On this program, you can take courses on a wide range of topics including politics, regionalism, international security, international business and relations, and more. Imagine taking in all that Barcelona has to offer while taking exciting courses, like Campaigning in Europe: From Propaganda to Political Marketing or Globalized Economy & Migration. All of our programs feature course-related trips and faculty-led visits to government offices and institutions.
Barcelona, Spain
Political Science & International Relations
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
- Spring 2027: Early January - Late April
- Fall 2026: September 01 - December 18
- Academic Year 2026-2027: September 01 - Late April
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.
Fall 2026
Program Dates:
September 01 - December 18
Application Deadline:
Program Advisor
Camilla Alway, Spencer Biery, Sarah Fang, Patrick Sheehan & Taylor Tillison
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!
About the Destination
Why Barcelona?
As a global city in Spain, Barcelona is an important place for international relations, as well as international business and commerce. Due to the city’s mix of Spanish, English, French, and more, it has strong political ties with the rest of Europe and beyond. It's also the site of a strong regional government and active EU participation. And with its mix of cultures, Barcelona offers the unusual opportunity to see how regional, national, and international views are intertwined.
The Student Experience
Thanksgiving with Friends and Family
Being abroad during the holiday season is difficult. It is difficult watching your friends and family back home celebrate something you grew up doing, but now...
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:
Spring 2027
Program Dates:
Early January - Late April
Fall 2026
Program Dates:
September 01 - December 18
Application Deadline:
Academic Year 2026-2027
Program Dates:
September 01 - Late April
Application Deadline:
Academics
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 Political Science and International Relations 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 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.
Courses
Create your own academic experience by selecting from the following program components. You take 15-19 credits per semester, and you must register for one course within the disciplines of Political Science and International Studies.
- 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.
IES Abroad Courses
Anthropology (7)
| Course name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| AN/SO 360 - Banditry and Mafias in the Mediterranean | Fall, Spring | English | 3 |
| AN/GS 215 - Sexuality and Gender | Fall, Spring | English | 3 |
| AN/HP 345 - Catalan Cultural Studies | Fall, Spring | English | 3 |
| AN/SO 320A - Sports and Society in Spain | Fall, Spring | English | 3 |
| AN/CU 338 - Barcelona: The Culinary City | Fall, Spring | English | 3 |
| AN/PS 340 - Self and Identity in a Postmodern World | Fall, Spring | English | 3 |
| AN/WS 336 - Women and Culture in Spain and the Mediterranean | 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 & Spanish:
- Art History
- Architecture
- Business Administration & Management
- Communications
- Economics & Finance
- History
- International Business
- International Finance
- Literature
- Marketing
- Political Sciences
- Sociology
- Urban Studies
For a full list of UAB course offerings, please see the UAB section on the Liberal Arts & Business Academics page.
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 & Spanish:
- Art History
- Economics & Finance
- Food Sciences & Nutrition
- History
- International Business
- Literature
- Management
- Marketing
- Political Sciences
- Sociology
For a full list of UB course offerings, please see the UB section on the Liberal Arts & Business Academics page.
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.
University Courses in English & Spanish:
- Archaeology
- Art History
- Business Administration & Management
- Communications
- Economics & Finance
- Environmental Sciences
- Film Studies
- Gender Studies
- Health Studies & Neuroscience
- History
- Law & Criminal Studies
- Math & Statistics
- Marketing
- Political Sciences & Government
- Sociology
For a full list of UPF course offerings, please see the UPF section on the Liberal Arts & Business Academics page.
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.
University Courses in English & Spanish:
- Accounting
- Anthropology & Sociology
- Business Administration & Management
- Economics & Finance
- International Business
- Law
- Marketing
- Political Sciences
- Public Relations
- Tourism
- Urban Studies
For a full list of URL course offerings, please see the URL section on the Liberal Arts & Business Academics page.
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:
- Business Administration & Management
- Communications & Psychology
- Design & Fashion
- Innovation
- Marketing
For a full list of UVIC course offerings, please see the UVIC section on the Liberal Arts & Business Academics page.
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
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
Cèsar Alegre Alsina
IES Abroad Barcelona Center Director, Spain Cluster Dean, & AVP for Program Development
Read Full Bio
Maria Mejias Caravaca
Language Faculty Advisor & Spanish Professor
Lorena Chinnici
Head of Customized Programs & Outside Courses
Ana Julia Tarife Conde
Head of Internship, Service Learning & Volunteer Programs
Noemi Polo Contel
Senior Student Affairs Coordinator
Olga Sanchez Cuenca
Senior Director of Student Affairs
Felipe Fructos Dominguez
Center & Facilities Maintenance Technician
Jane Ewart
Head of Academic Administration & Registration
Ilaria Gambarelli
Administration Assistant & Center Video Production
Natalia Gil
Academic Affairs Assistant
Maria Leal
Student Success Coordinator
Pilar Gracia Male
Senior HR Generalist
Raquel Medina
Dean of Area Studies & Assistant Dean of Faculty
Sara Andrejevic Miskovic
Student Affairs Assistant
Maria Paez Moriana
Internship, Service Learning & Volunteer Programs Specialist
Marija Vasiljevic Nadina
Emergency & After Office Hours Student Affairs Specialist
Ferran Teres Olivella
Senior Student Affairs Coordinator
Salvador Ortiz
Head of Administration & Human Resources
Beatriz Taberner Rodriguez
Center Manager
Sofia Franco Rodriguez
Internship, Service Learning & Volunteer Assistant
Maria Romero Serrano
Dean of Spanish & Assistant Dean of Faculty
Laura Vazquez
Faculty Advisor of Education Technology
Concepcion Villar
Administration Assistant
Dr. Alex Walker
Associate Center Director & Dean of Faculty
Ana Aristu
Academics Department Assistant
Steven Hakes
Emergency & After Office Hours Student Affairs Specialist
Dalia Moretto
Customized Programs Assistant
Housing
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.
3 Days ($)
Fall & Spring
Costa Brava
Visit Roman ruins, the medieval city of Girona, and the “dreamland” of Salvador Dalí between Barcelona and the French border.
The Basque Country & Navarre
4 Days ($)
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.
Madrid
3 Days ($)
Fall & Spring
Discover the vibrant capital of Spain! See the works of El Greco, Goya, and Velázquez firsthand in the world-famous Prado Museum.
Montserrat
1 Day ($)
Fall & Spring
Spend the day hiking the mountain of Montserrat and visit the Santa Maria de Montserrat Abbey.
South of France
3 Days ($)
Spring
Visit Carcassonne to learn about its rich history, and enjoy a boat ride nearby. Next, head to Lastours to see castles and the Fontfroide Abbey. The last stop is Perpignan, where you can compare the Spanish Catalan and French Catalan cultures.
Valencia
3 Days ($)
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
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:
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
Business Development & International Business
International Relations
Health
Media & Communication
Charities & Nonprofits
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
Academic Year 2025-2026
Spring 2026
Fall 2026
Academic Year 2026-2027
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.
Orientation
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.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Identity Resources
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.
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