I
- Human Resources II
- International Business History
- Industrial Organization
- International Economics I
- International Finance
- International Finance Economics
- International Marketing
- Macroeconomics
- Management of Non-Profit Organizations
- Marketing
- Markets and Derivatives
- Mathematics for Finance
- Modern Statistical Computing
- Multivariant Analysis
- Networks, Crowds, and Markets
- New Topics in Marketing Management
- Operations Management
- Operations Research
- Organizational Behavior
- Principles of Public Economics
- Psychology and Business
- Real Analysis
- Strategic Management I
- Topics in Macroeconomics
UNIVERSITAT POMPEU FABRA (UPF) DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMICS AND BUSINESS COURSES in Spanish
This is a sample list of courses. Not all of the following courses are available every year.
- Dirección Comercial I / Commercial Management I
- Marketing de Servicios / Service Marketing
- Recursos Humanos I / Human Resources I
- Dirección Estratégica I / Strategic Management I
- Economía Internacional I / International Economics I
- Gestión de Instituciones Sanitarias / Management for Health Institutions
- Investigación de Mercados / Market Research
UNIVERSITAT POMPEU FABRA Barcelona Program for Interdisciplinary Studies (BaPIS) COURSES in English
Course offerings may vary from semester to semester. Courses are 3 U.S. credits.
Syllabi for the courses listed below can be found online.
Here is a sample of BaPIS courses in English:
- Analytics for Social Good
- Anthropocene – How People Are Transforming the Planet
- Art, Mind and the Brain
- Barcelona the City and its History
- Building a Brain
- Contemporary Spanish Art
- Ethics in a Globalization and Sustainability Context
- From Hipocrates to Personalized Medicine: Healthcare Adapted to Societal Changes
- Gender-based Violence and International Protection of Human Rights
- Global Marketing and Culture of FC Barcelona
- Great Ideas that Have Shaped our World: From the Axial Age to the Robot Revolution
- Innovation and the Law. How Technology Changes the Legal System
- LGTB+: Exploring Identities and Diversity
- Stardom Wars: Controversies on Creativity and Authorship in Spanish Cinema
- The Collectivity Revolution
- The Jews in Spain: History, Heritage and Memory
UNIVERSITAT POMPEU FABRA Barcelona Program for Interdisciplinary Studies (BaPIS) COURSES in Spanish
Course offerings may vary from semester to semester. Courses are 3 U.S. credits.
Syllabi for the courses listed below can be found online.
Here is a sample of BaPIS courses in Spanish:
- Innovación e inteligencia artificial en el gobierno: la transformación creativa de la gobernanza urbana
- ¿Qué es noticia? verdad, desinformación y hegemonía
UNIVERSITAT AUTÒNOMA DE BARCELONA (UAB)
UAB Content Courses
Course offerings may vary from semester to semester. Courses are taught in English and are 3 U.S. credits.
UAB Study Abroad Program sample courses in English (taken with other CIEE students only):
- The Seven Wonders of Spain: Spanish Architecture History
- Communication and Gender
- Mediterranean Culture and History
- Strategic Management of the Firm
- Politics, War and Economics in the Age of Globalization
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 | Application Due Deadline Passed | Start Date * | End Date TBD* | |
| Program Spring 2026 14 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, your college or university may charge additional fees for study abroad, or may require you to receive a transcript via CIEE's School of Record, which carries an additional fee of $500.
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.
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.
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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