IFSA - SUMMER IN BARCELONA
  Barcelona, Spain

WHY STUDY IN BARCELONA
A thriving metropolis located along the Mediterranean Sea, Barcelona is one of Europe’s true gems. The city features a beautiful Mediterranean climate, a vibrant business environment, a reputation for some of Spain’s best food, and an “old city” charm complete with iconic Gaudi architecture at seemingly every turn. This student-friendly city is proudly and staunchly Catalunyan, providing insight into the culture and politics of one of Spain’s most intriguing regions. 

ABOUT THE PROGRAM
In this beautiful seaside city, you’ll explore Catalan culture, architecture, endless food options, and a vibrant social scene that lasts late into the evening. There’s no better place to explore the works of Spanish masters like Goya, Picasso, Gaudí, Miró, and Dalí—and understand what influenced their art. If sports or economics are more your thing, explore how pro soccer fits into Spain’s culture and economy with FC Barcelona as your real-world example.  

With options to take a single class (one four-week session), extend your stay with back-to-back sessions, and even layer in an internship with IFSA Summer Internships in Barcelona. It’s easy to create your perfect summer in Spain.  

Session 1 Class

• Understanding Spain Through Its Art

Session 2 Class

• The Economics of Professional Soccer

Please visit Summer in Barcelona for complete class descriptions and syllabi. 

CULTURAL ENGAGEMENT ACTIVITIES & EXCURSIONS
Program activities are designed to enhance your intercultural competence by developing your understanding of the local culture and people. They are optional, but they are included in your total program fee. Activities vary each term based on availability, but previous events have included:

• Catalan Cooking Class: Experience authentic Catalan cuisine during a Catalan cooking class preparing famous Spanish dishes.
• Sagrada Familia Tour: Tour Sagrada Familia church, one of the most architectonic beauties of Barcelona.
• Museum of Art Visit: Bask in the stunning view of Barcelona from the Museum of Art and peruse the most comprehensive collection of Catalan art in the world.
• Gothic Quarter Tour: Enjoy a guided tour of the Gothic Quarter and several other prominent Barcelona neighborhoods. 
• Flamenco Class: Learn new moves such as sevillanas, rumba, catalana, and soleas during a fun and festive Flamenco class.
• Palo Alto Market: Spot everything from local fashion to artisanal jewelry at the Palo Alto Market while indulging in delicious street food or stopping by the many food trucks!

IFSA excursions are included in your total program fee and though these are optional, most students choose to participate. Excursions vary each term based on availability.

• Figueres Day Trip: Visit Figueres, the birthplace of Salvador Dalí, and Girona, a medieval, walled city and site of several filming locations for The Game of Thrones.
• Calella Day Trip: Calella is small town on the Costa Brava which preserves its picturesque white houses and traditional fishing village along the Mediterranean.
• Montserrat Day Trip: Montserrat is a stunning mountain landscape topped with a famous Benedictine monastery and perfect for hiking excursions.
• Tarragona Day Trip: Tarragona is where you can find the second most important ancient Roman sites in Spain including a mosaic-packed museum and a seaside amphitheater.

    WHAT’S INCLUDED IN MY IFSA PROGRAM?

• Academic Support
• Administrative Fees and Applications Fees
• Airport Pickup
• Activities and Excursions (including transportation and meals)
• Guaranteed Housing
• International Medical Insurance
• Internet Access in Housing
• Internship, Directed Research, and Volunteer Opportunities (on many programs)
• Meals (on some programs)
• Official Transcript with U.S. Credit Translation
• On-site Orientation
• On-site Staff Support (including in-person meetings and emergencies)
• Pre-arrival Advising
• Tuition

  WE’RE HERE FOR YOU