Study Abroad in Barcelona

students sit at the Bunkers in Barcelona watching the sun set
four students sitting on the sand at the beach with the ocean and the sunset in the background
student entering Basílica de la Sagrada Família in Barcelona
La Sagrada Familia towering over the surrounding city in Barcelona
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What to Expect in Barcelona

Study abroad in Barcelona and let the city’s wonders enchant you, because where else can you marvel at Gaudi’s whimsical architectural genius while embracing the laid-back Spanish lifestyle? 

Whether it is the salty sea air, the sweep of mountains in the distance, or the romance and excitement of Las Ramblas, you will never want to leave when you're studying abroad in Barcelona. 

Enjoy all that Barcelona has to offer with one of our Barcelona study abroad programs, which allow you to customize your academic experience by focusing on Arts, Business, Communications, Culture, International Relations, Journalism, Politics, or another Liberal Arts area of study.  

On a full-time semester or summer internship program, you can build a global network of professional contacts while taking in the sights and sounds of this bustling Spanish city on the coast of the Mediterranean Sea. 

Experience a large university community, beautifiul architecture, and Catalan tradition, when you study abroad in Barcelona. 

Excited? We are too. 

Picture Yourself in Barcelona

Languages Spoken: 
Catalan, Spanish
Climate: 
Mediterranean
Currency: 
Euro (€)
Time Zone: 
GMT+1

Our Programs

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Study Abroad
diverse students Park Güell sunset
Barcelona, Spain

Arts & Culture

Fall/ Spring/ Academic Year
None
Experiential Learning, Part-Time Internship
$
21,422
Program Details
Study Abroad
A student explores Poble Espanyol de Montjuic in Barcelona, Spain.
Barcelona, Spain

Engineering

Fall/ Spring/ Academic Year
None
Experiential Learning
$
20,137
Program Details
Full-Time Internship
An IES intern standing outside of her placement at the Barcelona Bar Association
Barcelona, Spain

Full-Time Semester Internship

Fall/ Spring/ Academic Year
None
$
9,450
Program Details
Study Abroad
a male student poses for a photo at Park Güell
Barcelona, Spain

Journalism & Communications

Fall/ Spring/ Academic Year
None
Experiential Learning, Part-Time Internship
$
21,422
Program Details
Study Abroad
student standing on steps in front of colorful fence and textured buildings
Barcelona, Spain

Liberal Arts & Business

Fall/ Spring/ Academic Year
None
Experiential Learning, Part-Time Internship
$
21,422
Program Details
Study Abroad
a student looks out over Barcelona from the Bunkers during sunset
Barcelona, Spain

Political Science & International Relations

Fall/ Spring/ Academic Year
None
Experiential Learning, Part-Time Internship
$
21,422
Program Details
Full-Time Internship
an IES Intern standing in front of her internship placement at a typical European building
Barcelona, Spain

Summer - Internship

Summer
None
$
7,340
Program Details
Study Abroad
Two students sit high above the city.
Barcelona, Spain

Summer - Language & Area Studies

Summer
None
$
6,906
Program Details
Looking for something else?
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Top 5 Things to Do in Barcelona

Have Fun in the Sun
Spend time strolling and swimming under the sun along Barcelona's four miles of sandy beaches. Barceloneta Beach and Llevant Beach are some of our favorites.
Hike Montjuïc
A climb up this hill offers spectacular views of the city. From here, you can also explore several great museums and the beautiful buildings from the 1992 Olympic Games.
Check Out Live Music
From huge festivals to hole-in-the-wall venues, playing everything from electronica to punk, there’s more to Barcelona’s music scene than its iconic Rumba Catalana.
Appreciate the Art
Home to numerous works by Pablo Picasso, the surreal sculptures of Joan Miró, and the fantastic, dreamlike architecture of Gaudi, there’s plenty of art to inspire you.
Eat, Drink, and Eat Some More!
Catalan cuisine consists of savory stews, fresh seafood, delicious jamón, spicy potatoes, olives, and so much more. Wash it down with a cold orxata.

About the IES Abroad Center

Two students sit in red lounge chairs in the Barcelona Center. Between them in a globe painted on the wall.
IES Abroad Barcelona

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. 

 

IES Abroad Barcelona Staff

Cèsar Alegre Alsina, Ph.D. headshot

Cèsar Alegre Alsina

IES Abroad Barcelona Center Director & AVP for Program Development

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Headshot of Maria Mejias.

Maria Mejias Caravaca

Language Faculty Advisor & Spanish Professor

Headshot of Lorena Chinnici.

Lorena Chinnici

Head of Customized Programs & Outside Courses

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Ana Julia Tarife Conde

Head of Internship, Service Learning & Volunteer Programs

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Noemi Polo Contel

Senior Student Affairs Coordinator

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Olga Sanchez Cuenca

Senior Director of Student Affairs

Felipe Fructos Dominguez headshot

Felipe Fructos Dominguez

Center & Facilities Maintenance Technician

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Jane Ewart

Head of Academic Administration & Registration

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Ilaria Gambarelli

Administration Assistant & Center Video Production

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Natalia Gil

Academic Affairs Assistant

Maria Leal headshot

Maria Leal

Student Success Coordinator

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Pilar Gracia Male

Senior HR Generalist

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Raquel Medina

Dean of Area Studies & Assistant Dean of Faculty

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Sara Andrejevic Miskovic

Student Affairs Assistant

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Maria Paez Moriana

Internship, Service Learning & Volunteer Programs Specialist

Headshot of Marija Vasiljevic.

Marija Vasiljevic Nadina

Emergency & After Office Hours Student Affairs Specialist

Headshot of Ferran Teres Olivella.

Ferran Teres Olivella

Senior Student Affairs Coordinator

Salvador Ortiz headshot

Salvador Ortiz

Head of Administration & Human Resources

Headshot of Beatriz Taberner Rodriguez.

Beatriz Taberner Rodriguez

Center Manager

Headshot of Sofia Franco Rodriguez.

Sofia Franco Rodriguez

Internship, Service Learning & Volunteer Assistant

Headshot of Maria Romero Serrano.

Maria Romero Serrano

Dean of Spanish & Assistant Dean of Faculty

Headshot of Laura Vazquez.

Laura Vazquez

Faculty Advisor of Education Technology

Concepcion Villar headshot

Concepcion Villar

Administration Assistant

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Dr. Alex Walker

Associate Center Director & Dean of Faculty

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Ana Aristu

Academics Department Assistant

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Steven Hakes

Emergency & After Office Hours Student Affairs Specialist

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Dalia Moretto

Customized Programs Assistant

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.

Helpful Links

Blogs on Mental Health
Study Abroad Safety Tips for Traveling
Blogs on Safety
Learn More About Health & Safety
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.

Learn More
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The Student Experience

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View All Blogs
Picture of me on top of Krakus Mound - a great view of the whole city.
Jimmy Xu,

Thinking Out Loud

I write about my identity and how I see personal growth throughout the semester.

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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Latest from Barcelona

Follow @IESabroad on all your favorite social media platforms for the latest videos, photos, blog posts, and updates from our students and staff around the world.

IES Abroad News

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Want to study abroad in Barcelona? 

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

Apply Now