Barcelona, Spain

Journalism & Communications

Study Abroad
Program Options:
Experiential Learning, Global Pillars Courses, Part-Time Internship
Length:
Fall, Spring, Academic Year
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three male students look out over Barcelona from the Bunkers
an artistic shot of Familia Sagrada in Barcelona
a male student poses for a photo at Park Güell

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 choose from a series of courses in Communications, Literature (including travel writing), Journalism, Playwriting, and much more. Barcelona will be your classroom. All of our courses feature course-related trips and faculty-led visits to cutting-edge digital media outlets, newsrooms, agencies, and more. Imagine studying advertising in class and then visiting an international ad agency or attending a lecture by an internationally known photojournalist as part of your visual storytelling course. It’s all waiting for you here in Barcelona.

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Study at a Local University

Take courses at two of Spain’s top universities.

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Attend Cultural Events

Like walking tours, flamenco workshops, and soccer games.

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Gain Hands-On Experience

Participate in an optional 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?

Barcelona’s spectacular setting on the sea, laid-back Spanish lifestyle, and vibrant culture make this city a great place to study abroad, but did you know Barcelona is one of Europe’s leading centers for digital media, international advertising, journalism, and publishing?

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 barc housing

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

A student studding at the Social Hub in Barcelona, Spain. From the study space, there's a view of the Barcelona cityscape.
Sydney M. • Hope College

We offer unique courses that explore Journalism, Communications, and other topics 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.

Visit Website

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 Journalism & Communications.

  • 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.

Helpful Links

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Transcripts, Credit Transfer & Accreditation
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Refund Policy
See All Student Policies

IES Abroad Courses

Disciplines (39)

Anthropology (7)

Course name Term Language Credits
AN/SO 360 - Banditry and Mafias in the Mediterranean Fall, Spring English 3
CU/AN 338 - Barcelona: The Culinary City Fall, Spring English 3
AN/HP 345 - Catalan Cultural Studies Fall, Spring English 3
AN/PS 340 - Self and Identity in a Postmodern World Fall, Spring English 3
AN/SO 320A - Sports and Society in Spain Fall, Spring English 3
AN/WS - 336 Women and Culture in Spain and the Mediterranean Fall, Spring English 3
AN/GS 215 - Sexuality and Gender Fall, Spring English 3

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 

Visit Website

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 

Visit Website

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 

Visit Website

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 

Visit Website

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.

Learn More
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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. 

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3 Days ($) Fall & Spring

Costa Brava

Visit Roman ruins, the medieval city of Girona, and the “dreamland” of Salvador Dalí between Barcelona and the French border.

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.

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Montserrat

1 Day ($) Fall & Spring

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

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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.

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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

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IES Abroad Barcelona

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. 

Placement Examples

Watch an Example Internship
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Business Development & International Business

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International Relations

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Health

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Media & Communication

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Charities & Nonprofits

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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
View All Fees

Academic Year 2024

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

Spring 2025

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

Fall 2025

Tuition
-
Housing
-
Insurance
-
Total
Pending
View All Fees

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

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

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Cèsar Alegre Alsina

IES Abroad Barcelona Center Director & AVP for Program Development

Read Full Bio
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Maria Mejias Caravaca

Language Faculty Advisor & Spanish Professor

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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

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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

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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

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Marija Vasiljevic Nadina

Emergency & After Office Hours Student Affairs Specialist

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Ferran Teres Olivella

Senior Student Affairs Coordinator

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Salvador Ortiz

Head of Administration & Human Resources

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Beatriz Taberner Rodriguez

Center Manager

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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

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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

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.

Helpful Links

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

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

Identity Resources

Learn More About Identity & Access
Country-Specific
Social Identity
IDEA Bloggers
IES Abroad Diversity Statement
Intercultural Competency Media List
Navigating Identity & Diversity Abroad
Learn More About Identity & Access
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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How will study abroad redefine your world? We can’t wait to find out.

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