On this program, you can choose from a series of courses on Art History, Cultural Studies, Literature, and more. Barcelona will be your classroom. All of our programs feature course-related trips and numerous faculty-led visits to museums, monuments, and sights around the city. Imagine studying the work of Gaudí while visiting the Sagrada Familia! Study the early paintings of Picasso and head to the Picasso Museum to see the vast collection of his great works.
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!
Lively. Innovative. Vibrant. These are all words you can use to describe Barcelona and its rich culture. The city is a feast for your senses. See the legendary works of Antoni Gaudí, Pablo Picasso, Joan Miró, and Antoni Tàpies. Taste the mouthwatering calçots with romesco sauce, paella, and crema catalana. Smell the fresh fruits, meats, and cheeses at La Boqueria. Touch history itself when you tour the Gothic Quarter and take in Barcelona’s past. Hear the sounds of the bustling city streets, from street performers to the locals speaking Spanish and Catalan. This—and so much more—awaits you in Barcelona.
I tell you what I wish I knew before I made my preliminary schedule. Read these tips to create a schedule that will suit your best lifestyle abroad.
Student Apartment – You live with up to 12 other IES Abroad students in a single or double room. The student apartment offers the communal vibes of a residence hall with the comfort of an apartment. Apartments have fully equipped kitchens, Wi-Fi is included, and meals are not included but optional meal plans are available for purchase onsite. Laundry is coin operated and an additional fee applies to this housing option.
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.
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 Arts, Culture, 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.
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.
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 Arts & Culture.
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.
| 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 |
| SO/AN 320B - Sports and Society in Spain | Fall, Spring | 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 |
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:
For a full list of UAB course offerings, please see the UAB section on the Liberal Arts & Business Academics page.
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:
For a full list of UB course offerings, please see the UB section on the Liberal Arts & Business Academics page.
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:
For a full list of UPF course offerings, please see the UPF section on the Liberal Arts & Business Academics page.
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:
For a full list of URL course offerings, please see the URL section on the Liberal Arts & Business Academics page.
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:
For a full list of UVIC course offerings, please see the UVIC section on the Liberal Arts & Business Academics page.
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.
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.
Visit Roman ruins, the medieval city of Girona, and the “dreamland” of Salvador Dalí between Barcelona and the French border.
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.
Discover the vibrant capital of Spain! See the works of El Greco, Goya, and Velázquez firsthand in the world-famous Prado Museum.
Spend the day hiking the mountain of Montserrat and visit the Santa Maria de Montserrat Abbey.
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.
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.
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.
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:
Engaging with and supporting kids and their families at a children’s hospital (bilingual Spanish and FBI Background Check required)
Volunteering at a soup kitchen
Being a teaching assistant at a public school
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.
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.
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 which time zone you’re in. We plan for "what ifs" 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.
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.
Delve into the world of life in Nantes, France with me as I discuss all that the adjustment period of study abroad brings!
This post covers a few mishaps that can happen in the process of organizing the logistics for studying abroad.
I fell in love with surfing after the very first lesson. In this blog, I share my experience from three days at Surf Camp Australia :)
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