High School Semester in Barcelona
Spend a semester abroad in Barcelona, taking English classes in a city where Mediterranean sunshine meets daring architecture and vibrant street life.
Think Gaudí’s colorful curves at Park Güell, the sound of guitars drifting through plazas, and palm trees swaying beside the sea. From golden beaches to mountain views, Barcelona blends coastal calm with a bold, creative spirit. Join a welcoming host family, form close friendships with your cohort, and immerse yourself in Catalan culture.
You’ll begin your semester in London, spending the first three weeks with fellow students in CIEE's Global Gateway Academy. Prepare for a successful semester by forming lasting friendships, building strong intercultural communication skills, and connecting with the local community through impactful service projects.
In Barcelona, you’ll take in-person classes like Smart Cities, Mixed Media Arts, and Spanish Language & Culture alongside online courses through ASU Prep Global. Classes are small and collaborative, and weekly activities take learning beyond the classroom—into the city, local markets, and beyond. Spanish immersion happens naturally through day-to-day life, community engagement, and conversations with your very own language buddy.
From tapas nights in El Born to afternoons at Barceloneta Beach, every day brings something new. Take guided excursions to Tarragona’s Roman amphitheater by the sea and the awe-inspiring Sagrada Família, Gaudí’s unfinished masterpiece. Your semester promises fun adventures, lifelong friends, and a future shaped by global experiences.
Why Choose This Program?
INDEPENDENCE & RESILIENCE
Experiencing life abroad shifts how you see the world—and yourself. You’ll return home with a broader perspective that shapes how you approach challenges and opportunities.
COLLEGE READINESS
Studying abroad gives you the kinds of life skills that can’t be learned in a classroom — and shows college admissions reps that you’re already one step ahead in terms of initiative, maturity, and independence.
GLOBAL CITIZENSHIP
After immersing yourself in unfamiliar practices and customs, you’ll become better equipped to interact with people from other cultures — in school, on the job, or in your personal life.
93%
said their experience made them more aware of global issues.
79%
said their experience with CIEE helped shape their college applications.
96%
said they regularly use the knowledge and skills they acquired while abroad with CIEE.
The Destination
Welcome to Barcelona—a city built for exploring, from mountaintop views to waves at your feet.
Home to over 1.6 million people, Barcelona is Spain’s second-largest city and the vibrant capital of Catalonia, a region with its own language, traditions, and proud cultural identity. Set between the Mediterranean Sea and the hills of Collserola, the city has inspired generations of artists, including Joan Miró and Pablo Picasso. Its story blends Roman roots, medieval guilds, and modern creativity, making every neighborhood a piece of living history.
You’ll spend your days biking along the waterfront, catching panoramic sunsets from Bunkers del Carmel, or browsing La Boqueria—a bustling market filled with colorful stalls stacked with local delicacies. Cheer with the crowds at Camp Nou stadium at a fútbol game. When you need a change of pace, you can explore leafy parks, pop into contemporary art galleries, or get lost in the winding lanes of the Gothic Quarter.
Barcelona is a feast for the senses—sip icy horchata de chufa on a hot afternoon, share plates of patatas bravas drizzled with spicy sauce, and try crema catalana, a silky custard with a caramelized sugar crust. It’s a city you’ll live, taste, and remember long after you leave.
Social feed above may feature posts from all CIEE Study Abroad programs, including college programs.
Sample Itinerary
Top Rated Activities
Every day is a new adventure in Barcelona! Spend your time abroad taking exciting excursions to iconic sites like Mount Tibidabo, home to one of the oldest amusement parks in Europe, or exploring the Gothic Quarter, where old-world architecture meets modern entertainment. You'll make lifelong memories with new friends while exploring colorful neighborhoods and discovering the creative spirit of this historic city.
Kayak or Paddle Surf at Tarragona Beach
Paddle along golden sands and clear waters, soak up the Mediterranean sun, and enjoy the thrill of exploring Tarragona’s coastline from the sea. Glide past rocky coves and hidden corners that you can only reach from the water. Take a break on the beach to relax, slowing down to enjoy the incredible views all around you.
Visit to La Pedrera (Casa Milà)
Wander through Gaudí’s wave-like masterpiece. From its winding rooftop chimneys to the unique apartments below, you’ll discover the bold design that makes this building one of Barcelona’s icons. Don’t forget to head to the terrace for the can’t-miss 360º views of the city!
Please note this list of activities is based on past programs and subject to change at CIEE's discretion to both adapt to local circumstances and participant feedback.
How Studying Abroad Changed My Life
By: Mackenzie Murphy Moving abroad was always a dream of mine. I spent years researching programs, carefully choosing a school with a strong study abroad program and looking forward to... keep reading
What I Learned About Cultural Differences Between the USA and Spain in My First Month
Hi! I’m Mara and I’m studying as a high school exchange student in Spain for 9 months this year. Spain has been a rollercoaster so far. There've been a ton... keep reading
5 Biggest Changes I’ve Noticed in Myself Since Returning from Spain
This post was written by CIEE Global Navigator alum Beatrix D. from Massachusetts who participated in the Global Navigator Marketing Internship in spring of 2025. I don’t think I’ve ever... keep reading
Eligibility
- Be between the ages of 15 and 17 when the program starts and cannot turn 18 while on program.
- Be in the 9th, 10th, 11th, or 12th year of schooling.
- Have a minimum GPA of 2.5.
- Demonstrate, through the application process, flexibility, maturity, adaptability, and readiness to face the challenges of living in a new culture.
Dates & Fees
Priority deadline discount: Apply to a fall semester or academic year by February 15 and get a $400 discount. Apply to a spring semester by July 15 and get a $400 discount. Discounts are deducted from final balance.
High school abroad participants are NOT authorized to volunteer, take jobs, or seek employment during their stay.
Program |
Application Due |
Start Date |
End Date |
Costs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Program Fall 2026 16 weeks | Start Date * | End Date * | ||
| Program Spring 2027 15 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.
*Dates for this program are tentative. Please consult with your study abroad advisor to confirm dates before purchasing your flights.
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 and MSI 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.
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.
Estimated Costs
Students are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration.
Ready to change your life?
Staff
Salvador Parra
Center Director
Salvador has been working at CIEE since 2000 and is passionate about international exchange. He holds a degree in History and Geography from the University of Seville, and a Master of Business Administration.
You might also like
Perfect your Spanish and soak in the vibrant culture of daily life in Spain.