barcelona
Barcelona, Spain

Liberal Arts

Study Program Part-Time Internship

Dates

-

15 weeks

Costs

Credit

12 - 15 semester hours

18 - 22.5 quarter hours

Eligibility

Application Deadline

The application deadline has passed.

Apply Now

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Contact Us

Dates

-

15 weeks

Costs

Credit

12 - 15 semester hours

18 - 22.5 quarter hours

Eligibility

Application Deadline

Apply Now

Request Information

Contact Us

Dates

TBD

Credit

12 - 15 semester hours

18 - 22.5 quarter hours

Eligibility

Application Deadline

Apply Now

Request Information

Contact Us

Tentative Dates

-

14 weeks

Credit

12 - 15 semester hours

18 - 22.5 quarter hours

Eligibility

Application Deadline

Apply Now

Request Information

Contact Us

Overview

The enchanting and historic city of Barcelona is calling your name. Are you listening? Known as the cosmopolitan capital of Spain's Catalonia region, Barcelona is renowned for its stunning architecture, world-class cuisine, and vibrant cultural heritage, making it the ideal destination for students in our Liberal Arts program.

During this exciting program, students from multiple areas of study experience the city's countless cultural wonders – all while earning college credit. When class is in session at CIEE Barcelona and CIEE's partner school, Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), you'll take your advanced Spanish language skills to the next level in Spanish classes relevant to your degree. Choose from a range of courses, including history, politics, literature, and culture. You'll quickly advance your language skills while building a broad understanding of Spain's history and culture.

Outside the classroom, you'll have plenty of time to explore everything Barcelona has to offer. From indulging in mouth-watering tapas at one of the city's 19 Michelin-starred restaurants to marveling at world-famous architect Antoni Gaudí's 20+ sites to participating in traditional Catalan dances (like the native Sardana dance), your time in Spain's most famous city will be nothing short of life-changing!

Unique Experiences

GAIN FLUENCY FAST

by chatting with Spanish peers in language exchanges, hanging out with your host family, or working on a group project with classmates.

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 publishing, marketing, business, school, or NGO with an internship.

2,000

YEARS OF HISTORY

1,728

CONVENTIONS YEARLY

8,000

RESTAURANTS

Experience
  • students laughing abroad barcelona city overlook
  • students by mural barcelona spain

Your Destination

Culture, sport, fashion, finance, media, and 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.  

Castilian Spanish and Catalan are the official languages. Both are regularly used in all aspects of life, and Catalan is not imposed. Taxi drivers, shopkeepers, professors, and host families all speak clear Castilian when Spanish speakers are present. Spanish is widely used at the university. Students don’t need to speak Catalan, but learning a few words can open doors to making new friends. 

CIEE Barcelona is conveniently located in a historical pedestrian passageway in the heart of the city. In it, students will find staff offices, classrooms, and open-air terraces.  It is close to the host universities and to the city’s main attractions. 

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

monsterrat ciee cultural excursion

EXCURSIONS & ACTIVITIES

  • 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! 
  • 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. 
fashion internship abroad barcelona spain

INTERNSHIP

The for-credit CIEE internships provide students with practical, real-world work experience at NGOs, schools, publishing companies, marketing agencies, businesses, and more. Internships include required weekly classroom components that enrich the experience. Students applying for an internship are required to submit additional materials during the course selection process.

Program Blogs

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Hello everyone! Thank y'all so much for following along with me all semester, I have really enjoyed writing, posting, and videoing for you guys. I hope that all of the... keep reading

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Hi Guys! Here's my second video blog I hope you enjoy it :) I also uploaded some photos just so you could see what I've been up to for the... keep reading

What People are Saying

  • "I like the aspect of double enrollment with CIEE and a local university while offering weekly activities and excursions"

    Maggie O., University of Oregon

Housing
Academics

Academics

Our 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 courses with local and international students at Universitat Pompeu Fabra.  

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 regular courses and courses from the Barcelona Program for Interdisciplinary Studies (BaPIS) –, 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. 

Fall 2023: Students taking Direct Enrollment courses may need to remain onsite until December 21, 2023, due to an extended course schedule.

 

GPA

3.0

Language Requirements

Enter as a junior or senior with four or five semesters of college-level Spanish (or equivalent). 

Additional Requirements

Please refer to the detailed Program Essential Eligibility Criteria.

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.

Requirements

Through Fall 2023, students take five courses in Spanish as follows: 

  • One CIEE Spanish language course  
  • Two CIEE elective courses  
  • Two additional elective courses:  
    • Two host institution courses: UPF-Barcelona Program for Interdisciplinary Studies (BaPIS) and/or UPF or  
    • One host institution course: UPF-Barcelona Program for Interdisciplinary Studies (BaPIS) or UPF, and a CIEE internship  

As of Spring 2024, students take four to five courses in Spanish as follows: 

  •  Three to four CIEE courses  
  •  One or two UPF or UPF BaPIS courses  
  • The Spanish language course will no longer be required if adequate proficiency is demonstrated by the student.

Program Credit

Through Fall 2023, total credit: 15-18 U.S. semester/22.5-27 quarter credits 

As of Spring 2024,total credit: 12 - 15 U.S. semester/18-22.5 quarter credits (15 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 (UPF) or UPF BaPIS courses: 3 U.S. semester/4.5 quarter credits; 45 contact hours, unless otherwise noted 

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, 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. Students are expected to work independently and add readings from the syllabi to cover material not touched on in lectures. 

Class Format

UPF courses are of two types: UPF-BaPIS (Barcelona Program for Interdisciplinary Studies) and UPF. UPF-BaPIS courses include other local and international students and typically meet twice a week for two hours. The typical class size for UPF BaPIS courses is 15-30 students. UPF regular classes may include up to 90 students from Spain and other countries around the world. CIEE courses rarely exceed 20 students and include only CIEE students. Classrooms are comfortable and equipped with current technology.

Grading

In CIEE and UPF-BaPIS courses, students are evaluated based on class participation, in-class activities, homework assignments, exams, papers, and oral presentations. In UPF regular courses, students are typically graded on class participation, problem sets or projects, and a final exam. In UPF-BaPIS and UPF regular courses, professors grade on a 10-point scale and which CIEE converts to recommended 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

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

Course Information

  • Once internship hours are started, students may not drop the internship and take another CIEE course.  
  • UPF courses are regular UPF classes taught with local students with a different academic system.  
  • UPF BaPIS courses are for both local and international students.

Academic Projects

Course
Language
Semester Credit

Business, Economics, Management, and Marketing

Course
Language
Semester Credit

History, Philosophy, Religion

Course
Language
Semester Credit

Languages and Cultural Studies

Course
Language
Semester Credit

Literature, Linguistics, and Writing

Course
Language
Semester Credit

Social Sciences

Course
Language
Semester Credit

Visual and Performing Arts

Course
Language
Semester Credit

Agriculture

Course
Language
Semester Credit

Academic Projects

Course
Language
Semester Credit

History, Philosophy, Religion

Course
Language
Semester Credit

Languages and Cultural Studies

Course
Language
Semester Credit

Literature, Linguistics, and Writing

Course
Language
Semester Credit

Social Sciences

Course
Language
Semester Credit

Visual and Performing Arts

Course
Language
Semester Credit

UPF Barcelona Program for Interdisciplinary Studies (BaPIS) courses in Spanish 

Course offerings may vary from semester to semester. Courses are 3 U.S. credits.  
Syllabi for the courses listed below can be found on the BaPIS website.  

Here is a sample of BaPIS courses in Spanish:  

  • Activismo y defensa de los animales en Cataluña, Europa y el mundo  
  • Emergencia climática, ecologismo y transición energética  
  • ¿Qué es noticia? verdad, desinformación y hegemonía  

UPF Regular courses 

The following list is a general selection of regular UPF courses available to international students and is subject to change:  

  • Introduction to Literary Studies / Introducción a los estudios literarios (UPF - Humanities)  
  • Contemporary Art/Arte Contemporáneo (UPF - Humanities)

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

Scholarships & Grants

CIEE offers scholarships and grants annually to help students like you make your study abroad dream a reality.

Students who apply to this program are eligible for the following scholarships and grants:

  • Ping Scholarships for Academic Excellence
  • Global Access Initiative (GAIN) Grants
  • CIEE Gilman Go Global Grant
  • MSI Grant

To be considered, submit the CIEE Scholarships & Grants application within your CIEE program application.

Learn more about scholarships

Dates & Fees

Dates & Fees

You get more for every dollar when you study abroad with CIEE, because our high-quality programs include everything from excursions to insurance. There are no hidden charges, and no disappointing surprises when you arrive.

Program

Application Due

Start Date

End Date

Fees & Housing

Program Spring 2024 15 weeks Application Due Deadline Passed Start Date End Date Fees & Housing $20,950
Program Fall 2024 15 weeks Start Date End Date Fees & Housing $20,950
Program Academic year 2024-2025 Start Date * End Date TBD*
Program Spring 2025 14 weeks Start Date * End Date *

*Dates for this program are provided as tentative dates. Please consult with your study abroad advisor to confirm dates before purchasing your flights.

To help you budget, keep in mind that students are responsible for the cost of international airfare, local transportation, books and supplies, visas, and personal expenses. In addition, your college or university may charge additional fees for study abroad, or may require you to receive a transcript via CIEE's School of Record, which carries an additional fee of $500.

Program Fees

CIEE offers the most student support of any provider in its program fee, including an airport greeting, full-time leadership and support, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, pre-departure advising, and CIEE iNext travel protection with benefits.

Participation Confirmation = $300*

Educational Costs = $15,706**

Housing = $4,750

Insurance = $194

Total Fees = $20,950

Estimated Costs

Students are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration.

Meals not included in program fee = $1,120

International Airfare = $1,250††

Local Transportation = $65†††

Books & Supplies = $100

Visa Fees = $160

Potential travel to consulate for visa = $500

Personal expenses = $260††††

Total Costs = $3,455

Optional Housing

CIEE accommodation options are detailed in the Housing section. Based on availability, Select or Select Plus Housing can be chosen during the application process for an additional fee:

Select Housing Fee = $750^

Select Plus Housing Fee = $1,500^^

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

*non-refundable

**direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students

For students in homestays, families provide 2 meals (breakfast and dinner). For students in apartments, you should budget approx. $260 per month for groceries if you plan on making your own meals, and more if you plan on eating out regularly.

††Round-trip based on U.S. East Coast departure

†††Local transportation: t-jove (3 months) = 40€ ($43) / Local transportation: t-usual (1 month) = 20€ ($21)

††††$100 emergency fund + cell phone expense + toiletries

^first-come, first serve, based on availability

^^first-come, first serve, based on availability

Program Fees

CIEE offers the most student support of any provider in its program fee, including an airport greeting, full-time leadership and support, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, pre-departure advising, and CIEE iNext travel protection with benefits.

Participation Confirmation = $300*

Educational Costs = $15,706**

Housing = $4,750***

Insurance = $194

Total Fees = $20,950

Estimated Costs

Students are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration.

Meals not included in program fee = $1,120

International Airfare = $1,250††

Local Transportation = $65†††

Books & Supplies = $100

Visa Fees = $160

Potential travel to consulate for visa = $500

Personal expenses = $260††††

Total Costs = $3,455

Optional Housing

CIEE accommodation options are detailed in the Housing section. Based on availability, Select or Select Plus Housing can be chosen during the application process for an additional fee:

Select Housing Fee = $750^

Select Plus Housing Fee = $1,500^^

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

*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 homestays, families provide 2 meals (breakfast and dinner). For students in apartments, you should budget approx. $260 per month for groceries if you plan on making your own meals, and more if you plan on eating out regularly.

††round-trip based on U.S. East Coast departure

†††Local transportation: t-jove (3 months) = 40€ ($43) / t-usual (1 month) = 20€ ($21)

††††$100 emergency fund + cell phone expense + toiletries

^first-come, first serve, based on availability

^^first-come, first serve, based on availability

Program Fees

CIEE offers the most student support of any provider in its program fee, including an airport greeting, full-time leadership and support, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, pre-departure advising, and CIEE iNext travel protection with benefits.

Estimated Costs

Students are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration.

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

Program Fees

CIEE offers the most student support of any provider in its program fee, including an airport greeting, full-time leadership and support, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, pre-departure advising, and CIEE iNext travel protection with benefits.

Estimated Costs

Students are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration.

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

What's Included

Tuition

Housing

Pre-departure Advising

Advising before you depart to set goals and answer questions

Optional on-site airport meet-and-greet

Orientation

Introduction to your program plus practical information about living in your host city

On-site Staff

Full-time program leadership and support in your city

Cultural and/or Co-curricular Activities

Excursions and/or Study Tours

Travel Protection

CIEE iNext travel protection

24/7 emergency on-site support

Staff

Our Staff

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).

José Luis Espinosa

Academic Director

José Luis holds a Ph.D. in Modern Languages and Gender Studies from the University of Salamanca (USAL).

Fernando Janeiro

Senior Program Manager

Nando holds a Master's Degree in Humanities from Universitat Pompeu Fabra (Barcelona) and is certified as a Spanish as a Second Language instructor (International House/ Universitat de Barcelona).

Get Started Steps

Get Started

Here’s what you need to do to take the next steps:

1

Start an Application 
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.

Request Info