Liberal Arts
The charming and historic city of Barcelona is calling your name! Known as the cosmopolitan capital of Spain's Catalonia region, Barcelona is renowned for its stunning architecture, world-class cuisine, and vibrant cultural heritage, making it the ideal destination for students in our Liberal Arts program!
During their study abroad, students from multiple areas of study experience the city's countless cultural wonders – all while earning college credit. When class is in session at CIEE Barcelona and CIEE's partner school, Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), you'll take your advanced Spanish language skills to the next level. Choosing from a wide range of courses, you'll quickly strengthen your language skills while building a broad understanding of Spain's history and culture.
Outside the classroom, you'll have plenty of time to explore everything Barcelona has to offer. From indulging in mouth-watering tapas at one of the city's 19 Michelin-starred restaurants to marveling at world-famous architect Antoni Gaudí's 20+ sites, your time in Spain's most famous city will be nothing short of life-changing!
Unique Experiences
GAIN FLUENCY FAST
by chatting with Spanish peers in language exchanges, hanging out with your host family, or working on a group project with classmates.
LIVE LIKE A NATIVE BARCELONAN
in a cosmopolitan university city that’s rooted in ancient tradition and committed to the future.
GET WORK EXPERIENCE
and a behind-the-scenes look at publishing, marketing, business, school, or NGO with an internship.
2,000
YEARS OF HISTORY
1,728
CONVENTIONS YEARLY
8,000
RESTAURANTS
Your Destination
Culture, sport, fashion, finance, media, and entertainment – Barcelona is brimming with it all. The largest city on the Mediterranean Sea, Barcelona is home to 1.7 million people in the city proper and 4.5 million people in the broader metro area. It is edged with a river on either side and backed by the Serra de Collserola mountains to the west.
Castilian Spanish and Catalan are the official languages. Both are regularly used in all aspects of life, and Catalan is not imposed. Taxi drivers, shopkeepers, professors, and host families all speak clear Castilian when Spanish speakers are present. Spanish is widely used at the university. Students don’t need to speak Catalan but learning a few words can open doors to making new friends.
CIEE Barcelona is conveniently located in a historical pedestrian passageway in the heart of the city. In it, students will find staff offices, classrooms, and open-air terraces. It is close to the host universities and to the city’s main attractions.
CIEE wants all our students to feel welcomed, supported, and empowered to succeed while studying abroad. Local CIEE staff have provided details about conditions and cultural attitudes that students with specific identities might encounter in Barcelona.
The Culture
EXCURSIONS & ACTIVITIES
- Visit Montserrat, where you can see La Moreneta (the black Madonna), hear a Boys’ Choir, and hike trails with incredible views and unique rock formations
- Discover the Gràcia neighborhood, famous for its bohemian and artistic style and streets filled with color and culture
- Visit the oldest preserved garden in Barcelona, reflecting both Neoclassical and Romantic styles – and try your luck in the park’s labyrinth maze
- Eat like a local and try popular traditional dishes like churros, patatas bravas, tortilla de patata, tapas, and pinchos
- See a flamenco show
- Hike the Carretera de les Aigües for amazing views over the city
INTERNSHIPS
Get valuable international work experience with a for-credit internship
- Placements include startups, small- to medium-sized companies, and magazine and publishing houses, among others
- Internships include a required weekly class to support the experience with academics
- Students applying for an internship are required to submit additional materials during the course selection process
LANGUAGE-LEARNING ENHANCEMENT
Lectures, films, discussion groups, and neighborhood tours are all possibilities that will expand your cultural knowledge while you practice speaking Spanish.
CIEE LOCAL MENTORS
Local university students help you get to know the city and meet new friends with small group activities like city tours, flamenco nights, and more.
Program Blogs
10 Best Cafes in Barcelona
By: Tara Shadravan I’ve been living in Barcelona for my fourth month now—I know because my 90 day metro pass just expired. I have established my favorite park, mastered the... keep reading
What is Reverse Culture Shock? 3 Examples
You’ve probably heard of culture shock , the disorienting experience of being in a new place and having to adapt to foreign customs and expectations. But did you know that... keep reading
What Countries Celebrate Halloween?
Ever wondered how Halloween goes down in other parts of the world? Spoiler alert: it's not all about pumpkin carving and candy overload! From Mexico’s Día de los Muertos to... keep reading
Housing & Meals
HOUSING
CIEE Barcelona offers diverse housing options to ensure you’re comfortable in your home away from home. From homestays to shared apartments, we strive for your accommodation preferences to be met. Additionally, all housing options are located in neighborhoods with convenient access to public transportation, shops, cafés, and eateries.
Standard Housing: Includes a single room at a homestay or a single room at a residence hall located within 50 minutes from CIEE Barcelona. Homestays feature a kitchen, living room, and bathroom shared with a host family. Residence Halls boast shared kitchens, common areas, and laundry facilities shared with other students.
Select Housing: Includes a double room at a shared apartment located within 30 minutes from CIEE Barcelona. Apartments boast shared kitchens, common areas, and laundry facilities shared with other students. Select housing requires an additional fee.
Select Plus Housing: Includes a single room at a residence hall located within 30 minutes from CIEE Barcelona. Residence halls boast shared kitchens, common areas, and laundry facilities shared with other students. Select Plus housing requires an additional fee.
A note: The default criterion to assign housing is first-come, first-served; however, other factors may also be considered. Final placements are communicated to all students 3 weeks before arrival.
MEALS
Homestays: Students have breakfast and dinner with their host families, and they are responsible for lunch. Students do not typically have access to use the kitchen at the host family home.
Residence Halls and Shared Apartments: Meals are not included.
Academics
Our Liberal Arts program gives students the opportunity to increase language proficiency and learn about Spanish history, politics, literature, and culture. All courses are taught in Spanish. Students can take courses with local and international students at Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF) and will also choose from a selection of CIEE elective courses. Language courses are taught by experienced professors who specialize in teaching Spanish as a second language. All other courses are taught by experienced university faculty and business professionals.
CIEE Barcelona is located near Barcelona’s main square, Plaça de Catalunya.
Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF) is a highly ranked public university in Barcelona created in 1990 by the Autonomous Government of Catalonia. At UPF, students can take courses with local students through the Department of Economics and Business administration, or with other international students at the Barcelona Program for Interdisciplinary Studies (BaPIS). All courses are usually held at Ciutadella Vila Olímpica Campus.
Course Information
- Once internship hours are started, students may not drop the internship and take another CIEE course.
- UPF courses are regular UPF classes taught with local students with a different academic system.
- UPF BaPIS courses are for both local and international students.
Academic Projects
History, Philosophy, Religion
Languages and Cultural Studies
Literature, Linguistics, and Writing
Social Sciences
Visual and Performing Arts
Agriculture
Academic Projects
History, Philosophy, Religion
Languages and Cultural Studies
Literature, Linguistics, and Writing
Social Sciences
Visual and Performing Arts
The following lists of courses constitute representative samples of course offerings through UPF and UPF BaPIS and may vary from semester to semester. Prior to arrival, students will be provided with a list of UPF and UPF BaPIS courses offered for their specific term and year of study.
UPF Barcelona Program for Interdisciplinary Studies (BaPIS) courses in Spanish
Course offerings may vary from semester to semester. Courses are 3 U.S. credits.
Syllabi for the courses listed below can be found on the BaPIS website.
Here is a sample of BaPIS courses in Spanish:
- Barcelona, The City, and It's History / Barcelona, la ciudad y su historia
- Literary Texts: Interpret, Dialog, and Create / Textos literarios: interpretar, dialogar, crear
- Activism and Animals Defense in Catalonia, Europe, and The World / Activismo y defensa de los animales en Cataluña, Europa y el mundo
- Climate Emergency, Environmentalism, and Energy Transition / Emergencia climática, ecologismo y transición energética
- What Is News? Truth, Misinformation, and Hegemony / ¿Qué es noticia? verdad, desinformación y hegemonía
UPF Regular courses
The following list is a general selection of regular UPF courses available to international students and is subject to change:
- Prehistory / Prehistoria
- Ancient History / Historia Antigua
- Medieval History / Historia Medieval
- Great Religious Traditions / Grandes Tradiciones Religiosas
- Contemporary Art / Arte Contemporáneo
- Introduction to Literary Studies / Introducción a los estudios literarios
Note: This course listing is for informational purposes only and does not constitute a contract between CIEE and any applicant, student, institution, or other party. The courses, as described, may be subject to change as a result of ongoing curricular revisions, assignment of lecturers and teaching staff, and program development. Courses may be canceled due to insufficient enrollment.
"(GI)" denotes courses that originated at CIEE's Global Institutes and that are offered at multiple CIEE sites.
Discover Internship Opportunities
We're excited you're considering this program! Next, explore the types of internships you can choose from for an epic internship abroad with CIEE Study Abroad.
Explore Industry Options
Students interning in Barcelona are placed with innovative startups and global organizations across various sectors. The most sought-after profiles are those with interests in business, engineering, marketing, and communication, reflecting the city's vibrant work scene that thrives on creativity and collaboration.
Business Management and Administration
Study international business practices, multicultural leadership, and global market dynamics in Scotland, China, and more.
Education and Training
Experience international teaching methodologies and curriculum development in classrooms around Jordan, Spain, and more.
Marketing, Sales and Service
Explore global market dynamics, cross-cultural consumer engagement, and sales techniques in firms, agencies, and companies.
Browse Internship Opportunities
Explore internship placements available through this program to find the right fit for your academic and professional goals.
Disclaimer: Internship placements are subject to availability and host employer hiring discretion. Application and payment of CIEE fees does not guarantee specific placement. This internship listing is for informational purposes only and does not constitute a contract between CIEE and any applicant, student, institution, or other party.
Scholarships & Grants
CIEE offers scholarships and grants annually to help students like you make your study abroad dream a reality.
Students who apply to this program are eligible for the following scholarships and grants:
- Ping Scholarships for Academic Excellence
- Global Access Initiative (GAIN) Grants
- CIEE Gilman Go Global Grant
- MSI Grant
To be considered, submit the CIEE Scholarships & Grants application within your CIEE program application.
Dates & Fees
You get more for every dollar when you study abroad with CIEE, because our high-quality programs include everything from excursions to insurance. There are no hidden charges, and no disappointing surprises when you arrive.
*Dates for this program are provided as tentative dates. Please consult with your study abroad advisor to confirm dates before purchasing your flights.
To help you budget, keep in mind that students are responsible for the cost of international airfare, local transportation, books and supplies, visas, and personal expenses. In addition, your college or university may charge additional fees for study abroad, or may require you to receive a transcript via CIEE's School of Record, which carries an additional fee of $500.
Program Fees
CIEE offers the most student support of any provider in its program fee, including an airport greeting, full-time leadership and support, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, pre-departure advising, and CIEE iNext travel protection with benefits.
| Participation Confirmation | $300 * |
| Educational Costs | $14,956 ** |
| Housing | $5,500 *** |
| Insurance | $194 |
| Total Fees | $20,950 |
Optional Housing
CIEE accommodation options are detailed in the Housing section. Based on availability, Select or Select Plus Housing can be chosen during the application process for an additional fee. Housing is assigned on a first-come, first-served basis; however, other factors may also be considered.
| Select Housing Fee | $1,500 |
| Select Plus Housing Fee | $2,500 |
Financial Aid
CIEE offers the most grants and scholarships of any study abroad organization, including $8 million/year in travel grants, merit-based scholarships, institutional and MSI grants, and Gilman Go Global Grants.
Estimated Costs
Students are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration.
| Meals not included in program fee | $1,120 † |
| International Airfare | $1,250 †† |
| Local Transportation | $65 ††† |
| Books & Supplies | $100 |
| Visa Fees | $160 |
| Potential travel to consulate for visa | $500 |
| Personal expenses | $260 †††† |
| Total Costs | $3,455 |
*non-refundable fee
**direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students
***Housing fees listed are for financial aid purposes only and should not be considered a basis for calculation of refunds.
†The listed estimated cost is for students in homestays. Families provide 2 meals (breakfast and dinner) and students purchase lunch (there isn’t usually access to a kitchen). For students in apartments, you should budget approx. $260 per month for groceries if you plan on making your own meals, and more if you plan on eating out regularly.
††Round-trip based on U.S. East Coast departure
†††Local transportation: t-jove (3 months) = 40€ ($43) / Local transportation: t-usual (1 month) = 20€ ($21)
††††$100 emergency fund + cell phone expense + toiletries
Program Fees
CIEE offers the most student support of any provider in its program fee, including an airport greeting, full-time leadership and support, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, pre-departure advising, and CIEE iNext travel protection with benefits.
| Participation Confirmation | $300 * |
| Educational Costs | $14,956 ** |
| Housing | $5,500 *** |
| Insurance | $194 |
| Total Fees | $20,950 |
Optional Housing
CIEE accommodation options are detailed in the Housing section. Based on availability, Select or Select Plus Housing can be chosen during the application process for an additional fee. Housing is assigned on a first-come, first-served basis; however, other factors may also be considered.
| Select Housing Fee | $1,500 |
| Select Plus Housing Fee | $2,250 |
Financial Aid
CIEE offers the most grants and scholarships of any study abroad organization, including $8 million/year in travel grants, merit-based scholarships, institutional and MSI grants, and Gilman Go Global Grants.
Estimated Costs
Students are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration.
| Meals not included in program fee | $1,120 † |
| International Airfare | $1,250 †† |
| Local Transportation | $65 ††† |
| Books & Supplies | $100 |
| Visa Fees | $160 |
| Potential travel to consulate for visa | $500 |
| Personal expenses | $260 †††† |
| Total Costs | $3,455 |
*non-refundable fee
**direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students
***Housing fees listed are for financial aid purposes only and should not be considered a basis for calculation of refunds.
†The listed estimated cost is for students in homestays. Families provide 2 meals (breakfast and dinner) and students purchase lunch (there isn’t usually access to a kitchen). For students in apartments, you should budget approx. $260 per month for groceries if you plan on making your own meals, and more if you plan on eating out regularly.
††round-trip based on U.S. East Coast departure
†††Local transportation: t-jove (3 months) = 40€ ($43) / t-usual (1 month) = 20€ ($21)
††††$100 emergency fund + cell phone expense + toiletries
What's Included
Tuition
Housing
Pre-departure Advising
Advising before you depart to set goals and answer questions
Optional on-site airport meet-and-greet
Orientation
Introduction to your program plus practical information about living in your host city
On-site Staff
Full-time program leadership and support in your city
Cultural and/or Co-curricular Activities
Excursions and/or Study Tours
Travel Protection
CIEE iNext travel protection
24/7 emergency on-site support
Our Staff
Andrés Tabárez
Center Director
Andrés holds a Ph.D. in Classical Studies from the University of Barcelona (UB).
José Luis Espinosa
Academic Director
José Luis holds a Ph.D. in Modern Languages and Gender Studies from the University of Salamanca (USAL).
Fernando Janeiro
Senior Program Manager
Nando holds a Master's Degree in Humanities from Universitat Pompeu Fabra (Barcelona) and is certified as a Spanish as a Second Language instructor.
Get Started
1
2
Connect With Your Campus Study Abroad Office
Share your plans and confirm you're on track to meet all required steps to go abroad.
3
Contact CIEE
We're here to help! Send us an email if you still have questions or need information about applying to this program.
4
Interested in an optional internship?
After being accepted to this program and submitting the required internship documents, work with CIEE staff on your internship goals and select which positions to interview for. CIEE will reach out to companies that would be a good fit for you, your interests, and your qualifications. Finalize your internship placement upon arrival!
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