Information for term Language + Culture
Application deadline, and cost information.
Overview
Click to OpenDesigned for students from all academic backgrounds, CIEE Barcelona's Language + Culture program invites you to study abroad in Spain's most popular and cultural city! During your time abroad, you will have every opportunity to explore the city's most famous street, La Rambla, stroll through the mysterious alleys of the Gothic Quarter, hike the impressive mountains of Tibidabo or Montjuïc, enjoy delicious beachside paella at La Barceloneta, and more.
When class is in session at CIEE Barcelona, you'll take courses delivered in English across a wide variety of topics, including history, religion, literature, linguistics, marketing, journalism, and more. You'll also have the opportunity to immerse yourself in Spanish language learning at CIEE's partner school, Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF). Outside the classroom, you'll participate in co-curricular activities and excursions organized by CIEE beyond the city to enhance classroom learning and develop 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 city that is 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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Metro lines
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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 modernist architecture, ultramodern showpieces, and the Gothic buildings of the Old Town.
Castilian Spanish and Catalan are both official languages. Both are regularly used in all aspects of life, and Catalan is 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.
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.
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
Highlight Excursion
One of our popular day trips takes you to Montserrat, a Benedictine monastery retreat high atop one of the most spectacular mountain ranges in Catalunya. Not only is its history of significant religious importance but the surrounding natural beauty is nothing short of breathtaking. There you can visit the monastery to see La Moreneta (the black Madonna), listen to the world-renowned Boys’ Choir (whose history dates back to the 14th century), and trek any of the numerous mountain trails where you’ll take in incredible countryside views and see the most unusual rock formations in all of Catalonia. Are you ready? Let’s go!
EXCURSIONS & ACTIVITIES
- Discover the Gràcia neighborhood, famous for its bohemian and artistic style and streets filled with color and culture.
- Visit the oldest preserved garden, 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.
INTERNSHIP
Students can opt for a for-credit CIEE internship 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
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 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.
Academics
Click to OpenAcademics
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 Barcelona Program for Interdisciplinary Studies (BaPIS). Starting in the Spring of 2024, students will also have the option to take courses at Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB).
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.
Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB) is a public University with an enrollment of over 40,000 students. It was founded in 1968 under the principles of autonomy, participation, and social commitment. Today, it is the second-highest-ranking Spanish university according to the Times Higher Education World University Rankings.
CIEE Barcelona is located near Barcelona’s main square, Plaza de Catalunya. CIEE courses are taught by local university faculty members.
GPA
3.0
Language Prerequisites
0-3 semesters of college-level Spanish (or equivalent)
Additional Requirements
Through Fall 2023, students must enter as a junior or senior.
UAB Track: Starting in Spring 2024, students with sophomore status will be able to participate on this track.
UPF Track: Students on the UPF track are required to be at Junior status at the time of application.
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
Through the Fall 2023 semester, students enroll in four classes per semester:
- One required UPF host institution Spanish language course (6 credits)
- Two CIEE elective courses or one CIEE elective course and an internship
- One UPF BaPIS elective course
As of Spring 2024 the LC program will be composed of 2 tracks, with two different host institutions:
- UPF (Universitat Pompeu Fabra)
- UAB (Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona)
Students will need to choose one track (UPF or UAB) and they can’t combine courses from both host institutions.
In the rare case that a CIEE partner school has enrollments exceeding the UPF maximum per home institution, CIEE will work with any affected students and our partner school to explore alternative tracks and/or programs
UPF Track
Students will be required to enroll in 3-4 classes per semester:
- One UPF Spanish language course (6 credits)
- One or two CIEE elective courses (3 credits each)
- One UPF-BaPIS elective course (3 credits)
UAB Track
Students will be required to enroll in 3-4 classes per semester:
- One UAB Spanish language course (6 credits)
- One or two CIEE elective courses (3 credits each)
- One UAB elective course (3 credits)
PROGRAM CREDIT
Total credit (through Fall 2023): 15 U.S. semester/22.5 quarter credits
Total credit (as of Spring 2024): 12-15 U.S. semester/22.5 quarter credits (15 US semester credits recommended)
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 Barcelona Program for Interdisciplinary Studies (BaPIS) host institution courses: 3 U.S. semester/4.5 quarter credits; 45 contact hours, unless otherwise noted
- Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF) host institution language course: 6 U.S. semester/9 quarter credits; 90 contact hours
- Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB) Study Abroad host institution courses: 3 U.S. semester/4.5 quarter credits; 45 contact hours, unless otherwise noted
- Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB) host institution language course: 6 U.S. semester/9 quarter credits; 90 contact hours
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, our staff encourages them to use their skills with local students, host families, and people they meet.
Class Format
UPF-BaPIS classes include no more than 35 students, and they include other local and international students; UAB content classes include no more than 30 students, and they are only for CIEE students; UPF and UAB language classes include 10-15 students, and they 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, and UAB courses, students are evaluated based on class participation, in-class activities, homework assignments, exams, papers, and oral presentations. UPF and UAB professors grade on a 10-point scale, which CIEE converts to recommend U.S. letter grade equivalents.
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
- Once a student starts internship hours, they may not drop the internship
- UPF host institution Spanish language courses meet for 8 hours per week and are 6 U.S. credits
- UPF BaPIS courses are taught in English for local and international students
Starting Spring 2024:
The LC program will be composed of 2 tracks, with two different host institutions: UPF (Universitat Pompeu Fabra) and UAB (Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona). Students need to choose one track (UPF or UAB) and they can’t combine courses from both host institutions.
Fall 2023 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
Host Institution Courses
Click to OpenUNIVERSITAT POMPEU FABRA (UPF)
UPF Required Language Courses
Language courses are 6 U.S. credits, meet for 8 hours per week, and are taught at UPF.
- Beginning Spanish Language
- Pre-Intermediate Spanish Language
- (Prerequisite: one semester of college-level Spanish, or the equivalent)
- Intermediate Spanish Language
- (Prerequisite: two or three semesters college-level Spanish, or the equivalent)
UPF Barcelona Program for Interdisciplinary Studies (BaPIS) Courses
Course offerings may vary from semester to semester. Courses are taught in English and are 3 U.S. credits.
Syllabi for the courses listed below can be found online.
Here is a sample of BaPIS courses in English:
- Analytics for Social Good
- Anthropocene – How People Are Transforming the Planet
- Art and Gender in Contemporary Spain
- Artificial Intelligence, Creativity, and the Arts
- Barcelona the City and its History
- Contemporary Spanish Art
- Circular Economy
- Gender-based Violence and International Protection of Human Rights
- Global Marketing and Culture of FC Barcelona
- Globalized World, Globalized Problems? Creative Proposals From Public Service Television Worldwide
- Innovation and the Law. How Technology Changes the Legal System
- LGTB+: Exploring Identities and Diversity
- Mind, Brains and Machines
- The Impact Journey: (Un) Sustainability, Climate Emergency, Authentic Leadership
- The Jews in Spain: History, Heritage and Memory
UNIVERSITAT AUTÒNOMA DE BARCELONA (UAB)
UAB Language Courses (required)
Language courses are 6 U.S. credits and meet for over 6 hours per week.
- Beginner Spanish
- Elementary Spanish
- Low Intermediate Spanish
- Intermediate Spanish
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
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 2023 15 weeks | Deadline Passed | Sep 4, 2023 | Dec 21, 2023 |
$19,950
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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 = $14,953 ** Housing = $4,500 *** Insurance = $197 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 = $1,168 † International Airfare = $850 †† Local Transportation = $65 ††† Books & Supplies = $100 Visa Fees = $160 Potential travel to consulate for visa = $500 Personal expenses = $167 †††† Other = $0 ††††† Total Estimated Costs = $3,010Financial 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 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 should budget $600 for meals not included in fees. †† round-trip based on U.S. East Coast departure ††† Local transportation: t-jove (3 months) = 40€ ($43) / t-usual (1 month) = 20€ ($21) †††† Personal expenses: $100 emergency fund and cell phone expense + estimated cost of toiletries for one month ††††† Covid test fees for entry to the US, if required |
| Academic year 2023-2024 32 weeks | Deadline Passed | Sep 4, 2023 | Apr 18, 2024 |
$38,900
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 = $29,153 ** Housing = $9,250 *** Insurance = $197 Total Fees = $38,900Estimated 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 = $1,168 † International Airfare = $850 †† Local Transportation = $194 ††† Books & Supplies = $200 Visa Fees = $160 Potential travel to consulate for visa = $500 Personal expenses = $167 †††† Other = $0 ††††† Expenses during break = $695 †††††† Total Estimated Costs = $3,934Financial 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 should budget $600 for meals not included in fees. †† round-trip based on U.S. East Coast departure ††† Local transportation: 3 t-jove. T-jove (3 months) = 40€ ($43) †††† Personal expenses: $100 emergency fund and cell phone expense + estimated cost of toiletries for one month ††††† 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 2024 15 weeks | Oct 1, 2023 | Jan 3, 2024 | Apr 18, 2024 |
$20,950
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 = $15,706 ** Housing = $4,750 *** Insurance = $194 Total Fees = $20,950Estimated 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 = $2,325 † International Airfare = $850 †† Local Transportation = $65 ††† Books & Supplies = $100 Visa Fees = $160 Potential travel to consulate for visa = $500 Personal expenses = $260 Total Estimated Costs = $4,260Financial 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 † For Apartment/Residence Hall. Students at Homestays should budget $1050 †† Round-trip based on U.S. East Coast departure ††† Local transportation: t-jove (3 months) = 40€ ($43) / Local transportation: t-usual (1 month) = 20€ ($21) |
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.
Looking for funding?
What's Included
Click to OpenWhat's Included
Our Staff
Click to OpenOur Staff
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Andrés Tabárez
Center Director
Andrés Tabárez is Center Director at CIEE Barcelona. Andrés holds a Ph.D. in Classical Studies from the University of Barcelona (UB).
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José Luis Espinosa
Academic Director
José Luis holds a Ph.D. in Modern Languages and Gender Studies from the University of Salamanca (USAL).
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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 (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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