Barcelona, Spain

Political Science & International Relations

Study Abroad
Program Options:
Experiential Learning, Part-Time Internship
Length:
Fall, Spring, Academic Year

At a Glance

Housing:

Apartment, Homestay, Residence Hall

Credits:

15 to 19 per Semester

Language of Instruction:

English, Spanish

Language Prerequisites:

None

Part-Time Internship (Optional):

Included in Program Fee

Visa Required:

Yes

About the Program

During this program, you can take courses on a wide range of topics including politics, regionalism, international security, international business and relations, and more. Imagine taking in all that Barcelona has to offer while taking exciting courses, like Campaigning in Europe: From Propaganda to Political Marketing or Globalized Economy & Migration. 

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Learn Outside of the Classroom

Our courses feature course-related trips to government offices.

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Study at a Local University

Take Spanish- or English-taught courses at local universities.

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Gain Hands-On Experience

Participate in an internship placement and seminar.

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Follow Your Academic Interests

Supplement your study with courses from our other programs.

Fall 2025

Program Dates:

September 01 - December 19

Application Deadline:

Program Advisor

Advisor Photo for Group Advisor Programs

Camilla Alway, Spencer Biery, Sarah Fang & Claire Wendt

Once you’ve applied for a program, one of us will be your direct point of contact. From housing to course registration and everything in between, we're here to help you prepare to study abroad. Once you’re accepted to your program, you’ll find even more detailed information about what you need to know before you depart in your Predeparture Guide. Let’s get started!

📱 800.995.2300 ✉️ study@IESabroad.org

About the Destination

Why Barcelona?

As a global city in Spain, Barcelona is an important place for international relations, as well as international business and commerce. Due to the city’s mix of Spanish, English, French, and more, it has strong political ties with the rest of Europe and beyond. It's also the site of a strong regional government and active EU participation. And with its mix of cultures, Barcelona offers the unusual opportunity to see how regional, national, and international views are intertwined.

Learn More About Barcelona

Get to Know Your New City

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Have Fun in the Sun

Spend time under the sun along Barcelona's sandy beaches.

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Check Out Some Live Music

Barcelona boasts an iconic music scene.

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Appreciate the Art

There’s plenty of art—indoors and out—to inspire you.

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Eat, Drink, and Eat Some More!

Enjoy stews, seafood, jamón, spicy potatoes, and so much more.

The Student Experience

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Housing

  • Apartment
  • Homestay
  • Residence Hall

Apartment

City Apartment – You live with up to 7 other IES Abroad students in single or double rooms in a typical Barcelona style apartment. These apartments are located in residential areas throughout the city. Apartments have fully equipped kitchens, Wi-Fi is included, and meals are not provided. Washing machines are available for free but dryers may not be, as they are not commonly used in Spain. An additional fee applies for this housing option. This is not student housing so there will be no onsite staff. This option is recommended for students who are more independent and outgoing. 

Academics

Our mission is to provide you with the best study abroad program possible—which includes the highest quality academic and cultural experiences. 

We offer unique courses that explore Political Science and International Relations through an in-depth and hands-on approach. Our world-class course options at prestigious local universities enhance your academic experience and provide you with new perspectives in class each day. 

Partner Institutions

Universitat de Barcelona's campus that features lush gardens and outdoor seating.
  • UAB
  • UB
  • UVic
  • UPF
  • URL

Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona

The Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB) was established in the late 1960s and since then has become one of the most dynamic universities in Spain. Made up of more than 25 schools, faculties, and associated centers, it is the only real campus-based university in Barcelona.

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Courses

Create your own academic experience by selecting from the following program components. You take 15-19 credits per semester, and you must register for one course within the disciplines of Political Science and International Studies.

  • IES Abroad Spanish language course at your proficiency level (required, 3-7 credits) 
  • English- or Spanish-taught IES Abroad area studies courses (optional, 3 credits each) 
  • Partner university courses: For international students only (optional, 3 credits each); with local students (optional, 2-3 credits each) 
  • Internship placement and seminar (optional, 3 credits) 

To learn more about IES Abroad’s innovative theoretical and pedagogical approaches to teaching language abroad, refer to the IES Abroad MAP for Language & Intercultural Communication

NOTE: This is a list of planned course offerings. After you are accepted, you will see a list of final course offerings in your MyIESabroad account. Additionally, IES Abroad reserves the right to cancel a course due to insufficient enrollment or circumstances beyond our control.

IES Abroad Courses

Disciplines (41)

Anthropology (8)

Partner Institution Courses

Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona

Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB) requires a minimum enrollment of two courses. 

The courses that are offered at the Sant Pau (20 minutes by Metro from our Center) campus, located in the central area of Barcelona, are primarily in the disciplines of Business, Economics, Politics, and the Humanities. Courses are taught in English and Spanish.  

Please note that registration for UAB courses takes place before the application deadline. Students interested in enrolling in UAB courses are encouraged to apply early. 

University Courses in English & Spanish: 

  • Art History 
  • Architecture 
  • Business Administration & Management 
  • Communications 
  • Economics & Finance 
  • History 
  • International Business 
  • International Finance 
  • Literature 
  • Marketing 
  • Political Sciences 
  • Sociology 
  • Urban Studies 

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For a full list of UAB course offerings, please see the UAB section on the Liberal Arts & Business Academics page


Universitat de Barcelona

Universitat de Barcelona (UB) offers an Estudios Hispánicos program, based on Spanish and Latin American culture, that is taught in Spanish and English for students with intermediate and advanced levels of Spanish. UB also offers a Food Studies and Gastronomy program taught in English, which examines local gastronomy through the lens of business, nutrition, sustainability, and architecture. These programs and all Spanish and Latin American culture, media, business and finance courses are located at a central UB campus, which is a 10-minute walk from the IES Abroad Barcelona Center. 

University Courses in English & Spanish: 

  • Art History 
  • Economics & Finance 
  • Food Sciences & Nutrition 
  • History 
  • International Business 
  • Literature 
  • Management
  • Marketing 
  • Political Sciences 
  • Sociology 

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For a full list of UB course offerings, please see the UB section on the Liberal Arts & Business Academics page


Universitat Pompeu Fabra

Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF) requires a minimum enrollment of two courses. 

Courses are offered by different university departments and are taught in English and in Spanish. Course availability and language of instruction is dependent on the program you are enrolled in and your language level. UPF is a 15-minute commute by Metro or a 20-minute walk from our Center. 

University Courses in English & Spanish: 

  • Archaeology 
  • Art History 
  • Business Administration & Management 
  • Communications 
  • Economics & Finance 
  • Environmental Sciences 
  • Film Studies 
  • Gender Studies 
  • Health Studies & Neuroscience 
  • History 
  • Law & Criminal Studies 
  • Math & Statistics 
  • Marketing 
  • Political Sciences & Government 
  • Sociology 

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For a full list of UPF course offerings, please see the UPF section on the Liberal Arts & Business Academics page


Universitat Ramon Llull

At Universitat Ramon Llull (URL), courses are designed for Spanish students at the undergraduate level. Courses are taught in English and Spanish and are available to you in a variety of disciplines. Course availability and language of instruction is dependent on the program you are enrolled in and your language level. Classes are taught at different campuses, and range from a 10-minute walk to a 30-minute Metro ride from our Center. 

University Courses in English & Spanish: 

  • Accounting 
  • Anthropology & Sociology 
  • Business Administration & Management 
  • Economics & Finance 
  • International Business 
  • Law 
  • Marketing 
  • Political Sciences 
  • Public Relations 
  • Tourism 
  • Urban Studies 

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For a full list of URL course offerings, please see the URL section on the Liberal Arts & Business Academics page


Universitat de Vic

At Universitat de Vic (UVic), you can enroll in courses taught in English for international students. Courses are available to you in Business, Design, and Innovation. All courses take place in the BAU School of Design, located 20 minutes by Metro from the IES Abroad Barcelona Center. 

University Courses in English: 

  • Business Administration & Management 
  • Communications & Psychology 
  • Design & Fashion 
  • Innovation 
  • Marketing 

Visit Website

For a full list of UVIC course offerings, please see the UVIC section on the Liberal Arts & Business Academics page

PRO-TIP

Apply for your passport today!

Getting your passport is a crucial step for studying abroad. With processing times taking longer than usual, consider this a gentle reminder to not procrastinate on getting or renewing your passport.

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Field Trips

Even though your adventure starts in Barcelona, our field trips take you beyond the city to discover the culture and traditions of your host country. All trips are included in the program fee unless otherwise noted with ($).

NOTE: IES Abroad field trip destinations, activities, and lengths of stay may vary according to term and availability. 

a group of students pose for a photo during a paella cooking class

The Basque Country & Navarre

4 Days ($) Fall & Spring

Discover the unique gastronomy of the Basque Country, learn from artisans who elaborate local delicacies, and attempt to create the meals that make up this rich culinary tradition.

an aerial view of Arco de la Victoria in Madrid at night

Madrid

3 Days ($) Fall & Spring

Discover the vibrant capital of Spain! See the works of El Greco, Goya, and Velázquez firsthand in the world-famous Prado Museum.

a student looking out over monterrat

Montserrat

1 Day ($) Fall & Spring

Spend the day hiking the mountain of Montserrat and visit the Santa Maria de Montserrat Abbey.

a group of students holding wine glasses and smiling at the camera

South of France

3 Days ($) Spring

Visit Carcassonne to learn about its rich history, and enjoy a boat ride nearby. Next, head to Lastours to see castles and the Fontfroide Abbey. The last stop is Perpignan, where you can compare the Spanish Catalan and French Catalan cultures.

three students jumping on a boardwalk with clear blue water and a white building in the background

Valencia

3 Days ($) Spring

Enjoy a guided tour around the city and make paella, the most famous dish in Spain. Then visit the nearby town of Peñíscola to see the Papa Luna’s Castle, a medieval building constructed by Templar knights that was home to the Pope during the 13th century.

Part-Time Internships

Did you know that, while in Barcelona, you can intern as part of your study abroad experience? With a part-time internship, you’ll gain global work experience that will increase your job readiness and give you an advantage after graduation. With an internship, you will: 

  • Take an important step in your career development by navigating the professional world with our support. 
  • Learn more about yourself both personally and professionally and build confidence in the process. 
  • Experience what working in Barcelona is really like and gain an authentic understanding of the workplace culture while developing real, applicable job skills that will bolster your career readiness. 
  • Begin building an international network by making connections with coworkers and peers. 

All of our internships are supervised and earn IES Abroad credit. You participate in a 3-credit seminar to complement the practical experience you gain during the internship for a greater understanding of work life in your host country. 

a business student walking in Milan

Business Development & International Business

Three students in front of the European Council in Brussels Belgium

International Relations

health students in santiago

Health

a studio audience behind a camera in Milan

Media & Communication

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Charities & Nonprofits

Two students sit outside at a table on their college campus working from a laptop.

Marketing

Volunteer Opportunities

When you volunteer in Barcelona, you have the chance to make a difference in the local community while meeting new people and gaining a new perspective on the world. If you are passionate about volunteering abroad, just let the on-site staff know at the beginning of your term.

Past volunteer opportunities in Barcelona include:

Children’s Health

Engaging with and supporting kids and their families at a children’s hospital (bilingual Spanish and FBI Background Check required)

Food Security

Volunteering at a soup kitchen

Education

Being a teaching assistant at a public school

Program Cost

Consider these prices as a starting point. We encourage you to contact your current college or university to determine the actual cost to you when factoring in financial aid, scholarships, your school's policies, and other factors.

Fall 2024

Tuition
$
17,355
Housing
$
3,198
Insurance
$
245
Total
$
20,798

Academic Year 2024

Tuition
$
31,220
Housing
$
6,395
Insurance
$
490
Total
$
38,105

Spring 2025

Tuition
$
17,876
Housing
$
3,301
Insurance
$
245
Total
$
21,422

Fall 2025

Tuition
-
Housing
-
Insurance
-
Total
Pending

Use Our Budget Worksheet to Calculate Your Costs

See the Worksheet
APPLY FOR SCHOLARSHIPS

$7 Million in Scholarships & Aid

We firmly believe that financial limitations should not prevent a qualified student from studying abroad. This is why we commit millions of dollars to our study abroad scholarships and aid.

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About the IES Abroad Center

The Center is where our highly trained local staff provide on-the-ground support throughout your time abroad. 

The IES Abroad Barcelona Center is located in the heart of Barcelona, just off the Plaza Catalunya. Whether you’re taking a stroll by the Arco de Triunfo, or studying at a nearby café, the Center is your study abroad hub. 

 

Orientation

Start at Home
Our Comprehensive Orientation & Re-Entry Experience (CORE™) begins at home with our virtual orientation to meet the IES Abroad Center staff, fellow students, and the city.
Arrive in Barcelona
Orientation continues when you arrive onsite with activities focusing on adjusting to Barcelona. Detailed information about other important topics is also covered.
Explore Barcelona
Take a required study journey to a site in Spain. In previous journeys, students have visited Tarragona, where they walked in the footsteps of the Ancient Romans.
Prepare to Learn
Feel prepared to begin classes with practical lessons, activities designed to help you learn your way around the area, and support from our dedicated student staff.
Settle In
Orientation continues throughout the semester with field trips allowing you to both further sample elements of Spanish culture and get to know the other students.

Health & Safety

With 70 years of experience, we are proud to set the standard for health and safety in study abroad. Our Chicago-based and on-site staff are all highly trained and experienced in the matters of health, safety, and crisis management. We are here for you from predeparture to your return, and are ready to support you—no matter which time zone you’re in. We plan for "what ifs" so that you don’t have to. From international health insurance included in the cost of your program to highly-trained local staff who can connect you to English-speaking healthcare providers, we are working around the clock to ensure your health and safety while abroad.

Support You Can Expect to Receive on Our Programs

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CISI International Health Insurance

In the case you need to see a doctor or mental health professional.

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24/7 Emergency Support

Whether you encounter an issue while traveling or in your host city.

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Mandatory Cell Phone Policy

Receive any emergency updates from IES Abroad staff via call or text.

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Location-Specific Information

Health and safety information presented at orientation by on-site staff.

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TripTracker System

Allowing you to share independent travel plans.

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Crisis Drills

So that you feel prepared to respond to an emergency should one arise.

Program Dates

Fall 2024

Program Dates:

September 02 - December 14

Application Deadline:

Academic Year 2024

Program Dates:

Early September - Late April

Application Deadline:

Spring 2025

Program Dates:

January 07 - April 30

Application Deadline:

Fall 2025

Program Dates:

September 01 - December 19

Application Deadline:

Requirements

  • Eligibility Requirements
  • Application Requirements
  • Passport & Visa Requirements

Eligibility Requirements

  • 18 years of age 
  • In good standing at your home school 
  • 2.75 GPA or better on a 4.0 scale (GPAs under 2.75 will be considered on a case-by-case basis)
  • Sophomore, junior, or senior standing when program begins. Some courses at local universities may not be open to sophomores. Please contact an IES Abroad Representative for further details 
  • No previous Spanish language courses are required 

Frequently Asked Questions

Contact a Previous Student

Student Ambassadors

No one knows the IES Abroad experience better than a student who has lived it! From budget tips to housing experiences, our volunteer Ambassadors are here to share it all.

Contact an Ambassador
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The Student Experience

How will study abroad redefine your world? We can’t wait to find out.

Apply Now
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