barcelona buildings night
Barcelona, Spain

Summer Business + Culture

Study Program

Dates

-

4 weeks

Costs

Credit

3 - 4 semester hours

4.5 - 6 quarter hours

Eligibility

Application Deadline

Apply Now

Request Information

Dates

-

4 weeks

Costs

Credit

3 - 4 semester hours

4.5 - 6 quarter hours

Eligibility

Application Deadline

Apply Now

Request Information

Dates

-

4 weeks

Costs

Credit

3 - 4 semester hours

4.5 - 6 quarter hours

Eligibility

Application Deadline

Apply Now

Request Information

Dates

-

8 weeks

Costs

Credit

3 - 4 semester hours

4.5 - 6 quarter hours

Eligibility

Application Deadline

Apply Now

Request Information

Dates

-

8 weeks

Costs

Credit

3 - 4 semester hours

4.5 - 6 quarter hours

Eligibility

Application Deadline

Apply Now

Request Information

Dates

-

12 weeks

Costs

Credit

3 - 4 semester hours

4.5 - 6 quarter hours

Eligibility

Application Deadline

Apply Now

Request Information

Dates

-

4 weeks

Costs

Credit

3 - 4 semester hours

4.5 - 6 quarter hours

Eligibility

Application Deadline

The application deadline has passed.

Apply Now

Request Information

Overview

Renowned as the cosmopolitan capital of Spain's Catalonia region, Barcelona is home to stunning architecture, world-class cuisine, and a vibrant cultural heritage, making this incredible city one of Europe's top study abroad destinations.

Spend your summer studying business, discovering a new culture, and gaining crucial global perspectives during this rigorous and exciting summer study abroad program. Your summer abroad will include challenging coursework, engaging company visits, and thought-provoking discussions led by guest speakers. Outside the classroom, your courses will be complemented by co-curricular activities designed to increase intercultural understanding.

Unique Experiences

EXPLORE THE REGION OF CATALONIA

and surrounding provinces with exciting excursions.

LIVE WITH A SPANISH FAMILY

and immerse yourself in local culture.

TAKE FIELD TRIPS

to monuments and guided tours of the city.

2,048

STARTUPS

1.1 M

JOBS

73

NEIGHBORHOODS

Experience
  • city view of barcelona spain
  • students jump abroad barcelona

Your Destination

Barcelona is the capital of Catalonia, a region in northeastern Spain with its own distinctive history, culture, and language. Exploring the city, you will observe Roman remains contrasting with the ultramodern buildings, reflecting the city’s commercial and industrial successes. CIEE’s Summer Business + Culture program allows you to discover this rich, new culture and gain a critical global perspective. 

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

montserrat visit barcelona ciee abroad

EXCURSIONS & ACTIVITIES

  • One of our popular day trips takes you to Montserrat, a Benedictine monastery retreat high atop one of the most spectacular mountain ranges in Catalunya. Not only is its history of significant religious importance but the surrounding natural beauty is nothing short of breathtaking. There you can visit the monastery to see La Moreneta (the black Madonna), listen to the world-renowned Boys’ Choir (whose history dates back to the 14th century), and trek any of the numerous mountain trails where you’ll take in incredible countryside views and see the most unusual rock formations in all of Catalonia. Are you ready? Let’s go! 
  • Discover the Gràcia neighborhood, famous for its bohemian and artistic style and streets filled with color and culture. 
  • Visit the oldest preserved garden, 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.
barcelona interns steps high five

PROJECTS

Volunteering: Although there are no formal community service activities on this program, volunteer opportunities can be arranged by CIEE staff.

Program Blogs

From CIEE

How to Study Spanish in Barcelona: 3 Steps

By College Study Abroad at CIEE

If you’re reading this blog post, chances are you’re looking to learn Spanish in Barcelona. Well, you’ve come to the right place! Barcelona is the ultimate playground for anyone wanting... keep reading

From CIEE

Spain Celebrations: Top 5 Holidays in Spain

By College Study Abroad at CIEE

Let’s talk about Spain, where the sun shines brightly, the tapas are endless, the culture is electric, and the celebrations in Spain are plentiful. Whether you’re snacking on late-night churros... keep reading

From CIEE

Should I Study Abroad in Spain or Italy?

By College Study Abroad at CIEE

When weighing your study abroad options, it’s easy to get stuck on a few favorite destinations. We get it! After all, we offer a ton of different study abroad programs... keep reading

What People are Saying

  • "I would very much likely to recommend CIEE Study Abroad to my friends and peers due to the fact that all the staff at CIEE where friendly and the teacher are nice. I had a lot of fun during my stay in Spain."

    Bolanle O., Lehman College

  • "The students that are a part of this program are great. You are very likely to find and make new friends very quickly which makes your experience so much more enjoyable. It was also very to apply and they make everything very simple and understandable. I think its a very well put together program."

    Ali N., California State University - Fullerton

  • "I think it is a fantastic program. It is well organized. The faculty is great. There are great choices for classes. The day trips are fun. Everything about CIEE exceeded my expectations."

    Jake W., University of Miami

  • "The instructors and staff provided enough guidance to give you the best experience possible while treating you as responsible adults to let you take on the experience as your own."

    Mali K., University of Oregon

  • "The program was fun, well organized and had friendly and supportive staff"

    Roismaire R., University of Washington

Housing
Academics

Academics

Students choose one, two, or three 4-week sessions and explore the Spanish economy, international management, and international marketing. Before the start of the program, students must have completed two semesters of college-level micro- or macroeconomics, accounting, finance, management, marketing, or statistics. Courses are taught by local university faculty and business professionals. In-class work is augmented with co-curricular visits to the city’s rich variety of cultural institutions, organizations, and companies relevant to the course offering. 

CIEE Barcelona is located near Barcelona’s main square, Plaça de Catalunya.

GPA

2.5

Language Requirements

There are no specific language requirements for this program.

Additional Requirements

2 semesters of college-level micro- or macroeconomics, accounting, finance, management, marketing, or statistics.

Please refer to the detailed Program Essential Eligibility Criteria.

Individual courses may have additional prerequisites; for CIEE courses, these are listed in the syllabi below. Students are responsible for having their own course approval conversations with their advisors. Your study abroad advisor and CIEE staff can help you understand your course options if you don't see a recommendation that fits your course needs.

Requirements

  • Students enroll in one 3-credit business course per session 
  • Optional: Communicative Spanish course (1 credit)

Program Credit

Total credit: 3-4 U.S. semester/4.5-6 quarter credits per session

Course Credit

  • CIEE courses: 3 U.S. semester/4.5 quarter credits; 45 contact hours per session 
  • CIEE Communicative Language course: 1 U.S. semester/1.5 quarter credits; 15 contact hours 

Students studying with CIEE for multiple sessions may only take Communicative Spanish once.

Individual courses may have additional prerequisites; for CIEE courses, these are listed in the syllabi below. Students are responsible for having their own course approval conversations with their advisors. Your study abroad advisor and CIEE staff can help you understand your course options if you don't see a recommendation that fits your course needs.

Academic Culture

Although extracurricular activities and personal travel contribute to the overall study abroad experience, early departure for, or late return from weekends is prohibited. Extended travel should take place before the start of the program, on weekends, or upon completion of the program.

Class Format

Classes are open only to CIEE students and meet Monday through Friday. Content courses typically have no more than 20 students.

Grading

Grades are based on class participation, in-class activities, homework assignments, exams, papers, and oral presentations. Some courses also require a theoretical exam and a group or individual project.

Individual courses may have additional prerequisites; for CIEE courses, these are listed in the syllabi below. Students are responsible for having their own course approval conversations with their advisors. Your study abroad advisor and CIEE staff can help you understand your course options if you don't see a recommendation that fits your course needs.

Language of Instruction

English

Individual courses may have additional prerequisites; for CIEE courses, these are listed in the syllabi below. Students are responsible for having their own course approval conversations with their advisors. Your study abroad advisor and CIEE staff can help you understand your course options if you don't see a recommendation that fits your course needs.

Courses

Course Information

Summer Session I 2025

Course
Language
Semester Credit

Summer Session II 2025

Course
Language
Semester Credit

Summer Session III 2025

Course
Language
Semester Credit

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.

Scholarships

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
  • CIEE STEM Scholarship

To be considered, submit the CIEE Scholarships & Grants application within your CIEE program application.

Learn more about scholarships

Dates & Fees

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.

Program

Application Due

Start Date

End Date

Fees & Housing

Program Summer Session I 2025 4 weeks Start Date End Date Fees & Housing $4,850
Program Summer Session II 2025 4 weeks Start Date End Date Fees & Housing $4,850
Program Summer Session III 2025 4 weeks Start Date End Date Fees & Housing $4,850
Program Summer Session I and II 2025 8 weeks Start Date End Date Fees & Housing $8,730
Program Summer Session II and III 2025 8 weeks Start Date End Date Fees & Housing $8,730
Program Summer Sessions I, II and III 2025 12 weeks Start Date End Date Fees & Housing $12,610
Program Summer Session III 2024 4 weeks Application Due Deadline Passed Start Date End Date Fees & Housing $4,750

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 = $2,960**

Housing = $1,390***

Insurance = $200

Total Fees = $4,850

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 = $280

International Airfare = $1,250††

Local Transportation = $21†††

Books & Supplies = $30

Personal expenses = $150††††

Total Costs = $1,731

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.

See Scholarships

*non-refundable

**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-usual (1 month) = 20€ ($21)

††††Personal expenses: $100 emergency fund and cell phone expense + estimated cost of toiletries for one session

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 = $2,960**

Housing = $1,390***

Insurance = $200

Total Fees = $4,850

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 = $280

International Airfare = $1,250††

Local Transportation = $21†††

Books & Supplies = $30

Personal expenses = $150††††

Total Costs = $1,731

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.

See Scholarships

*non-refundable

**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-usual (1 month) = 20€ ($21)

††††Personal expenses: $100 emergency fund and cell phone expense + estimated cost of toiletries for one session

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 = $2,960**

Housing = $1,390***

Insurance = $200

Total Fees = $4,850

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 = $280

International Airfare = $1,250††

Local Transportation = $21†††

Books & Supplies = $30

Personal expenses = $150††††

Total Costs = $1,731

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.

See Scholarships

*non-refundable

**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-usual (1 month) = 20€ ($21)

††††Personal expenses: $100 emergency fund and cell phone expense + estimated cost of toiletries for one session

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 = $5,450**

Housing = $2,780***

Insurance = $200

Total Fees = $8,730

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 = $560

International Airfare = $1,250††

Local Transportation = $42†††

Books & Supplies = $60

Personal expenses = $300††††

Total Costs = $2,212

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.

See Scholarships

*non-refundable

**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: 2 t-usual (1 month) = 40€ ($43)

††††Personal expenses: $100 emergency fund and cell phone expense + estimated cost of toiletries for one session

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 = $5,450**

Housing = $2,780***

Insurance = $200

Total Fees = $8,730

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 = $560

International Airfare = $1,250††

Local Transportation = $42†††

Books & Supplies = $60

Personal expenses = $300††††

Total Costs = $2,212

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.

See Scholarships

*non-refundable

**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: 2 t-usual (1 month) = 40€ ($43)

††††Personal expenses: $100 emergency fund and cell phone expense + estimated cost of toiletries for one session

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 = $7,940**

Housing = $4,170***

Insurance = $200

Total Fees = $12,610

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 = $840

International Airfare = $1,250††

Local Transportation = $63†††

Books & Supplies = $90

Personal expenses = $450††††

Total Costs = $2,693

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.

See Scholarships

*non-refundable

**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)

††††Personal expenses: $100 emergency fund and cell phone expense + estimated cost of toiletries for one session

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 = $3,053**

Housing = $1,200

Insurance = $197

Total Fees = $4,750

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 = $280

International Airfare = $1,250††

Local Transportation = $21†††

Books & Supplies = $30

Personal expenses = $150††††

Total Costs = $1,731

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 = $200^

Select Plus Housing Fee = $400^^

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.

See Scholarships

*non-refundable

**direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students

For students in homestays, families provide 2 meals (breakfast and dinner). 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-usual (1 month) = 20€ ($21)

††††Personal expenses: $100 emergency fund and cell phone expense + estimated cost of toiletries for one session

^first-come, first serve, based on availability

^^first-come, first serve, based on availability

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

Staff

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).

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 (International House/ Universitat de Barcelona).

Get Started Steps

Get Started

Here’s what you need to do to take the next steps:

1

Start an Application

You're one step closer to an amazing study abroad experience!

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 Us

Send us an email if you still have questions or need information about applying to this program.

Request Info