CIEE Business and Culture Program in Barcelona, Spain

  Spain

• Barcelona: 
Barcelona

Term: Academic Year, Fall, Spring 
Dates: Fall 16 weeks: early September-mid-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 designed 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- to intermediate-level Spanish skills (up to three semesters) take business classes in English at both CIEE and ESCI. Students with intermediate-advanced Spanish skills (four and five semesters) take a combination of business classes in English and Spanish at CIEE and ESCI. Advanced students (those with six or more semesters of Spanish) take all of their classes in Spanish, with business classes at CIEE and ESCI. Students at all levels must take at least two business courses.

Academic Culture
The CIEE Study Center is located in a historic building located in Passatge Permanyer, a historic passageway, and near Plaza Catalunya, Barcelona's main square. Students can commute from ESCI to the CEE Study Center by bus or metro, in 15 minutes. CIEE also maintains a satellite office at ESCI.

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 in order to fill in gaps missed during the lectures. Relatively less emphasis is placed on participation, with much greater emphasis 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 the CIEE Study Center and ESCI. Classes are small, with a maximum of 12 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 student's overall experience, 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; visit Spanish companies and take advantage of an internship
  
• Learn Spanish or build on the language skills you already have
  
• Participate in cultural and educational activities, such as lectures, films and discussion groups to enhance learning; partake in excursions to Girona, Besalú, Empúries, Madrid, Mallorca, Tarragona, the Pyrenees, or Zaragoza
  
• Let CIEE Guardian Angels guide you through the city and help you feel at home

Other cultural activities are designed to bring American and Spanish university students together. These include conversation exchanges with Spanish students, as well as non-credit Spanish cooking classes organized by CIEE. Although there are no formal community service activities on this program, volunteer opportunities can be arranged by CIEE staff.

CIEE Guardian Angels
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 make friends at the University, introducing them to the city's culture, and generally helping them adapt to life in Barcelona. The Guardian Angels Program is a unique feature at the CIEE Study Center in Barcelona.

Language Activities
A program of language activities has been developed to enhance the student's language learning and cultural immersion. These activities may include lectures, films, discussion groups, and neighborhood tours. Students participate actively, speaking Spanish at all times. Past activities have included a lecture on art of the Spanish Civil War, a tour of Barcelona's Jewish neighborhood, and a Spanish movie viewing, followed by a student-led debate.

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 college-level 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