Summer in Barcelona - Universitat de Barcelona

The summer when your classroom is Barcelona

Note: this program will close after Summer 2026.

This unique program is based at Universitat de Barcelona (UB), a vibrant and historic university in the center of it all. Mingle with a mix of students from both near and far at UB's main campus, which hosts a large and diverse student body. You will have the opportunity to study Spanish at any level, as well as Spanish culture courses that take you out into the city for most of your class sessions. Not to mention, you'll be spending a month or two of summer in beautiful Barcelona! Good thing you'll be making new friends because you're going to generate a lot of jealousy in your friends back home...

What to Expect

Language(s):

Spanish

Average Courseload:

1-2 Courses Per Session (3-6 U.S. Credits)

GPA Requirement:

2.50

Visa Requirement:

NONE Required!

Highlights:

Learn through experiential culture courses that use the city as your classroom

Study at a historic, top-ranked university located in central Barcelona

Mingle with students from both near and far in a vibrant campus setting

Choose from Spanish language courses at any level, from beginner to advanced

Soak up the art, architecture, culture, and cuisine that makes Barcelona a top global destination

This was the best experience of my life. Immersing myself in the Spanish culture taught me so much, everything about their culture is beautiful from their lifestyle, the food, the music, and most of all their people. I feel so grateful to not only have learned about their culture but also to have the opportunity to travel on the weekends throughout Europe and even Africa! The people I met and the friendships I made during this trip will forever hold a special place in my heart. Completely fell in love with Barcelona, Thankful for the countless memories.

Fernanda Rios

University of Texas - San Antonio

Summer in Barcelona - Universitat de Barcelona

Program Details

Universitat de Barcelona

The Universitat de Barcelona (UB) ranks as the #1 university in Spain. It's famous for its cutting-edge university research and has become a benchmark for research activity in Europe. Over 80,000 students attend the UB, spread out over six different campuses located throughout Barcelona. The UB is ideal for the independent student who is eager to become immersed in Spanish culture.

The UB's beautiful international student campus is located in a bustling area known as Plaza Universitat. This plaza is alive with young people, cafes, shops, and innovative businesses, and it's only a ten-minute walk from the city center. The campus itself is filled with beautiful architecture, indoor courtyards, and plenty of classroom and study space.

During your studies at Universitat de Barcelona, you'll take unique and diverse courses that help you become familiar with Spanish culture and society. You'll study alongside fellow international students from the U.S. and around the world.

If you're looking to strengthen your Spanish, the UB has a program for you. The Estudios Hispánicos program is taught mostly in Spanish. Additionally, it's based on Spanish and Latin American culture, and Spanish language and comprehension. This program is specifically recommended for students who are majoring or minoring in Spanish and have a background with the Spanish language. It's also a great opportunity for students who are working toward Spanish fluency.

The UB was established in 1450 and is one of the top schools in Catalonia. The University is ranked 166th in the world by QS. Accreditation(s): Ministry of Education and Science.

Course Information

Browse Courses

Use the filters when looking for courses offered in a specific term or session. Course listings are for exploratory purposes, final course availability is determined during the enrollment process.

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Life in Barcelona

It’s no wonder that Barcelona is one of the top tourist and study abroad destinations in the world. This incredible location on the shores of the Mediterranean has a delightfully mild climate year round. Plus, Barcelona is one of the most exciting and vibrant cities to live in! The second-largest city in Spain has two official languages: Castilian Spanish and Catalan. It’s the perfect place to challenge yourself and practice your own Spanish skills, while also learning more about the unique Catalan history and culture.

The city is bustling, and you'll be in awe of the architecture, including Gaudi's towering Sagrada Familia basilica. When you're ready to immerse yourself in nature, you can easily reach beaches and hiking sites just outside of Barcelona. The efficient public transportation system allows you to quickly travel to the many beaches to both the north and south of Barcelona. It also means you can easily navigate campus and the many amazing sites located throughout the city.

The city’s diverse international population, colorful flair, exciting nightlife, and vast array of cultural, historical, and modern attractions makes Barcelona an unparalleled place to study abroad!

Live the Local Life

Barrio Gótico

Enjoy a guided walking tour around the Barrio Gótico, the oldest neighborhood in Barcelona, while learning all about the history of the city.

Spanish Wine Tour and Tasting

Learn all about the importance of the production of wine and cava in Catalunya at a beautiful vineyard that ends with an optional wine tasting paired with delicious local cheeses.

Around Catalunya

Visit a local beach town in Catalunya and amaze in the wonders of hidden coves while soaking up the beach culture in Spain.

Tibidabo Hike

This outdoor activity gets students out and about and a chance to hike up to some of the best views of the city.

Student Residence

Overview

Enjoy shared accommodations in a residence designed for visiting students just like you! The student residence boasts a whole suite of modern amenities that ensure you're living in complete comfort. The double rooms have twin beds, an ensuite shared bathroom, storage space, and two desk and chair sets. Step out of your bedroom into a shared apartment environment, with living and lounging spaces, dining areas, and a kitchen. Share a meal or conversation with your apartment mates, find a quiet nook of your own, or head for one of the residence's communal spaces. Single rooms are available on a first come, first served basis.

Among the residence's abundant shared amenities, you'll find a gym, pool, terrace, lounges, kitchens, study areas, and a cinema room. You'll be supported by 24/7 on-site staff and friendly, front-desk reception staff. The average commute from the residence halls is approximately 30-45 minutes. The major thoroughfare, Avenida Diagonal, is just around the corner, providing easy access to the rest of Barcelona. The beach is about a 15-minute walk.

Meals

You'll have access to a kitchen shared among your apartment mates stocked with basic cooking supplies.

Inclusions and Amenities

24-Hour Security Bathroom - Ensuite Bathroom - Shared Bed Linens Cleaning Service Desk Double Room Fitness Center Kitchen Equipment Laundry Laundry - Onsite Maintenance Service Pool Study Areas Towels Wi-Fi

What's Included

Inclusions

Program fees are in U.S. dollars and include the following:

Full-time tuition and fees
Official Universitat de Barcelona transcript
Housing
Medical and accident insurance
CIS Abroad support services before, during, and after the program
Academic advising
Financial aid counseling
Assistance with travel arrangements
Pre departure orientation
Airport welcome
Onsite orientation
Cultural and recreational activities in Barcelona
Two day trips outside the city of Barcelona
Career readiness activities

Welcome & Orientation

Upon arrival in Barcelona, you’ll be collected from the airport and taken to your accommodation. In the first few days you’ll take part in orientation programs that will introduce you to this vibrant and cosmopolitan city you will come to call home. You’ll learn practical tips for living in Barcelona, you'll get a lay of the land by visiting some of Barcelona's top neighborhoods, and we'll share advice about where to go out, how to stay safe, where to shop, and plenty more. We'll also enjoy a welcome meal together.

Farewell & Re-Entry Program

As the program draws to a close, you'll go home with the tools you need to make the most of your experience. In our re-entry workshop, learn how to cope with cultural differences you’ll experience as you go home, how to put your abroad experience on your resume (and talk about it in job interviews), as well as how to keep traveling in the future. End the trip with a farewell meal with all your new CIS Abroad “amigos” and the staff, for a chance to say “hasta luego” to beautiful Barcelona!

Program Excursions

While participating on a CIS Abroad program, you'll be able to take part in built-in day trips at no additional cost. These trips are subject to change from term to term; listed below are excursions that have run in the past.

Costa Brava

Enjoy a combination of ancient history, seaside scenery, and adventure on this short getaway to ...

Learn More

Ecological Winery Tour & Costa Brava

Learn about the history of ecological wine-making at a local winery and tour the house of one of ...

Learn More

Site Directors

Alexander Dorsey

Site Director - Barcelona

I'm originally from Detroit, Michigan and I came to Barcelona years ago for what I thought would be a short stay, but I quickly fell in love with the city and its culture and I decided to make it my home. With a background in finance and a Master's of Education, I've spent the past 10 years working with students here, helping them connect across cultures and explore new perspectives. I've also had the chance to travel to several different countries and have amazing experiences, which has only deepened my passion for global education. Outside work, you'll find me spending time with my family, trying new recipes or diving into a good book. I'm excited to support students in an unforgettable experience in Barcelona.

Travel Tip! Plan ahead, but embrace spontaneity. Stay curious and open and definitely don't be afraid to make a fool of yourself. It's all part of the adventure.

Nicolás Livon-Navarro

Assistant Site Director - Barcelona

Nico was raised in Cambridge, Massachusetts and studied Neurobiology and Linguistics at Tufts University. His parents are from Argentina and therefore grew up bilingual in Spanish and English. He was able to deepen his love for languages by spending two years in Brazil and two years in France working and studying. These experiences had a long lasting impact on Nico and how he chooses to live his life. He is passionate about meeting new people and cross-cultural engagement. He now heads to Barcelona as the Assistant Site Director with the goal of building relationships and having a positive impact on students and staff!

Travel Tip! Always try to engage with locals in their language. Even if you only learn a couple words or phrases, it goes a long way! Remember, making mistakes is part of the process!

Your Support Staff

Nicole Baumgartner

Global Operations Country Director

Nicole was born and raised in the beautiful Pacific Northwest in Seattle, Washington, and studied Political Science, Law Societies and Justice, and Human Rights at the University of Washington. Nicole has always had the travel bug so after graduating she moved to Spain to work as an English Assistant and fell in love with the country of tapas, flamenco, and constant sunshine! She lived in Granada, Spain for 9 years and is lucky to now call Barcelona home. She has always worked in education and loves seeing the profound benefits of students immersing themselves in another language and culture. She also loves to spend time at the beach, wandering around neighborhoods, and grabbing tapas with friends.

Travel Tip! When traveling always make friends with the locals! They will help really immerse you into the culture and give you a different perspective of your destination. They have the best recommendations for the most authentic restaurants and show you places that you would never find in a guidebook or on a blog. Not only will you have a great experience while traveling, but you also have the chance to make new, lifelong friends from around the world!

Alumni Ambassadors

Samuel Wiedetz

University of Alabama

Summer in Barcelona - Universitat de Barcelona

Ask me about my experience

How can studying abroad help one develop important life skills such as problem-solving, independence, and resilience?

Study abroad develops all three of these important life skills. You are in a new country, a lot of times with a different language being spoken, and it forces you to figure out things by yourself and ask others around you questions or help you made need. You are given the freedom to go out and do things on your own, with no parents or guardians, so you have to learn how to properly spend your time and money, creating that sense of independence.

Summer in Barcelona -
Universitat de Barcelona

The summer when your classroom is Barcelona

What to Expect

Highlights:

Learn More About This and Other Programs

Program Details

Universitat de Barcelona

Course Information

Available Terms

Life in Barcelona

Live the Local Life

Barrio Gótico

Spanish Wine Tour and Tasting

Around Catalunya

Tibidabo Hike

Student Residence

Overview

Meals

Inclusions and Amenities

What's Included

Inclusions

Welcome & Orientation

Farewell & Re-Entry Program

Alumni Ambassadors