CIEE Liberal Arts Program in Barcelona, Spain

  Spain

• Barcelona: 
Barcelona

Term: Academic Year, Fall, Spring 
Dates: Fall: 16 weeks: early September-late December; Spring: 16 weeks early January-late April; AY: 31 weeks early September-late April

Description: The goal of the Liberal Arts program is for intermediate/advanced level Spanish language students to further develop language skills and competency while studying Spanish history, art history, politics, and culture. Hispanic Studies courses at the Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF) focus on the emerging European Union and Spain, giving students a deeper understanding of the European Union and Spains role in it. Through Spanish university courses, students not only learn about language, history, and culture, but also learn to see the world from a different perspective.

Academic Program
The Liberal Arts program is designed for students with four or more semesters of Spanish who are interested in significantly improving their language skills while taking classes in Spanish history, politics, literature, and culture taught in Spanish.

Students complete an intensive Spanish language course that meets for the first three weeks of the semester and then choose among advanced language electives for the remainder of the semester. In addition, students select three courses from a selection of Hispanic and European Studies Program (HESP) courses, taught in Spanish, specifically designed for international students and regular, direct enrollment UPF courses. All students must take at least one direct enrollment course at UPF. All courses are taught in Spanish.

Academic Culture
CIEE language classes are held either in the CIEE Study Center or at UPF. The CIEE Study Center is located in International House, a historic Art Nouveau building near Plaza Urquinaona and Plaza Catalunya, Barcelonas main square. Classrooms at International House are specially designed for language teaching. Language courses have no more than 12 students in a class.

HESP courses are academically challenging, dynamic, and involve daily reading and homework assignments as well as regular attendance at lectures. The size of HESP courses does not exceed 35 students. CIEE language courses rarely exceed 20 students. Regular UPF classes may have up to 80 students in a class.

Emphasis is on attendance at daily lectures and careful note taking. The syllabus is not
as detailed as American syllabi, and students are expected to decide for themselves which readings from the syllabus they need to study to fill in gaps missed during the lectures. It is common to share notes with Spanish students and study together, which can benefit students in their language learning as well. Relatively less emphasis is placed
on participation and much more on the final exam. UPF classrooms are modern, comfort- able, and equipped with the most up-to-date technology used for instruction.

The fall semester begins in early September and ends just before Christmas. The spring semester begins in early January and runs through the end of April. Early departure for or late return from vacation is not allowed. Any extended travel should take place prior to the start of the program, during vacation periods, or upon completion of the program.

Highlights:

• Immerse yourself in Spanish academic culture through regular university courses
  
• Learn about the complex history of the European Union and the future of this dynamic regionbicultural and multilingual Catalonia
  
• Spanish student helpers guide you around the city and introduce you to your new university and home, helping you to immerse in the culture
  
• Improve your advanced Spanish and learn a new language: Catalan
  
• Develop professional experience working in Spain through an internship

Other cultural activities include those designed to bring American and Spanish University students together including conversation exchanges with Spanish students. CIEE also organizes Spanish cooking classes. Although there are no formal community service activities on this program, volunteer opportunities can be arranged by CIEE staff.

Guardian Angels
CIEE Guardian Angels are local students who accompany CIEE students on group activities and also participate in field trips and other events. Guardian Angels are like big brothers and sisters, helping students to make friends at the University, introducing them to the city's culture, and generally helping them adapt to life in Barcelona. The Guardian Angel program is another unique feature found in Barcelona only at the CIEE Study Center.

Cost in US$: Please check the CIEE website for current program pricing

Experience Required: yes

* Overall GPA 3.0 * Junior standing or above * 4 semesters of college-level Spanish or equivalent

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants.

Participants Travel to Spain Independently

Scholarships are Available. - We have several scholarships that students can apply for. Contact CIEE for details.

Application Process Involves:

• Letters of Reference
• Other
• Transcript
• Written Application

CIEE's Mission Statement: Since 1947, the Council on International Educational Exchange, known as CIEE, has been in pursuit of its mission, "to help people gain understanding, acquire knowledge, and develop skills for living in a globally interdependent and culturally diverse world." Our services to young people studying, working, teaching, and traveling abroad are more important than ever. As we look ahead, we reaffirm our commitment to the principles and values that guide this mission statement.

Year Founded: 1947