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Barcelona - Liberal Arts & Business
$6+ Million in Scholarships & Aid
Academics
Our mission is to provide you with the best study abroad program possible—which includes the highest quality academic and cultural experiences.
We offer unique courses that explore Liberal Arts and Business through an in-depth and hands-on approach.
Our world-class course options at prestigious local universities enhance your academic experience and provide you with new perspectives in class each day.
While in Barcelona, you take 15-19 credits per semester and all courses are worth 3 credits unless otherwise specified. Language courses are taught in Spanish.
Create your own academic experience by selecting from the following required and optional components:
- IES Abroad Spanish language course at your proficiency level (required, 3-7 credits)
- English- or Spanish-taught IES Abroad area studies courses (optional, 3 credits each)
- Research Methodology Seminar (optional, 4 credits) Involves the guided development of a detailed research project. Available at all language levels for students with a 3.5 GPA or higher.
- Partner university courses
- For International Students Only (optional, 3 credits each) These Spanish- and English-taught courses are designed for international students. They are available at the Universitat de Barcelona and Universitat Pompeu Fabra in a wide range of disciplines.
- With Local Students (optional, 2-3 credits each) These courses, taught in English and Spanish, allow you to take classes with local students.
- Internship placement and seminar (optional, 3 credits)
- Business & Busniess Development
- Event Management
- International Relations
Courses
Our Liberal Arts & Business Program explores Spanish language and culture through courses in the following disciplines.
This is a list of planned course offerings and these courses are taught at the IES Abroad Center by local faculty. A final list of course offerings will be made available to you in your MyIESabroad account.
To learn more about IES Abroad’s innovative theoretical and pedagogical approaches to teaching language abroad, refer to the IES Abroad MAP for Language & Intercultural Communication.
| Course Name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| AE/HS 250 - Mediterranean History and Heritage | Fall, Spring | English | 3 |
| Course Name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| AH 223A - Great 20th Century Artists of Catalonia: Picasso, Dalí and Miró | Fall, Spring, Summer | English | 3 |
| AH 223B - Great 20th Century Artists of Catalonia: Picasso, Dalí and Miró | Spring | Spanish | 3 |
| AH/HS 251 - Barcelona: The Cosmopolitan City | Fall, Spring, Summer | English | 3 |
| AT/AH 324 - Modernism in Architecture and Design in a Comparative Perspective | Spring | English | 3 |
| CU/AH 331 - Imagining Medieval Culture: The Communicative Power of Medieval Images | Fall, Spring | English | 3 |
| RL/AH 350 - The Iberian Peninsula: Cultures and Religions Through the Arts | Fall, Spring, Summer | English | 3 |
| US/AH 230 - International Events in Barcelona: An Artistic Perspective | Fall, Spring | English | 3 |
| US/AH 330 - Architecture and Landscape in Barcelona | Fall, Spring | English | 3 |
| US/AH 360 - The City as a Place to Live: The Barcelona Experience | Fall, Spring | English | 3 |
| Course Name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| AN/CU 338 - Barcelona: The Culinary City | Fall, Spring | English | 3 |
| HP/AN 345 - Catalan Cultural Studies | Fall, Spring | English | 3 |
| PS/AN 340 - Self and Identity in a Postmodern World | Fall, Spring | English | 3 |
| SO/AN 320A - Sports and Society in Spain | Fall, Spring, Summer | English | 3 |
| SO/AN 320B - Sports and Society in Spain | Fall, Spring | Spanish | 3 |
| SO/AN 360 - Banditry and Mafias in the Mediterranean | Fall, Spring | English | 3 |
| WS/AN 336 - Gender and Culture in Spain and the Mediterranean | Fall, Spring | English | 3 |
| Course Name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| AR 225 - Art and Design | Fall, Spring | English | 3 |
| Course Name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| AT/AH 324 - Modernism in Architecture and Design in a Comparative Perspective | Spring | English | 3 |
| Course Name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| CM 327 - Language, Culture and Communication: The Spanish Perspective | Fall, Spring | English | 3 |
| CM/PG 316 - Photojournalism | Fall, Spring | English | 3 |
| IC/CM 329 - Language, Culture and Communication: Hispanic Cultures and their Societies | Fall, Spring, Summer | Spanish | 3 |
| LT/CM 353 - Storytelling | Fall, Spring | English | 3 |
| PO/CM 323 - Campaigning in Europe: From Propaganda to Political Marketing | Fall, Spring | English | 3 |
| PO/CM 335 - Media and Politics in Europe | Fall, Spring | English | 3 |
| WS/CM 380 - 4th Wave Feminism | Fall, Spring | English | 3 |
| Course Name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| LW/CR 363 - Crime, Disorder, Policing and Justice: Spanish and European Perspectives | Fall, Spring | English | 3 |
| Course Name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| CT 101 - Catalan Language for Beginners | Fall, Spring | Spanish | 3 |
| Course Name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| AN/CU 338 - Barcelona: The Culinary City | Fall, Spring | English | 3 |
| CU 351 - Food as an Expression of Culture | Fall, Spring | English | 3 |
| CU 351B - Food as an Expression of Culture | Fall, Spring | Spanish | 3 |
| CU/AH 331 - Imagining Medieval Culture: The Communicative Power of Medieval Images | Fall, Spring | English | 3 |
| CU/IB 348 - Cultural Heritage: Business and Strategies | Spring | English | 3 |
| CU/PS 326 - Dialogues on Difference | Fall, Spring | English | 3 |
| FS/CU 321 - Film and the City | Fall, Spring | English | 3 |
| Course Name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| EC 341 - The Economic Effects of Spain's EU Membership | Fall, Spring | English | 3 |
| EC 342 - European Regional Economies | Fall, Spring | English | 3 |
| IB/EC 441 - Spain's Economic Development and the EU | Fall, Spring | English | 3 |
| PO/EC 210 - Introduction to the European Union | Fall, Spring | English | 3 |
| SO/EC 340 - Globalized Economy and Migration | Fall, Spring | English | 3 |
| Course Name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| ED/IN 395 - Internship Seminar: Education | Fall, Spring | English | 3 |
| Course Name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| GE/ES 311 - Mediterranean Environment | Fall, Spring | English | 3 |
| GE/ES 320 - Mediterranean Oceanography | Fall, Spring | English | 3 |
| GT/ES 339 - The Climate Crisis: Global Perspectives, Mediterranean Precedents | Fall, Spring | English | 3 |
| GT/ES 361 - Science & Society: A European Perspective | Fall, Spring | English | 3 |
| SO/ES 352 - Sustainability: Challenges and Responses | Fall, Spring | English | 3 |
| Course Name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| IB/FI 355 - International Finance Management | Fall, Spring | English | 3 |
| Course Name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| FS/CU 321 - Film and the City | Fall, Spring | English | 3 |
| FS/HP 340A - Contemporary Spanish Film | Fall, Spring | English | 3 |
| FS/HP 340B - Contemporary Spanish Film | Spring | Spanish | 3 |
| Course Name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| GE/ES 311 - Mediterranean Environment | Fall, Spring | English | 3 |
| GE/ES 320 - Mediterranean Oceanography | Fall, Spring | English | 3 |
| Course Name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| GT/ES 339 - The Climate Crisis: Global Perspectives, Mediterranean Precedents | Fall, Spring | English | 3 |
| GT/ES 361 - Science & Society: A European Perspective | Fall, Spring | English | 3 |
| Course Name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| FS/HP 340A - Contemporary Spanish Film | Fall, Spring | English | 3 |
| FS/HP 340B - Contemporary Spanish Film | Spring | Spanish | 3 |
| HP/AN 345 - Catalan Cultural Studies | Fall, Spring | English | 3 |
| Course Name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| AE/HS 250 - Mediterranean History and Heritage | Fall, Spring | English | 3 |
| AH/HS 251 - Barcelona: The Cosmopolitan City | Fall, Spring, Summer | English | 3 |
| HS 215 - History of Europe: Building Contemporary Europe | Fall, Spring | English | 3 |
| HS 332 - War and Dictatorship in Spain | Fall, Spring | English | 3 |
| IR/HS 317 - The American Century: US Policy in Western Europe | Fall, Spring | English | 3 |
| SO/HS 333 - Discrimination and Persecution in Spain and the West | Fall, Spring | English | 3 |
| SO/PO/HS 331 - Understanding Contemporary Spain: Politics, Society, History | Fall, Spring | English | 3 |
| Course Name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| CU/IB 348 - Cultural Heritage: Business and Strategies | Spring | English | 3 |
| IB 320 - Strategic Management | Fall, Spring | English | 3 |
| IB 325 - Marketing Management | Fall, Spring | English | 3 |
| IB 334 - The Business of Sports in Europe | Fall, Spring | English | 3 |
| IB 343 - Business Ethics in an Intercultural Framework | Fall, Spring | English | 3 |
| IB 350 - International Marketing: A European Approach | Fall, Spring, Summer | English | 3 |
| IB 360 - Entrepreneurship: A European Perspective | Fall, Spring | English | 3 |
| IB/EC 441 - Spain's Economic Development and the EU | Fall, Spring | English | 3 |
| IB/FI 355 - International Finance Management | Fall, Spring | English | 3 |
| IR/IB 393 - Leading Across Cultures: Principles and Practice | Fall, Spring | English | 3 |
| Course Name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| IC/CM 329 - Language, Culture and Communication: Hispanic Cultures and their Societies | Fall, Spring, Summer | Spanish | 3 |
| IC/PS 260 - Cross Cultural Psychology | Fall, Spring | English | 3 |
| Course Name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| ED/IN 395 - Internship Seminar: Education | Fall, Spring | English | 3 |
| IN 395A - Internship Seminar | Fall, Spring | English | 3 |
| IN 395B - Internship Seminar | Fall, Spring | Spanish | 3 |
| SO/IN 395 - Internship Seminar: Social Action | Fall, Spring | English | 3 |
| Course Name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| IR 337 - The Arab World and the West | Fall, Spring | English | 3 |
| IR/HS 317 - The American Century: US Policy in Western Europe | Fall, Spring | English | 3 |
| IR/IB 393 - Leading Across Cultures: Principles and Practice | Fall, Spring | English | 3 |
| IR/PO 359 - Europe in Crisis | Fall, Spring | English | 3 |
| SO/PO/IR 347 - The Wall: Borders, Violence and Separation in the Contemporary World | Fall, Spring | English | 3 |
| Course Name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| LT 252 - Travel Writing in Spain/Europe: Between Self and Other | Fall, Spring | English | 3 |
| LT 375 - Barcelona and the Latin American Literary Boom | Fall, Spring | Spanish | 3 |
| LT/CM 353 - Storytelling | Fall, Spring | English | 3 |
| Course Name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| LW/CR 363 - Crime, Disorder, Policing and Justice: Spanish and European Perspectives | Fall, Spring | English | 3 |
| Course Name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| MG 345 - Management Across Borders | Fall, Spring | English | 3 |
| PS/MG 322 - Organizational Behavior: Psychological Approaches in a European Perspective | Fall, Spring | English | 3 |
| Course Name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| MS 201 - The Music of Spain: Diversity, Functionality and the Construction of Cultural Identity | Fall, Spring | Spanish | 3 |
| MS 215 - Introduction to Music: Learning to Listen | Fall, Spring | English | 3 |
| Course Name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| CM/PG 316 - Photojournalism | Fall, Spring | English | 3 |
| PG 328 - Understanding Photography: Decoding the Still Image | Fall, Spring | English | 3 |
| Course Name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| IR/PO 359 - Europe in Crisis | Fall, Spring | English | 3 |
| PO 325 - Politics in Spain | Fall, Spring, Summer | English | 3 |
| PO 475 - Democracy in Western Europe | Fall, Spring | English | 3 |
| PO/CM 323 - Campaigning in Europe: From Propaganda to Political Marketing | Fall, Spring | English | 3 |
| PO/CM 335 - Media and Politics in Europe | Fall, Spring | English | 3 |
| PO/EC 210 - Introduction to the European Union | Fall, Spring | English | 3 |
| SO/PO/HS 331 - Understanding Contemporary Spain: Politics, Society, History | Fall, Spring | English | 3 |
| SO/PO/IR 347 - The Wall: Borders, Violence and Separation in the Contemporary World | Fall, Spring | English | 3 |
| Course Name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| CU/PS 326 - Dialogues on Difference | Fall, Spring | English | 3 |
| IC/PS 260 - Cross Cultural Psychology | Fall, Spring | English | 3 |
| PS 350 - Human Development in the Spanish Socio-Cultural Context | Fall, Spring | English | 3 |
| PS 410 - Cultural Perspectives in Psychology | Fall, Spring | English | 3 |
| PS/AN 340 - Self and Identity in a Postmodern World | Fall, Spring | English | 3 |
| PS/MG 322 - Organizational Behavior: Psychological Approaches in a European Perspective | Fall, Spring | English | 3 |
| Course Name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| RE 496 - Research Methodology Seminar | Fall, Spring | English | 4 |
| RE 499 - Introduction to Research Module | Fall, Spring | English | 1 |
| Course Name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| RL/AH 350 - The Iberian Peninsula: Cultures and Religions Through the Arts | Fall, Spring, Summer | English | 3 |
| SO/RL 330 - Church and State in Spain from 1492 to the Present | Fall, Spring | English | 3 |
| Course Name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| SO/AN 320A - Sports and Society in Spain | Fall, Spring, Summer | English | 3 |
| SO/AN 320B - Sports and Society in Spain | Fall, Spring | Spanish | 3 |
| SO/AN 360 - Banditry and Mafias in the Mediterranean | Fall, Spring | English | 3 |
| SO/EC 340 - Globalized Economy and Migration | Fall, Spring | English | 3 |
| SO/ES 352 - Sustainability: Challenges and Responses | Fall, Spring | English | 3 |
| SO/HS 333 - Discrimination and Persecution in Spain and the West | Fall, Spring | English | 3 |
| SO/IN 395 - Internship Seminar: Social Action | Fall, Spring | English | 3 |
| SO/PO/HS 331 - Understanding Contemporary Spain: Politics, Society, History | Fall, Spring | English | 3 |
| SO/PO/IR 347 - The Wall: Borders, Violence and Separation in the Contemporary World | Fall, Spring | English | 3 |
| SO/RL 330 - Church and State in Spain from 1492 to the Present | Fall, Spring | English | 3 |
| Course Name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| US/AH 230 - International Events in Barcelona: An Artistic Perspective | Fall, Spring | English | 3 |
| US/AH 330 - Architecture and Landscape in Barcelona | Fall, Spring | English | 3 |
| US/AH 360 - The City as a Place to Live: The Barcelona Experience | Fall, Spring | English | 3 |
| Course Name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| WS/AN 336 - Gender and Culture in Spain and the Mediterranean | Fall, Spring | English | 3 |
| WS/CM 380 - 4th Wave Feminism | Fall, Spring | English | 3 |
Partner Institution(s)
You may enroll in courses at the following local partner institutions.
NOTE: The courses listed below are course offerings from previous years. These courses are not guaranteed to be offered in the coming semesters as IES has no control over the courses offered by partner institutions.
Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB)
The Universitat Autónoma de Barcelona was established in the late 1960s and since then has become one of the most dynamic universities in Spain. Made up of more than 25 schools, faculties, and associated centers, it is the only real campus-based university in Barcelona. UAB requires a minimum enrollment of two courses.
UAB has two campuses in Barcelona. The courses that are offered at the Sant Pau (20 minutes by Metro from our Center) and Eixample (10 minutes walking from our Center) campuses are primarily in the disciplines of Business, Economics, Politics, and the Humanities. Courses are taught in English and Spanish. These campuses are located in the central area of the city of Barcelona.
Please note that registration for UAB courses takes place before the application deadline. Students interested in enrolling in UAB courses are encouraged to apply early.
University Courses in English
- AH3025 Spanish Contemporary Art
- AH3026 Spanish Art and Cultural Heritage
- AH3040 The Seven Wonders of Spain
- AT3029 Barcelona: City Planning and Architecture
- AT3038 Modernism: Art Nouveau Architecture Sketched and Explained
- BS2016 Entrepreneurship and New Venture Creation
- BS2017 E-commerce and Online Businesses
- BS2042 Doing Business in Emerging Markets
- BS2043 Business in Action: Local Companies in a Global World
- CM3048 Communication and Gender
- CM3049 Intercultural Communication
- EC2004 Strategic Behavior in Business and Economics
- EC2006 International Economics
- EC2012 Understanding the European Economy
- EC2018 The Political Economy of European Integration
- EC2024 The Creative Economy: Innovation on the 21st Century
- EC2025 Behavior and Incentives in Economics: The Case of Soccer
- EC3035 Inequality, Poverty and Globalization
- FI2008 International Finance
- HS3023 Spanish Civilization and Culture
- IB2007 International Business
- LT3044 The Image of Barcelona in Literature
- MG2005 Cross-Cultural Management
- MG2010 Strategic Management of the Firm
- MG2041 Managerial Skills for International Business
- MG2044 Human Resources Management: Finding Your Place in Organizations
- MK2009 International Marketing Strategies
- PO2019 Politics, War and Economy in the Age of Globalization
- PO2021 Mediterranean Politics
- PO3028 Cultures Without State: The Case of Catalonia
- PO3036 Politics of the Developing World (Spring)
- PO/IR3043 Geopolitics and International Relations
- US3022 An Urban Approach to Spain and Europe
- US3037 Urban Interventions: Graffiti and Public Sculpture
University Courses in Spanish (available upon request - please alert your program advisor if you are interested in courses in Spanish at UAB)
- AH3045 Spanish Art
- HS3024 Spanish Civilization and Culture (Spring)
- MK3031 International Marketing Strategies
Universitat de Barcelona (UB)
Even though Universitat de Barcelona was founded in 1450, the present central building was not inaugurated until 1871 and is located in the city center. Today the university has four campuses in different parts of the city. UB is particularly interested in fostering international relations, and for many years has been the leader among European universities in a number of student exchanges.
UB offers an Estudios Hispánicos program taught in Spanish and English for students with intermediate and advanced levels of Spanish. These courses are offered only to international students and are based on Spanish and Latin American culture. Classes take place in the main UB campus located 10 minutes walking distance from the IES Abroad Barcelona Center.
University Courses in English - Estudios Hispánicos
- EC06 Spain's Economy Highlights
- FI20 Corporate Finance
- FI21 International Financial Management
- HS14 Barcelona: The Mediterranean Metropolis
- IB22 International Business and Management
- MG24 International Operations Management
- MG27 Critical Skills for Managers of the Future
- MK19 Consumer Behavior
- MK23 International Marketing
- PO03 Spanish Politics
University Courses in English - Food & Gastronomy
- AG/ES31 Food Systems and Sustainability in Spain
- AH/AT32 Public Food Markets: Architecture and the City
- IB/ET33 The Business of Food
- NT/CU34 Mediterranean Nutrition and Gastronomy
University Courses in Spanish
- AH17 Art in Spain
- HS02 Spain and Europe: Origins and Evolution
- LT18 Barcelona: A Meeting Place for Spanish and Latin-American Arts
- PO/SO16 Contemporary Spain: Society and Institutions
Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF)
Universitat Pompeu Fabra was founded by the Catalonian government in 1990 and is a public institution. It is named after the scholar who established the grammar of the modern Catalan language, and enrolls approximately 10,000 Spanish and international students.
Courses are offered by different university departments and are taught in English and in Spanish. Course availability and language of instruction is dependent on the program you are enrolled in and your language level. UPF is a 15-minute commute by Metro or a 20-minute walk from our Center.
Universitat Pompeu Fabra: ESCI International Business School
University Courses in English
- BS51281 International Expansion (Spring)
- EC80126BP International Economics
- FI51400 Corporate Finance
- FI51500 International Finance
- FI51728IBP Financial Risk Management (Spring)
- IB51636BP Doing Business in Europe
- MG40103 People Management (Fall)
- MG40207 International Project Management (Spring)
- MG51268BP International Management
- MG51282 International Team Management (Spring)
- MG51746 Cross-Cultural Management and Intercultural Communication (Spring)
- MK40204 Consumer Behavior (Spring)
- MK51250 Market Research I (Spring)
- MK51279 International Marketing (Spring)
- MK51669BP New Trends in International Marketing
- MK51707BP Applied Market Research in the Digital Era
- MK51711BP Strategic Consumer Insights
University Courses in Spanish
Universitat Pompeu Fabra: Barcelona Program for Interdisciplinary Studies (BaPIS)
University Courses in English
- AE/ES51793 Anthropocene – How People Are Transforming the Planet
- AH51607 Contemporary Spanish Art
- FS/HP51803 Stardom Wars: Controversies on Creativity and Authorship in Spanish Cinema
- GS/IS51798 Gender-based Violence and International Protection of Human Rights
- GS/SO51802 LGTB+: Exploring Identities and Diversity
- HL51797 From Hipocrates to Personalized Medicine: Healthcare Adapted to Societal Changes
- HS51146 Barcelona the City and its History
- HS51805 The Jews in Spain: History, Heritage and Memory
- IB51602 Global Marketing and Culture of FC Barcelona
- IB/SO51796 Ethics in a Globalization and Sustainability Context
- LW/CS51801 Innovation and the Law. How Technology Changes the Legal System
- MG/SO51804 The Collectivity Revolution
- MT/ST51792 Analytics for Social Good
- NS51795 Building a Brain
- NS/HU51794 Art, Mind and the Brain
- SO/HS51799 Great Ideas that Have Shaped our World: From the Axial Age to the Robot Revolution
University Courses in Spanish
- CM/PO51806 What is News? Truth, Lies and Hegemony
- EN/CS/GO51800 Innovation and Artificial Intelligence in Government: The creative transformation of urban governance
Universitat Ramon Llull (URL)
Universitat Ramon Llull is a private school founded in 1990. At URL, courses are designed for Spanish students at the undergraduate level. Courses are taught in English and Spanish and are available to you in a variety of disciplines. Course availability and language of instruction is dependent on the program you are enrolled in and your language level. Classes are taught at different campuses, and range from a 10-minute walk to a 30-minute Metro ride from our Center.
Universitat Ramon Llull: IQS Business School
(AACSB Accredited Institution)
University Courses in English
- AC2006 Cost Accounting (Fall)
- BS2005 International Trade (Fall)
- FI53018 Financial Mathematics (Fall)
- FI53155 Introduction to Business Finance (Spring)
- LW2003 Business Law (Fall)
- MG2001 Human Resources Management (Fall)
- MG3001 Sales Management (Fall)
- MG3006 Innovation Management (Fall)
- MG53009 Organizational Behavior (Spring)
- MK53051 Introduction to Marketing (Spring)
Universitat Ramon Llull: School of Tourism and Hospitality Management Sant Ignasi
University Courses in English
- AC4001 Accounting (Spring)
- AN/SO2510 Tourism Anthropology and Sociology (Spring)
- EC4002 Business Economics (Spring)
- FI3200 Financial Management in Tourism and Hospitality (Fall)
- HM250 Tourism Typologies (Spring)
- LW4004A Tourism Law (Spring)
Universitat Ramon Llull: La Salle Business School
University Courses in English
- AC003 Accounting Principles I (Spring)
- EC200 International Economics and the Digital Era (Fall)
- EC202 Economic Growth and Innovation (Fall)
- FI008 Principles of Finance (Fall)
- FI013 Corporate and International Finance (Fall)
- FI430 Money and Investment (Spring)
- IB101 Online Consumer Behavior (Fall)
- IB371 International Business (Fall)
- IB400 Sports Business (Fall)
- IB502 Mobile App Management (Fall)
- MG017 Principles of Operations (Fall)
- MG/HS021 Modern Thought and Economic History (Spring)
- MG028 Supply Chain Management (Spring)
- MG044 Sales Management (Fall)
- MG052 Transfer of New Technology into the Economy (Spring)
- MG060 Sports and Technology Management (Fall)
- MG381 Leading Teams and Organizations (Spring)
- MG422 Major Sport Event Management (Spring)
- MK104 Marketing Services in Digital Era (Spring)
- MK394 Sport Marketing (Fall)
- PR423 Sports Media and Public Relations (Spring)
- US204 Emerging Technologies and Smart Cities (Spring)
Universitat Ramon Llull: Blanquerna School of Communication and International Relations
University Courses in English
- LW192 Introduction to Law (Spring)
- PO191 Introduction to Political Science (Spring)
- PO12877 International Political Structure (Spring)
- SO193 Sociology (Spring)
Universitat de Vic (UVic)
Universitat de Vic is an independent state-supported educational institution. It offers 32 bachelor’s degrees in the fields of Arts & Humanities, Science, Health Sciences, Social Sciences, and Engineering. At UVIC, you can enroll in courses taught in English for international students. Courses are available to you in Business, Design, and Innovation. All courses take place in the BAU School of Design, located 20 minutes by Metro from the IES Abroad Barcelona Center.
University Courses in English
- BS21106 Start-Up Creation
- DS21103 Design Thinking: How to Identify New Business Opportunities using Creativity
- DS/MK21101 Brand Design
- DS21109 Universal Design: Creating a World Tailored to Human Diversity (Spring)
- IB/IR21107 Leadership, Business and Society
- MG21110 Retail Management (Spring)
- MK/FH21102 Marketing and Fashion
- MK21104 Digital Business
- MK21107 Global Marketing
- MK21108 Luxury Marketing (Spring)
- PS/CM21111 Psychology of Communication and Publicty (Spring)
Internships
Interning while you study in Barcelona gives you a rewarding job experience with a wealth of long-lasting career benefits. You will:
- Gain a better understanding of the real-life, everyday culture of your host country
- Add global work experience and skills to your résumé or your application for graduate school
- Improve your confidence
All of our internships are supervised and earn IES Abroad credit. You participate in a 3-credit seminar to complement the practical experience you gain during the internship.
Personalized Placements
Once you indicate your interest in an internship, we work with you to find the ideal internship placement that fulfills your academic and career goals. We’ve placed students with a wide variety of organizations and businesses. If we don’t currently work with a business or organization in your field of interest, we will search for a placement that’s right for you.
Placement Examples
Past students have interned in the following fields. Don’t see your field here? Just talk to your IES Abroad Advisor—we are always seeking out new opportunities for our students.
- Business Development/ International Business
- Engineering & Technology
- Event Management
- Health
- International Relations
- Language Teaching
- Law
- Marketing
- Media & Communication
- Not-for-Profit Organizations & NGOs
- Psychology
- Public Relations
Field Trips & Events
Even though your adventure starts in Barcelona, our field trips during fall and spring semesters take you beyond the city to discover the culture and traditions of your host country. As part of orientation, you’ll participate in a study journey, which is included in your program cost. Additional field trips are partially subsidized by IES Abroad.
Trips are organized by language level and conducted in English or Spanish accordingly. One of these trips is subsidized by IES Abroad. Additional DiscoverIES are partially subsidized by IES Abroad. Here are a few possible destinations:
The Basque Country & Navarre
4 Days | Fall & Spring
Discover the unique gastronomy of the Basque Country, learn from artisans who elaborate local delicacies, and attempt to create (with your own hands) the meals that make up this rich culinary tradition.
Costa Brava
3 Days | Fall & Spring
Visit Greek and Roman ruins, the medieval city of Girona, and the “dreamland” of Salvador Dalí between Barcelona and the French border.
Madrid
3 Days | Fall & Spring
Discover the vibrant capital of Spain! See the works of El Greco, Goya, and Velazquez first-hand in the world-famous Prado Museum.
South of France
3 days | Spring
Visit Carcassonne to learn about its rich history, and enjoy a boat ride nearby. Next, head to Lastours to see castles and the Fontfroide Abbey. The last stop is Perpignan, where you will have the chance to compare the difference between the Spanish Catalan and French Catalan cultures.
Valencia
3 days | Spring
Enjoy a guided tour around the city and make Paella, the most famous dish in Spain. Then visit the nearby town of Peñíscola to see the Papa Luna’s Castle, a medieval building constructed by Templar knights that was home to the Pope during the 13th century.
Montserrat
1 Day | Fall & Spring
Spend the day hiking the mountain of Montserrat and visit the Santa Maria de Montserrat Abbey.
Note: IES Abroad field trip destinations, activities, and lengths of stay may vary according to term and availability.
Daily Life
Part of making you feel at home in Barcelona is doing our best to help you feel safe and cared for. Whether it is an orientation program that makes you feel prepared, housing that is well-located and comfortable, or our DiscoverIES that take you to places off the beaten path—we’re all about our student services.
Orientation
The program begins with an orientation that introduces you to the IES Abroad Barcelona staff, your fellow students, and the city of Barcelona. During the first week of the program, you will begin your language learning experience and participate in activities to meet and bond with others at the same language level.
You will also meet our Barcelona Cultural Companions or tutores culturales, who will join you on DiscoverIES and help you get to know the Spanish culture.
Our Comprehensive Orientation & Re-Entry Experience (CORE™) begins right when you arrive and continues through the semester with activities focusing on academic and cultural adjustment. Detailed information about housing, public transportation, culture, health and safety, and other important topics are also covered.
A required study journey is included as an integral part of orientation. Previous study journeys have included Tarragona, where you will walk in the footsteps of the Ancient Romans. This study journey will allow you to meet your fellow classmates and IES Abroad staff.
Housing
We want to make sure that your greatest challenge is deciding which landmarks to see first or discovering the best café—not finding a place to live where you feel comfortable. We do our best to locate housing that is reflective of how the local students are living. Our goal is that when you leave Barcelona, it will feel like home.
Homestays – Normally, two or three IES Abroad students live in a home with local residents and students share a double room. You are provided two meals a day (breakfast and dinner) while the program is in session. Laundry and WiFi are included.
Residence Halls – You live with Spanish and/or other IES Abroad students. Rooms in residence halls are double and triple occupancy. Meal plans vary among the different halls. WiFi is included, and laundry facilities are available. Placements are limited, and an additional fee applies for this housing option.
Apartments – You live with three or four other IES Abroad students in double rooms. A Barcelona Cultural Companion or tutor cultural may also live in the apartment to help you with cultural integration. Apartments have fully equipped kitchens. Washing machines are available but dryers are not, as they are not commonly used in Spain. Placements are limited, and an additional fee applies for this housing option.
Extracurricular Activities & Cultural Events
DiscoverIES
DiscoverIES are a unique blend of course-related and cultural field trips. With this hybrid experience, you have the ability to understand the culture in the context of your coursework.
With 60+ DiscoverIES per semester, you have the exciting opportunity to familiarize yourself with Barcelona through cultural activities led by IES Abroad Barcelona professors. Visit the city’s many influential buildings, learn about its one-of-a-kind history, and become part of the Spanish and Catalan culture.
DiscoverIES are also a great way to meet and spend time with other students on your program, as well as IES Abroad Barcelona staff and professors. These optional activities are either free or highly subsidized.
Some past examples of DiscoverIES may include:
- Discover the Quadrat d’Or, or Golden Square, in a guided tour in the Eixample District, an exceptional area that focuses on Barcelona’s Modernist style (Art Noveau) at the end of the 19th century and beginning of the 20th century
- Enjoy a Flamenco workshop, where you’ll learn a few basic dance steps, the history behind the dance and attire, and taste traditional Andalucían fare
- Hike Tibidabo, the tallest mountain in Serra de Collserola, tour the Modernist and Neo-Gothic Sagrat Cor Temple, and visit the oldest amusement park in Spain
- Visit an organic farm and learn about sustainability with an IES Abroad professor
- Visit the aquarium at Delta de L’Ebre, the coastal lagoons on the southern shore (Encanyissada and Tancada), Trabucador Beach and Alfacs Bay, and the fishing harbor at Sant Carles de la Ràpita.
Volunteer Abroad
When you volunteer in Barcelona, you have the chance to make a difference in the local community while meeting new people and gaining a new perspective on the world. If you are passionate about volunteering abroad, just let the on-site staff know at the beginning of your term. Past volunteer opportunities in Barcelona include:
- Entertain children at a cancer center
- Volunteer at a soup kitchen
- Be a teaching assistant at a public school
- Organize food drives at local supermarkets
Get to Know Your New City
Have Fun in the Sun
Spend time strolling and swimming under the sun along Barcelona's four miles of sandy beaches.
Hike Mount Juic
A climb up this hill offers spectacular views of the city. From here, you can also explore several great museums and the beautiful buildings from the 1992 Olympic Games.
Check Out Some Live Music
From huge festivals to hole-in-the-wall venues, playing everything from electronica to punk, there’s more to Barcelona’s music scene than its iconic Rumba Catalana.
Appreciate the Art
Home to numerous works by Pablo Picasso, the surreal sculptures of Joan Miró, and the fantastic, dreamlike architecture of Gaudi, there’s plenty of art—indoors and out—to inspire you.
Eat, Drink, and Eat Some More!
Catalan cuisine consists of savory stews, fresh seafood, delicious jamón, spicy potatoes, olives, and so much more. Wash it down with a cold orxata (a refreshing drink made from the tiger nut plant).
Program Cost
Consider these prices as a starting point. We encourage you to contact your study abroad office to determine the actual cost to you when factoring in financial aid, scholarships, your home school policies, and other factors.
Scholarships & Aid
Program-Specific Scholarships
Robert McNeill Need-Based International Business Scholarship
This scholarship is named in honor of Robert McNeill, member of the IES Abroad Board of Directors for 25 years (6 years as Chairman). Open to students who have an interest in international business. Majors might include management, marketing, economics, finance, international relations, and social and behavioral sciences.
Dr. William Louis Gaines Need-Based History or International Relations Scholarship
This scholarship is named in honor of Dr. William Louis Gaines, President of IES Abroad from 1974-1992. Dr. Gaines was dedicated to strengthening IES Abroad's academic framework, broadening the scope of IES Abroad locations, and securing the financial foundation of the organization.
Open to students majoring in History or International Relations.
Adelyn Dougherty Leander Need-Based Urban Issues Scholarship
Open to students who have an interest in urban studies (a major in urban studies is not required).
William E. & Mary M. Dwyer Need-Based Spanish Scholarship
These scholarships are intended for students interested in studying in a Spanish-speaking country.
Use our budget worksheet to calculate your costs
$6+ Million in Scholarships & Aid
Our Center
While in Barcelona, we want to ensure you have every opportunity to immerse yourself in new experiences. That’s why our IES Abroad Barcelona staff is committed to providing outstanding academic and student support services. We take care of the details, so you can soak up every moment of your Barcelona experience.
Located in the heart of beautiful Barcelona, the IES Abroad Center is located just off of the Plaza Catalunya, home to a number of shops and cafes, and within walking distance of many other Barcelona landmarks. Features include:
- High-speed and wireless internet access
- Multimedia classrooms
- Study lounges with printers
- Large outdoor terrace
Our Staff
Cèsar Alegre Alsina, Ph.D.
Center Director & AVP for Program Development
Dr. Cèsar Alegre Alsina has been the Director of our Barcelona programs since 2008. He is originally from Barcelona and speaks Spanish, Catalan, and English fluently. He brings more than 20 years of experience in higher education to IES Abroad, including a noteworthy teaching career in the United States, experience in student services, and a strong research portfolio. Before coming to IES Abroad, Dr. Alegre Alsina taught Spanish language, as well as Spanish and Hispanic Culture and Literature at Amherst College for 16 years. He is the author of a book on Hispanic Americans (Scholastic), and has contributed to the Encyclopedia of Hispanic Americans (BRG Oxford) and numerous articles and reviews in American and international journals. Dr. Alegre Alsina received his Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering from Auburn University, his Master’s degree in Hispanic Literature at Auburn University, and his doctorate from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst.
IES Abroad Barcelona Staff
Alex Walker
Assitant Director and Dean of Faculty
Jane Ewart
Head of Registration
Ana Tarife
Head of Internship, Service Learning, and Volunteering
Olga Sánchez
Senior Director of Student Affairs
Salvador Ortiz
Head of Administration and Human Resources
Health & Safety
With 70 years of experience, we are proud to set the standard for health and safety in study abroad. Our Chicago-based and on-site staff are all highly trained and experienced in the matters of health, safety, and crisis management. We are here for you from predeparture to your return, and are ready to support you—no matter what time zone you’re in.
In response to COVID-19, enhanced safety guidelines will be implemented this spring—such as social distancing and personal protective equipment (PPE) in on-site classes, in-country field trips and travel only, and apartment or residence hall housing (no homestays) that ensures proper space should self-quarantining be necessary.
How We Support You
We plan for "what if" so that you don't have to. From international health insurance included in the cost of your program to highly-trained local staff who can connect you to English-speaking healthcare providers, we are working around the clock to ensure your health and safety while abroad.
Learn more about the support you can expect to receive on our programs, including:
- International health insurance through CISI in the case you need to see a doctor or mental health professional
- 24/7 emergency support whether you encounter an issue while traveling or in your host city
- Location-specific health and safety information presented at orienation by on-site staff
- TripTracker system allowing you to share independent travel plans in case you need to be contacted swiftly in a crisis
- A mandatory cell phone policy so that you can be contacted locally and receive any emergency updates via call or text
- Crisis drills so that you feel prepared to respond to an emergency should one arise
- And more!
Health & Safety Resources
You safety begins with being accurately informed from the moment you're considering study abroad through to the day you return home.
Take note of ways you can maintain your health and stay safe abroad while reviewing our resources, including:
- IES Abroad MAP for Student Health, Safety & Crisis Management
- Study Abroad Safety Tips for Traveling
- IES Abroad Student Blogs on Safety and Mental Health
- And more!
Spring 2021 Refund Policy
A core philosophy of our health & safety procedures is that we plan for the what ifs so that you don't have to. That includes the development of our refund policy for Spring 2021, which allows you to still plan to study abroad or intern, knowing that if for some reason you cannot participate, your program fees and Confirmation Deposit will be fully refunded up to two weeks before the start of your program.
Don't put your dreams on hold just because the world is unknown.
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