CIEE Advanced Liberal Arts Program in Barcelona, Spain

  Spain

• Barcelona: 
Barcelona

Term: Academic Year, Fall, Spring 

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 with Spaniards. On this immersion program, you'll 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 everyday in the city and in the University.

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

Academic Culture
The CIEE Study Center office in Barcelona is at International House, a historic Art Nouveau building near Plaza Urquinaona and Plaza Cataluña, Barcelonas main square. The Universitat de Barcelonas (UB) Departments of Modern Languages and Literatures, Geography, History, History of Art, and Philosophy are located downtown at University Plaza, which is walking distance from the CIEE office. 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 office.

Classrooms at the Universitat de Barcelona 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 students 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 to have 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 late January/early February. The spring semester program begins in mid-January and ends in late June/early July. In some cases, professors may be willing to administer the final exam earlier than the officially scheduled date, but CIEE cannot be responsible for arranging or guaranteeing early exams. 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:

• Enroll in regular university courses, the absolute best way to meet Spanish students and improve your Spanish
  
• Take courses in a range of disciplines including Spanish language and literature, anthropology, geography, history, international affairs, political science, and psychology
  
• Explore Barcelona, Catalonia, and Spain through an extensive excursion program
  
• Make friends with Spanish classmates and integrate fully into the local culture

Other cultural activities include those designed to bring American and Spanish students together, such as conversation exchanges with UB Spanish students. CIEE also organizes Spanish cooking classes in which students are invited to participate. 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 UB 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 citys culture, and generally helping them adapt to life in Barcelona. The Guardian Angels 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
* 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