• Description

  The Economics and Culture study abroad program in Barcelona, Spain is designed for strong students of economics at any language level (classes taught both in English and Spanish) who are interested in taking a class at the world-famous Universitat Pompeu Fabra. 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 Economics and Culture program is designed for students with a strong background in economics and interest in continuing their study through rigorous economics classes at a top-notch university, especially known for its economics faculty, while also taking classes in Spanish language and culture. Students with beginner- to intermediate-level Spanish (up to three semesters) take classes in English. Students with intermediate to advanced Spanish (four and five semesters) take a combination of classes in English and Spanish. Advanced students (those with six or more semesters of Spanish) take all of their coursework in Spanish. Students select courses from CIEE electives; a range of regular, direct enrolment UPF courses with Spanish students taught in English or Spanish; Hispanic and European Studies (HESP) culture courses taught in English or Spanish; and a CIEE Internship.

  Academic Culture

  The CIEE Study Center is located in a historic set of buildings located in Passatge Permanyer, a historic passageway near Plaza Catalunya, Barcelona's main square. It is a short commute by public transportation between the UPF Ciutadella Campus and the CIEE Study Center.

  With the progressive introduction of the Bologna standardization system, there is an increasing emphasis on class attendance and participation at daily lectures and careful note-taking. Traditionally, syllabi were not as detailed as American syllabi, and students were expected to decide for themselves which readings from the syllabus they needed to study in order to fill in gaps missed during the lectures. These trends are also changing with the introduction of Bologna where students receive a great deal more guidance and specific information both in terms of topics covered in courses, as well as specific assignments. UPF classrooms are modern, comfortable, and equipped with the most up-to-date technology used for instruction. Typically classes in the Department of Business and Economics meet twice a week for 1.5 hours per session. In addition, there are several "seminar" sessions during the term, in which students are divided in small subgroups.

  HESP courses are academically challenging, dynamic, and involve daily reading and homework assignments, as well as regular attendance at lectures. Class size does not exceed 35 students.

  Spanish language courses are taught at the CIEE Study Center. Class size is small with a maximum of 12 participants. Special emphasis is placed on the use of Spanish in a business environment.

  The fall semester begins in early September and ends just before Christmas. The spring semester begins in early January and ends in late April. 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

  * Analyze and articulate the current challenges of the European economy
  * Discuss and interpret differences between U.S. and European economic models
  * Understand the impact of European integration on the Spanish economy
  * Demonstrate multi-cultural leadership skills through participation in group projects with Spanish students
  * Begin your study of Spanish, or build on your intermediate to advanced skills

Culture
Cultural Activities and Field Trips
The academic program is supplemented with required field trips and excursions, which include visits in Barcelona to museums, cathedrals, monuments, port, guided tours of the historical district, and day excursions to such locations as the Natural park of La Garrotxa, Greek and Roman ruins at Empuries, the Dali museum in Figueras, the Jewish quarter in Girona, the Roman amphitheater in Tarragona, and the lush Penedés wine region. Longer trips may include Madrid, Mallorca, the Pyrenees, etc.

Guided visits address, in addition to historic aspects, how the specific city or region has been affected since the mid 1980s when Spain joined the EU, and complement topics discussed in the core course.

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