CIEE Architecture and Design Program in Barcelona, Spain

  Spain

• Barcelona: 
Barcelona

Term: Fall, Spring 
Dates: Fall 16 weeks: early September-mid-December; Spring 16 weeks: early January-late April

Description: Drawing on a wealth of resources in Barcelona, the Architecture and Design program offers students a unique cultural perspective on the history and practice of architecture and design in contemporary Spain. Its goal is to bring students together to focus on the intersections and collaborative possibilities between such normally distinct fields. A partnership with ELISAVA School of Design at Universitat Pompeu Fabra offers students a microcosm of those correlations within an international educational environment.

Academic Program
The Architecture and Design program is designed for students interested in exploring the intersection of the two fields in a city famous for its vibrant architecture and innovative design. Courses offered by CIEE and ELISAVA allow students the unique opportunity to collaborate in a joint core class alongside courses in their track and Spanish language courses at their level.

Academic Culture
CIEE classes are held at the CIEE Study Center, located in Passatge Permanyer, a historic passageway, and near Plaza Catalunya, Barcelona's main square. ELISAVA courses are held at ELISAVA. ELISAVA professors are practitioners as well as academics. With few American students at the school, CIEE students become quickly immersed in Spanish culture.

CIEE language classes, electives, and the Architecture Studio courses have between 5 and 15 participants. Classes at ELISAVA have between 20 (studio classes) and 40 (regular classes) students. Syllabi are not as detailed as American syllabi, 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. It is common to share notes with Spanish students and study together, which can benefit students in their language learning as well.

Relatively less emphasis is placed on participation and much more on papers, projects, and exams. ELISAVA classrooms are modern, comfortable, and equipped with the most up-to-date technology used for instruction.

Highlights:

• Study architecture and design in the dynamic European metropolis of Barcelona
  
• Explore the Catalonia region and participate in educational activities designed for architectural and design students, including visits to architectural and design
  studios and build sites; enjoy excursions to Madrid, Valencia, or Bilbao
  
• Let CIEE Guardian Angels guide you through the city and help you feel at home
  
• Partake in lectures, films, and discussion groups that enhance language learning
  
• Get credit and real work experience through an internship

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 another unique feature of 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
• Architecture Track: Architecture or related major or minor and 1 semester of design studio
• Design track: Design or other art-related majors or minors and 4 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.

Year Founded: 1947