Information for term Language + Culture
Application deadline, and cost information.
Overview
Click to OpenBarcelona is both a cosmopolitan city and one rooted in ancient tradition, making it the ideal place to soak up Spanish language and culture. Spend the semester immersed in language learning at CIEE’s partner school, Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF) and taking area studies classes at CIEE Barcelona across a range of academic areas. Options for internships are also available for students who want to gain real-world work experience at a local company. All courses are complemented with CIEE co-curricular activities and excursions beyond the city to enhance classroom learning and provide intercultural understanding.
Follow our Travels:
Unique Experiences
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Join a host family
at their Barcelona home and soak up the Spanish language and local customs.
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Connect with Spanish students
in a language exchange that helps you practice all you’re learning.
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Experience life in a cosmopolitan university
city that’s rooted in ancient tradition and reaching forward to the future.
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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
Culture, sport, fashion, finance, media, 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. A walk through the city reveals 2,000 years of history at every turn, including Roman ruins, 19th-century modernista architecture, ultramodern showpieces, and the Gothic buildings of the Old Town.
Castilian Spanish and Catalan are both official languages. Catalan is regularly used in all aspects of life, but not imposed. Taxi drivers, shopkeepers, professors, host families – all speak clear Castilian when Spanish speakers are present. Students don’t need to speak Catalan, but learning a few words can open doors to making friends.
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 Museu Picasso 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
Students can opt for internships to gain practical, real-world work experience at NGOs, schools, publishing companies, marketing agencies, businesses, and more. Internships include weekly classroom components that enrich the experience.
Program Blogs
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Daily Life
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HOUSING
Homestays. Live with a Spanish-speaking family - with or without another CIEE student - and immerse yourself in the city’s language and culture. Each student has his/her own room and weekly laundry service. Homestays are located in Barcelona, no more than 30 minutes from the CIEE Site by public transportation.
Residence Halls. Students live with other Spanish and international students. Residence halls include single rooms with shared kitchens and common areas.
Apartments. Apartments may have double or single rooms. They have shared kitchens and laundry facilities. Students live with other CIEE students.
Housing is tight in Barcelona. If we can’t accommodate your first housing choice, we’ll let you know before you arrive. All housing is within a 30-minute commute to CIEE. -
MEALS
Homestay students have breakfast and dinner with their host families, and 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 SITE
Near Barcelona’s main square, Plaza Catalunya.
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B
UNIVERSITAT POMPEU FABRA
CIEE students attend class at the Ciutadella Vila Olimpica Campus.
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C
Getting Around
Students use public transportation to get from their lodgings to CIEE – no more than a 30-minute ride.
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Program Details
Click to OpenWhat you need to know
The program detailsStudents with 0-3 prior semesters of Spanish can dramatically increase their language proficiency while taking coursework in English across subject areas at CIEE Barcelona and Universitat Pompeu Fabra’s Language, Hispanic, and European Studies Program (HESP).
Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF) is a highly-ranked public university in Barcelona created in 1990 by the Autonomous Government of Catalonia. It is known for its small class sizes and international outlook and offers degrees in fields ranging from business to social sciences. CIEE students attend classes at the Ciutadella Vila Olímpica Campus. 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, Plaza de Catalunya. CIEE courses are taught by local university faculty members.
Academics
Click to OpenEligibility
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OVERALL GPA
Students must have a GPA of at least 3.0.
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PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS
Enter as a junior or senior 0-3 semesters of college-level Spanish (or equivalent)
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Curriculum
Program Credit
Total credit: 15 U.S. semester/22.5 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
- Universitat Pompeu Fabra Hispanic and European Studies Program (UPF HESP) courses: 3 U.S. semester/4.5 quarter credits; 45 contact hours, unless otherwise noted
- Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF) language course: 6 U.S. semester/9 quarter credits; 90 contact hours
Language of Instruction
Spanish and English
Requirements
Students enroll in four classes per semester:
- One required UPF Spanish language course (6 credits)
- Two CIEE elective courses or one CIEE elective course and Internship
- One UPF-HESP elective course
Course Notes
- CIEE courses taught in English.
- Students who apply to do an internship will have at least one interview with a company before arrival. Once a student starts the internship hours, they may not drop the internship and add another CIEE class.
- UPF language courses meet for 8 hours per week and are 6 U.S. credits.
- UPF HESP courses taught in English for International students.
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.
Fall 2019 Courses
Click to OpenCIEE Courses
- AHIS 3001 BASP (ENG): Catalonia and Spain Through the Arts (in English)
- BUSI 3001 BASP: Corporate Financial Decision Making
- BUSI 3003 BASP: Business Ethics and Corporate Social Responsibility
- COMM 3301 BASP: Intercultural Communication and Leadership
- ECON 3005 BASP: Competitive Strategy: A European Perspective
- ECON 3006 BASP: The Spanish Economy in the European Union
- ECON 3007 BASP: International Finance
- HISP 3001 BASP: Urban Culture in Contemporary Barcelona
- HIST 3002 BASP (ENG): Past and Present in Barcelona (in English)
- INSH 3801 BASP (ENG): Internship Seminar (in English)
- LITT 3001 BASP (ENG): Literary Images of Catalonia and Spain (in English)
- MGMT 3002 BASP: Sustainability and Corporate Social Responsibility: From Theory to Practice
- MGMT 3004 BASP: International Human Resource Management
- MKTG 3001 BASP (ENG): International Marketing (in English)
- MKTG 3002 BASP (ENG): Branding and Cultural Icons: The Case of Barcelona (in English)
- POLI 3001 BASP: The Politics of Western Europe
- POLI 3002 BASP (ENG): Spain Today: Politics and Society (in English)
UPF REQUIRED LANGUAGE COURSES
These courses meet for 8 hours per week and are taught at UPF
BEGINNING SPANISH LANGUAGE
This course uses a communicative approach, focusing on what students can do with the language as much as what they know about the language. By the end of this course, students are able to communicate when carrying out everyday tasks, understand phrases and expressions of common use, and describe aspects of their own past as well as issues related to their most immediate needs. The course seeks to provide a basic repertoire of linguistic elements and sufficient vocabulary to meet these communicative goals. Students should be able to use some simple grammatical structures and in general be able to pronounce in a clear, comprehensible way. Contact hours: 90. Recommended credit: 6 semester / 9 quarter hours.
PRE-INTERMEDIATE SPANISH LANGUAGE
(Prerequisite: one semester of college-level Spanish, or the equivalent)
This course uses a communicative approach, focusing on what students can do with the language as much as what they know about the language. By the end of this course, students understand the principal points of clear texts and writings in standard language; knows how to describe in the past and to exchange information about daily routines, experiences, likes, and interests. The linguistic elements and vocabulary that are taught prepare students to deal with frequent topics and daily situations. Contact hours: 90. Recommended credit: 6 semester / 9 quarter hours.
INTERMEDIATE SPANISH LANGUAGE
(Prerequisite: two or three semesters college-level Spanish, or the equivalent.)
This course uses a communicative approach, focusing on what students can do with the language as much as what they know about the language. By the end of this course, students understand the principal points of clear texts and writings in standard language; produce simple and coherent texts about familiar topics in which there is a personal interest; describe experiences, events, wishes, and aspirations; justify their own opinions, and express plans for the future. The linguistic elements and vocabulary that are taught prepare students to deal with non-frequent topics and unpredictable situations. Contact hours: 90. Recommended credit: 6 semester / 9 quarter hours.
UPF HISPANIC AND EUROPEAN STUDIES PROGRAM (HESP) COURSES
The academic offering may vary from semester to semester. This is a sample of courses that have been taught in previous semesters.
Courses taught in English (3 credits)
- A Messy Garden. A History of the Cultural Values of Europe
- Barcelona: The City and its History
- Barcelona: The Rise of a Design City
- Comparing Media
- Contemporary Spanish Art
- Globalization, Development and Social Cohesion: Which Role for International Development Cooperation?
- Global Marketing & Culture of FC Barcelona
- Global Media and International Journalism
- History and Politics of Globalization
- Independence, Federalism and Secession: Catalonia and Beyond
- Political Ideas from the Early Modern Age to the Digital Revolution
- Politics and Society in the European Union
- “Sepharad”: History and Heritage of Jewish Spain
- The Barcelona Leadership Journey towards Sustainability: Economic, Business & Social Transformations
- United Nations: International Peace and Security
Spring 2020 Courses
Click to OpenUPF REQUIRED LANGUAGE COURSES
These courses meet for 8 hours per week and are taught at UPF
Beginning Spanish Language
This course uses a communicative approach, focusing on what students can do with the language as much as what they know about the language. By the end of this course, students are able to communicate when carrying out everyday tasks, understand phrases and expressions of common use, and describe aspects of their own past as well as issues related to their most immediate needs. The course seeks to provide a basic repertoire of linguistic elements and sufficient vocabulary to meet these communicative goals. Students should be able to use some simple grammatical structures and in general be able to pronounce in a clear, comprehensible way. Contact hours: 90. Recommended credit: 6 semester / 9 quarter hours.
Pre-Intermediate Spanish Language
(Prerequisite: one semester of college-level Spanish, or equivalent)
This course uses a communicative approach, focusing on what students can do with the language as much as what they know about the language. By the end of this course, students understand the principle points of clear texts and writings in standard language; knows how to describe in the past and to exchange information about daily routines, experiences, likes and interests. The linguistic elements and vocabulary that are taught prepare students to deal with frequent topics and daily situations. Contact hours: 90. Recommended credit: 6 semester / 9 quarter hours.
Intermediate Spanish Language
(Prerequisite: two or three semesters college-level Spanish, or equivalent)
This course uses a communicative approach, focusing on what students can do with the language as much as what they know about the language. By the end of this course, students understand the principle points of clear texts and writings in standard language; produce simple and coherent texts about familiar topics in which there is a personal interest; describe experiences, events, wishes, and aspirations; justify their own opinions; and express plans for the future. The linguistic elements and vocabulary that are taught prepare students to deal with non-frequent topics and unpredictable situations. Contact hours: 90. Recommended credit: 6 semester / 9 quarter hours.
CIEE ELECTIVE COURSES – IN ENGLISH
- AHIS 3001 BASP (ENG): Catalonia and Spain through the Arts (in English)
- BUSI 3001 BASP: Corporate Financial Decision Making
- BUSI 3003 BASP: Business Ethics and Corporate Social Responsibility
- COMM 3301 BASP: Intercultural Communication and Leadership
- ECON 3005 BASP: Competitive Strategy: A European Perspective
- ECON 3006 BASP: The Spanish Economy in the European Union
- ECON 3007 BASP: International Finance
- HISP 3001 BASP: Urban Culture in Contemporary Barcelona
- HIST 3002 BASP (ENG): Past and Present in Barcelona (in English)
- INSH 3801 BASP (ENG): Internship Seminar (in English)
- LITT 3001 BASP (ENG): Literary Images of Catalonia and Spain (in English)
- MGMT 3002 BASP: Sustainability and Corporate Social Responsibility
- MGMT 3004 BASP: International Human Resource Management
- MKTG 3001 BASP (ENG): International Marketing (in English)
- MKTG 3002 BASP (ENG): Branding and Cultural Icons (in English)
- POLI 3001 BASP: The Politics of Western Europe
- POLI 3002 BASP (ENG): Spain Today: Politics and Society (in English)
- CATA 1001 BASP: Introduction to Catalan Language in its Social Context
Please notice that pre-requisites may apply to some of these courses; please check syllabus for specific details.
UPF-HESP ELECTIVES COURSES – IN ENGLISH
The academic offering may vary from semester to semester. This is a sample of courses that have been taught in previous semesters.
- A Messy Garden: A History of the Cultural Values of Europe
- Ancient Mediterranean
- Barcelona: The City and Its History
- Barcelona: The Rise of a Design City
- Corporate Brand Equity in the Context of European Cultural Identity
- Crossroad in the Arab Countries: Authoritarianism, Spring and Islamic State
- Globalization, Development and Social Cohesion: which role for International Development Cooperation?
- Global Marketing and Culture of FC Barcelona
- International Business and Globalization
- Neurosciences for Humanities
- Political Marketing
- Politics and Society in the European Union
- Screening the Global World: Cultural Diversity and Public Television Space
- "Sepharad": History and Heritage of Jewish Spain
- Spain in Cinema: Local and Global Perspectives
- The Barcelona Journey towards Sustainability: Economic, Business and Social Transformations
- Understanding Globalization: Historical Roots of Economic, Political and Cultural Exchanges between East Asia, America and Europe
Scholarships
Click to OpenScholarships & Grants
CIEE offers more than $8 million in 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.
YOUR FEE INCLUDES:
- Tuition
- Housing
- Advising before you depart to set goals and answer questions
- Optional on-site airport meet-and-greet
- Three-day orientation – an introduction to Spanish culture, your academic program, and the city, plus practical information about living in your host city
- Full-time program leadership and support in your host city
- Cultural and/or Co-curricular Activities
- Excursions and/or Study Tours
- Insurance and other travel benefits, with CIEE iNext
- 24/7 emergency on-site support
No Hidden Fees
Program |
Application Due |
Start Date |
End Date |
Fees & Housing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fall 2019 15 weeks | Deadline Passed | Sep 4, 2019 | Dec 18, 2019 |
$19,450
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 = $14,908 ** Housing = $4,075 *** Insurance = $167 Total Fees = $19,450Estimated 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 = $2,600 † International Airfare = $1,250 †† Local Transportation = $200 Books & Supplies = $150 Visa Fees = $160 Potential travel to consulate for visa = $500 Personal expenses = $800 Total Estimated Costs = $5,660Financial 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 to study on CIEE programs through a 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 † for students in residencia; homestay students should budget $1,150 per semester for meals not included in fees †† round-trip based on U.S. East Coast departure |
| Academic year 2019-2020 32 weeks | Deadline Passed | Sep 4, 2019 | Apr 18, 2020 |
$36,955
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 = $28,338 ** Housing = $8,150 *** Insurance = $167 Total Fees = $36,955Estimated 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 = $5,200 † International Airfare = $1,250 †† Local Transportation = $400 Books & Supplies = $300 Visa Fees = $160 Potential travel to consulate for visa = $500 Personal expenses = $1,600 Expenses during break = $600 ††† Total Estimated Costs = $10,010Financial 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 to study on CIEE programs through a 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 † for students in residencia or shared apartment; homestay students should budget $2,300 per semester for meals not included in fees †† round-trip based on U.S. East Coast departure ††† academic year students who wish to stay onsite are responsible for arranging their housing and meals during the semester break |
| Spring 2020 15 weeks | Oct 1, 2019 | Jan 2, 2020 | Apr 18, 2020 |
$19,450
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 = $14,908 ** Housing = $4,075 *** Insurance = $167 Total Fees = $19,450Estimated 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 = $2,600 † International Airfare = $1,250 †† Local Transportation = $200 Books & Supplies = $150 Visa Fees = $160 Potential travel to consulate for visa = $500 Personal expenses = $800 Total Estimated Costs = $5,660Financial 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 to study on CIEE programs through a 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 † for students in residencia; homestay students should budget $1,150 per semester for meals not included in fees †† round-trip based on U.S. East Coast departure |
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?
Our Staff
Click to OpenOur Staff
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Elena Rodriguez
Program Manager
Elena Rodriguez is a native of Barcelona, holds a master’s degree in teaching Spanish from Portland State University, and earned her bachelor’s degree in journalism from Universidad Autónoma 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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