Language + Culture

Location & Culture

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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Program Blogs

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

A

CIEE SITE

Near Barcelona’s main square, Plaza Catalunya.
B

UNIVERSITAT POMPEU FABRA

CIEE students attend class at the Ciutadella Vila Olimpica Campus.
C

Getting Around

Students use public transportation to get from their lodgings to CIEE – no more than a 30-minute ride.

What People are Saying

The teachers I have had have been amazing. The homestay I am in is absolutely incredible. I don't want this semester to end and that includes my classes
Ashley, Elon University,Fall 16
My local student was absolutely incredible, I love that aspect of the program.
Maura, Colgate University,Fall 16

Program Details

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What you need to know

The program details

Students 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

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Academics

CLASS FORMAT

UPF-HESP classes include no more than 35 students; UPF language classes include 10-15 students, and both include other international students. CIEE courses typically include 10-25 students and are only for CIEE students. Classrooms are comfortable and equipped with current technology.
GRADING

In CIEE, UPF-HESP and UPF language courses, students are evaluated based on class participation, in-class activities, homework assignments, exams, papers, and oral presentations. UPF professors grade on a 10-point scale, and points are converted to letter grades.
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 dates of exams and assignments. Dates are firm and attendance is required. As students gain proficiency in Spanish, our staff encourages them to use their skills with local students, host families, and people they meet.

Eligibility

OVERALL GPA

Students need to have a GPA of at least 3.0.
PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS

Enter as a junior or senior 0-3 semesters of college-level Spanish (or equivalent)

Curriculum

Program Credit

Total credit, semester: 15 semester/22.5 quarter hours
Total credit, academic year: 30 semester/45 quarter hours
Contact hours: CIEE and UPF-HESP courses: 45 contact hours; credit – 3 semester/4.5 quarter hours, unless otherwise indicated
Required language courses: 90 contact hours; credit – 6 semester/9 quarter hours
Students enroll in four classes per semester:
1 required UPF Spanish language course (6 credits)
2 CIEE elective courses (3 credits each)
1 UPF-HESP elective course (3 credits)
One of the elective courses can be replaced with an internship (3 credits)

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

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CIEE Courses

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 2019 COURSES

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CIEE COURSES

AHIS 3001 BASP (ENG): Catalonia and Spain Through the Arts (English)
BUSI 3001 BASP: Corporate Financial Decision Making
BUSI 3003 BASP: Business Ethics and Social Responsibility
CATA 1001 BABC: Introduction to Catalan Language in its Social Context (Spanish/Catalan)
COMM 3301 BASP: Intercultural Communication and Leadership
ECON 3002 BASP (ENG): European Economic Integration and its Impact on the Spanish Economy
ECON 3005 BASP: Competitive Strategy: A European Perspective
ECON 3006 BASP: The Spanish Economy in the European Union
HISP 3001 BASP: Urban Culture in Contemporary Barcelona
HIST 3002 BASP: Past and Present in Barcelona
INSH 3801 BASP (ENG): Internship (English)
LITT 3001 BASP (ENG): Literary Images of Catalonia and Spain
MGMT 3004 BASP: International Human Resources Management
MKTG 3001 BASP: International Marketing (English)
MKTG 3002 BASP (ENG): Branding and Cultural Icons: The Case of Barcelona (English)
POLI 3001 BASP: The Politics of Western Europe
POLI 3002 BASP: Spain Today: Politics and Society (Spanish)

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 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.

UPF-HESP ELECTIVES 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
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

Spring 2020 Courses

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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 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

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

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Scholarships & 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 info

Dates, Deadlines & Fees

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Dates, Deadlines & 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		Sep 4, 2019	Dec 18, 2019	$19,450 Click to Close 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 insurance with benefits. Participation Confirmation = $300 * Educational Costs = $14,908 Housing = $4,075 * Insurance = $167 Total Fees = $19,450 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 = $2,600 ^† International Airfare = $1,250 ^†† Local Transportation = $400 Books & Supplies = $300 Visa Fees = $160 Potential travel to consulate for visa = $500 Personal expenses = $2,800 Total Estimated Costs = $8,010 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. See Scholarships 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		Sep 4, 2019	Apr 18, 2020	$36,955 Click to Close 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 insurance with benefits. Participation Confirmation = $300 * Educational Costs = $28,338 Housing = $8,150 * Insurance = $167 Total Fees = $36,955 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 = $5,200 ^† International Airfare = $1,250 ^†† Local Transportation = $800 Books & Supplies = $600 Visa Fees = $160 Potential travel to consulate for visa = $500 Personal expenses = $5,600 Expenses during break = $600 ^††† Total Estimated Costs = $14,710 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. See Scholarships 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 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 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 insurance with benefits. Participation Confirmation = $300 * Educational Costs = $14,908 Housing = $4,075 * Insurance = $167 Total Fees = $19,450 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 = $2,600 ^† International Airfare = $1,250 ^†† Local Transportation = $400 Books & Supplies = $300 Visa Fees = $160 Potential travel to consulate for visa = $500 Personal expenses = $2,800 Total Estimated Costs = $8,010 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. See Scholarships 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?

See Our Scholarships

Our Staff

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Our Staff

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.

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Language + Culture

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Application deadline, and cost information.

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Program Deadlines and Pricing Info

Application Deadline

Program Deadlines and Pricing Info

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Program Deadlines and Pricing Info

Overview

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Follow our Travels:

Unique Experiences

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Connect with Spanish students

Experience life in a cosmopolitan university

UNESCO World Heritage Sites

beaches

universities

Location & Culture

Your Destination

The Culture

EXCURSIONS & ACTIVITIES

INTERNSHIP

Program Blogs

Program Blogs

Daily Life

HOUSING

MEALS

Barcelona, Spain

Where You'll Study

A

CIEE SITE

B

UNIVERSITAT POMPEU FABRA

C

Getting Around

What People are Saying

Like what you're seeing so far?

Program Details

What you need to know

Academics

Academics

CLASS FORMAT

GRADING

ACADEMIC CULTURE

Eligibility

OVERALL GPA

PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS

Curriculum

Fall 2019 Courses

CIEE Courses

UPF REQUIRED LANGUAGE COURSES

BEGINNING SPANISH LANGUAGE

PRE-INTERMEDIATE SPANISH LANGUAGE

INTERMEDIATE SPANISH LANGUAGE

UPF HISPANIC AND EUROPEAN STUDIES PROGRAM (HESP) COURSES

SPRING 2019 COURSES

CIEE COURSES

Spring 2020 Courses

UPF REQUIRED LANGUAGE COURSES

CIEE ELECTIVE COURSES – IN ENGLISH

UPF-HESP ELECTIVES COURSES – IN ENGLISH

Scholarships

Scholarships & Grants

Dates, Deadlines & Fees

Dates, Deadlines & Fees

No Hidden Fees

Program

Application Due

Start Date

End Date

Fees & Housing

Program Fees

Estimated Costs

Financial Aid

Program Fees

Estimated Costs

Financial Aid