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Barcelona Summer - Language & Area Studies
We want you to feel at home in Barcelona, so we do everything we can to help you integrate into life in the city—from your housing in a residence hall, to our highly subsidized DiscoverIES, which are a unique blend of course-related trips and cultural field trips.
$6+ Million in Scholarships & Aid
Academics
Our mission is to provide you with the best study abroad program possible—which includes the highest quality academic and cultural experiences.
Create your own academic experience by enrolling 7 credits for the summer.
Beginning and Intermediate Spanish students enroll in:
- 4-credit Spanish language course
- 3-credit area studies course taught in English
Advanced Spanish students enroll in:
- 4-credit Spanish language course
- 3-credit area studies course taught in Spanish or English
Courses
These courses are taught at the IES Abroad Center by local faculty.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| AH 223 - Great 20th Century Artists of Catalonia: Picasso, Dalí and Miró | Summer | English | 3 |
| AH/HS 251 - Barcelona: The Cosmopolitan City | Summer | English | 3 |
| Course Name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| AN/SO 320 - Sports and Society in Spain | Summer | English | 3 |
| Course Name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| IC/CM 329 - Language, Culture and Communication: Hispanic Cultures and their Societies | Summer | Spanish | 3 |
| Course Name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| AH/HS 251 - Barcelona: The Cosmopolitan City | Summer | English | 3 |
| Course Name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| IB 350 - International Marketing: A European Approach | Summer | English | 3 |
| Course Name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| IC/CM 329 - Language, Culture and Communication: Hispanic Cultures and their Societies | Summer | Spanish | 3 |
| Course Name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| AN/SO 320 - Sports and Society in Spain | Summer | English | 3 |
| Course Name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| SP 101 - Spanish Language in Context: Novice Abroad I | Summer | Spanish | 4 |
| SP 102 - Spanish Language in Context: Novice Abroad II | Summer | Spanish | 4 |
| SP 201 - Spanish Language in Context: Novice Abroad III | Summer | Spanish | 4 |
| SP 301 - Spanish Language in Context: Emerging Independent Abroad I | Summer | Spanish | 4 |
| SP 302 - Spanish Language in Context: Emerging Independent Abroad II | Summer | Spanish | 4 |
| SP 351 - Spanish Language in Context: Independent Abroad I | Summer | Spanish | 4 |
| SP 444 - Creative Writing Workshop: Short Stories in Spanish | Summer | Spanish | 3 |
Field Trips & Events
Even though your adventure starts in Barcelona, our field trips take you outside the city to discover the culture and traditions of your host country and beyond. 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.
Tarragona Study Journey
1 day | Mandatory
The study journey is organized to foster meeting new people in the Barcelona program and to build a community of learning. This trip is mandatory, and its cost is included in the program fee.
Alella Winery
1 day | Optional
Spain is well‐known for its high-quality wine and on this tour you’ll learn the process to prepare it… or better yet, how it was prepared 2,000 years ago!
Girona
1 day | Optional
This hidden gem is surrounded by exceptionally well‐conserved medieval walls which we’ll have a chance to walk through before visiting the city’s Jewish quarter and stopping by the Cathedral, which not only has the widest gothic nave in the world, but it was also used as location site during season 6 of Game of
Thrones!
Dalí and Cadaqués
1 day | Optional
Known as the source of inspiration for internationally famous painters and artists for decades, explore the town of Cadaqués and enjoy a visit to the Dalí Theatre‐Museum!
IES Abroad DiscoverIES destinations, activities and lengths of stay may vary according to term and availability.
Course-Related Trips
IES Abroad Barcelona organizes DiscoverIES (course-related trips) that complement what you’re learning in the classroom, and contribute to your general knowledge of Spanish culture and society.
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.
Orientation
Our Comprehensive Orientation & Re-Entry Experience (CORE™) begins at home with our virtual orientation to help you prepare for your IES Abroad experience. Orientation continues on-site and introduces you to the IES Abroad Barcelona staff, your fellow students, and the city of Barcelona. A study journey to Tarragona is included.
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.
Homestay - Normally, two or three IES Abroad students live in a home with local residents and students share a double room. You are provided two meals a day (breakfast and dinner) while the program is in session. Laundry and Wi-Fi are included.
Apartment - You live with three or four other IES Abroad students in double rooms. A Barcelona Cultural Companion or tutor cultural will most likely live in the apartment to help you with cultural integration. Apartments have fully equipped kitchens, Wi-Fi is included, and meals are not provided. Washing machines are available but dryers are not, as they are not commonly used in Spain.
Extracurricular Activities & Cultural Events
Take advantage of the cultural events we organize in Barcelona, such as:
- Exploring Montjuïc
- Visiting Collserola
- Touring markets
- Taking in art at the Picasso Museum
- Marvelling at the Sagrada Familia
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 Montjuïc
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 | Tuition | Housing | Insurance | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer 2023 | $4,991 | $1,514 | $135 |
$6,640 |
Scholarships & Aid
Featured Scholarships
Summer Need-Based Financial Aid
Open to students who apply to and attend an IES Abroad or IES Internships summer program.
Criteria reviewed to determine award:
- Level of financial need as determined from information provided on the application. Priority is given to Pell Grant recipients.
- IES Abroad program location.
- IES Abroad membership status of home campus
Use our budget worksheet to calculate your costs
$6+ Million in Scholarships & Aid
Our Center
Located in the heart of beautiful Barcelona, the IES Abroad Center is located just off of the Plaza Catalunya, home to a number of shops and cafes, and within walking distance of many other Barcelona landmarks. Features include:
- High-speed and wireless internet access
- Multimedia classrooms
- Study lounges
- Large outdoor terrace
Our Staff
Cèsar Alegre Alsina, Ph.D.
Center Director & AVP for Program Development
Dr. Cèsar Alegre Alsina has been the Director of our Barcelona programs since 2008. He is originally from Barcelona and speaks Spanish, Catalan, and English fluently. He brings more than 20 years of experience in higher education to IES Abroad, including a noteworthy teaching career in the United States, experience in student services, and a strong research portfolio. Before coming to IES Abroad, Dr. Alegre Alsina taught Spanish language, as well as Spanish and Hispanic Culture and Literature at Amherst College for 16 years. He is the author of a book on Hispanic Americans (Scholastic), and has contributed to the Encyclopedia of Hispanic Americans (BRG Oxford) and numerous articles and reviews in American and international journals. Dr. Alegre Alsina received his Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering from Auburn University, his Master’s degree in Hispanic Literature at Auburn University, and his doctorate from the University of Massachusetts Amherst.
IES Abroad Barcelona Staff
Alex Walker
Associate Center Director and Dean of Faculty
Jane Ewart
Head of Academic Administration and Registration
Lorena Chinnici
Head of Customized Programs & Outside Courses
Natalia Gil
Academic Affairs Assistant
Maria Romero Serrano
Dean of Spanish & Assistant Dean of Faculty
Raquel Medina
Dean of Area Faculty
Maria Mejias
Language Faculty Advisor
Laura Vazquez
Faculty Advisor of Education Technology
Ana Tarife Conde
Head of Internship, Community-Based Learning & Volunteering Programs
Maria Paez Moriana
Internship, Community-Based Learning & Volunteering Specialist
Sofia Franco Rodriguez
Internship, Community-Based Learning & Volunteering Assistant
Olga Sanchez Cuenca
Senior Director of Student Affairs
Noemi Polo Contel
Senior Student Affairs Coordinator
Ferran Teres Olivella
Senior Student Affairs Coordinator
Sara Andrejevic
Student Affairs Assistant
María Leal
Student Success Coordinator
Cora Galavis
Emergency & After Office Hours Student Affairs Specialist
Marija Vasiljevic
Emergency & After Office Hours Student Affairs Specialist
Salvador Ortiz
Head of Administration & Human Resources
Beatriz Taberner Rodriguez
Center Manager
Pilar Gracia Male
Senior HR Generalist
Ilaria Gambarelli
Administration Assistant & Center Video Production
Concepcion Villar
Administration Assistant
Health & Safety
With 70 years of experience, we are proud to set the standard for health and safety in study abroad. Our Chicago-based and on-site staff are all highly trained and experienced in the matters of health, safety, and crisis management. We are here for you from predeparture to your return, and are ready to support you—no matter what time zone you’re in.
In response to COVID-19, enhanced safety guidelines will be implemented this year—such as social distancing and personal protective equipment (PPE) in on-site classes, in-country field trips and travel only, and apartment or residence hall housing (no homestays) that ensures proper space should self-quarantining be necessary.
How We Support You
We plan for "what if" so that you don't have to. From international health insurance included in the cost of your program to highly trained local staff who can connect you to English-speaking healthcare providers, we are working around the clock to ensure your health and safety while abroad.
Learn more about the support you can expect to receive on our programs, including:
- International health insurance through CISI in the case you need to see a doctor or mental health professional
- 24/7 emergency support whether you encounter an issue while traveling or in your host city
- Location-specific health and safety information presented at orientation by on-site staff
- TripTracker system allowing you to share independent travel plans in case you need to be contacted swiftly in a crisis
- A mandatory cell phone policy so that you can be contacted locally and receive any emergency updates via call or text
- Crisis drills so that you feel prepared to respond to an emergency should one arise
- And more!
Health & Safety Resources
You safety begins with being accurately informed from the moment you're considering study abroad through to the day you return home.
Take note of ways you can maintain your health and stay safe abroad while reviewing our resources, including:
- IES Abroad MAP for Student Health, Safety & Crisis Management
- Study Abroad Safety Tips for Traveling
- IES Abroad Student Blogs on Safety and Mental Health
- And more!
Latest from Barcelona
Contact a Past Student
From budgeting tips to housing insight, IES Abroad Ambassadors volunteer their study abroad and internship experiences and advice.
