Barcelona, Spain

Engineering

Study Abroad
Program Options:
Experiential Learning
Length:
Fall, Spring, Academic Year

At a Glance

Housing:

Apartment, Homestay, Residence Hall

Credits:

15 to 19 per Semester

Language of Instruction:

English, Spanish

Language Prerequisites:

None

Part-Time Internship (Optional):

Included in Program Fee

Visa Required:

Yes

About the Program

Our Barcelona Engineering program allows you to construct your expertise with an engaging program for Engineering and STEM students. Compiled with a partnership with the Universitat Ramon Llull's (URL) schools, the Chemical Institute of Sarrià (IQS) and La Salle Digital Engineering, this program enables Engineering students to study abroad and maintain course progression in their field, becoming global leaders and learners in the process! Meet your academic requirements and participate in cultural events, city tours, cooking courses, and more.

Expand your adventures further with Barcelona-exclusive DiscoverIES such as Engineering of Wine and Renewable Energies. Dive into the mechanics of wine production and the importance of power generation and water management systems that keep Barcelona running while you develop the study abroad experience of your dreams.

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Study Engineering

Take engineering courses in an international context.

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Complete Graduation Requirements

Meet your graduation requirements and stay on track with your courses.

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Support the Global Good

Engage in an environmental sustainability course.

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Become a Leader and Learner

Maximize your study abroad experience with cultural events and more.

Fall 2024

Spring 2025

Program Dates:

September 02 - December 20

Application Deadline:

Estimated Cost:

$
19,550

Program Dates:

Early January - Late April

Application Deadline:

Program Advisor

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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?

Check off your major requirements while immersing yourself in the rich culture of Barcelona, which has quickly become the tech hub of the Mediterranean. This thriving cosmopolitan city is remarkable for its innovative urban systems, including water retrieval and preservation, traffic systems, public transport systems, energy generation, and much more. A walk around town will take you on a historical tour of solutions that have been implemented to solve problems throughout its history; from the royal shipyards of Drassanes, to the Tibidabo, the whole city is at your feet to be discovered and reimagined.

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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Housing

An Aparto in Barcelona, Spain.
  • Apartment
  • Homestay
  • Residence Hall

Apartment

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.

Academics

Our mission is to provide you with the best study abroad program possible—which includes the highest quality academic and cultural experiences. 

Stay on track with your graduate requirements while enjoy the opportunity to study abroad in Barcelona. Our Barcelona Engineering program offers a range of courses in the fields of Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, and Computer Science Engineering. You will also be a part of a greater learning community through our unique Global Pillars course; working together with students across academic backgrounds to find solutions to today's most pressing sustainability issues.

Partner Institution

Ramon Llull University
  • Universitat Ramon Llull

Universitat Ramon Llull

Universitat Ramon Llull (URL) is a private school founded in 1990. 

Visit Website

Courses

Our Engineering program offers a range of courses in Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, and Computer Engineering. These courses are taught at the Universitat Ramon Llull's (URL) consortium through the Institut Químic de Sarrià (IQS) and La Salle as well as at the IES Abroad Barcelona Center.

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. 

  • ES/SO 360 Designing the Sustainable City - Global Pillars course (required, 3 credits)
  • A minimum of two local partner university STEM or Engineering courses through IQS or La Salle (required, 2-3 credits each)

  • English taught IES Abroad area studies courses (optional, 3 credits each) 
  • IES Abroad Spanish language course (optional, 3-7 credits each)

The course list below shows the core course offerings most relevent to this program. To view the complete list of possible IES Abroad course offerings, please refer to the Barcelona - Liberal Arts & Business Academics Section. 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

Disciplines (11)

Art History (1)

Course name Term Language Credits
AH/HS 251 - Barcelona: The Cosmopolitan City Fall, Spring, Summer English 3

Partner Institution Courses

Universitat Ramon Llull

This list represents the course offerings available to Barcelona Engineering students at the Universitat Ramon Llull (URL). Courses are designed for Spanish students at the undergraduate level. Through their consortium, you can take computer science or computer engineering focused courses at La Salle. While the Institut Químic de Sarrià (IQS) offers a range of mechanical and chemical engineering courses. 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: Institut Químic de Sarrià (IQS) 

University Courses in English 

Universitat Ramon Llull: La Salle Computer Engineering Program

University Courses in English 

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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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. 

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.

an aerial view of Arco de la Victoria in Madrid at night

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.

a student looking out over monterrat

Montserrat

1 Day ($) Fall & Spring

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

a group of students holding wine glasses and smiling at the camera

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.

three students jumping on a boardwalk with clear blue water and a white building in the background

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.

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.

Spring 2024

Tuition
$
16,185
Housing
$
3,135
Insurance
$
230
Total
$
19,550

Fall 2024

Tuition
$
16,107
Housing
$
3,198
Insurance
$
245
Total
$
19,550

Academic Year 2024

Tuition
$
28,975
Housing
$
6,395
Insurance
$
490
Total
$
35,860

Spring 2025

Tuition
-
Housing
-
Insurance
-
Total
Pending

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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About the IES Abroad Center

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. 

 

Orientation

Start at Home
Our Comprehensive Orientation & Re-Entry Experience (CORE™) begins at home with our virtual orientation to meet the IES Abroad Center staff, fellow students, and the city.
Arrive in Barcelona
Orientation continues when you arrive onsite with activities focusing on adjusting to Barcelona. Detailed information about other important topics is also covered.
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 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.

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.

Program Dates

Spring 2024

Program Dates:

January 08 - April 26

Application Deadline:

Fall 2024

Program Dates:

September 02 - December 20

Application Deadline:

Academic Year 2024

Program Dates:

Early September - Late April

Application Deadline:

Spring 2025

Program Dates:

Early January - Late April

Application Deadline:

If you choose to take Partner Univeristy courses at La Salle your program dates may be different:

Spring 2024: January 8 - June 8

 

Requirements

  • Eligibility Requirements
  • Application Requirements
  • Passport & Visa Requirements

Eligibility Requirements

  • 18 years of age 
  • In good standing at your home school 
  • 3.0 GPA or better on a 4.0 scale (GPAs between 2.75-3.0 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 
  • Students must be STEM majors. Undeclared students may apply if they are on a STEM track
  • No previous Spanish language courses are required 

Frequently Asked Questions

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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