CIEE Advanced Liberal Arts Program in Barcelona, Spain

  Spain

• Barcelona: 
Barcelona

Term: Academic Year, Fall, Spring 
Dates: Fall 21 weeks: late Aug-late Dec or late Jan ; Spring 21 weeks: mid-January-late May or early June ; Academic Year 42 weeks: late Aug-late May or early June

Description: The Advanced Liberal Arts program aims to help students with advanced Spanish language skills develop fluency through direct enrollment in a wide range of regular University classes. In this immersion program, you take most of your classes alongside Spanish classmates, who will become your friends and your guides to this new culture. Your Spanish will improve dramatically because you will be living the language - as part of your everyday life in Barcelona and as part of your life as a student at the Universitat de Barcelona.

Academic Program
The Advanced Liberal Arts program in Barcelona, which began in the fall of 2005, is designed for independent-minded students with advanced language skills interested in enrolling in regular University classes in a diverse range of subjects. At the beginning of the program, students take an intensive Spanish language course designed to prepare them for classes at the Universitat de Barcelona (UB). During this time, students also meet individually with the Resident Director to select their courses at the University.

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. UB's departments of Modern Languages and Literatures, Geography, History, History of Art, and Philosophy are located downtown at University Plaza, within walking distance from the CIEE Study Center. Other UB departments are located in the Pedralbes section of Barcelona in the Northwest part of the city, about a 20-minute metro ride from the CIEE Study Center.

UB classrooms range from traditional Spanish to modern and may have up to 100 students in a class. CIEE classes are small, with no more than 12 students in a class.

CIEE courses are similar to U.S courses in that attendance is carefully monitored, and the student's active contribution to class is an important part of the grade. Tardiness and unexcused absences are not allowed and lead to a lower grade. Students can expect daily readings, regular homework, a midterm exam, a final exam, and a final project or paper.

UB classes are taught in the Spanish academic tradition, which involves more independent work on the part of the student. Typically, the syllabus includes an outline of the themes and a list of recommended readings. There is usually no precise calendar. In many classes, the professor gives a final exam, but often allows a student the option of writing a research paper as part of the final grade or in place of the final exam. It is perfectly normal for Spanish students to share notes with one another and to work together to prepare for the final exam. This is an excellent way for U.S. students to meet Spaniards and practice the language.

The fall semester program begins in late August and ends in mid-January. The spring semester program begins in mid-January and ends in June. In some cases, professors may be willing to administer the final exam earlier than the officially scheduled date.

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:

• Immerse yourself in Spanish academic culture by enrolling in regular University classes in a wide range of disciplines, from Spanish language and literature to geography, international relations, political science, and an internship
  
• Participate in cultural and educational activities, including lectures and visits to museums; explore Barcelona, Catalonia, and Spain through our excursion program
  
• Let CIEE Guardian Angels guide you through the city and help you feel at home; get help from tutors; take non-credit classes in Spanish cooking

Other cultural activities include those designed to bring American and Spanish students together, such as conversation exchanges with UB Spanish students. CIEE also organizes non-credit Spanish cooking classes in which students are invited to participate. Although there are no formal community service activities in this program, volunteer opportunities can be arranged by CIEE staff.

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 Barcelonas Jewish neighborhood, and a Spanish movie viewing, followed by a student-led debate.

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 found at the CIEE Study Center in Barcelona.

Degree Level: Bachelors Degree (Undergraduate)

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

Experience Required: yes

* Overall GPA 3.0
* 6 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