Overview
Institute for American Universities (IAU) offers both semester and summer study abroad programs in the lively and beautiful city of Barcelona, Spain. IAU’s campus in Barcelona is centrally located in the downtown Plaça de Catalunya area in the Gothic Quarter in close proximity to many of Barcelona's famed attractions. The facilities have been completely renovated with modern amenities to suit the needs of the 21st century college student. IAU Barcelona employs a full-time student affairs and academic affairs staff to advise, place, house, and otherwise support incoming students for full semester, year-long, and summer programs.
Summer Program
During the summer in Barcelona, students will earn up to nine academic credits and can choose from a variety of course offerings. Courses are offered in Spanish language, culture, film, and literature. IAU also offers courses instructed in English in political science, history, art history, international relations, film, psychology, and more. Students will investigate the most significant neighborhoods, plazas, architectural achievements and public art. Lectures and activities will also help students to demystify the city's multi-ethnic population as the result of numerous occupations, expulsions, and migrations.
Summer courses
Semester Program
IAU offers a semester-long study abroad program during which students can take classes, participate in internships and service-learning programs, and immerse themselves in this lively cultural capital. Building on IAU's history as a study abroad school in the Mediterranean Basin, IAU's Barcelona semester program uses its site-specificity and influences of the Spanish and Catalan to aid students in delving deeper into Mediterranean and European cultures. IAU's courses are rigorous and unique, incorporating region-specific content and experiences. Students can receive up to 18 credit hours for the semester.
Semester courses
The Spanish Honors Program is designed for Spanish majors or other students with demonstrated advanced-level Spanish, interested in a comprehensive language and cultural immersion program. As part of the program, students will take a required Spanish course along with the remaining courses taught in Spanish language. Students in the Spanish Honors Program have access to courses taught at the local university as well.
Through the Business & International Relations Program, students will have the unique opportunity to learn about international business strategies and procedures with a specific focus on the global market. Disciplines taught include, but are not limited to, economics, finance, international business, management and marketing. Each course includes field studies to hubs of business and politics around Spain and Europe. Students participating in the Business & International Relations Program will have access to unpaid, for-credit semester-long internships at local enterprises.
Students interested in pursuing a program of study centered on the art and art history of Mediterranean Spain are encouraged to join the Art & Art History Program. Students enroll in a minimum of two courses in art and art history and remaining electives of their choice. Students of all majors are welcome to join this program.
IAU's School of Humanities and Social Sciences in Barcelona offers a wide breadth of course disciplines to students from all majors and minors. Prior knowledge of Spanish is not required as courses are offered in English, though students are encouraged to enroll in one course in Spanish language, and students with background in Spanish language will have the opportunity to enroll in courses taught at the local university.
Read more about Academics in Barcelona here.
Student Life
Students will engage in daily classes which are enhanced by local field studies tours around Barcelona and Catalunya. The Barcelona semester program includes activities that integrate Spanish cuisine, music, dancing, language and culture. Students meet daily with teachers, local artists and scholars. Study tours may include: Montjuic, Parc Güell, Center for Contemporary Culture, MACBA (Modern Art Museum), The Gothic Quarter, The Born District, Museum of the History of Barcelona, Picasso Museum, and the Sagrada Familia Basilica. Trips in the region may include: Costa Brava, Cadeques, Sitges, Tossa del Mar, or Figueres.
Students will be housed in shared homestays or in shared apartments. Breakfast and dinner will be included as part of the homestay accommodation. Students will be placed together and may request roommates on the housing application form.
Internships
Students have the opportunity to participate in an Internship at a local enterprises for course credit. Students work with the IAU Internship Coordinator to prepare a resume in Spanish, to practice interviewing standards and techniques and to prepare for placement in a Spanish enterprise. Several different opportunities for internships are available for students in Barcelona at a wide range of businesses and organizations throughout the city. Service learning opportunities are also available for interested students. Read through examples of internships here.
Program Costs
Program costs for Barcelona include course credit, housing, most meals, cultural activities, insurance and an airport pick-up in Barcelona. Participants will engage in daily classes and two weekend excursions, leaving two weekends open to optional activities or enjoying the vast array of possibilities the city has to offer. Students meet daily with teachers, local artists and scholars.
More information and online application!
