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CIEE Business + Culture in Barcelona, Spain

by: CIEE College Study Abroad

4.33 (18)VerifiedSince 1947

Your Business + Culture program in Barcelona lasts a full semester and is designed for students with a background in business. You will enroll in a combination of CIEE courses, host institution courses, and courses taught online through CIEE's global academic partner, ASU. Enhance your experience with co-curricular and extracurricular activities while immersing yourself in Spanish culture. Live and learn in Barcelona! Barcelona is Spain’s cosmopolitan city, celebrated for its thriving business landscape and rich cultural heritage. As a global hub for entrepreneurship, finance, and international trade, Barcelona offers exceptional opportunities for students studying business and culture. The city’s unique blend of Catalan and Spanish traditions, iconic landmarks like Casa Batlló and the Magic Fountain of Montjuïc, world-class museums, and thriving creative industries make Barcelona the perfect place to study abroad.

Program Highlights

Discover one of Europe’s most dynamic startup ecosystems.

Explore Barcelona’s “District 22@,” a hub for innovative companies.

Live with a Spanish family and immerse yourself in local culture.

Trek Montserrat's breathtaking mountain trails, explore a Benedictine monastery retreat, and witness the unique rock formations of Catalonia.

Wander the colorful streets of Gràcia, immersing yourself in the neighborhood's bohemian vibe and artistic flair.

Quick Details

Locations:
  • Barcelona, Spain
Availability
Year(s) Offered: 2026, 2027Terms Available:
  • Fall
  • Spring
  • Academic Year
Age Requirement: 18-30
Types & Subjects
Subjects & Courses:
  • Accounting
  • Anthropology
  • Art History
  • Communications
  • Economics
  • Finance
  • Foreign Language
  • History
  • Human Resource Management
  • International Business
  • Leadership
  • Literature
  • Management
  • Marketing, Advertising, & PR
  • Political Science & Politics
  • Psychology
  • Service Learning
  • Sustainable Development
Guidelines:
  • All Nationalities
See all program details
Last Updated: Aug 18, 2026

Awards

GoAbroad Innovation Awards 2024 Finalist -	Student VideoTop Rated Notable Mentions 2022

Program Reviews

Hear what past participants have to say about the programs

Overall Rating

4.33

Total Reviews

18

Balanced experience

March 31, 2025by: Kyle H.
5

I thought that the courses were very manageable and supported my learning. This enabled me to enjoy both spending time in Barcelona, but also traveling without being overloaded with work. In addition, my professors were smart and cared about our learning development.

The most fun I've ever had

September 27, 2022by: Julian Macalister - United States
4

This past summer I traveled to Barcelona with CIEE to study business and culture. I was nervous at first, but the other students in the program quickly became my best friends and we spent the next month exploring Barcelona's vibrant culture and geography. I had so many fun and important life experiences, that I decided to go back for a whole semester of my Junior year of college. I highly recommend studying abroad with CIEE to expand your understanding of different cultures, and discover new people and places. I couldn't have asked for a better abroad experience.

CIEE Barcelona business & culture

September 18, 2022by: Savannah Stewart - United States
4

My experience with CIEE in Barcelona was unforgettable and invaluable! I lived in an apartment just a 15-minute walk away from the class building and a metro stop away from La Sagrada Familia. I had 4 other roommates, and even though the living spaces are generally smaller in Europe than in the U.S., we had plenty of space and loved our apartment. We attended classes four days a week. The classes were so interesting, and it was great to be able to take so many that counted towards my major. In this specific program, all of the teachers, although native Spanish-speakers, taught the classes in English. The classes were challenging but not so difficult that I had to spend all of my time on work. All of my professors were really knowledgeable and passionate about the topics they taught, and they were so supportive and welcoming. CIEE also has other support staff available for questions and help unrelated to classes, and they are all so helpful and kind as well. They are always willing to help students, whether it’s an issue with their apartment, or health-related, or even just wanting something as simple as restaurant recommendations. They also put together so many events that allowed students to meet each other, to meet locals, and to get to see parts of the city that they hadn’t before. Having a three-day weekend was so exciting. Every weekend, I took advantage of the time that I had and explored Barcelona, other cities in Spain, and even made a few trips out of the country. I loved getting to explore the places that I had never been before and getting to learn about the different parts of Barcelona, some of which I did on my own and some of which I actually did through class field trips. Overall, I absolutely loved my study abroad experience with CIEE! I had such a blast getting to practice my Spanish, live on my own in another country for a few months, learn from my professors and the locals, meet so many people, and get to experience so many incredible places.

La Sagrada Familia FC Barcelona stadiumGirona

An incredible experience

August 01, 2020by: Keya S.
5

This was an incredible experience, I felt like I learned a lot and I really enjoyed how everything was organized with CIEE as well as how there were an abundance of CIEE-sponsored trips and activities we could participate in.

CIEE is a well-run program

September 20, 2019by: Rianna E.
4

CIEE allows you to be able to experience Spain and other countries/ travelling while staying up to date on school and school work. However, because the work is not too intense for school, I would not say this has been the semester where I have learned the most about business subject matter.

I thought CIEE was an excellent program

September 19, 2019by: Diana A.
4

I thought it was an excellent program, however I think that CIEE needs to improve on getting students from all different schools to know each other more. Perhaps, making mandatory exchange meet ups. Also, I did not enjoy how CIEE students are required to take classes at ESCI.

CIEE was extremely organized

September 18, 2019by: Christopher S.
4

CIEE compared to other organizations with other universities was extremely organized. They helped and guided IU students along the way. Starting in October all the way until now. I was surprised to hear how organized some programs are, and I am proud to have chosen CIEE.

A well-balanced program

September 17, 2019by: Federico L.
4

Because the faculty is very special to you, always in the care of its students and good professors. The working weight is balance to having time to explore which is very important in this experience.

I had a lot of fun during my stay in Spain

August 07, 2019by: Bolanle O. - United States
5

I would very much likely to recommend CIEE Study Abroad to my friends and peers due to the fact that all the staff at CIEE where friendly and the teacher are nice. I had a lot of fun during my stay in Spain.

The students that are a part of this program are great

August 06, 2019by: Ali N. - United States
5

The students that are a part of this program are great. You are very likely to find and make new friends very quickly which makes your experience so much more enjoyable. It was also very to apply and they make everything very simple and understandable. I think its a very well put together program.

This program is an amazing experience

August 05, 2019by: Sophia B. - United States
5

This program is an amazing experience. Living in a homestay gave me such a different perspective and advantage that I would not have experienced otherwise. Being able to immerse yourself into a different culture while studying was such a unique experience. I believed that I genuinely learned more about my courses because I was more engaged in the school environment.

Organized, structured, and very keen on getting students comfortable

July 02, 2019by: Alexandria L. - United States
4

I would be likely to recommend it because it is organized, structured, and very keen on getting students comfortable in the adaptation process. They're willing to flex for their students and always open to help with any issues they had regarding scheduling, personal issues, and other things.

CIEE was extremely organized

July 02, 2019by: Christopher S. - United States
4

CIEE compared to other organizations with other universities was extremely organized. They helped and guided IU students along the way. Starting in October all the way until now. I was surprised to hear how organized some programs are, and I am proud to have chosen CIEE.

Great experience

March 25, 2019by: Noah H.
4

I would be likely to recommend CIEE Study Abroad to a friend or peer because I had such a great experience with CIEE in Madrid. The program was great because I met so many new people super easily and adjusted to the culture easily through group activities and discussions.

Excellent program

March 12, 2019by: Diana A.
4

I thought it was an excellent program, however I think that CIEE needs to improve on getting students from all different schools to know each other more. Perhaps, making mandatory exchange meet ups. Also, I did not enjoy how CIEE students are required to take classes at ESCI.

Well Organized

March 12, 2019by: Rianna E.
4

It is a well run program and it allows you to be able to experience Spain and other countries/ travelling while staying up to date on school and school work. However, because the work is not too intense for school, I would not say this has been the semester where I have learned the most about business subject matter

Barcelona business & culture fall 2016

February 16, 2017by: Nicole Riccio - United States
5

I had an amazing experience with CIEE while studying abroad in Barcelona. They placed me in an amazing homestay with a host mother who I still talk to on a daily basis. I grew so much as a person during this trip and also learned and experienced so many new things. I would definitely recommend this program.

Visca Catalunya!

April 25, 2013by: Minh
4

Barcelona is fun for American college students, bad if you're looking to learn Spanish/Castilian.

Program Details

Learn all the nitty gritty details you need to know

Locations

  • Barcelona, Spain

Types and Subjects

  • Subjects & Courses
  • Accounting
  • Anthropology
  • Art History
  • Communications
  • Economics
  • Finance
  • Foreign Language
  • History
  • Human Resource Management
  • International Business
  • Leadership
  • Literature
  • Management
  • Marketing, Advertising, & PR
  • Political Science & Politics
  • Psychology
  • Service Learning
  • Sustainable Development

Availability

Years Offered: 2026, 2027

Terms Available:
  • Fall
  • Spring
  • Academic Year

Age Requirement

18-30

Guidelines

All Nationalities

This Program is also open to Solo

Program Cost Includes

  • Tuition & Fees
  • Accommodation / Housing for Program Duration
  • Travel Insurance
  • Airport Transfer (Pick-Up)
  • Airport Transfer (Drop-Off)
  • On-Site / In-Country Staff Support
  • Pre-Departure Orientation
  • In-Country Orientation
  • Academic Credit
  • Emergency Support

Accommodation Options

  • Dormitory
  • Group living
  • Home-stays

Qualifications & Experience

    Language Skills Required

  • English

    Accepted Education Levels

  • University Freshman (1st Year)
  • University Sophomore (2nd Year)
  • University Junior (3rd Year)
  • University Senior (4th Year)
  • University 5th Year or More

Application Procedures

  • Written Application
  • Letters of Reference
  • Physical Exam/Health Records
  • Other
  • Online Application
CIEE College Study Abroad

CIEE College Study Abroad

4.33Verified

Ready to Learn More?

Your Business + Culture program in Barcelona lasts a full semester and is designed for students with a background in business. You will enroll in a combination of CIEE courses, host institution courses, and courses taught online through CIEE's global academic partner, ASU. Enhance your experience with co-curricular and extracurricular activities while immersing yourself in Spanish culture. Live and learn in Barcelona! Barcelona is Spain’s cosmopolitan city, celebrated for its thriving business landscape and rich cultural heritage. As a global hub for entrepreneurship, finance, and international trade, Barcelona offers exceptional opportunities for students studying business and culture. The city’s unique blend of Catalan and Spanish traditions, iconic landmarks like Casa Batlló and the Ma...

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