CIEE Business and Culture Program in Barcelona, Spain

  Spain

• Barcelona: 
Barcelona

Term: Academic Year, Fall, Spring 
Dates: Fall 15 weeks: early September-late December; Spring 16 weeks: early January-late April; Academic Year 31 weeks: early September-late April

Description: The Business and Culture program aims to help students develop skills and competency in the Spanish language while studying issues related to business in Spain and the European Union.

Academic Program
The Business and Culture program is for students interested in improving their language skills while taking classes in business and Spanish language and culture. The program is unique because both the theories of modern management and economics and the cultural context in which business is conducted are studied.

Students with beginner-intermediate level Spanish skills take business classes in English at both CIEE and ESCI. Students with intermediate-advanced Spanish skills take a combination of business classes in English and Spanish at CIEE and ESCI. Advanced students take all of their classes in Spanish, with business classes at ESCI and UPF. Students at all levels must take at least two business courses.

Academic Culture
The CIEE Study Center has its office at International House, a historic Art Nouveau building near Plaza Urquinaona and Plaza Cataluña, Barcelona's main square. Students can walk to ESCI from the CIEE Study Center in 10 minutes. CIEE also maintains a satellite office at ESCI. UPF classes are held at the UPF campus which is a short metro ride or 20-minute walk from the CIEE Study Center.

ESCI professors follow a mix of Spanish and U.S. teaching styles. In the Spanish university system, students are responsible for their work and must take an active role in selecting outside readings to complement lectures. Traditional Spanish professors use the lecture method and students take careful notes, often studying together to fill in any gaps. However, ESCI professors also emphasize the use of the case method and group learning activities. Attendance is mandatory and tardiness and absences result in a lowering of the final grade. Students should introduce themselves to Spanish classmates and ask for advice when needed. Class size varies, but does not exceed 35 students. When choosing ESCI classes, students should keep in mind that Spanish students begin to study in their area of concentration from the first day of their university career. They are specialists, not generalists.

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 an American syllabus 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. Relatively less emphasis is placed on participation and much more on the final exam. UPF classrooms are modern, comfortable, and equipped with the most up-to-date technology used for instruction.

Spanish language courses are taught at International House under the supervision of the Resident Director. Classes are small, with a maximum of twelve participants. Special emphasis is placed on the use of Spanish in a business environment.

CIEE humanities courses have a maximum of 20 students per class.

Although extracurricular activities and personal travel contribute to the students overall experience, attendance in class is paramount. 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:

• Explore how business is done in Spain and the expanding European Union
  
• Take courses in English or Spanish depending on your level
  
• Apply your knowledge to practical business cases alongside your Spanish classmates
  
• Learn Spanish or build on the language skills you already have
  
• Visit Spanish companies and get an insider's view; participate in an internship
  
• Explore Barcelona, Catalonia, and Spain through an intensive excursion program

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.

CIEE Guardian Angels
CIEE Guardian Angels are local university 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 a unique feature found in Barcelona only at the CIEE Study Center.

Degree Level: Bachelors Degree (Undergraduate)

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

Experience Required: yes

* Overall GPA 3.0
* 3 semesters of micro- or macroeconomics, accounting, finance, management, marketing, or statistics.

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
• Physical Exam/Health Records
• 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