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Academics
Our mission is simple: 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 & Business through an in-depth and hands-on approach. Our world-class professors and course options at prestigious local universities enhance your academic experience and provide you with new perspectives each day in class.
The IQS School of Management at the Universitat Ramon Llull is AACSB-accredited.
While in Barcelona, you take 15–19 credits per semester. Our goal is to make sure your academic needs are met. You can craft your own academic experience by selecting from the following course types:
- Spanish language courses (required, 3-7 credits) are offered at the IES Abroad Center. These courses range from the 100- to the 400-level.
- Area studies courses (required, 3 credits) are offered at the IES Abroad Center in English and Spanish in a wide range of disciplines.
- Internships (optional, 3 credits) combine project-based placements in business, international relations & finance, media, service learning, or at an educational organization with a required seminar. (English placements are available. A basic knowledge of Spanish is required for some.)
- 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.
- Estudios Hispánicos (Hispanic studies) courses (optional, 1.5-3 credits) are specifically designed for international students. These Spanish and English-taught courses are available at Universitat de Barcelona and Universitat Pompeu Fabra, and in a wide range of disciplines.
- Local university courses (optional, 1.5-4 credits) are offered in Spanish and English. You take these classes alongside local Spanish students.
Courses
This is a list of planned course offerings. 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/HS 251 - Barcelona: The Cosmopolitan City | Fall, Spring, Summer | English | 3 |
| AT/AH 324 - Modernism in Architecture and Design in a Comparative Perspective | Fall, 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| 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 | Fall, 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| CU 351 - Food as an Expression of Culture | Fall, Spring | English | 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 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 |
| 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 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 |
| 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 |
| Course Name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| Course Name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| LT 252 - Travel Writing in Spain/Europe: Between Self and Other | Fall, Spring | English | 3 |
| LT 370 - The Spanish Picaresque: From Don Quixote to Huckleberry Finn | Fall, Spring | English | 3 |
| LT 375 - Barcelona and the Latin American Literary Boom | Fall, Spring | Spanish | 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| SL 395 - Service Learning: Internship Seminar | 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/PO/HS 331 - Understanding Contemporary Spain: Politics, Society, History | 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 |
Partner Institution(s)
You may enroll in courses at the following local partner institutions.
Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB)
UAB was established in the late 1960s and since then has become one of the most dynamic universities in Spain. You can take UAB courses from a wide offering at the Sant Pau and Eixample Campus in English and Spanish. These courses are specifically designed for international students and have similar schedules to IES Abroad courses. The 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
- EC2004 Strategic Behavior in Business and Economics
- EC2006 International Economics
- EC2012 Understanding the European Economy
- 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
- 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
- AH3040 Spanish Art
- HS3024 Spanish Civilization and Culture
- IB3030 International Business
- MK3031 International Marketing Strategies
Universitat de Barcelona (UB)
The Universitat de Barcelona was founded in 1450 and has four campuses in different parts of the city. The university is particularly interested in fostering international relations, and for many years has been the leader among European universities in international student exchanges.
UB offers a Estudios Hispánicos program taught predominately in Spanish, designed for international students with intermediate and advanced Spanish levels. Courses are based on Spanish and Latin-American culture.
Universitat de Barcelona: Estudios Hispánicos
University Courses in English
- EC 06 Spain's Economy Highlights (Fall, Spring)
- GE 07 Spanish Geography (Fall, Spring)
- HS 14 Barcelona: The Mediterranean Metropolis (Fall, Spring)
- PO 03 Spanish Politics (Fall, Spring)
University Courses in Spanish
- AH 10 Color, Light and Passion: Art in Spain (Fall, Spring)
- FS 12 Spanish Cinema (Fall, Spring)
- FS 15 Spanish Culture Through Short Films (Fall, Spring)
- HP 13 Latin American Painting, Cinema, Literature and Music (Fall, Spring)
- HS 02 Spain and Europe: Origins and Evolution (Fall, Spring)
- LT 01 A Literary Tour Through Spain (Fall, Spring)
- PO 01 Contemporary Spain: Society and Institutions (Spring)
Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF)
UPF is a public university which was founded by the Catalonian government in 1990. Approximately 10,000 Spanish and international students study with the UPF each year. At the UPF you can study regular courses in Spanish and English with local students and international students, or Estudios Hispánicos courses in English or Spanish, with international students.
Universitat Pompeu Fabra: ESCI International Business School
University Courses in English
- BS51239 Culture and Business in Europe (Fall)
- BS51281 International Expansion (Spring)
- FI51267 International Finance (Fall, Spring)
- FI51400 Corporate Finance (Spring, Fall)
- HR40103 People Management (Fall)
- IB51636BP Doing Business in Europe (Spring)
- MG40112 International Product Management (Fall)
- MG40119 Public Relations and Consumer Relations Management (Fall)
- MG51268 International Management (Fall, Spring)
- MG51282 International Team Management (Spring)
- MK51250 Marketing Research I (Spring)
Universitat Pompeu Fabra: Estudios Hispánicos and European Studies Program
University Courses in English
- AH51607EH Contemporary Spanish Art (Spring)
- AT 51303EH Barcelona: The Rise of a Design City (Spring)
- CM/MA 51666EH Screening the Global World: Cultural & Public Television Space (Fall, Spring)
- CM 51620EH Global Media and International Journalism in the 21st Century (Fall)
- EC 51650EH International Political Economy (Spring)
- FS 51611EH Spain in Cinema: Local and Global Perspectives (Spring)
- HL 51777EH Health Systems and Public Health: A Focus on Spain and the US (Spring)
- HS 51146EH Barcelona: The City and its History (Fall, Spring)
- HS 51695EH Sefarad: The History and Heritage of Jewish Spain (Fall, Spring)
- IB 50002EH Corporate Brand Equity in the Context of European Cultural Identity (Fall, Spring)
- IR 51954EH United Nations: International Peace and Security (Fall)
- LW 51257EH Law, Justice and Legitimacy (Spring)
- LW CORE1 51222EH Introduction to Comparative Private Law (Spring)
- MK 51602EH Global Marketing & Culture of FCB: Playing for fun or for keeps (Fall, Spring)
University Courses in Spanish
- AH 5156EH Art and Artists (Fall, Spring)
- FS 51157EH Images of Spain in Contemporary Cinema (Fall, Spring)
- HS/SO/PO 51621EH Social Movements and Politico-cultural Change in 21st Century Spain (Fall)
- LW 51800EH The International Protection of Human Rights (Spring)
Universitat Ramon Llull (URL)
Universitat Ramon Llull is a private school formed by 10 federated institutions of great prestige, including AACSB accredited IQS Business School, Blanquerna School of Communication and International Relations, School of Tourism and Hospitality Management Sant Ignasi and La Salle Business School. At URL courses are designed for Spanish students and form part of their undergraduate studies.
Universitat Ramon Llull: IQS Business School
(AACSB Accredited Institution)
University Courses in English
- BS 2005 International Trade (Fall)
- EC 1002 Microeconomics (Fall)
- EC 1003 Business Economics (Fall)
- FI 53155 Introduction to Business Finance (Spring)
- IB 53008 Entrepreneurship (Spring)
- LW 2003 Business Law (Fall)
- LW 3002 Labor Law (Fall)
- MG 2001 Human Resources Management (Fall)
- MG 3001 Sales Management (Fall)
- MG 3003 Total Quality Management (Fall)
- MG 53009 Organizational Behavior (Spring)
- MK 53051 Introduction to Marketing (Spring)
Universitat Ramon Llull: School of Tourism and Hospitality Management Sant Ignasi
University Courses in English
- BS/HM 415 Business Strategies and CSR in Tourism and Hospitality (Spring)
- FI 3200 Financial Management (Fall)
- HM 250 Tourism Typologies (Spring)
- HM 251 Service Encounters in Tourism and Hospitality (Spring)
- HM 405 Destination Management (Spring)
- HM 416 International Hospitality Management (Spring)
- HM 3500 Hotel and Restaurant Management (Fall)
- IF/HM 252 Information Systems and IT for Tourism and Hospitality (Spring)
- PR 404 Events and Public Relations (Spring)
Universitat Ramon Llull: La Salle Business School
University Courses in English
- BS 027 Creativity and Innovation in Technological Organizations (Spring)
- BS 075 Sport Business (Fall)
- BS 369 E-Business (Spring)
- CS 012 Managing IT and Information Systems (Fall)
- EC 006 International Economics (Fall)
- EC 012 Macroeconomics (Spring)
- EC 084 Microeconomics (Fall)
- FI 008 Principles of Finance (Fall)
- FI 013 Corporate and International Finance (Fall)
- FI 014 Financial Management (Spring)
- FI 421 Investment Analysis (Spring)
- FI 430 Money and Investment (Spring)
- IB 081 International Marketing (Spring)
- IB 371 International Business (Fall)
- IR 074 International Current Affairs (Fall)
- MG 017 Principles of Operations (Fall)
- MG O24 Human Resources (Spring)
- MG 044 Sales Management (Fall)
- MG 381 Leading Teams and Organizations (Spring)
- MG 422 Major Sport Event Management (Spring)
- MK 041 New Product and Service Development (Spring)
- MK 046 Internet and Multimedia Technologies (Spring)
- MK 050 Marketing Simulations (Spring)
- MK 394 Sport Marketing (Fall)
- PR 423 Sports Media and Public Relations (Spring)
- ST 222 Methods of Decision Analysis (Spring)
Universitat Ramon Llull: Blanquerna School of Communication and International Relations
University Courses in English
- EC 291 International Commerce (Spring)
- PO 191 Introduction to Political Sciences (Spring)
- PO 280 Conflict Analysis (Spring)
Universitat de Vic (UVic)
The University of Vic – Central University of Catalonia (UVIC) is an independent state-supported educational institution. UVIC has a Barcelona City Center Campus for international students.
University Courses in English
- BS 21106 Start-Up Creation (Fall)
- DS 21103 Design Thinking: Product Innovation (Fall, Spring)
- DS/MK 21101 Brand Design (Fall, Spring)
- MK 21104 Digital Business (Fall, Spring)
- MK/FH 211102 Marketing and Fashion (Fall, Spring)
- US 21105 Smart Cities: The Case of Barcelona (Fall, 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/Business Development
- Event Management
- Fashion
- Finance
- International Relations
- Language Teaching
- Law
- Marketing
- Media & Communication
- Not-for-Profit Organizations & NGO's
- Public Relations
Field Trips & Events
Although your adventure begins in Barcelona, our DiscoverIES take you to other great cities in and around Spain. DiscoverIES bring you closer to the Barcelonan and Spanish culture through a broad array of activities that merge together the academic insight provided by field trips and the guidance of our faculty. They provide contrast and context for what you are learning in Barcelona.
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.
Al-Andalus
4 Days | Fall & Spring
The south of Spain is an area of warm people, flamenco, tapas and abundant history and art. Visit three of its most beautiful and iconic cities: Granada, Cordoba and Seville.
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.
Garrotxa
1 Day | Fall
Explore volcanic terrain and hike through the forest of this northeastern county of Catalonia.
Mallorca
3 Days | Fall
The island of Mallorca offers visitors exquisite beaches, stunning art and architecture, and views that will inspire.
Montserrat
1 Day | Spring
Spend the day hiking the mountain of Montserrat.
Tarragona
2 Days | Fall & Spring
Experience Tarragona, one of the best preserved ancient Roman sites in Spain. On the way there, stop at the Ebro Delta, where millions of birds stop along their yearly voyage from Northern Europe to Africa.
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.
Note: IES Abroad DiscoverIES 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. Topics such as academics, housing, transportation, and health and safety are covered during this time.
Additionally, CORE™, IES Abroad’s Comprehensive Orientation & Re-entry Experience, begins during orientation and continues throughout the semester with activities focusing on cultural adjustment, goal achievement, and preparing for the return home. Also, during the first week of the semester, intensive Spanish language courses meet daily in small groups to help you to develop your language skills.
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.
A study journey is included as part of orientation. Past destinations have included Tarragona, Valencia, and Girona
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, up to 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.
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. 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, and meals are not provided. Placements are very limited, and an additional fee applies for this housing option.
Extracurricular Activities & Cultural Events
DiscoverIES
DiscoverIES are a unique blend of course-related trips (for class) 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.
Past examples of DiscoverIES 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 Neogothic Sagrat Cor Temple, and visit the oldest amusement park in Spain
- Visit an organic farm and learn about sustainability with an IES Abroad professor
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:
- Visit a children’s hospital
- Serve dinner for the homeless
- Give English lessons to underprivileged young people
- Organize food drives at local supermarkets
- Provide lunch for the elderly without family
Get to Know Your New City
Spend time strolling and swimming under the sun along Barcelona's four miles of sandy beaches.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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