Spanish Language & Culture
Why Choose This Program?
Live the Language
Experience authentic immersion in the Spanish language and culture.
Network
Meet new friends and gain a new family. Make lasting memories and connections.
Get Inspired
Jump up a level in Spanish. Shine on college applications.
The Destination
Welcome to Barcelona, a stylish city with distinctive, imaginative buildings that look straight out of a Dr. Seuss book.
Barcelona, the second largest city in Spain after Madrid, has its own unique personality, known more for rock music than flamenco. Whimsical architecture makes a walk down its boulevards feel far from ordinary—Gaudí’s incomparable work is on display everywhere, from the intricate sculptures and towering spires of La Sagrada Familia—the most-visited monument in Spain—to Casa Milà (La Pedrera) and Parc Güell. Art lovers flock to Barcelona’s dozens of famous museums, like The Picasso Museum, which houses its collection inside five medieval mansions.
Trendy cafés, bakeries, and restaurants line the streets where food lovers can enjoy traditional Catalan and Spanish cuisine, including tapas, seafood, paella, and sweet and savory pastries. Now among the top 10 fashion capitals of the world, Barcelona offers fashion and shopping districts that rival those of Paris. After a day of exploring, you can always escape the busy center and head to La Barceloneta beach to swim or to Montjuic mountain for breathtaking views of the Mediterranean coast.
Cultural Awareness
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.
Sample Itinerary
Sample Activities
Just imagine all the fun you’ll have!
- Lose yourself inside Casa Milà (La Pedrera), a complete work of art inside and out, and one of Gaudi’s most iconic buildings.
- Uncover the secrets of Spanish cuisine in a tapas workshop. Learn to cook traditional favorites like patatas bravas and tortilla española.
- Tour the Barceloneta, a former fishing neighborhood, with the old harbor on one side and sandy beaches on the other.
- Enjoy panoramic views of Barcelona from Mount Tibidabo and visit one of the oldest Amusement Parks in Europe.
- Bask in the ancient and medieval heritage of Catalonia at Empúries, ranked by UNESCO as one of the world’s most beautiful archaeological sites.
Please note activities are based on past programs and subject to change at CIEE's discretion to adapt to local circumstances and participant feedback. Our goal when arranging activities is always to enhance your experience.
La Sagrada Familia
Sagrada Familia is the iconic attraction in Barcelona, and the Spanish Language & Culture students had the opportunity to tour the magnificent basilica this week. Before our visit, the students... keep reading
When Can My Teen Book Their Flight for High School Summer Abroad?
Your teen might be the first in the family to study abroad, to travel outside the U.S., and/or to take a solo flight. This is both exciting and nerve-wracking—so the... keep reading
7 Things to Know About High School Summer Abroad Housing
High school summer abroad is not just about teens exploring a topic in an exciting location. It’s also about finding a temporary home away from home. Read the 7 things you should know about our housing options.
Eligibility
- Participants must be 14 years old and above.
- Program open to all current high school students—Freshmen, Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors—who have completed at least one year of high school Spanish. Students who have completed at least two years of high school Spanish may qualify for the Honors Language & Culture program in Madrid or Seville.
- For scholarship eligibility requirements, please check our scholarship page.
For more information, refer to the detailed Program Essential Eligibility Criteria.
Dates & Fees
Application Fee
$25
Optional College Credit Fee
$150
Learn more about how to get college credit for your future college degree.
Program scholarships and tuition include iNext Travel Insurance, but do not cover the cost of flights. Find additional details about what’s included with your tuition.
More questions? Find answers, get application support, sign up for virtual presentations or contact us!
Program |
Application Due |
Start Date |
End Date |
Costs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Program Summer Session I 2025 4 weeks | Start Date | End Date | Costs $7,400 | |
| Program Summer Session II 2025 4 weeks | Start Date | End Date | Costs $7,400 |
Ready to change your life?
What’s Included
Interactive Classes
Housing
3 Meals/Day
(Dietary Needs Accommodated)
All Ground Transportation
(Once In-country)
Optional Flight Chaperone
(Flight Cost Not Included)
Pre-departure Advice and Orientation
Access to WIFI
(No international data plan or SIM card included)
All Cultural Activities and Excursions
Comprehensive Medical and Travel Protection
24/7 Emergency On-site Support
Our Staff
Andrés Tabárez
Center Director
Andrés Tabárez is Center Director at CIEE Barcelona. Andrés holds a Ph.D. in Classical Studies from the University of Barcelona (UB).
Program Leaders guide and support our High School Summer Abroad participants through every step of their program.
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