Barcelona, Spain

Journalism & Communications

Study Abroad

Program Options:

Experiential Learning, Part-Time Internship

•

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

During this program, you can choose from a series of courses in Communications, Literature (including travel writing), Journalism, Playwriting, and much more. Barcelona will be your classroom. All of our courses feature course-related trips and faculty-led visits to cutting-edge digital media outlets, newsrooms, agencies, and more. Imagine studying advertising in class and then visiting an international ad agency or attending a lecture by an internationally known photojournalist as part of your visual storytelling course. It’s all waiting for you here in Barcelona.

Study at a Local University

Take courses at two of Spain’s top universities.

Attend Cultural Events

Like walking tours, flamenco workshops, and soccer games.

Gain Hands-On Experience

Participate in an optional internship placement and seminar.

Follow Your Academic Interests

Supplement your study with courses from our other programs.

Fall 2024

Spring 2025

Program Dates:

September 02 - December 14

Application Deadline:

Mar 21, 2024

Estimated Cost:

20,798

Program Dates:

Early January - Late April

Application Deadline:

Sep 19, 2024

Program Advisor

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

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 Destination

Why Barcelona?

Barcelona’s spectacular setting on the sea, laid-back Spanish lifestyle, and vibrant culture make this city a great place to study abroad, but did you know Barcelona is one of Europe’s leading centers for digital media, international advertising, journalism, and publishing?

Learn More About Barcelona

Get to Know Your New City

Have Fun in the Sun

Spend time under the sun along Barcelona's sandy beaches.

Check Out Some Live Music

Barcelona boasts an iconic music scene.

Appreciate the Art

There’s plenty of art—indoors and out—to inspire you.

Eat, Drink, and Eat Some More!

Enjoy stews, seafood, jamón, spicy potatoes, and so much more.

The Student Experience

A screenshot of a moodle dashboard listing a student's various courses

Victoria Ernst

Victoria Ernst, Feb 5, 2024

Scheduling Classes: What's the Best Schedule for Me?

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.

Daily Life

Top 10 Tricks for Traveling on a Budget

Pre-Barcelona Feelings

View All Blogs

Housing

A minimalist living space featuring bright red furniture, a large window, a television, and a dining room with red chairs.

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.

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.

Residence Hall

Premium Plus Residence Hall – Rooms in premium plus residence halls are single occupancy. Meal plans are not included but optional to purchase once you arrive onsite. The premium plus option includes a shared kitchen space, laundry included, common lounge areas, and gym facilities. Wi-Fi is included and an additional fee applies to this housing option.

Premium Residence Hall – Rooms in the premium residence hall are single occupancy. Meal plans are not included but available for purchase onsite. There are no kitchen facilities in this housing option. Wi-Fi is included, and laundry facilities are coin operated. An additional fee applies for this housing option.

Academics

Partner Institutions

Universitat de Barcelona's campus that features lush gardens and outdoor seating.

UAB
UB
UVic
UPF
URL

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.

Visit Website

Universitat de Barcelona

Even though Universitat de Barcelona (UB) 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.

Visit Website

Universitat de Vic

Universitat de Vic, BAU Art and Design Center in Barcelona. The BAU school focuses on marketing and fashion, design and luxury brands, among other areas. This hub offers a range of classes which teach design as a key element in all social and business fields, offering approaches and solutions to develop innovative professional proposals, contributing to well-being and social transformation, from a creative and ethical viewpoint.

Visit Website

Universitat Pompeu Fabra

Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF) 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.

Visit Website

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 Journalism & Communications.

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)
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.

Helpful Links

two students stand arm-in-arm in front of lagoons in San Pedro de Atacama, Chile

Transcripts, Credit Transfer & Accreditation

Two students jump for a fun photo in front of Neue Burg in Vienna

Refund Policy

See All Student Policies

IES Abroad Courses

Disciplines (40)

Anthropology (7)

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/GS 215 - Sexuality and Gender	Fall, Spring	English	3

Archaeology (1)

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

Architecture (1)

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

Art History (10)

Course name	Term	Language	Credits
AH/US 330 - Architecture and Landscape in Barcelona	Fall, Spring	English	3
AH/HS 251 - Barcelona: The Cosmopolitan City	Fall, Spring, Summer	English	3
AH 223A - Great 20th Century Artists of Catalonia: Picasso, Dalí and Miró	Fall, Spring	English	3
AH 223B - Great 20th Century Artists of Catalonia: Picasso, Dalí and Miró	Spring	Spanish	3
CU/AH 331 - Imagining Medieval Culture: The Communicative Power of Medieval Images	Fall, Spring	English	3
AH/US 230 - International Events in Barcelona: An Artistic Perspective	Fall, Spring	English	3
IB/AH 369 - Management of Cultural Heritage	Fall, Spring	Spanish	3
AT/AH 324 - Modernism in Architecture and Design in a Comparative Perspective	Spring	English	3
AH/US 360 - The City as a Place to Live: The Barcelona Experience	Fall, Spring	English	3
AH/RL 350 - The Iberian Peninsula: Cultures and Religions Through the Arts	Fall, Spring	English	3

Catalan Language (1)

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

Communications (12)

Course name	Term	Language	Credits
CM/PO 323 - Campaigning in Europe: From Propaganda to Political Marketing	Fall, Spring	English	3
CM/WS 380 - Fourth Wave Feminism	Fall, Spring	English	3
IC/CM 329 - Language, Culture and Communication: Hispanic Cultures and their Societies	Fall, Spring, Summer	Spanish	3
CM 327 - Language, Culture and Communication: the Spanish Perspective	Fall, Spring	English	3
CM/PO 335 - Media and Politics in Europe	Fall, Spring	English	3
PG/CM 316 - Photojournalism	Fall, Spring	English	3
CM/LT 353 - Storytelling	Fall, Spring	English	3
MK/CM 345 - Digital Marketing and Communications	Fall, Spring	English	3
CM/FS 215 - Visual Storytelling	Fall, Spring	English	3
JR/CM 310 - Truth Telling: Ethical Journalism in the Age of Instant Media	Fall, Spring	English	3
CM/IB 349 - Negotiation and Conflict Management Techniques	Fall, Spring	English	3
IN/CM 395 - Internship Seminar: Communication, Medias, & Audiovisuals	Fall, Spring	English	3

Computer Science (1)

Course name	Term	Language	Credits
CS 385 - Introduction to Programming	Fall	English	3

Criminal Studies (1)

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

Cultural Studies (8)

Course name	Term	Language	Credits
CU/AN 338 - Barcelona: The Culinary City	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
CU/FS 321 - Film and the City	Fall, Spring	English	3
CU 351B - Food as an Expression of Culture	Fall, Spring	Spanish	3
CU 351 - Food as an Expression of Culture	Fall, Spring	English	3
CU/AH 331 - Imagining Medieval Culture: The Communicative Power of Medieval Images	Fall, Spring	English	3
IB/CU 210 - The Business of Wine: From Vine to Glass	Fall, Spring	English	3

Economics (6)

Course name	Term	Language	Credits
EC 342 - European Regional Economies	Fall, Spring	English	3
EC/SO 340 - Globalized Economy and Migration	Fall, Spring	English	3
EC/PO 210 - Introduction to the European Union	Fall, Spring	English	3
EC/IB 441 - Spain's Economic Development and the	Fall, Spring	English	3
EC 341 - The Economic Effects of Spain's EU Membership	Fall, Spring	English	3
HS/EC 357 - Barcelona, The "Pearl of the Mediterranean": History of Economic Success in the Modern World: From Barcelona to a Global Level	Fall, Spring	English	3

Education (1)

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

Environmental Studies (6)

Course name	Term	Language	Credits
ES/SO 360 - Designing the Sustainable City	Fall, Spring	English	3
ES/GE 311 - Mediterranean Environment	Fall, Spring	English	3
ES/GE 320 - Mediterranean Oceanography	Fall, Spring	English	3
GT/ES 361 - Science and Society: A European Perspective	Fall, Spring	English	3
ES/SO 352 - Sustainability: Challenges and Responses	Fall, Spring	English	3
GT/ES 339 - The Climate Crisis: Global Perspectives, Mediterranean Precedents	Fall, Spring	English	3

Film Studies (4)

Course name	Term	Language	Credits
HP/FS 340B- Contemporary Spanish Film	Fall, Spring	Spanish	3
FS/HP 340A - Contemporary Spanish Film	Spring	English	3
CU/FS 321 - Film and the City	Fall, Spring	English	3
CM/FS 215 - Visual Storytelling	Fall, Spring	English	3

Finance (2)

Course name	Term	Language	Credits
IB/FI 355 - International Finance Management	Fall, Spring	English	3
FI 356 - International Financial Markets and Investment	Spring	English	3

Gender Studies (1)

Course name	Term	Language	Credits
AN/GS 215 - Sexuality and Gender	Fall, Spring	English	3

Geography (2)

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

Global Studies (2)

Course name	Term	Language	Credits
GT/ES 361 - Science and Society: A European Perspective	Fall, Spring	English	3
GT/ES 339 - The Climate Crisis: Global Perspectives, Mediterranean Precedents	Fall, Spring	English	3

Hispanic Studies (3)

Course name	Term	Language	Credits
AN/HP 345 - Catalan Cultural Studies	Fall, Spring	English	3
HP/FS 340B- Contemporary Spanish Film	Fall, Spring	Spanish	3
FS/HP 340A - Contemporary Spanish Film	Spring	English	3

History (8)

Course name	Term	Language	Credits
AH/HS 251 - Barcelona: The Cosmopolitan City	Fall, Spring, Summer	English	3
HS/SO 333 - Discrimination and Persecution in Spain and the West	Fall, Spring	English	3
HS 215 - History of Europe: Building Contemporary Europe	Fall, Spring	English	3
HS/AE 250 - Mediterranean History and Heritage	Fall, Spring	English	3
IR/HS 317 - The American Century: US Policy in Western Europe	Fall, Spring	English	3
HS/PO 331 - Understanding Contemporary Spain: Politics, Society, History	Fall, Spring	English	3
HS 332 - War and Dictatorship in Spain	Fall, Spring	English	3
HS/EC 357 - Barcelona, The "Pearl of the Mediterranean": History of Economic Success in the Modern World: From Barcelona to a Global Level	Fall, Spring	English	3

Intercultural Communication (2)

Course name	Term	Language	Credits
IC/PS 260 - Cross Cultural Psychology	Fall, Spring	English	3
IC/CM 329 - Language, Culture and Communication: Hispanic Cultures and their Societies	Fall, Spring, Summer	Spanish	3

International Business (15)

Course name	Term	Language	Credits
IB 343 - Business Ethics in an Intercultural Framework	Fall, Spring	English	3
CU/IB 348 - Cultural Heritage: Business and Strategies	Spring	English	3
IB 360 - Entrepreneurship: A European Perspective	Fall, Spring, Academic Year	English	3
IB/FI 355 - International Finance Management	Fall, Spring	English	3
IB 350 - International Marketing: A European Approach	Fall, Spring, Summer	English	3
IR/IB 393 - Leading Across Cultures: Principles and Practice	Fall, Spring	English	3
IB/AH 369 - Management of Cultural Heritage	Fall, Spring	Spanish	3
IB 325 - Marketing Management	Fall, Spring	English	3
EC/IB 441 - Spain's Economic Development and the	Fall, Spring	English	3
IB 320 - Strategic Management	Fall, Spring	English	3
IB 334 - The Business of Sports in Europe	Fall, Spring	English	3
IB/CU 210 - The Business of Wine: From Vine to Glass	Fall, Spring	English	3
IB 351 - Doing Business in Spain	Fall	Spanish	3
MK/IB 346 - Brand Management	Fall, Spring	English	3
CM/IB 349 - Negotiation and Conflict Management Techniques	Fall, Spring	English	3

International Relations (5)

Course name	Term	Language	Credits
PO/IR 359 - Europe in Crisis	Fall, Spring	English	3
IR/IB 393 - Leading Across Cultures: Principles and Practice	Fall, Spring	English	3
IR/HS 317 - The American Century: US Policy in Western Europe	Fall, Spring	English	3
IR 337 - The Arab World and the West	Fall, Spring	English	3
IR/PO/SO 347 - The Wall: Borders, Violence and Separation in the Contemporary World	Fall, Spring	English	3

Internship Seminar (5)

Course name	Term	Language	Credits
ED/IN 395 - Internship Seminar: Education	Fall, Spring	English	3
IN/SO 395 - Internship Seminar: Social Action	Fall, Spring	English	3
IN 395B - Internship Seminar	Fall, Spring	Spanish	3
IN 395A - Internship Seminar	Fall, Spring	English	3
IN/CM 395 - Internship Seminar: Communication, Medias, & Audiovisuals	Fall, Spring	English	3

Journalism (1)

Course name	Term	Language	Credits
JR/CM 310 - Truth Telling: Ethical Journalism in the Age of Instant Media	Fall, Spring	English	3

Law (1)

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

Literature (3)

Course name	Term	Language	Credits
LT 375 - Barcelona and the Latin American Literary Boom	Fall, Spring	Spanish	3
CM/LT 353 - Storytelling	Fall, Spring	English	3
LT 252 - Travel Writing in Spain/Europe: Between Self and Other	Fall, Spring	English	3

Management (2)

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

Marketing (2)

Course name	Term	Language	Credits
MK/CM 345 - Digital Marketing and Communications	Fall, Spring	English	3
MK/IB 346 - Brand Management	Fall, Spring	English	3

Mathematics (2)

Course name	Term	Language	Credits
MT 330 - Linear Algebra	Fall, Spring	English	4
MT/ST 220 - Introduction to Probability and Statistics	Fall, Spring	English	3

Music (2)

Course name	Term	Language	Credits
MS 215 - Introduction to Music: Learning to Listen	Fall, Spring	English	3
MS 201 - The Music of Spain: Diversity, Functionality and the Construction of Cultural Identity	Fall, Spring	Spanish	3

Photography (2)

Course name	Term	Language	Credits
PG/CM 316 - Photojournalism	Fall, Spring	English	3
PG 328 - Understanding Photography: Decoding the Still Image	Fall, Spring	English	3

Political Science (8)

Course name	Term	Language	Credits
CM/PO 323 - Campaigning in Europe: From Propaganda to Political Marketing	Fall, Spring	English	3
PO 475 - Democracy in Western Europe	Fall, Spring	English	3
PO/IR 359 - Europe in Crisis	Fall, Spring	English	3
EC/PO 210 - Introduction to the European Union	Fall, Spring	English	3
CM/PO 335 - Media and Politics in Europe	Fall, Spring	English	3
PO 325 - Politics in Spain	Fall, Spring, Summer	English	3
IR/PO/SO 347 - The Wall: Borders, Violence and Separation in the Contemporary World	Fall, Spring	English	3
HS/PO 331 - Understanding Contemporary Spain: Politics, Society, History	Fall, Spring	English	3

Psychology (7)

Course name	Term	Language	Credits
IC/PS 260 - Cross Cultural Psychology	Fall, Spring	English	3
PS 410 - Cultural Perspectives in Psychology	Fall, Spring	English	3
CU/PS 326 - Dialogues on Difference	Fall, Spring	English	3
PS 350 - Human Development in the Spanish Socio-Cultural Context	Fall, Spring	English	3
PS/MG 322 - Organizational Behavior: Psychological Approaches in a European Perspective	Fall, Spring	English	3
PS 343 - Psychology, Health and Well-Being: Moving Beyond Just Treating Mental Disorders	Fall, Spring	English	3
AN/PS 340 - Self and Identity in a Postmodern World	Fall, Spring	English	3

Religious Studies (2)

Course name	Term	Language	Credits
RL/SO 330 - Church and State in Spain from 1492 to the Present	Fall, Spring	English	3
AH/RL 350 - The Iberian Peninsula: Cultures and Religions Through the Arts	Fall, Spring	English	3

Research Seminar (1)

Course name	Term	Language	Credits
Research Methodology Seminar - 496	Fall, Spring	English	4

Sociology (11)

Course name	Term	Language	Credits
AN/SO 360 - Banditry and Mafias in the Mediterranean	Fall, Spring	English	3
RL/SO 330 - Church and State in Spain from 1492 to the Present	Fall, Spring	English	3
ES/SO 360 - Designing the Sustainable City	Fall, Spring	English	3
HS/SO 333 - Discrimination and Persecution in Spain and the West	Fall, Spring	English	3
EC/SO 340 - Globalized Economy and Migration	Fall, Spring	English	3
IN/SO 395 - Internship Seminar: Social Action	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
ES/SO 352 - Sustainability: Challenges and Responses	Fall, Spring	English	3
IR/PO/SO 347 - The Wall: Borders, Violence and Separation in the Contemporary World	Fall, Spring	English	3
HS/PO 331 - Understanding Contemporary Spain: Politics, Society, History	Fall, Spring	English	3

Spanish (18)

Course name	Term	Language	Credits
SP 323 - Business Spanish: Emerging Independent Abroad	Fall, Spring	Spanish	4
SP 324 - Business Spanish: Independent Abroad	Fall, Spring	Spanish	4
SP 444 - Creative Writing Workshop: Short Stories in Spanish	Fall, Spring, Summer	Spanish	3
SP 347 - Spanish Conversation: Emerging 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	Spring	Spanish	4
SP 301 - Spanish Language in Context: Emerging Independent Abroad I	Fall, Spring, Summer	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, Summer	Spanish	4
SP 351 - Spanish Language in Context: Independent Abroad I	Fall, Spring, Summer	Spanish	4
SP 351i - Spanish Language in Context: Independent Abroad I Intensive	Fall, Spring	Spanish	7
SP 101 - Spanish Language in Context: Novice Abroad I	Fall, Spring, Summer	Spanish	4
SP 102 - Spanish Language in Context: Novice Abroad II	Fall, Spring, Summer	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, Summer	Spanish	4
SP 471- Spanish Through Theater	Fall, Spring	Spanish	4
SP 403 - Spanish Language in Context: Emerging Competent Abroad	Fall, Spring	Spanish	4
SP 326 - Spanish for Social Justice: Independent Abroad	Fall, Spring	Spanish	3

Statistics (1)

Course name	Term	Language	Credits
MT/ST 220 - Introduction to Probability and Statistics	Fall, Spring	English	3

Urban Studies (3)

Course name	Term	Language	Credits
AH/US 330 - Architecture and Landscape in Barcelona	Fall, Spring	English	3
AH/US 230 - International Events in Barcelona: An Artistic Perspective	Fall, Spring	English	3
AH/US 360 - The City as a Place to Live: The Barcelona Experience	Fall, Spring	English	3

Women's Studies (1)

Course name	Term	Language	Credits
CM/WS 380 - Fourth Wave Feminism	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

Visit Website

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

Visit Website

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

Visit Website

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

Visit Website

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

Visit Website

For a full list of UVIC course offerings, please see the UVIC section on the Liberal Arts & Business Academics page.

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 secluded beach surrounded by natural cliffs and clear, blue waters

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.

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.

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.

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.

Part-Time Internships

Placement Examples

Watch an Example Internship

Business Development & International Business

Three students in front of the European Council in Brussels Belgium

International Relations

Health

a studio audience behind a camera in Milan

Media & Communication

a student plays rock, paper, scissors with children in Cape Town

Charities & Nonprofits

Two students sit outside at a table on their college campus working from a laptop.

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.

Spring 2024

Tuition

17,025

Housing

3,135

Insurance

230

Total

20,390

Spring 2024

Barcelona - Journalism & Communications Fees

Program Fee (invoiced by IES Abroad)
Tuition	$17,025
Housing & Meals	$3,135
Base (no additional cost)
• Homestay (14 meals provided per week)
Premium (additional cost, see below)
• Residence Hall (no meals provided)
Premium Plus (additional cost, see below)
• City Apartment (no meals provided)
• Residence Hall (no meals provided)
• Student Apartment (no meals provided)
Health Insurance	$230
Total IES Abroad Program Fee	$20,390

+

Additional Fees for Special Options Associated with Tuition & Housing (invoiced by IES Abroad)
Housing & Meals
Premium	$750
Premium Plus	$1,500
School of Record transcript (if required)	$375
Total Additional Fees

+

Additional Estimated Expenses for Student Budgeting Purposes (select those that apply)
Required consular and visa fees (paid to consulate with application)	$160
ACCeSS Fee (invoiced by IES Abroad before arrival onsite)	$150
Round-Trip Airfare (varies with point of departure and carrier)	$600-1,000
Textbooks, Copyright Permission Fees, Course Packets & Other Course-Related Materials	$200
Average Cost of Meals by Housing Option (not included in housing fee)
Homestay	$1,850
Premium Residence Hall	$5,400
Premium Plus City Apartment (with kitchen access)	$3,500
Premium Plus Residence Hall (with kitchen access)	$3,500
Premium Plus Student Apartment (with kitchen access)	$3,500
Rental or Purchase of Required Cell Phone (does not include usage fees)	$30-150
Local Transportation	$120
Optional IES Abroad Field Trips (not included in program fee)	$75-1,245
Personal Expenses (does not include personal student travel)	$2,000
Total Other Estimated Expenses

=

Total Estimated Budget

The amounts expressed above are in U.S. dollars. Estimated expenses are based on November 2023 exchange rates. These expenses may vary due to individual needs, spending habits, and exchange rates, and are not included in the IES Abroad program fee. Personal expenses may include but are not limited to the following: meals/beverages (outside selected housing/meals option), social activities and entertainment, toiletries, laundry, and communications facilities (e.g. Internet café, phone centers.) Some items such as textbooks may be billed separately by IES Abroad.

Discounts and Scholarships & Aid

Academic Year pricing reflects at least a 20% discount off second consecutive semester program tuition for the same or a different program. Students must enroll by November 1st to get the discount for academic year study, after which the second term’s tuition pricing will be based on the following Spring term’s tuition.
Students will receive a 20% discount applied as a credit to the second consecutive semester’s tuition in the same or different programs of a Calendar Year. Students must enroll by May 1st to get the discount for calendar year study, after which the second term’s tuition pricing will be based on the following Fall term’s tuition.
Students will receive a $500 credit on Summer tuition if a summer program is attended before or after a semester or academic year program.
Students will receive a $300 credit on a January Term tuition if a January Term program is attended before or after a semester program.
The IES Abroad program fee does not reflect scholarships, financial aid, or grants such as the IES Abroad Public University Grant.

Visa / Consular / Residency Fees

Depending on visa requirements related to certain program locations, length of term, and consular jurisdictions, students may also incur costs for expedited processing, predeparture travel to the consulate or for IES Abroad ACCeSS™ ($150) to obtain their visa.
These estimated fees apply to U.S. citizens. Non-U.S. citizens may have different requirements and costs.

Cell Phone Usage

Cell phone usage fees are additional and on a per call basis, depending upon location.

Program Dates:

January 08 - April 26

Application Deadline:

Sep 21, 2023

Estimated Cost:

20,390

Fall 2024

Tuition

17,355

Housing

3,198

Insurance

245

Total

20,798

Fall 2024

Barcelona - Journalism & Communications Fees

Program Fee (invoiced by IES Abroad)
Tuition	$17,355
Housing & Meals	$3,198
Base (no additional cost)
• Homestay (14 meals provided per week)
Premium (additional cost, see below)
• Residence Hall (no meals provided)
Premium Plus (additional cost, see below)
• City Apartment (no meals provided)
• Residence Hall (no meals provided)
Health Insurance	$245
Total IES Abroad Program Fee	$20,798

+

Additional Fees for Special Options Associated with Tuition & Housing (invoiced by IES Abroad)
Tuition
Case studies related to business courses	$50
Textbook and workshops for specific courses	$80
CU338 Barcelona the culinary city	$60
Housing & Meals
Premium	$750
Premium Plus	$1,500
School of Record transcript (if required)	$375
Total Additional Fees

+

Additional Estimated Expenses for Student Budgeting Purposes (select those that apply)
Required consular and visa fees (paid to consulate with application)	$160
Optional ACCeSS fee (if applicable, paid to IES Abroad before arrival)	$150
Round-Trip Airfare (varies with point of departure and carrier)	$900-1,300
Textbooks, Copyright Permission Fees, Course Packets & Other Course-Related Materials	$100
Average Cost of Meals by Housing Option (not included in housing fee)
Homestay	$2,050
Premium Residence Hall	$6,100
Premium Plus City Apartment (with kitchen access)	$4,100
Premium Plus Residence Hall (with kitchen access)	$4,100
Rental or Purchase of Required Cell Phone (does not include usage fees)	$30-150
Local Transportation	$150
Optional IES Abroad Field Trips (not included in program fee)	$75-1,445
Personal Expenses (does not include personal student travel)	$1,900
Total Other Estimated Expenses

=

Total Estimated Budget

Discounts and Scholarships & Aid

Academic Year pricing reflects at least a 20% discount off second consecutive semester program tuition for the same or a different program. Students must enroll by November 1st to get the discount for academic year study, after which the second term’s tuition pricing will be based on the following Spring term’s tuition.
Students will receive a 20% discount applied as a credit to the second consecutive semester’s tuition in the same or different programs of a Calendar Year. Students must enroll by May 1st to get the discount for calendar year study, after which the second term’s tuition pricing will be based on the following Fall term’s tuition.
Students will receive a $500 credit on Summer tuition if a summer program is attended before or after a semester or academic year program.
Students will receive a $300 credit on a January Term tuition if a January Term program is attended before or after a semester program.
The IES Abroad program fee does not reflect scholarships, financial aid, or grants such as the IES Abroad Public University Grant.

Visa / Consular / Residency Fees

Depending on visa requirements related to certain program locations, length of term, and consular jurisdictions, students may also incur costs for expedited processing, predeparture travel to the consulate or for IES Abroad ACCeSS™ ($150) to obtain their visa.
These estimated fees apply to U.S. citizens. Non-U.S. citizens may have different requirements and costs.

Cell Phone Usage

Cell phone usage fees are additional and on a per call basis, depending upon location.

Program Dates:

September 02 - December 14

Application Deadline:

Mar 21, 2024

Estimated Cost:

20,798

Academic Year 2024

Tuition

31,220

Housing

6,395

Insurance

490

Total

38,105

Academic Year 2024

Barcelona - Journalism & Communications Academic Year Fees

Program Fee (invoiced by IES Abroad)
Tuition	$31,220
Housing & Meals	$6,395
Base (no additional cost)
• Homestay (14 meals provided per week)
Premium (additional cost, see below)
• Residence Hall (no meals provided)
Premium Plus (additional cost, see below)
• City Apartment (no meals provided)
• Residence Hall (no meals provided)
Health Insurance	$490
Total IES Abroad Program Fee	$38,105

+

Additional Fees for Special Options Associated with Tuition & Housing (invoiced by IES Abroad)
Tuition
Case studies related to business courses	$50
Textbook and workshops for specific courses	$80
CU338 Barcelona the culinary city	$60
Housing & Meals
Premium	$1,500
Premium Plus	$3,000
School of Record transcript (if required)	$375
Total Additional Fees

+

Additional Estimated Expenses for Student Budgeting Purposes (select those that apply)
Required consular and visa fees (paid to consulate with application)	$160
Optional ACCeSS fee (if applicable, paid to IES Abroad before arrival)	$150
Round-Trip Airfare (varies with point of departure and carrier)	$1,000-1,600
Textbooks, Copyright Permission Fees, Course Packets & Other Course-Related Materials	$200
Average Cost of Meals by Housing Option (not included in housing fee)
Homestay	$4,100
Premium Residence Hall	$12200
Premium Plus City Apartment (with kitchen access)	$8,200
Premium Plus Residence Hall (with kitchen access)	$8,200
Rental or Purchase of Required Cell Phone (does not include usage fees)	$60-300
Local Transportation	$300
Optional IES Abroad Field Trips (not included in program fee)	$75-2,890
Personal Expenses (does not include personal student travel)	$3,800
Total Other Estimated Expenses

=

Total Estimated Budget

The amounts expressed above are in U.S. dollars. Estimated expenses are based on February 2023 exchange rates. These expenses may vary due to individual needs, spending habits, and exchange rates, and are not included in the IES Abroad program fee. Personal expenses may include but are not limited to the following: meals/beverages (outside selected housing/meals option), social activities and entertainment, toiletries, laundry, and communications facilities (e.g. Internet café, phone centers.) Some items such as textbooks may be billed separately by IES Abroad.

Discounts and Scholarships & Aid

Academic Year pricing reflects at least a 20% discount off second consecutive semester program tuition for the same or a different program. Students must enroll by November 1st to get the discount for academic year study, after which the second term’s tuition pricing will be based on the following Spring term’s tuition.
Students will receive a 20% discount applied as a credit to the second consecutive semester’s tuition in the same or different programs of a Calendar Year. Students must enroll by May 1st to get the discount for calendar year study, after which the second term’s tuition pricing will be based on the following Fall term’s tuition.
Students will receive a $500 credit on Summer tuition if a summer program is attended before or after a semester or academic year program.
Students will receive a $300 credit on a January Term tuition if a January Term program is attended before or after a semester program.
The IES Abroad program fee does not reflect scholarships, financial aid, or grants such as the IES Abroad Public University Grant.

Visa / Consular / Residency Fees

Depending on visa requirements related to certain program locations, length of term, and consular jurisdictions, students may also incur costs for expedited processing, predeparture travel to the consulate or for IES Abroad ACCeSS™ ($150) to obtain their visa.
These estimated fees apply to U.S. citizens. Non-U.S. citizens may have different requirements and costs.

Cell Phone Usage

Cell phone usage fees are additional and on a per call basis, depending upon location.

Program Dates:

Early September - Late April

Application Deadline:

Mar 21, 2024

Estimated Cost:

38,105

Spring 2025

Tuition

Housing

Insurance

Total

Pending

Use Our Budget Worksheet to Calculate Your Costs

See the Worksheet

IES Abroad Barcelona Staff

Cèsar Alegre Alsina

IES Abroad Barcelona Center Director & 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

Orientation

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

CISI International Health Insurance

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.

Mandatory Cell Phone Policy

Receive any emergency updates from IES Abroad staff via call or text.

Location-Specific Information

Health and safety information presented at orientation by on-site staff.

TripTracker System

Allowing you to share independent travel plans.

Crisis Drills

So that you feel prepared to respond to an emergency should one arise.

Helpful Links

Blogs on Mental Health

Study Abroad Safety Tips for Traveling

Blogs on Safety

Learn More About Health & Safety

Program Dates

Spring 2024

Program Dates:

January 08 - April 26

Application Deadline:

Sep 21, 2023

Fall 2024

Program Dates:

September 02 - December 14

Application Deadline:

Mar 21, 2024

Academic Year 2024

Program Dates:

Early September - Late April

Application Deadline:

Mar 21, 2024

Spring 2025

Program Dates:

Early January - Late April

Application Deadline:

Sep 19, 2024

Requirements

Eligibility Requirements
Application Requirements
Passport & Visa 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

Application Requirements

Submit Your Online Application

Applications may be considered after the published deadline on a space available basis. Please note that late applicants may be required to submit a non-refundable confirmation deposit upon acceptance in order to secure a place in the program. Please contact us with questions about applying after the deadline.

After your Online Application is processed, submit the following in your MyIESabroad account:

Home School Authorization — Your on-campus study abroad advisor can either complete the Home School Authorization electronically through IES Abroad’s PartnerPortal system, or by filling out the PDF form. Consult your study abroad advisor to determine how they would prefer to complete your Home School Authorization.
Official Transcript(s) — Submit transcripts for each college/university you have attended since high school. If you have multiple transcripts, IES Abroad will average the GPAs for all colleges/universities you have attended and use that cumulative GPA when reviewing your application. (Students attending higher education institutions outside of the U.S. must obtain a professional course-by-course transcript equivalency report. You may choose any organization that provides professional international transcript equivalencies.)
(If Applicable) English Language Proficiency Exam — Students attending higher education institutions outside of the U.S. may need to submit English language proficiency exam results. Contact your IES Abroad Representative for more information.

If your cumulative GPA is below 2.75, submit the following in your MyIESabroad account:

Professor Recommendation Letter — Although there is no length requirement, the recommendation must indicate a professor’s opinion of the applicant’s academic ability to pursue university-level coursework in a foreign country, in addition to any information that would help IES Abroad gain a better understanding of the applicant.
Personal Academic Essay — Although there is no length requirement, the essay must address your GPA, any particular academic challenges faced, reasons you chose this IES Abroad program, and how it fits into your academic career.

Apply Now

Passport & Visa Requirements

Renew (or Apply for!) Your Passport ASAP

Passport applications and renewals are taking longer than normal these days. Save yourself from the last-minute stress by making sure:

You have a passport
The expiration date is at least six months after your study abroad program ends

Visit travel.state.gov to locate U.S. passport agencies in your area.

Visa Requirements

Spain requires U.S. citizens to obtain a student visa before studying abroad for a semester or longer. 

Learn more about applying for a student visa for Spain and whether or not you are eligible for Spain ACCeSS.

Individual appointments at Spanish consulates are very limited! If you are eligible for Spain ACCeSS, we strongly recommend you take advantage of the opportunity for our visa specialists to review your visa application materials and submit them to the Spanish consulate on your behalf.

Not a U.S. citizen? Consult the consulate website of your passport country and  contact your IES Abroad Advisor.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I apply?

Students who wish to participate in an IES Abroad program will typically apply to both their college/university, as well as to IES Abroad. Start by visiting your school’s study abroad office website to learn more about their application process and deadlines. Note that some university’s deadlines can be as early as one year before your desired term abroad. After you have reviewed the process at your home school, start your online application on the IES Abroad website—there's no application fee! Once we create an account for you, we’ll then ask you to submit the required admissions forms in your MyIESabroad account. After we have received all of your materials, we will review your application and send you an admission decision via email within two weeks.

I’ve never been abroad before. When should I apply for a passport?

As soon as you know you are interested in going abroad, begin applying for your passport. In order to go abroad, you’ll need to have a passport that is valid until at least six months after your program’s end date. For most of our programs, you will need your passport in-hand in order to apply for the required student visa. Rest assured, our IES Abroad Program Advisors will be available to help you every step of the way, but it’s in your best interest to start this process as soon as possible!

How do I know if I will receive credit for the classes or internships I complete abroad?

You can find a list of the potential courses and/or internship opportunities available for students to pursue under the Academics tab of your program page. Syllabi for each course can typically be found by clicking on the hyperlinked course title, which you can review with your on-campus advisors to ensure that you can earn credit and stay on track for graduation. If a part-time internship opportunity is available on your program and something you want to pursue, discuss the possibility of earning credit for this with your study abroad office on-campus.

How do scholarships and financial aid work? Can I use my existing scholarships or apply for more?

You can apply for our IES Abroad Scholarships at any point before the deadline—even if you haven’t yet been admitted into one of our programs! Our scholarship opportunities are competitive, so it’s in your best interest to apply for our scholarships as early as possible. If you’d like to use your existing scholarships/aid towards your program fees, this will depend on your school’s policies and how you’re billed for the program. Talk to your school’s study abroad and financial aid office to learn their policies.

How does IES Abroad work with my school?

IES Abroad works as a partner to campus study abroad offices around the world to provide high quality academic programs for undergraduate students. In order to participate in one of our programs, we require that you gain approval from your home school’s study abroad office. While IES Abroad is here to help with your predeparture needs, you’ll also want to stay connected with your study abroad advisor on-campus to ensure you’re staying on track with their deadlines and aware of their policies for your program abroad.

What is the university or location where I will take my classes abroad?

The location of your courses will depend on the type of IES Abroad program that you select. Most IES Abroad programs are based at the IES Abroad Center in the host city. Our Centers are physical spaces within the city where we have staff offices and classrooms and they serve as the student hub for many of our programs. On these programs, your classmates will be other IES Abroad students from U.S. campuses and are taught by local or international professors. In some cases, it may also be possible to take one or two courses at a local university and the rest at the IES Abroad Center. Alternatively, some IES Abroad programs are direct enrollment programs, which means that you will take all of your classes at the local university alongside other students enrolled at that university.

What are IES Abroad’s health and safety resources and policies?

IES Abroad places student health & safety at the forefront of all that we do. All IES Abroad students are required to be insured under our mandatory CISI health insurance policy, and this cost is factored into your program fees. Students will be expected to complete a physical within the six months prior to your departure so that our student affairs staff on-site have up-to-date information and can offer support for any health or medical needs you may have while abroad. Mental health services may be available for students upon request. Please discuss any specific health and safety needs with our Dean of Students’ office as early as possible. You can also read more information about our Health & Safety protocols (including COVID-19).

Do I have to find my own housing on my IES Abroad program?

Our experienced housing coordinators work hard to screen and place students in IES Abroad housing, so you won’t need to find your housing on your own. Options can include homestays (highly rated!), residence halls, or apartments depending on your location. You will be given an opportunity to indicate any preferences you may have for housing once you are admitted into the program, which our staff will take into consideration to the best of their ability as they are making arrangements for students. While it’s not recommended, it is possible for you to arrange your own housing abroad if your home school approves you to do so.