First Year Abroad in Barcelona
Unique Experiences
Cultural Immersion
As the capital city of Spain’s Catalonia region, Barcelona is rich in cultural heritage with a magnificent coastline
College Credits
Stay on track with your 4-year graduation requirements and earn up to 13 credits per semester
Lifelong Skills and Friendships
Jump right into independence, far away from home, and bond with other U.S. and international students
The Destination
Culture, sports, fashion, finance, media, and entertainment – Barcelona is brimming with it all. The largest city on the Mediterranean Sea, Barcelona is home to 1.6 million in the city proper and 4.5 million 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.
Barcelona is the second largest city in Spain, after Madrid, but feels decidedly different. It has its own unique personality and is known more for rock music than flamenco dancing. Whimsical buildings and cultural curiosities make everyday sightseeing far from ordinary. Youthful energy fills busy boulevards lined with cafes, shops, and street performers. Beach volleyball matches bring a California vibe to the Catalan coast.
Tapas are everywhere, all day long. Cakes and both sweet and savory pastries fill bakery window displays. Mouth-watering churros with mugs of thick chocolate for dipping are found at authentic churrerías. Food markets from the world-famous La Boqueria to smaller neighborhood stands sell patatas bravas, ham croquettes, pizza slices and more!
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 marginalized identities might encounter in Barcelona.
Students may study in Barcelona for a maximum of 12 weeks (fall or spring).
Excursions & Activities
Ample activities and day-trips will be offered to immerse you in Spain’s culture and historical heritage. Each semester typically includes five day-trips or one overnight and three day-trips.
- See Barcelona from new heights with a hike and excursion to Collserola.
- Understand why landmarks like Museu Picasso and Gaudi’s artworks draw visitors from around the world.
- Explore Roman ruins in the coastal city of Tarragona, the medieval town of Girona, and the Dalí museum in Figueres, among others.
Please note this list of activities is based on past programs and subject to change at CIEE's discretion to both adapt to local circumstances and participant feedback. Our goal when revising itineraries is always to enhance your experience. Every activity is designed to provide you with a deep immersion in your topic, local culture and sights.
Housing & Meals
Housing
All housing is within a 30-40-minute commute to CIEE Barcelona.
Homestays: Live with a Spanish host family, with or without another CIEE student, and immerse yourself in the city’s language and culture. Each student has an individual room.
Residence Halls: Students usually live with a mix of CIEE students, local and international students in dormitory-like buildings. If local health and safety regulations permit, most students live in double or triple rooms. Students usually share kitchens and common areas.
Housing is on a first-come, first-served basis. If we cannot accommodate your first housing choice, we’ll let you know before you arrive.
Meals
Homestays: Students living in homestays have breakfast and either lunch or dinner at their homes. Host families and students arrange their own meal schedules. Students are responsible for the remaining meals, either preparing them at home or eating in one of many restaurants and cafés throughout the city.
Residence hall: No meals provided. Students prepare their own meals in their own kitchenette or the residence hall’s shared kitchen facilities or eat in one of many restaurants and cafés throughout the city.
Academics
First Year Abroad offers foundational college courses taught by CIEE local instructors to start your four-year college degree. We combine rigorous intro-level academic courses with unforgettable experiences outside the classroom to create a curriculum fostering academic, intercultural, and professional skills that help you succeed in college and the world beyond.
Our curriculum includes general education courses from major disciplines that offer you college credits to stay on track. Choose lecture and lab courses from the Arts and Humanities, World Language, Natural and Physical Sciences, Mathematics, Social Sciences, as well as courses specifically designed to help you develop organizational, writing and study skills to thrive in college.
Course Information
For information about how these courses will be transferred back to Dean College, please refer to the course equivalency chart.
History, Philosophy, Religion
Social Sciences
Visual and Performing Arts
Business, Economics, Management, and Marketing
Communication, Journalism, and Media
Languages and Cultural Studies
Biological and Physical Sciences
Business, Economics, Management, and Marketing
Social Sciences
History, Philosophy, Religion
Languages and Cultural Studies
Literature, Linguistics, and Writing
Psychology
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.
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.
Interested in an academic year program? CIEE offers exciting customizable First Year Abroad (FYA) programs in select locations. Talk to your Enrollment Coordinator if you're interested in any of these combinations, and please note that visa and departure requirements may vary depending on your chosen program combination.
Program |
Application Due |
Start Date |
End Date |
Fees & Housing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Program Spring 2026 12 weeks | Start Date * | End Date * | ||
| Program Spring 2025 12 weeks | Application Due Deadline Passed | Start Date | End Date | Fees & Housing $20,800 |
| Program Fall 2025 12 weeks | Start Date * | End Date * | ||
| Program Fall 2024 12 weeks | Application Due Deadline Passed | Start Date | End Date | Fees & Housing $20,800 |
*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, you will pay your CIEE program fee (fee varies by location) and Dean College tuition and fees ($2,900 total for all locations) directly to Dean College.
Federal financial aid and state aid (Massachusetts residents only) is available through Dean College. Students applying for need-based financial aid from Dean College must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) using the FAFSA School Code for Dean College: 002144.
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.
Estimated Costs
Students are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration.
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.
Program Fee = $20,800*
Total Fees = $20,800Estimated Costs
Students are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration.
*CIEE Fees: $17,900; Dean College Fees: $2,900
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.
Estimated Costs
Students are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration.
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.
Program Fee = $20,800*
Total Fees = $20,800Estimated Costs
Students are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration.
*CIEE Fees: $17,900; Dean College Fees: $2,900
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
Get Started
1
Start a CIEE FYA Application
You’re one step closer to an amazing study abroad experience! You need to apply and be accepted by both CIEE and Dean College to join FYA. Don’t worry! We’ll help you through the process!
2
Complete the Dean College FYA Application
You will receive an email with a unique link to your personalized Dean College application after completing your CIEE FYA application.
3
Contact Us
Send us an email if you still have questions or need information about applying to the FYA program.