Semester in Barcelona
Your Semester in Barcelona program lasts a full semester and is designed for students from all academic backgrounds. You will enroll in a combination of CIEE courses, host institution courses, and courses taught online through CIEE's global academic partner, ASU. Enhance your experience with co-curricular and extracurricular activities while immersing yourself in Spanish culture. Live and learn in Barcelona!
Unique Experiences
Savor Barcelona's Culinary Delights
when you indulge in traditional Spanish dishes, such as churros, patatas bravas, and pinchos
Experience the Passion of Flamenco
as you take in a captivating performance of a live flamenco show, highlighting the rich artistic heritage of Spain
Hike for Breathtaking City Vistas
like the unforgettable panoramic views you’ll experience when you trek the Carretera de les Aigües
Your Destination
Barcelona is Spain’s cosmopolitan city, offering an inspiring environment for students of all disciplines. The city’s unique blend of Catalan and Spanish cultures, iconic architectural landmarks like the Sagrada Família and Park Güell, bustling markets, and lively arts scene create an enriching backdrop for studying abroad. Whether you're studying business, science, engineering, technology, communications, psychology, health sciences, liberal arts, language, or fine arts, Barcelona is the perfect place to study abroad.
Program Highlights
- Academic Courses: Choose from CIEE courses, host institution courses, and online courses delivered by CIEE’s global partner, ASU, that align with your academic major.
- Optional Internship Placements: Enhance your program with an optional for-credit internship that aligns with your career aspirations.
- Immersive Experiences: Participate in activities, excursions, study tours, and more that showcase your host city's culture, values, and local art, film, music, cuisine, and sports scenes.
- Academic Projects: Enroll in an optional for-credit independent research project or service-learning project for increased professional development opportunities.
Excursions & Activities
CIEE’s excursions and cultural activities in Barcelona will open doors for you to explore Spain’s rich diversity, language, culture, history, and timeless beauty in ways that will enhance your time abroad.
Samples of past excursions and activities:
- Discover the Gràcia neighborhood, famous for its bohemian and artistic style and streets filled with color and culture
- Visit Barcelona's oldest preserved garden and test your navigation skills in its enchanting labyrinth maze
- Enjoy a performance by the renowned Montserrat Boys' Choir, one of the oldest groups in Europe
Please note: Activities are based on past programs and subject to change at CIEE's discretion to adapt to local circumstances and participant feedback. Our goal when arranging activities is always to enhance your experience.
Program Blogs
The Magic of Fate and the Importance of Living with a Host Family Abroad
By: Jacie Hall While I reflect on my time studying abroad, a year later, I cannot help but to believe that fate is real and some things in life are... keep reading
Studying Abroad in Barcelona: A Semester of Learning, Exploring, and Growing
By: Addison Paquin Spending a semester abroad in Barcelona was one of the most impactful and exciting experiences of my college journey. Between five fascinating classes, weekend adventures across Europe... keep reading
From Snow to Sand: 5 Moments That Shaped My Study Abroad Experience
By: Marissa Garcia When I first arrived in Barcelona, I didn’t know just how much I would grow—not just professionally through my internship, but personally through the moments in between... keep reading
Housing & Meals
Housing
CIEE Barcelona offers diverse housing options to ensure you’re comfortable in your home away from home. From homestays to shared apartments, we strive for your accommodation preferences to be met. Additionally, all housing options are located in neighborhoods with convenient access to public transportation, shops, cafés, and eateries.
Standard Housing: Includes a single room at a homestay or a single room at a residence hall located within 50 minutes from CIEE Barcelona in the metropolitan area. Homestays feature a kitchen, living room, and bathroom shared with a host family. Residence Halls boast shared kitchens, common areas, and laundry facilities shared with other students.
Select Housing: Includes a double room at a shared apartment located within 30 minutes from CIEE Barcelona. Apartments boast shared kitchens, common areas, and laundry facilities shared with other students. Select housing requires an additional fee.
Select Plus Housing: Includes a single room at a residence hall located within 30 minutes from CIEE Barcelona. Residence halls boast shared kitchens, common areas, and laundry facilities shared with other students. Select Plus housing requires an additional fee.
A note: The default criterion to assign housing is first-come, first-served; however, other factors may also be considered. If we cannot accommodate your first housing choice, we'll let you know before you arrive. Non-standard housing options require an additional fee that can be found in the program Dates and Fees.
Meals
- Homestays: Students have breakfast and dinner with their host families, and they are responsible for lunch. Students do not typically have access to use the kitchen at the host family home.
- Residence Halls and Shared Apartments: Meals are not included.
Academics
CIEE Barcelona: Study near Barcelona’s main square, Plaça Catalunya, on a beautiful pedestrian passageway, only minutes from cafés, restaurants, and important cultural attractions. CIEE Barcelona features classrooms, a student lounge, conference rooms, and charming 19th-century terraces where students can relax outdoors.
Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF) is a highly ranked public university in Barcelona created in 1990 by the Autonomous Government of Catalonia. At UPF, students can take courses with other international students at the Barcelona Program for Interdisciplinary Studies (BaPIS). All courses are usually held at Ciutadella Vila Olímpica Campus.
Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB) is a public university founded in 1968 with an enrollment of more than 40,000 students. UAB is the second-highest ranking Spanish university according to the Times Higher Education World University Rankings. All courses are usually held at Casa Convalescència Campus.
Universitat de Vic (UVic) is an independent state-supported institution committed to the economic and social development of the region. At UVic, students can take courses from the Business, Design, and Innovation program for international students. Courses are usually held at UVic-BAU Design College.
Arizona State University (ASU): Brought to you by CIEE in partnership with ASU, enhance your international coursework with online classes that align with your degree requirements. ASU offers thousands of online courses in asynchronous 7.5-week sessions that fit within the CIEE academic calendar.
Course Information
For students who want to take classes in Spanish, four semesters of college-level Spanish (or equivalent) are required, unless differently specified in the course syllabus.
Academic Projects
Business, Economics, Management, and Marketing
Communication, Journalism, and Media
Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services
Engineering and Engineering Technologies
History, Philosophy, Religion
Languages and Cultural Studies
Literature, Linguistics, and Writing
Mathematics and Statistics
Social Sciences
Visual and Performing Arts
Agriculture
Natural Resources, Conservation, and the Environment
Psychology
Academic Projects
Business, Economics, Management, and Marketing
Communication, Journalism, and Media
Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services
Engineering and Engineering Technologies
History, Philosophy, Religion
Languages and Cultural Studies
Literature, Linguistics, and Writing
Mathematics and Statistics
Social Sciences
Visual and Performing Arts
Agriculture
Natural Resources, Conservation, and the Environment
Psychology
Academic Projects
Business, Economics, Management, and Marketing
Communication, Journalism, and Media
Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services
Engineering and Engineering Technologies
History, Philosophy, Religion
Languages and Cultural Studies
Literature, Linguistics, and Writing
Mathematics and Statistics
Social Sciences
Visual and Performing Arts
Agriculture
Natural Resources, Conservation, and the Environment
Psychology
Course offerings may vary from semester to semester. UPF and UVic courses include other international students. UAB and CIEE courses are taken with other CIEE students only.
UPF BaPIS:
Course offerings may vary from semester to semester. Courses are 3 U.S. credits.
Syllabi for the courses listed below can be found online.
Here is a sample of UPF BaPIS courses in English:
- Analytics for Social Good
- Anthropocene – How People Are Transforming the Planet
- Art, Mind and the Brain
- Barcelona the City and its History
- Building a Brain
- Contemporary Spanish Art
- Ethics in a Globalization and Sustainability Context
- From Hippocrates to Personalized Medicine: Healthcare Adapted to Societal Changes
- Gender-based Violence and International Protection of Human Rights
- Global Marketing and Culture of FC Barcelona
- Great Ideas that Have Shaped our World: From the Axial Age to the Robot Revolution
- Innovation and the Law. How Technology Changes the Legal System
- LGTB+: Exploring Identities and Diversity
- Stardom Wars: Controversies on Creativity and Authorship in Spanish Cinema
- The Collectivity Revolution
- The Jews in Spain: History, Heritage and Memory
Here is a sample of UPF BaPIS courses in Spanish:
- Innovación e inteligencia artificial en el gobierno: la transformación creativa de la gobernanza urbana
- ¿Qué es noticia? Verdad, desinformación y hegemonía
UVic:
Syllabi can be found on the UVic Business, Design, and Innovation Program website under the ‘Programme’ tab.
UVic sample courses in English:
- Brand Design
- Design Thinking
- Digital Business
- Global Marketing
- Marketing and Fashion
- Leadership, Business, and Society
- International Economy: Emerging Markets & Global Business
- Global Advertising and Public Relations Management
- Luxury Marketing
- Psychology of Communication and Publicity
- Retail Management
- Financial Risk Management
- Start-up Creation
UNIVERSITAT AUTÒNOMA DE BARCELONA (UAB)
Through Fall 2025: 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
- Strategic Management of the Firm
- Politics, War and Economics in the Age of Globalization
Starting in Spring 2026: Use this link to see available courses (see the “Elective Courses” drop-down)
CIEE proudly partners with ASU to deliver asynchronous, online coursework that aligns with your degree requirements from anywhere you study abroad.
CIEE and ASU offer courses online per program eligibility, at no additional charge. Be sure to review online courses with your home school advisor.
Check the CIEE Program Dates and ASU start dates below to maximize course options within your program!
Search ASU Online Courses BROWSE FAQs for more INFO
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 & 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.
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 Fall 2025 16 weeks | Application Due Deadline Passed | Start Date | End Date | Fees & Housing $20,950 |
| Program Academic year 2025-2026 34 weeks | Application Due Deadline Passed | Start Date | End Date | |
| Program Spring 2026 15 weeks | Application Due Deadline Passed | Start Date | End Date | Fees & Housing $21,950 |
| Program Fall 2026 16 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 | $14,956 ** |
| Housing | $5,500 *** |
| Insurance | $194 |
| Total Fees | $20,950 |
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. Housing is assigned on a first-come, first-served basis; however, other factors may also be considered.
| Select Housing Fee | $1,500 |
| Select Plus Housing Fee | $2,250 |
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 grants, and Gilman Go Global Grants.
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 |
*non-refundable fee
**direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students
***Housing fees listed are for financial aid purposes only and should not be considered a basis for calculation of refunds.
†The listed estimated cost is for students in homestays. Families provide 2 meals (breakfast and dinner) and students purchase lunch (there isn’t usually access to a kitchen). 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
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.
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 grants, and Gilman Go Global Grants.
Estimated Costs
Students are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration.
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 | $15,206 ** |
| Housing | $6,250 *** |
| Insurance | $194 |
| Total Fees | $21,950 |
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. Housing is assigned on a first-come, first-served basis; however, other factors may also be considered.
| Select Housing Fee | $1,600 |
| Select Plus Housing Fee | $2,400 |
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 grants, and Gilman Go Global Grants.
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 | $1,142 † |
| International Airfare | $1,000 †† |
| Local Transportation | $72 ††† |
| Books & Supplies | $60 †††† |
| Visa Fees | $160 |
| Potential travel to consulate for visa | $500 |
| Personal expenses | $210 ††††† |
| Total Costs | $3,144 |
*non-refundable fee
**direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students
***Housing fees listed are for financial aid purposes only and should not be considered a basis for calculation of refunds.
†The listed estimated cost is for students in homestays. Families provide 2 meals (breakfast and dinner) and students purchase lunch (there isn’t usually access to a kitchen). For students in apartments, you should budget approx. $265 per month for groceries if you plan on making your own meals, and more if you plan on eating out regularly.
††Round-trip flight based on U.S. East Coast departure ranges from $700-1200 dependent on carrier.
†††Local transportation: €44/$48 T-jove (3-month unlimited public transport rides on metro, bus, and train systems) / €22/$24 T-usual (1-month unlimited rides)
††††Total estimate cost for school supplies the duration of program
†††††$100 emergency fund + cell phone expense (low-cost SIM card with a 30GB-50GB data plan) + toiletries
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.
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 grants, and Gilman Go Global Grants.
Estimated Costs
Students are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration.
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
Our Staff
Andrés Tabárez
Center Director
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.
Get Started
1
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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