Barcelona, Spain

Liberal Arts & Business

Study Abroad
Program Options:
Experiential Learning, Global Pillars Courses, Part-Time Internship
Length:
Fall, Spring, Academic Year
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an artistic shot of Familia Sagrada in Barcelona
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student looking up at Basílica de la Sagrada Família in Barcelona

At a Glance

Program Dates:

  • Academic Year 2024: Early September - Late April
  • Fall 2025: September 01 - December 19
  • Academic Year 2025-2026: September 01 - April 30
  • Spring 2026: January 07 - April 30

Credits:

15 to 19 per Semester

Estimated Cost:

$21,950

Visa Required:

Yes

Housing:

Apartment, Homestay, Residence Hall

Language of Instruction:

English, Spanish

Language Prerequisites:

None

Part-Time Internship (Optional):

Included in Program Fee

About the Program

Important Visa Note for Spain 2026 Students

Complete your program application early to participate in our Spain ACCeSS program, where we review and submit your visa application on your behalf. The Spain ACCeSS deadlines, mandated by the Consulate, are very early this year. The sooner you apply, the more options you may have. Already applied? A Spain Visa resource is now available in your MyIESAbroad account under the "My Account" section.

Learn About ACCeSS Find Your Consulate

Our Liberal Arts & Business Program offers a wide variety of IES Abroad courses to help you accommodate your academic needs. Many of these courses are primarily taught in English by our world-class faculty. You are grouped into language proficiency-based levels to focus your course enrollment options, which provides a sense of community with your fellow students and challenges you to maximize your learning.

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DiscoverIES: Explore Barcelona

Familiarize yourself with Barcelona through cultural activities.

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Partner University Courses

Take courses at prestigious local universities.

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Part-Time Internship

Participate in an internship placement and academic seminar.

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Individual Program Advisor

Your IES Abroad advisor is your #1 resource for preparing to study abroad.

Spring 2026

Program Dates:

January 07 - April 30

Application Deadline:

Estimated Cost:

$
21,950

Program Advisor

Advisor Photo for Group Advisor Programs

Camilla Alway, Spencer Biery, Sarah Fang & Claire Wendt

Once you’ve applied for a program, one of us will be your direct point of contact. From housing to course registration and everything in between, we're here to help you prepare to study abroad. Once you’re accepted to your program, you’ll find even more detailed information about what you need to know before you depart in your Predeparture Guide. Let’s get started!

📱 800.995.2300 ✉️ study@IESabroad.org

About the Destination

Why Barcelona?

It's an ideal location for traveling throughout Europe. It has bustling streets filled with activities to immerse yourself in the culture. These are just a couple of reasons why local companies and international businesses alike—including many startups—call Barcelona home. Soon you will too, when you study abroad with us in this major hub for business and trade.

Learn More About Barcelona

Get to Know Your New City

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Have Fun in the Sun

Spend time under the sun along Barcelona's sandy beaches.

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Check Out Some Live Music

Barcelona boasts an iconic music scene.

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Appreciate the Art

There’s plenty of art—indoors and out—to inspire you.

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Eat, Drink, and Eat Some More!

Enjoy stews, seafood, jamón, spicy potatoes, and so much more.

The Student Experience

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Program Dates

Fall 2025

Program Dates:

September 01 - December 19

Application Deadline:

Academic Year 2025-2026

Program Dates:

September 01 - April 30

Application Deadline:

Spring 2026

Program Dates:

January 07 - April 30

Application Deadline:

Academics

A student studding at the Social Hub in Barcelona, Spain. From the study space, there's a view of the Barcelona cityscape.
Sydney M. • Hope College

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, Business, and other topics 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. 

Partner Institutions

Universitat de Barcelona's campus that features lush gardens and outdoor seating.

Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona

The Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB) 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.

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Courses

Create your own academic experience by selecting from the following program components. You take 15-19 credits per semester. Language courses are taught in Spanish. 

  • 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) 
  • Partner university courses: For international students only (optional, 3 credits each); with local students (optional, 2-3 credits each) 
  • Internship placement and seminar (optional, 3 credits) 

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. 

NOTE: This is a list of planned course offerings. After you are accepted, you will see a list of final course offerings in your MyIESabroad account. Additionally, IES Abroad reserves the right to cancel a course due to insufficient enrollment or circumstances beyond our control.

Helpful Links

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Transcripts, Credit Transfer & Accreditation
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Refund Policy
See All Student Policies

IES Abroad Courses

Disciplines (39)

Anthropology (8)

Course name Term Language Credits
AN/SO 360 - Banditry and Mafias in the Mediterranean Fall, Spring English 3
CU/AN 338 - Barcelona: The Culinary City Fall, Spring English 3
AN/HP 345 - Catalan Cultural Studies Fall, Spring English 3
AN/PS 340 - Self and Identity in a Postmodern World Fall, Spring English 3
AN/SO 320A - Sports and Society in Spain Fall, Spring English 3
AN/SO 320B - Sports and Society in Spain Spanish 3
AN/WS 336 - Women and Culture in Spain and the Mediterranean Fall, Spring English 3
AN/GS 215 - Sexuality and Gender Fall, Spring English 3

Partner Institution Courses

Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona

Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB) requires a minimum enrollment of two courses. 

The courses that are offered at the Sant Pau (20 minutes by Metro from our Center) campus, located in the central area of Barcelona, are primarily in the disciplines of Business, Economics, Politics, and the Humanities. Courses are taught in English and Spanish.  

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 

University Courses in Spanish (available upon request - please alert your Advisor if you are interested in courses in Spanish at UAB) 

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Universitat de Barcelona

Universitat de Barcelona (UB) offers an Estudios Hispánicos program, based on Spanish and Latin American culture, that is taught in Spanish and English for students with intermediate and advanced levels of Spanish. UB also offers a Food Studies and Gastronomy program taught in English, which examines local gastronomy through the lens of business, nutrition, sustainability, and architecture. These programs and all Spanish and Latin American culture, media, business and finance courses are located at a central UB campus, which is a 10-minute walk from the IES Abroad Barcelona Center. 

University Courses in English - Estudios Hispánicos 

University Courses in English - Food & Gastronomy  

University Courses in Spanish  

Visit Website

Universitat Pompeu Fabra

Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF) requires a minimum enrollment of two courses. 

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

University Courses in Spanish 

Universitat Pompeu Fabra: Barcelona Program for Interdisciplinary Studies (BaPIS) 

University Courses in English 

University Courses in Spanish 

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Universitat Ramon Llull

At Universitat Ramon Llull (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 

Universitat Ramon Llull: La Salle Business School 

University Courses in English 

Universitat Ramon Llull: Blanquerna School of Communication and International Relations 

University Courses in English 

Visit Website

Universitat de Vic

At Universitat de Vic (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 

Visit Website

Requirements

Eligibility Requirements

  • 18 years of age 
  • In good standing at your home school 
  • 2.75 GPA or better on a 4.0 scale (GPAs under 2.75 will be considered on a case-by-case basis)
  • Sophomore, junior, or senior standing when program begins. Some courses at local universities may not be open to sophomores. Please contact an IES Abroad Representative for further details 
  • No previous Spanish language courses are required 

About the IES Abroad Center

Two students sit in red lounge chairs in the Barcelona Center. Between them in a globe painted on the wall.
IES Abroad Barcelona

The Center is where our highly trained local staff provide on-the-ground support throughout your time abroad. 

The IES Abroad Barcelona Center is located in the heart of Barcelona, just off the Plaza Catalunya. Whether you’re taking a stroll by the Arco de Triunfo or studying at a nearby café, the Center is your study abroad hub. 

 

IES Abroad Barcelona Staff

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Cèsar Alegre Alsina

IES Abroad Barcelona Center Director, Spain Cluster Dean, & AVP for Program Development

Read Full Bio
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Maria Mejias Caravaca

Language Faculty Advisor & Spanish Professor

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Lorena Chinnici

Head of Customized Programs & Outside Courses

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Ana Julia Tarife Conde

Head of Internship, Service Learning & Volunteer Programs

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Noemi Polo Contel

Senior Student Affairs Coordinator

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Olga Sanchez Cuenca

Senior Director of Student Affairs

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Felipe Fructos Dominguez

Center & Facilities Maintenance Technician

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Jane Ewart

Head of Academic Administration & Registration

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Ilaria Gambarelli

Administration Assistant & Center Video Production

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Natalia Gil

Academic Affairs Assistant

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Maria Leal

Student Success Coordinator

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Pilar Gracia Male

Senior HR Generalist

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Raquel Medina

Dean of Area Studies & Assistant Dean of Faculty

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Sara Andrejevic Miskovic

Student Affairs Assistant

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Maria Paez Moriana

Internship, Service Learning & Volunteer Programs Specialist

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Marija Vasiljevic Nadina

Emergency & After Office Hours Student Affairs Specialist

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Ferran Teres Olivella

Senior Student Affairs Coordinator

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Salvador Ortiz

Head of Administration & Human Resources

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Beatriz Taberner Rodriguez

Center Manager

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Sofia Franco Rodriguez

Internship, Service Learning & Volunteer Assistant

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Maria Romero Serrano

Dean of Spanish & Assistant Dean of Faculty

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Laura Vazquez

Faculty Advisor of Education Technology

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Concepcion Villar

Administration Assistant

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Dr. Alex Walker

Associate Center Director & Dean of Faculty

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Ana Aristu

Academics Department Assistant

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Steven Hakes

Emergency & After Office Hours Student Affairs Specialist

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Dalia Moretto

Customized Programs Assistant

Housing

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Apartment

City Apartment – You live with up to 7 other IES Abroad students in single or double rooms in a typical Barcelona style apartment. These apartments are located in residential areas throughout the city. Apartments have fully equipped kitchens, Wi-Fi is included, and meals are not provided. Washing machines are available for free but dryers may not be, as they are not commonly used in Spain. An additional fee applies for this housing option. This is not student housing so there will be no onsite staff. This option is recommended for students who are more independent and outgoing. 

Field Trips

Even though your adventure starts in Barcelona, our field trips take you beyond the city to discover the culture and traditions of your host country. All trips are included in the program fee unless otherwise noted with ($).

NOTE: IES Abroad field trip destinations, activities, and lengths of stay may vary according to term and availability. 

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3 Days ($) Fall & Spring

Costa Brava

Visit Roman ruins, the medieval city of Girona, and the “dreamland” of Salvador Dalí between Barcelona and the French border.

a group of students pose for a photo during a paella cooking class

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 the meals that make up this rich culinary tradition.

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Madrid

3 Days ($) Fall & Spring

Discover the vibrant capital of Spain! See the works of El Greco, Goya, and Velázquez firsthand in the world-famous Prado Museum.

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Montserrat

1 Day ($) Fall & Spring

Spend the day hiking the mountain of Montserrat and visit the Santa Maria de Montserrat Abbey.

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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 can compare the Spanish Catalan and French Catalan cultures.

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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.

Part-Time Internships

An IES Intern and their supervisor laughing during a meeting
IES Abroad Barcelona

Did you know that, while in Barcelona, you can intern as part of your study abroad experience? With a part-time internship, you’ll gain global work experience that will increase your job readiness and give you an advantage after graduation. With an internship, you will: 

  • Take an important step in your career development by navigating the professional world with our support. 
  • Learn more about yourself both personally and professionally and build confidence in the process. 
  • Experience what working in Barcelona is really like and gain an authentic understanding of the workplace culture while developing real, applicable job skills that will bolster your career readiness. 
  • Begin building an international network by making connections with coworkers and peers. 

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 for a greater understanding of work life in your host country. 

Placement Examples

Watch an Example Internship
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Business Development & International Business

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International Relations

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Health

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Media & Communication

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Charities & Nonprofits

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Marketing

Volunteer Opportunities

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:

Children’s Health

Engaging with and supporting kids and their families at a children’s hospital (bilingual Spanish and FBI Background Check required)

Food Security

Volunteering at a soup kitchen

Education

Being a teaching assistant at a public school

Program Cost

Consider these prices as a starting point. We encourage you to contact your current college or university to determine the actual cost to you when factoring in financial aid, scholarships, your school's policies, and other factors.

Fall 2025

Tuition
$
17,460
Housing
$
3,235
Insurance
$
300
Total
$
20,995
View All Fees

Academic Year 2025-2026

Tuition
$
34,920
Housing
$
6,470
Insurance
$
600
Total
$
41,990
View All Fees

Spring 2026

Tuition
$
18,268
Housing
$
3,382
Insurance
$
300
Total
$
21,950
View All Fees

Use Our Budget Worksheet to Calculate Your Costs

See the Worksheet

APPLY FOR SCHOLARSHIPS

$7 Million in Scholarships & Aid

We firmly believe that financial limitations should not prevent a qualified student from studying abroad. This is why we commit millions of dollars to our study abroad scholarships and aid.

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Orientation

Start at Home
Prepare for arrival in Spain with our virtual orientation program where you will meet the IES Abroad Center staff, fellow students, and get to know the city.
Arrive in Barcelona
Orientation continues upon arrival. Participate in mandatory orientation sessions with additional academic and student life information to enhance your success abroad.
Explore Barcelona
Take a required study journey to a site in Spain. In previous journeys, students have visited Tarragona, where they walked in the footsteps of the Ancient Romans.
Prepare to Learn
Feel prepared to begin classes with practical lessons, activities designed to help you learn your way around the area, and support from our dedicated student staff.
Settle In
Orientation continues throughout the semester with field trips allowing you to both further sample elements of Spanish culture and get to know the other students.

Health & Safety

With 75 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 which time zone you’re in. We plan for "what ifs" so that you don’t have to. From international health insurance included in your program cost to highly trained local staff who can connect you with English-speaking healthcare providers, we work around the clock to ensure your health and safety while abroad.

Support You Can Expect to Receive on Our Programs

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CISI International Health Insurance

In the case you need to see a doctor or mental health professional.

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24/7 Emergency Support

Whether you encounter an issue while traveling or in your host city.

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Mandatory Cell Phone Policy

Receive any emergency updates from IES Abroad staff via call or text.

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Location-Specific Information

Health and safety information presented at orientation by on-site staff.

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TripTracker System

Allowing you to share independent travel plans.

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Crisis Drills

So that you feel prepared to respond to an emergency should one arise.

Helpful Links

Blogs on Mental Health
Study Abroad Safety Tips for Traveling
Blogs on Safety
Learn More About Health & Safety

PRO-TIP

Apply for your passport today!

Getting your passport is a crucial step for studying abroad. With processing times taking longer than usual, consider this a gentle reminder to not procrastinate on getting or renewing your passport.

Learn More
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Frequently Asked Questions

Identity Resources

Learn More About Identity & Access
Country-Specific
Social Identity
IDEA Bloggers
IES Abroad Diversity Statement
Intercultural Competency Media List
Navigating Identity & Diversity Abroad
Learn More About Identity & Access

Contact a Previous Student

Student Ambassadors

No one knows the IES Abroad experience better than a student who has lived it! From budget tips to housing experiences, our volunteer Ambassadors are here to share it all.

Contact an Ambassador
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How will study abroad redefine your world? We can’t wait to find out.

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