Description

Drawing on a wealth of resources in Barcelona, the Architecture and Design study abroad program at the CIEE Study Center in Barcelona aims to offer students a unique cultural perspective on the history and practice of architecture and design in contemporary Spain. The Architecture track is offered in English. For the Design track, students must have four semesters of college-level Spanish and their coursework is in English and Spanish.

Academic Program
The Architecture and Design program started in 2007. The program has a thematic focus, and it accommodates students at many language levels from low to advanced, and with varying majors within the visual arts. The program is divided into two tracks: Architecture - with ESARQ as its host institution - and Design - with ELISAVA as its host institution. While classes at the host institutions are taught in Spanish, CIEE-arranged courses are in both Spanish and in English.

Academic Culture
The CIEE Study Center is located in a historic building located in Passatge Permanyer, a historic passageway near Plaza Catalunya, Barcelona's main square. ELISAVA courses are held at ELISAVA School of Design in the Ramblas, and ESARQ courses are held at Universitat Internacional de Catalunya. Both campuses are well connected to the CIEE Study Center by public transportation.

While CIEE courses are designed to follow the American academic culture, courses at the host institutions are characteristic of the local university system. Syllabi are not as detailed as American syllabi and students are often 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.

Classes at ELISAVA and ESARQ have between 20 (studio classes) and 40 (regular classes) students. As a small, private school, ESARQ places special emphasis on providing students with highly individualized attention. It is the perfect match for CIEE students, who are able to attend architecture courses in Spanish with local students while also benefitting from private tutorials with ESARQ instructors. ELISAVA is a top design school in Barcelona associated with the Universitat Pompeu Fabra. The atmosphere is dynamic, creative, and multidisciplinary, also creating an ideal environment for CIEE students.

Highlights

* Study art, architecture, and design in the dynamic metropolis of Barcelona
* Participate in educational activities designed for architectural and design students including visits to some of the city's iconic buildings and to architecture and design studios
* Explore the Catalonia region and enjoy excursions to Madrid, Bilbao, or Seville
* Enjoy trips through the city with CIEE Guardian Angels who help you feel at home
* Get credit and real work experience through an internship

Culture
Cultural Activities and Field Trips
The academic program is complemented with a series of field trips and visits designed specifically for students of architecture and visual arts, many of which are part of the core course: The City in Visual Culture. Examples include visits to Jean Nouvel's Agbar Tower, Mariscal Design Studio, or Jordi Bernadoó Photography Studio. Students also have access to the cultural program offered to all CIEE students in Barcelona. This program includes gastronomy-based activities such as a tapas night with their Guardian Angels or a hike in the mountains followed by a local meal, as well as trips to places and monuments of cultural or historical significance, such as the Dali Museum in Figueres or the city of Tarragona. In addition, CIEE includes two overnight trips to sites of major artistic and architectural interest. These may include trips to Madrid, Valencia, Seville, or Bilbao/San Sebastian.

Guardian Angels
Guardian Angels are local university students who accompany CIEE students on group activities and also participate in field trips and other events. Guardian Angels are like Spanish 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)

Subject Areas

Cost in US$:

Please check the CIEE website for current program pricing.

Program Fees Include:

The CIEE fee includes an optional on-site airport meet and greet, full-time leadership and support, tuition, housing, two meals per day in the homestay option, orientation, organized cultural activities, local excursions, field trips, pre-departure advising, and a CIEE iNext travel card which provides insurance and other travel benefits. *No meals are included for students in the residencia option.

Experience Required

yes

• Overall GPA 3.0
• Architecture Track: Architecture or related major or minor
• 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.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Group living
• Home-stays

Participants Travel

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