Information for term Liberal Arts
Application deadline, and cost information.
Overview
Click to OpenTake your advanced Spanish language skills to the next level in the vibrant Catalan capital of Barcelona. Immerse yourself in university life by taking classes in Spanish at CIEE’s partner school, Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), across academic areas including history, politics, literature and culture. You’ll quickly advance your language skills while building a broad understanding of Spain’s history and culture. You can even gain real-world work experience with an internship at a Spanish 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
-
GAIN FLUENCY FAST WITH YOUR COMMUNITY COMMITMENT
to speaking Spanish at all times -chatting with Spanish peers in language exchanges, hanging out with your host family, working on a group project with classmates, and exploring city sights.
-
LIVE LIKE A NATIVE BARCELONAN
in a cosmopolitan university city that’s rooted in ancient tradition and committed to the future.
-
GET WORK EXPERIENCE
and a behind-the-scenes look at a publishing, marketing, business, school, or NGO with an internship.
-
UNESCO World Heritage Sites
8 -
beaches
7 -
universities
8
Location & Culture
Click to OpenThe 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
Internships provide students with 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
Click to OpenProgram Blogs
Daily Life
Click to Open-
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 CIEE Barcelona 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 Barcelona. -
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 Barcelona
Near Barcelona’s main square, Plaza Catalunya.
-
B
UNIVERSITAT POMPEU FABRA
UPF has several Barcelona locations, near the Olympic Village, Problenou, and the port.
-
C
Getting Around
Students use public transportation to get from their lodgings to the CIEE Site – no more than a 30-minute ride.
Like what you're seeing so far?
Program Details
Click to OpenWhat you need to know
The program detailsOur Liberal Arts program gives students the opportunity to increase language proficiency and learn about Spanish history, politics, literature, and culture. All courses are taught in Spanish. Students can take courses designed for U.S. students at CIEE and Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF-HESP) and/or direct-enrollment courses along with local students at UPF.
CIEE Barcelona courses are taught in adjoining historic buildings near the city’s main square. CIEE language courses are taught by professors who specialize in teaching Spanish as a second language and CIEE content courses are taught by experienced local faculty.
The Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF) was founded in 1990 and it is known for its international outlook and emphasis on technology. It offers degrees in fields ranging from business to social sciences. UPF courses – both (HESP) courses for U.S. students and direct-enrollment courses, are taught at the UPF campus, near the Olympic Village, Poblenou, and the port. UPF courses are taught by UPF faculty. Internship seminars are taught by a professor with cross-cultural and business expertise.
Academics
Click to OpenEligibility
-
OVERALL GPA
Students need to have a GPA of at least 3.0.
-
PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS
Enter as a junior or senior with 4 or 5 semesters of college-level Spanish (or equivalent).
-
Course Information
Program Credit
Total credit: 15-18 U.S. semester/22.5-27 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
- The Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF) host institution courses: 3 U.S. semester/4.5 quarter credits; 45 contact hours, unless otherwise noted
Language of Instruction
Spanish
Requirements
Students take five courses for 15credits including:
- One required CIEE Spanish language course
- Two CIEE elective courses
- Two additional elective courses:
- Two host institution courses: UPF-HESP and/or UPF or
- One host institution course: UPF-HESP or UPF and an internship
Course Notes
- Students must have at least five semesters of college level Spanish plus advance written permission from their home institution to do an internship.
- Once internship hours are started, students may not drop the internship and take another CIEE course.
- UPF host institution courses are regular UPF classes taught with Spanish students with a different academic system.
- UPF HESP (Hispanic and European Studies Program) host institution courses are only 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.
Courses
Click to OpenSpring 2020 CIEE Courses
Click to OpenAcademic Projects
Business, Economics, Management, and Marketing
History, Philosophy, Religion
Languages and Cultural Studies
Social Sciences
Visual and Performing Arts
Fall 2020 CIEE Courses
Click to OpenAcademic Projects
Business, Economics, Management, and Marketing
History, Philosophy, Religion
Languages and Cultural Studies
Social Sciences
Visual and Performing Arts
Host Institution Courses
Click to OpenUNIVERSITAT POMPEU FABRA (UPF)
UPF Hispanic and European Studies Program (HESP) Courses
Not all classes are offered each semester. The final list of courses will be available upon arrival in Barcelona.
- Catalan Language and Culture / Lengua y Cultura Catalanas
- Contemporary Spanish Literature / Literatura Española Contemporánea
- Images of Spain in Contemporary Cinema / Imágenes de España en el Cine Contemporáneo
- Literature and Politics in Latin America / Literatura y Política en América Latina
- Social Movements in the 21st Century: Globalization, Crisis and Democratization Processes / Los Movimientos Sociales en el Siglo XXI Ante la Globalización, la Crisis y Los Procesos de Democratización
- Society and Politics in Contemporary Spain / Sociedad y Política en la España Contemporánea
- Spanish: Oral Expression Techniques / Técnicas de Expresión Oral
- Barcelona, the City and Its History/ Barcelona, la Ciudad y su Historia.
- From Cultural Stereotypes to Transcultural Dialogue/ De los Estereotipos Culturales al Diálogo Transcultural
- The International Protection of Human Rights/ La Protección Internacional de los Derechos Humanos
- TV Fiction, Globalization and Cultural Identities/ Ficción Televisiva, Globalización e Identidades Culturales
Host Institution classes at UPF
The following list is a general selection of regular UPF courses available to international students and is subject to change.
- Fundamental Philosophy Themes /Temas Fundamentales de la Filosofía (UPF-Humanities)
- Great Religious Traditions/ Grandes Tradiciones Religiosas (UPF-Humanities)
- Introduction to Literary Studies / Introducción a los Estudios Literarios (UPF - Humanities)
- Medieval History / Historia Medieval (UPF - Humanities)
- Primitive Art / Arte Primitivo (UPF - Humanities)
- Ancient History/ Historia Antigua (UPF - Humanities)
- Introduction to Literary Studies / Introducción a los Estudios Literarios (UPF - Humanities)
- Modern Thought / Pensamiento Moderno (UPF - Humanities)
- Renaissance Art/ Arte del Renacimiento (UPF-Humanities)
- Contemporary Art/Arte Contemporáneo (UPF - Humanities)
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
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.
No Hidden Fees
Program |
Application Due |
Start Date |
End Date |
Fees & Housing |
---|---|---|---|---|
Spring 2020 15 weeks | Deadline Passed | 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 = $14,783 ** Housing = $4,200 *** 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 or shared apartment; homestay students should budget $1,150 per semester for meals not included in fees †† round-trip based on U.S. East Coast departure |
Fall 2020 15 weeks | Apr 1, 2020 | Sep 2, 2020* | Dec 16, 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 = $14,783 ** Housing = $4,200 *** 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 or shared apartment; homestay students should budget $1,150 per semester for meals not included in fees †† round-trip based on U.S. East Coast departure |
Spring 2021 15 weeks | Oct 1, 2020 | Jan 4, 2021* | Apr 19, 2021* | |
Academic year 2020-2021 33 weeks | Apr 1, 2020 | Sep 2, 2020* | Apr 19, 2021* |
*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, 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
-
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.