barcelona street night tables
Barcelona, Spain

Summer Language + Culture

Study Program

Dates

-

4 weeks

Costs

Credit

3 - 4 per session semester hours

4.5 - 6 per session quarter hours

Eligibility

Application Deadline

Request Information

Dates

-

4 weeks

Costs

Credit

3 - 4 per session semester hours

4.5 - 6 per session quarter hours

Eligibility

Application Deadline

Request Information

Dates

-

4 weeks

Costs

Credit

3 - 4 per session semester hours

4.5 - 6 per session quarter hours

Eligibility

Application Deadline

Request Information

Dates

-

8 weeks

Costs

Credit

3 - 4 per session semester hours

4.5 - 6 per session quarter hours

Eligibility

Application Deadline

Request Information

Dates

-

8 weeks

Costs

Credit

3 - 4 per session semester hours

4.5 - 6 per session quarter hours

Eligibility

Application Deadline

Request Information

Dates

-

12 weeks

Costs

Credit

3 - 4 per session semester hours

4.5 - 6 per session quarter hours

Eligibility

Application Deadline

Request Information

Dates

-

4 weeks

Costs

Credit

3 - 4 per session semester hours

4.5 - 6 per session quarter hours

Eligibility

Application Deadline

The application deadline has passed.

Request Information

Overview

Spend your summer experiencing Barcelona's countless cultural wonders, all while earning college credit! Designed for students from various academic backgrounds, this Language + Culture program provides the perfect opportunity to live and learn in Spain's vibrant beach city.

When class is in session at ºÚÁÏÍø911Barcelona, you'll enroll in your choice of classes, all delivered in English or Spanish, across subjects including history, art, marketing, urban culture, and more. You'll also have the opportunity to gain fluency fast by taking a Spanish language course.

Outside the classroom, you'll have time to enjoy Barcelona's impressive architecture, mouth-watering cuisine, and rich history!

Unique Experiences

LIVE WITH A HOST FAMILY

at their Barcelona home and upgrade your Spanish language skills as you learn about local customs.

FAST-FORWARD YOUR LANGUAGE SKILLS

or explore Spanish art, history, politics, or urban culture with classes taught in English and Spanish.

EXPERIENCE LIFE

in a cosmopolitan city rooted in ancient tradition and reaching toward the future.

9

UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITES

10

BEACHES STRETCH ALONG THE MEDITERRANEAN SEA

12

METRO LINES

Experience
  • barcelona tour students streets spain
  • selfie barcelona photobooth ciee center

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 Language + Culture program allows you to discover this rich, new culture and gain a critical global perspective. 

ºÚÁÏÍø911Barcelona 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. 

ºÚÁÏÍø911wants all our students to feel welcomed, supported, and empowered to succeed while studying abroad. Local ºÚÁÏÍø911staff have provided details about  that students with specific identities might encounter in Barcelona.

The Culture

barcelona students share meal

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.

Program Blogs

From CIEE

How to Cope with Culture Shock and Homesickness

By College Study Abroad Ambassador at CIEE

By: Alexa Levy Studying abroad can be a daunting—frankly, even terrifying—adventure. Leaving behind what’s familiar to embrace the unknown is a lot easier said than done. My first study abroad... keep reading

From CIEE

Exploring Barcelona: Embrace Your Own Pace

By College Study Abroad Ambassador at CIEE

By: Camille Hodgkins When studying abroad, it’s easy to feel pressure to travel every weekend, bouncing from one country to the next, trying to see as much as possible. But... keep reading

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

What People are Saying

  • "It is such an immersive experience. Its the perfect way to travel if you havent gone abroad before"

    Kyndal A., University of Washington

  • "I loved living in a homestay, and I enjoyed the ºÚÁÏÍø911class I took."

    Kaitlin C., Barnard College

  • "It was incredible and so much more than I expected!"

    Kelsey G., University of Colorado-Boulder

  • "The course was really well organized and did a lot to make sure that we understand the material."

    Nikki M., University of Illinois at Chicago

Housing
Academics

Academics

This summer program is designed for students to learn about Spain and Spanish culture and/or take their Spanish language skills to the next level, with a choice of one, two, or three four-week sessions.  Options include an advanced language course and content courses in art, history, branding and urban culture taught in English and Spanish. 

The Advanced Spanish course is taught by experienced professors who specialize in teaching Spanish as a second language. ºÚÁÏÍø911courses are taught by university faculty members. 

 ºÚÁÏÍø911Barcelona is located near Barcelona’s main square, Plaça de Catalunya.

GPA

2.5

Language Requirements

Students need 4 semesters of college-level Spanish (or equivalent) to take courses taught in Spanish.

Additional Requirements

Please refer to the detailed Program Essential Eligibility Criteria.

Individual courses may have additional prerequisites; for ºÚÁÏÍø911courses, 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 ºÚÁÏÍø911staff 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 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

  • ºÚÁÏÍø911courses: 3 U.S. semester/4.5 quarter credits; 45 contact hours per session 
  • ºÚÁÏÍø911Communicative Language course: 1 U.S. semester/1.5 quarter credits; 15 contact hours 

Students studying with ºÚÁÏÍø911for multiple sessions may only take Communicative Spanish once.   

Individual courses may have additional prerequisites; for ºÚÁÏÍø911courses, 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 ºÚÁÏÍø911staff can help you understand your course options if you don't see a recommendation that fits your course needs.

Academic Culture

ºÚÁÏÍø911courses are designed to follow U.S. academic culture and standards. The class environment typically features a combination of traditional lecture and discussion with co-curricular excursions and activities. Heavy emphasis is placed on student participation. To avoid falling behind, students should not plan personal travel out of the city when classes are in session and plan trips for the weekends. 

Class Format

Classes are open only to ºÚÁÏÍø911students and meet Monday through Friday.  Language classes are small, typically with up to 15 students per class, and emphasize communication and work in small groups.  Content courses typically have no more than 20 students. 

Grading

Students are graded based on class participation, class activities, homework assignments, exams, papers, and oral presentations.  Grades are assigned on a 100-point scale. 

Individual courses may have additional prerequisites; for ºÚÁÏÍø911courses, 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 ºÚÁÏÍø911staff can help you understand your course options if you don't see a recommendation that fits your course needs.

Language of Instruction

English and Spanish

Individual courses may have additional prerequisites; for ºÚÁÏÍø911courses, 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 ºÚÁÏÍø911staff can help you understand your course options if you don't see a recommendation that fits your course needs.

Courses

Course Information

Students studying with ºÚÁÏÍø911for multiple sessions may only take Communicative Spanish once.

Summer Session I 2025

Course
Language
Semester Credit
English
3
English
3
English
3
Spanish
1
Spanish
3

Summer Session II 2025

Course
Language
Semester Credit
English
3
Spanish
3
English
3
English
3
Spanish
1
Spanish
3

Summer Session III 2025

Course
Language
Semester Credit
English
3
Spanish
3
English
3
Spanish
1
Spanish
3

Note: This course listing is for informational purposes only and does not constitute a contract between ºÚÁÏÍø911and 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 ºÚÁÏÍø911sites.

Scholarships

Scholarships & Grants

ºÚÁÏÍø911offers 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
  • ºÚÁÏÍø911Gilman Go Global Grant
  • MSI Grant
  • ºÚÁÏÍø911STEM Scholarship

To be considered, submit the ºÚÁÏÍø911Scholarships & Grants application within your ºÚÁÏÍø911program 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

ºÚÁÏÍø911offers 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 ºÚÁÏÍø911iNext 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†â¶Ä 

Local Transportation = $21†â¶Ä â€ 

Books & Supplies = $30

Personal expenses = $150†â¶Ä â€ â¶Ä 

Total Costs = $1,731

Financial Aid

ºÚÁÏÍø911offers 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.

†â¶Ä Round-trip based on U.S. East Coast departure

†â¶Ä â€ Local transportation: t-usual (1 month) = 20€ ($21)

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

Program Fees

ºÚÁÏÍø911offers 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 ºÚÁÏÍø911iNext 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†â¶Ä 

Local Transportation = $21†â¶Ä â€ 

Books & Supplies = $30

Personal expenses = $150†â¶Ä â€ â¶Ä 

Total Costs = $1,731

Financial Aid

ºÚÁÏÍø911offers 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.

†â¶Ä Round-trip based on U.S. East Coast departure

†â¶Ä â€ Local transportation: t-usual (1 month) = 20€ ($21)

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

Program Fees

ºÚÁÏÍø911offers 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 ºÚÁÏÍø911iNext 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†â¶Ä 

Local Transportation = $21†â¶Ä â€ 

Books & Supplies = $30

Personal expenses = $150†â¶Ä â€ â¶Ä 

Total Costs = $1,731

Financial Aid

ºÚÁÏÍø911offers 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.

†â¶Ä Round-trip based on U.S. East Coast departure

†â¶Ä â€ Local transportation: t-usual (1 month) = 20€ ($21)

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

Program Fees

ºÚÁÏÍø911offers 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 ºÚÁÏÍø911iNext 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†â¶Ä 

Local Transportation = $42†â¶Ä â€ 

Books & Supplies = $60

Personal expenses = $300†â¶Ä â€ â¶Ä 

Total Costs = $2,212

Financial Aid

ºÚÁÏÍø911offers 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.

†â¶Ä Round-trip based on U.S. East Coast departure

†â¶Ä â€ Local transportation: t-jove (3 months) = 40€ ($43) / Local transportation: 2 t-usual (1 month) = 40€ ($43)

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

Program Fees

ºÚÁÏÍø911offers 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 ºÚÁÏÍø911iNext 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†â¶Ä 

Local Transportation = $42†â¶Ä â€ 

Books & Supplies = $60

Personal expenses = $300†â¶Ä â€ â¶Ä 

Total Costs = $2,212

Financial Aid

ºÚÁÏÍø911offers 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.

†â¶Ä Round-trip based on U.S. East Coast departure

†â¶Ä â€ Local transportation: t-jove (3 months) = 40€ ($43) / Local transportation: 2 t-usual (1 month) = 40€ ($43)

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

Program Fees

ºÚÁÏÍø911offers 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 ºÚÁÏÍø911iNext 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†â¶Ä 

Local Transportation = $63†â¶Ä â€ 

Books & Supplies = $90

Personal expenses = $450†â¶Ä â€ â¶Ä 

Total Costs = $2,693

Financial Aid

ºÚÁÏÍø911offers 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.

†â¶Ä Round-trip based on U.S. East Coast departure

†â¶Ä â€ Local transportation: t-jove (3 months) = 40€ ($43)

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

Program Fees

ºÚÁÏÍø911offers 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 ºÚÁÏÍø911iNext travel protection with benefits.

Participation Confirmation = $300*

Educational Costs = $3,028**

Housing = $1,225

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†â¶Ä 

Local Transportation = $21†â¶Ä â€ 

Books & Supplies = $30

Personal expenses = $150†â¶Ä â€ â¶Ä 

Total Costs = $1,731

Optional Housing

ºÚÁÏÍø911accommodation 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

ºÚÁÏÍø911offers 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.

†â¶Ä Round-trip based on U.S. East Coast departure

†â¶Ä â€ Local transportation: t-usual (1 month) = 20€ ($21)

†â¶Ä â€ â¶Ä 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

ºÚÁÏÍø911iNext travel protection

Staff

Our Staff

Andrés Tabárez

Center Director

Andrés Tabárez is Center Director at ºÚÁÏÍø911Barcelona. 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