CIEE Language 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 Language and Culture program aims to help students develop skills and competency in the Spanish language, while studying Spanish history, arts, politics, and culture.

Academic Program
The Language and Culture program is designed for students who are interested in beginning to study the Spanish language or improving on their basic language skills, while taking classes in history, politics, art, and culture.

All students enroll in beginning or intermediate Spanish at UPF and choose three electives from either CIEE courses or Hispanic and European Studies Program (HESP) courses at UPF. HESP courses focus on the emerging European Union and Spain, giving students a deeper understanding of the European Union and Spain's role in its formation.
CIEE encourages students to take a minimum of two HESP courses in order to facilitate their integration in the University and its culture. CIEE and HESP courses are taught in English and focus on Spanish culture and civilization in the wider context of Europe.

Academic Culture
CIEE courses are held either in the CIEE Study Center or at UPF. The CIEE Study Center is located in Passatge Permanyer, a historic passageway, and near Plaza Catalunya, Barcelona's main square. Language and HESP courses are taught at UPF, near the Olympic Village.

CIEE and HESP courses are academically challenging, dynamic, and involve daily reading and homework assignments, as well as regular attendance at lectures. HESP class size does not exceed 35 students. CIEE courses rarely exceed 20 students. UPF language courses have an average of 15 to 18 students per class. UPF classrooms are modern, comfortable, and equipped with the most up-to-date technology used for instruction.

The fall semester program begins in early September and ends just before Christmas. The spring semester program begins in early January and runs through the end of April. Students are not allowed to arrive later or depart earlier than the dates proposed, and 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:

• Continue your Spanish studies or improve your beginner Spanish language skills, while experiencing the vibrant city of Barcelona
  
• Explore the dynamic Catalonia region and participate in cultural and educational activities including visits to museums, cathedrals, and the historic district
  
• Enjoy excursions to Girona, Empúries, Andalusia, Madrid, Mallorca, or the Pyrenees
  
• Let CIEE Guardian Angels guide you through the city and help you feel at home

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

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.

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 3.0 GPA
* Junior standing or above
* 1-3 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