Description

The Business and Culture study abroad program in Barcelona, Spain is designed for students at any language level with a strong interest in business and economics (classes taught both in English and Spanish). Students who are motivated to develop their Spanish language skills and learn about Spain and Europe through living in the unique and beautiful city of Barcelona will find that this program provides an ideal opportunity.

Academic Program
The Business and Culture program is designed for students interested in improving their language skills while taking classes in business and Spanish language and culture. The program is unique because both the theories of modern management and economics and the cultural context in which business is conducted are studied.

Students with beginner- to intermediate-level Spanish skills (up to three semesters) take business classes in English at both CIEE and ESCI. Students with intermediate-advanced Spanish skills (four and five semesters) take a combination of business classes in English and Spanish at CIEE and ESCI. Advanced students (those with six or more semesters of Spanish) take all of their classes in Spanish, with business classes at CIEE and ESCI. Students at all levels must take at least two business courses.

Academic Culture
The CIEE Study Center is located in a historic building located in Passatge Permanyer, an historic passageway near Plaza Catalunya, Barcelona's main square. It is a 20 minute walk from ESCI to the CIEE Study Center. Students can commute from ESCI to the CIEE Study Center by bus or metro in 15 minutes. CIEE also maintains a satellite office at ESCI.

ESCI professors follow a mix of Spanish and U.S. teaching styles. In the Spanish university system, students are responsible for their work and must take an active role in selecting outside readings to complement lectures. Traditional Spanish professors use the lecture method, and students take careful notes, often studying together to fill in any gaps. ESCI professors also emphasize the use of the case method and group-learning activities. Attendance is mandatory and tardiness and absences result in a lowering of the final grade. Class size varies, but does not exceed 35 students. Students should not enroll in courses for subjects they have not previously studied at the college level.

UPF classes may have up to 80 students in a class. Emphasis is on attendance at daily lectures and careful note taking. The syllabus is not as detailed as an American syllabus, and students are expected to decide for themselves which readings from the syllabus they need to study in order to fill in gaps missed during the lectures. Relatively less emphasis is placed on participation, with much greater emphasis on the final exam. UPF classrooms are modern, comfortable, and equipped with the most up-to-date technology used for instruction.

Spanish language courses are taught by CIEE-hired professors at the CIEE Study Center and ESCI. Classes are small, with a maximum of 12 participants. Special emphasis is placed on the use of Spanish in a business environment.

CIEE humanities courses have a maximum of 20 students per class, though average class size is 15.

Although extracurricular activities and personal travel contribute to the student's overall experience, 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

• Explore how business is done in Spain and the expanding European Union; visit Spanish companies and take advantage of an internship
  
• Learn Spanish or build on the language skills you already have
  
• Participate in cultural and educational activities, such as lectures, films, and discussion groups to enhance learning; partake in excursions to Girona, Besalú, Empúries, Madrid, Mallorca, Tarragona, the Pyrenees, or Andalusía
  
• Let CIEE Guardian Angels guide you through the city and help you feel at home

Other cultural activities are designed to bring American and Spanish university students together. These include conversation exchanges with Spanish students, a Spanish cooking class, flamenco shows, and movies, etc. Although there are no formal community service activities on 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 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
* 3 semesters of college-level micro- or macroeconomics, accounting, finance, management, marketing, or statistics

This Program is open to

Worldwide Participants.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Group living
• Home-stays
• Dormitory

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
• Written Application
• Physical Exam/Health Records
• Other

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