Location:

Barcelona, Spain

Program Type:

Study Abroad

Degree Level:

Undergraduate

Term:

Academic Year, Fall Semester, Spring Semester

Program Overview

Program Description:

WHY BCA BARCELONA

• Refine your Spanish skills while also learning about Spanish culture and history during BCA’s pre-semester course. This three-week course ensures that you’re set to succeed in your Spanish-language courses abroad and helps you begin to acclimate to life in Barcelona – one of the most beautiful and culturally rich cities in the world.
• Join intercambio – a program designed for English and Spanish language students to meet throughout the week to practice their language skills together. This program provides you with an opportunity to meet Spaniards of different ages, origins and diverse life experiences.
• Get to know your new home and meet new people by volunteering with local organizations working in the city. The BCA Resident Director can help connect you to a local community partner to learn more about the work they do and ways that you can be of service to their mission. 

CULTURAL ACTIVITIES & EXCURSIONS
Your Resident Director is your guide throughout the semester and will help you maximize your time in Spain. Together you will behold the works of world-famous architect Antoni Gaudí, including Cascada Fountain at Parc de la Ciutadella – inspired by Rome’s Trevi Fountain – and his most famous work, La Sagrada Familia – the unfinished Catholic church. The BCA signature excursion may vary by semester but in the past has included visits to the port city of Tarragona, famous for its ancient Roman ruins and Cistercian monasteries, the 10th century
Benedictine monastery of Sant Pere de Rodes and the city of Gerona known for its Romanesque and Gothic influences.

ACADEMICS
There are approximately 66,000 students enrolled in the Universitat de Barcelona (UB) across six campuses, including 12,000 international students. As an advanced language student, you can challenge yourself to take UB courses alongside local students. If your Spanish is not as advanced, you can take a combination of BCA and UB courses. BCA classes are taught in Spanish, but are designed for students for whom Spanish is not their first language. Between the BCA and UB courses, students can find a wide variety of options in many academic disciplines including the arts and humanities, business, professional studies, social sciences and STEM.

COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS
Barcelona is perfectly situated between the ocean and the mountains, so you can go to the beach, hike or take advantage of city life. The city is known for its vibrant street life, incredible food and amazing architecture. You can enjoy Spain’s cultural dances such flamenco, salsa or swing by visiting a local theatre or joining community classes. Plus, you’ll live with a host family who can provide you with opportunities to discuss Spanish politics, social issues, pop culture and family traditions. Interested students can volunteer with local organizations or local festival committees to further connect to the city and people of Barcelona.

Setting Description:

Barcelona, the capital of Catalonia, is set on the Mediterranean coast within easy reach of the Costa Brava and the Pyrenees Mountains. Founded in 203 B.C., the city has long provided a base for Catalan culture. The Catalan traditions survived two dictatorships in Barcelona and continue to flourish today. Barcelona is one of the most exciting and interesting cities in Europe and offers a fascinating mix of ancient and modern traditions. The city's spectacular architecture ranges from 13th-century Gothic cathedrals to the modernist neighborhood of l'Eixample and the work of Gaudi and others. Pablo Picasso, Salvador Dali and Joan Miro made their homes in Barcelona, and local museums pay homage to each.

Cost:

Updated each academic year on the BCA Study Abroad website

Additional Program Information

Requirements:

GPA Requirement: 2.6 Language Pre-Requisite: Four semesters of college-level Spanish (or equivalent) is required.

Scholarships:

Yes

Scholarships Description:

BCA Study Abroad has committed to increasing the number of study abroad students from diverse ethnic, faith, sexual orientation & gender identity and socio-economic backgrounds. Visit our website to learn more about BCA's scholarship opportunities.