Barcelona - Liberal Arts & Business | IES Abroad

Why Barcelona?

An excellent and accessible European location. Bustling streets filled with activities to immerse yourself in the culture. These are just a couple of reasons why local companies— including many start-ups—call Barcelona home. But Barcelona is also attracting international businesses from across the globe, making it an ideal city to study abroad.

What You'll Study

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.

In addition to your Spanish language course, you choose from a variety of English- and Spanish-taught IES Abroad area studies courses, as well as English- and Spanish-taught local university courses to round out your semester. All IES Abroad courses include course-related activities that help you connect coursework with your surroundings. You can also add international work experience to your résumé while earning credit by participating in an internship placement and accompanying academic seminar.

Barcelona will be your classroom. Find yourself at home in the second largest city in Spain, rich with influence in global commerce, education, entertainment, media, fashion, science, and the arts. Explore Barcelona through our unique DiscoverIES— cultural activities led by IES Abroad Barcelona professors. With more than 60 optional DiscoverIES per semester, you can get to know the city and its most important sights, buildings, and history. These activities are a great way to get to know the students on your program and our Barcelona staff and professors in a more relaxed environment.

We want you to feel at home in Barcelona, so we do everything we can to help you integrate into local life. From internships to DiscoverIES, our job is to make sure you have the most authentic study abroad experience possible.

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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 prepares you for what’s ahead, housing that is well-located and comfortable, or the field trips that take you to places off the beaten path—we’re all about our student services.

Learn More

$5 Million in Financial Aid

We firmly believe that financial limitations should not prevent a qualified student from participating in an IES Abroad Program. This is why we commit $5 million to our financial aid programs.

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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)

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.

Archaeology
Course Name	Term	Language	Credits
AE/HS 250 - Mediterranean History and Heritage	Fall, Spring	English	3

Art History
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	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

Anthropology
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
WS/AN 336 - Gender and Culture in Spain and the Mediterranean	Fall, Spring	English	3

Art
Course Name	Term	Language	Credits
AR 225 - Art and Design	Fall, Spring	English	3

Architecture
Course Name	Term	Language	Credits
AT/AH 324 - Modernism in Architecture and Design in a Comparative Perspective	Spring	English	3

Communications
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

Criminal Studies
Course Name	Term	Language	Credits
LW/CR 363 - Crime, Disorder, Policing and Justice: Spanish and European Perspectives	Fall, Spring	English	3

Catalan Language
Course Name	Term	Language	Credits
CT 101 - Catalan Language for Beginners	Fall, Spring	Spanish	3

Cultural Studies
Course Name	Term	Language	Credits
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

Economics
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

Education
Course Name	Term	Language	Credits
ED/IN 395 - Internship Seminar: Education	Fall, Spring	English	3

Environmental Studies
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

Finance
Course Name	Term	Language	Credits
IB/FI 355 - International Finance Management	Fall, Spring	English	3

Film Studies
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

Geography
Course Name	Term	Language	Credits
GE/ES 311 - Mediterranean Environment	Fall, Spring	English	3
GE/ES 320 - Mediterranean Oceanography	Fall, Spring	English	3

Global Studies
Course Name	Term	Language	Credits
GT/ES 361 - Science & Society: A European Perspective	Fall, Spring	English	3

Hispanic Studies
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

History
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

International Business
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

Intercultural Communication
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

Internship Seminar
Course Name	Term	Language	Credits
ED/IN 395 - Internship Seminar: Education	Fall, Spring	English	3
IN 395A - Internship Seminar	Fall, Spring, Summer	English	3
IN 395B - Internship Seminar	Fall, Spring	Spanish	3
SO/IN 395 - Internship Seminar: Social Action	Fall, Spring	English	3

International Relations
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

Literature
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

Law
Course Name	Term	Language	Credits
LW/CR 363 - Crime, Disorder, Policing and Justice: Spanish and European Perspectives	Fall, Spring	English	3

Management
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

Music
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

Photography
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

Political Science
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

Psychology
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

Research Seminar
Course Name	Term	Language	Credits
RE 496 - Research Methodology Seminar	Fall, Spring	English	4
RE 499 - Introduction to Research Module	Fall, Spring	English	1

Religious Studies
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

Sociology
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/RL 330 - Church and State in Spain from 1492 to the Present	Fall, Spring	English	3

Spanish
Course Name	Term	Language	Credits
SP 101 - Spanish Language in Context: Novice Abroad I	Fall, Spring	Spanish	4
SP 102 - Spanish Language in Context: Novice Abroad II	Fall, Spring	Spanish	4
SP 102I - Spanish Language in Context: Novice Abroad II Intensive	Fall, Spring	Spanish	7
SP 201 - Spanish Language in Context: Novice Abroad III	Fall, Spring	Spanish	4
SP 301 - Spanish Language in Context: Emerging Independent Abroad I	Fall, Spring	Spanish	4
SP 301I - Spanish Language in Context: Emerging Independent Abroad I Intensive	Fall, Spring	Spanish	7
SP 302 - Spanish Language in Context: Emerging Independent Abroad II	Fall, Spring	Spanish	4
SP 323 - Business Spanish: Emerging Independent Abroad	Fall, Spring	Spanish	4
SP 324 - Business Spanish: Independent Abroad	Fall, Spring	Spanish	4
SP 325 - Spanish for Global Health: Independent Abroad	Fall, Spring	Spanish	3
SP 342 - Spanish Grammar Through Composition: Independent Abroad	Fall, Spring	Spanish	4
SP 347 - Spanish Conversation: Emerging Independent Abroad	Fall, Spring	Spanish	4
SP 351 - Spanish Language in Context: Independent Abroad I	Fall, Spring	Spanish	4
SP 351I - Spanish Language in Context: Independent Abroad I Intensive	Fall, Spring	Spanish	7
SP 410 - Spanish for Heritage Speakers: Emerging Competent Abroad	Fall, Spring	Spanish	4
SP 444 - Creative Writing Workshop: Short Stories in Spanish	Fall, Spring	Spanish	3
SP 471 - Spanish Through Theater	Fall, Spring	Spanish	4

Urban Studies
Course Name	Term	Language	Credits
US/AH 230 - International Events in Barcelona: An Artistic Perspective	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

Women's Studies
Course Name	Term	Language	Credits
WS/AN 336 - Gender and Culture in Spain and the Mediterranean	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 the past year. 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

University Courses in Spanish

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.

Universitat de Barcelona: Estudios Hispánicos
University Courses in English

University Courses in Spanish

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.

Please note that students interested in enrolling at UPF must register for a minimum of two courses.

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)
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: Estudios Hispánicos and European Studies Program
University Courses in English

University Courses in Spanish

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)
MG 017 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)
MK 394 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)
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

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.

Granada
4 Days | Fall & Spring
Explore this vibrant city with a youthful population that provides a clear window into Spain’s unique historical symbiosis of Islam, Christianity, and Judaism.

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.

Mallorca
3 Days | Fall & Spring
The island of Mallorca offers visitors exquisite beaches, stunning art and architecture, and views that inspire

Garrotxa
1 Days | Fall & Spring
Explore volcanic terrain and hike through the forest of this northeastern county of Catalonia.

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.

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.

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 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

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
Give English lessons to underprivileged young people
Organize food drives at local supermarkets
Provide meals for and spend time with the elderly

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.

Term: Fall 2019
Term	Tuition	Housing	Insurance	Total
Fall 2019 Academic Year	$15,080 $27,130	$2,825 $5,650	$230 $455	$18,135 $33,235

Term: Spring 2019
Term	Tuition	Housing	Insurance	Total
Spring 2019	$15,010	$2,810	$230	$18,050

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$5 Million in Financial Aid

We firmly believe that financial limitations should not prevent a qualified student from participating in an IES Abroad Program. This is why we commit $5 million to our financial aid programs.

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Our Center

The IES Abroad Barcelona Center is located in the center of Barcelona near the Plaza Catalunya. Features include:

High-speed and wireless internet access
Multimedia classrooms
Study lounges with printers
Large outdoor terrace with social and study space

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 Staff

IES Abroad Staff
Samanta Ascaso
Academics Department Assistant

Lorena Chinnici
Outside Courses and Customized Programs Coordinator
Head of Registration Interim

Elizabeth Ferreiro
Student Activities and DiscoverIES Specialist

Natalia Gil
Academics Department Assistant

Pilar Gracia
Administration Coordinator and DiscoverIES Coordinator

María Mejías
Language Faculty Advisor

Beatriz Moya
Student Affairs Assistant

Salvador Ortiz
Head of Administration and Human Resources

María Paéz
Internship, Service Learning and Volunteering Specialist

Ignasi Pérez
Area Studies Faculty Advisor

Noemí Polo
Student Affairs Coordinator - Health and Safety, Homestays

Ataúlfo Portela
Language Faculty Advisor

María Romero
Assistant Dean of Faculty and Faculty Advisor Coordinator

Olga Sánchez
Head of Student Affairs

Beatriz Taberner
Center Administrator and Orientation Coordinator

Ana Tarife
Internship, Service Learning, and Volunteering Coordinator

Ferran Terés
Student Affairs Coordinator - Apartments

Laura Vázquez
Language Faculty Advisor of Educational Technology

Alex Walker
Assitant Director and Dean of Faculty

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Barcelona - Liberal Arts & Business