• Description

  The Language and Culture study abroad program in Barcelona, Spain is designed for students who are who are interested in beginning to study the Spanish language or improving their basic language skills while taking classes in Spanish language, history, politics, art, and culture.

  Academic Program
  The Language and Culture program is designed for students who are interested in beginning to study the Spanish language or improving on their basic language skills, while taking classes in history, politics, art, or culture.

  All students enroll in beginning or intermediate Spanish at UPF and choose three electives from either CIEE courses or Hispanic and European Studies Program (HESP) courses at UPF. HESP courses focus on the emerging European Union and Spain, giving students a deeper understanding of the European Union and Spain's role in its formation. CIEE encourages students to take a minimum of two HESP courses in order to facilitate their integration in the University and its culture. CIEE and HESP courses are taught in English and focus on Spanish culture and civilization in the wider context of Europe.

  Academic Culture
  The CIEE Study Center is located in a historic building in Passatge Permanyer, a historic passageway near Plaza Catalunya, Barcelona's main square. Language and HESP courses are taught at UPF, near the Olympic Village.

  CIEE and HESP courses are academically challenging, dynamic, and involve daily reading and homework assignments, as well as regular attendance at lectures. HESP class size does not exceed 35 students. CIEE courses rarely exceed 20 students. UPF language courses have an average of 15 to 18 students per class. UPF classrooms are modern, comfortable, and equipped with the most up-to-date technology used for instruction.

  The fall semester program begins in early September and ends just before Christmas. The spring semester program begins in early January and runs through the end of April. Students are not allowed to arrive later or depart earlier than the dates proposed, and 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

  * Continue your Spanish studies or improve your beginner Spanish language skills while experiencing the vibrant city of Barcelona
  * Participate in the Language and Culture Seminar, which includes exchange events with local students and is specifically designed to help you deepen your study abroad experience
  * Explore the dynamic Catalonia region and participate in cultural and educational activities including visits to museums, cathedrals, and the historic district; enjoy excursions to Girona, Empúuries, Andalusia, Madrid, Mallorca, or the Pyrenees

Culture
Cultural Activities and Field Trips
The academic program is supplemented with required field trips and excursions, which include visits in Barcelona and day excursions to such locations as the Natural Park of La Garrotxa, Greek and Roman Ruins at Empuúries, Dali's home in Cadaques, the Jewish quarter in Girona, the Roman amphitheater in Tarragona, and the lush Penedes wine region. Students also have the opportunity to participate in events such as a cooking class or la calcotada, where they can try traditional foods and become familiar with local customs. In addition, CIEE offers one weekend trip to one of the following destinations: Andalusia, Madrid, Mallorca, the Pyrenees, Zaragoza, or Spain's northern coast.

Field trips and excursions supplement class work and introduce students to the rich diversity of the geographic, linguistic, and cultural areas of Spain and its major cities. Although there are no formal community service activities in 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 found at the CIEE Study Center in Barcelona.

Language and Culture Seminar
A weekly Language and Culture Seminar allows students to gain a deeper intercultural understanding during their study abroad experience. Students examine their own personal and cultural values, as well as the host culture's values and how they are perceived in order to facilitate a bridge between the two. In addition to discussion-based sessions, there are several sessions to put new language and culture skills to use. As a part of the seminar, American and Spanish students are brought together and conversation exchanges are arranged.

The Language and Culture Seminar includes language activities that have been developed to enhance the student's language learning and intercultural development. Spanish instructors take small groups of students through interactive sessions, and group language exchange meetings with locals.