AT-A-GLANCE
TERMS
Fall Semester, Spring Semester, Academic Year, Summer Term
HOUSING TYPES
Homestay, Apartment, Student Residence
INCLUDED DAYTRIPS
Tarragona, Montserrat, Valencia, Costa Brava
LANGUAGE OF INSTRUCTION
English and Spanish
SEMESTER
FALL APPLICATION DEADLINE
May 6
SPRING APPLICATION DEADLINE
October 1
CREDITS
12-18
VISA
Required
SUMMER
APPLICATION DEADLINE
March 18
CREDITS
3-9
VISA
Not Required for U.S. Citizens
WHY BARCELONA?
Located along the Mediterranean Sea, the city of Barcelona grants students the opportunity to develop a deeper understanding of Spanish culture and experience the way of life in Catalunya. The mild climate, famed cuisine, and breathtaking arts give the Mediterranean region a distinct feel, unique from anywhere else in the world.
IAU’s center in Barcelona is centrally located near the downtown Plaça de Catalunya area in the l’Eixample district, which is close to many of Barcelona’s famed attractions. The facilities have been completely renovated with modern amenities to suit the needs of the 21st-century college student.
ACADEMICS
At the Barcelona center, students will be able to:
- Choose their courses across a variety of disciplines.
- Focus their studies within a specific discipline by enrolling in an academic track, specialized program, or certificate program.
- Participate in Field Study Trips and Tours as a part of all classes offered.
Programs
This program enables students to choose from all our course offerings to fulfill many of their general education requirements and complete major and minor requirements.
In addition to their internship class, Internship Program students will choose from all our course offerings to complete their course schedule. Find out more information about the Internship Program here.
Students are invited to join IAU for an optional week-long, Early Start program before their Fall or Spring semester abroad. During this week, students will move into their housing placements early, participate in a one-credit language course appropriate to their incoming level of Spanish, and have a jumpstart on meeting new classmates. The goal of the program is for students to feel more comfortable in everyday communication with locals and in a new and exciting city. Find a sample week schedule here.
The Spanish Honors Program is designed for Spanish majors and minors, or other students with demonstrated advanced-level Spanish, who are interested in completing a comprehensive language and cultural immersion program. Students in the Spanish Honors Program have the following academic and student life requirements:
Semester Spanish Honors Program Course Requirements
- SPA 421 Spanish Honors Seminar: El Nuevo Mundo Hoy – 3 credits
- SPA/HIS 327 Spanish Civilization and Culture – 3 credits
- One Spanish Language course (upper division 300 level and above) – 3 credits
- One topics course either taught in Spanish (any discipline) or about Spain (taught in English) – 3 credits
- Exceptions can be made for one class in English according to home university credit needs.
Summer Spanish Honors Program Course Requirements
- SPA 421 Spanish Honors Seminar: El Nuevo Mundo Hoy – 3 credits
- One upper-division (300-level and above) Spanish language or topics course, including courses cross-listed with Spanish – 3 credits
Spanish Honors Program Student Life Requirements
- Students must live with a host family in the homestay housing model.
- Students must attend at least 5 different academic field studies (in classes other than their own), cultural trips, or cultural activities throughout the semester. Summer students must attend at least 3.
- Semester Spanish Honors Program students are highly encouraged to participate in the Early Start Program.
The Ballet in Barcelona Program is designed for dance majors/minors or others with demonstrated advanced-level dance abilities, interested in gaining onstage experience. The dance classes taught at the David Campos Ballet School, are focused on giving the dancer an authentic experience of what it means to be in a ballet company. Admittance into this program option is determined by IAU Admissions and David Campos.
Semester Ballet in Barcelona Course Requirements
- DAN 331 Advanced / Professional Ballet Trainee taught by David Campos – 6 credits
- IAU course selected by the student with approval from their home university – 3 credits
- IAU course selected by the student with approval from their home university – 3 credits
- IAU course selected by the student with approval from their home university – 3 credits
Courses
Discover IAU’s complete Course Catalogue, filterable by term and IAU center location, through the link below. IAU semester students are required to take 12-18 units/4-6 courses, and IAU summer students select between 3-9 units/1-3 courses. We strongly recommend students take 15 units during semester terms.
All courses are taught in English unless otherwise indicated (e.g., SPA courses). Course offerings are subject to change and must meet minimum enrollment as determined by IAU staff.
Example Courses
Find an example of our course offerings for a semester program in Barcelona below. Please note that not all courses you see will be offered in any given term. For information on courses and course times we are currently offering, please see the Course Search By Term option above.
Architecture
- ARD 320: Architectural History of Spain
Art & Art History
- ARH 276: History of the Mediterranean Through Its Art
- ARH 320: Picasso, Matisse, Dali and the Mediterranean
- ART 104: Art in the Age of AI
- ART 311: Capturing Barcelona Through Photography
- ART 312: Capturing Barcelona Through Photography
- ART 314: Art Across Barcelona
- ART 323: Writing the City
Business
- BUS 251: Events Organization from A to Z
- BUS 260: Shopper Data and Business
- Research
- BUS 301: International Business Today and Tomorrow
- BUS 303: Intercultural Management
- BUS 304: Business Ethics in the Global Market
- BUS 305: Global Marketing
- BUS 315: Advertising and Society
- BUS 316: Consumer Behavior
- BUS 318: The Business of Social Media
- BUS 319: Marketing and Distribution Channels
- BUS 328: Fashion Business and Product Strategy
Computer Information Systems
- CIS 303: Introduction to Information Technology Management
- CIS 372: Artificial Intelligence in Modern Warfare
Communication Studies
- COM 209: Photojournalism and Visual Narratives
- COM 290: Public Speaking Through Theatre
- COM 316: Media and Conflict
- COM 317: Communication and Gender
- COM 318: Intercultural Communication
Cross-Cultural Studies
- CCS 358: Sports in Catalonia, Spain, and Europe: A Cultural
Economics
- ECO 342: Intermediate Microeconomics
- ECO 343: Intermediate Macroeconomics
Environmental Studies
- ENS 309: Global Environmental Politics
Film Studies
- FLM 120: An Introduction to Filmmaking in Barcelona
- FLM 318: Analyzing Western Culture Through Horror, Fantasy
- FLM 356: Spain as Seen Through Its Movies
Finance
- FIN 300: Financial Management
- FIN 301: International Finance
- FIN 303: Investments
Geography
- GEO 345: Analyzing and Exploring the Global City
History
- HIS 325: Cultural History of Europe
- HIS 326: Spanish Civilization and Culture
International Relations
- IRL 309: Global Environmental Politics
- IRL 316: Media And Conflict
- IRL 357: Nationalism in Comparative Perspective
Internships
- INT 341: Internship
- INT 398: Student Life Internship I
- INT 399: Student Life Internship II
Language & Culture - Spanish
- SPA 101: Beginning Spanish I
- SPA 102: Beginning Spanish II
- SPA 110: Early Start Spanish
- SPA 201: Intermediate Spanish I
- SPA 202: Intermediate Spanish II
- SPA 210: Early Start Spanish
- SPA 300: Conversation
- SPA 304: Communication, Culture, and Identity
- SPA 308: Advanced Spanish for Heritage Students: Grammar,
- SPA 310: Early Start Spanish
- SPA 327: Spanish Civilization and Culture
- SPA 366: Spain as Seen Through Its Movies
- SPA 410: Spanish for Business
- SPA 421: Spanish Honors Seminar: El Nuevo Mundo Hoy
Management
- MGT 311: Operations Management
- MGT 318: Organizational Behavior
Marketing
- MKT 311: Principles of Marketing
- MKT 319: Marketing and Distribution Channels
Philosophy
- PHI 312: Ethics in Society
Political Science
- POL 309: Global Environmental Politics
- POL 319: The Middle East: Politics and Conflicts
- POL 327: The Political Economy of European Integration
- POL 339: Democratic Spain: Policies, Ideologies, and
- POL 357: Nationalism in Comparative Perspective
Psychology
- PSY 230: Human Sexuality
- PSY 304: Human Development in a Cultural Context
- PSY 328: Positive Psychology and Happiness
- PSY 332: Cross-Cultural Psychology
- PSY 333: Abnormal Psychology
- PSY 335: Social Psychology
- PSY 336: Rewriting Minds: A History of Mental Health and the
- PSY 339: Sports Psychology
- PSY 340: Adult Development and Aging
- PSY 355: Psychology of Addiction and Substance Abuse
- PSY 365: Neuropsychology
- PSY 376: Psychopharmacology
Religious Studies
- The Children of Abraham: Judaism, Christianity and Islam
Sociology
- SOC 357: Nationalism in Comparative Perspective
- SOC 358: Sports in Catalonia, Spain, and Europe: A Cultural
Wine Studies
- WGS 207: Food Culture in the Western Mediterranean
- WGS 302: Wine Marketing and Sensory Analysis
- WGS 307: Wine and Food Pairing
- WGS 310: International Wine Business
Syllabus Library
Access IAU’s Syllabus Library at the link below. It is important for students to consult with their home university’s study abroad office to confirm course approvals and transfers. If a syllabus for a planned term of study is not yet available, students may reference and submit a syllabus from the most recent available term.
HOUSING
Students in Barcelona have the option to be housed in Homestays, Shared Apartments, or Student Residences. All IAU housing is within convenient access of public transportation and within an approximate 40-minute commute time to the IAU Barcelona Center. It is common for students to expect to utilize public transportation every day.
In a student’s IAU application, they will complete a Housing Questionnaire which asks for a student’s preferred housing type, roommate preference (if any), and additional essential details. IAU will consider student preferences in housing placements, but cannot guarantee that all stated preferences can be met.
All program participants are required to live in IAU-arranged housing and sign and abide by the IAU Student Handbook and Housing Agreement. It is important that students maintain flexibility and an open mind when it comes to housing placements. IAU will consider student preferences in housing placements but cannot guarantee that all stated preferences can be met.
PLEASE NOTE: Housing schedules are aligned with the IAU academic calendar. Students who arrive early or depart late are invited to book their own accommodations, as program housing is only available during the confirmed program dates.
COSTS AND FINANCIAL AID
For information about deadlines, scholarships, and financial policies, navigate HERE.
| Item | Inclusions | Cost |
| Tuition | Tuition (12–18 credits), academic resources, course materials, academic field studies, and official ACM-IAU transcript *School of Record Transcript carries an additional fee | $13,600 |
| Housing & Student Life Fee | Housing, Orientation, 24/7 Emergency Assistance, On-Site Support, Wellness Support *Meal inclusions may be provided by location and housing type | $5,500 |
| Program Fee | On-Site Activities, Study Tours, Pre-Departure Advising, International Insurance, Administrative Costs | $2,500 |
| Total Cost | $21,600 |
| Item | Inclusions | Cost |
| Tuition | Tuition (12–18 credits), academic resources, course materials, academic field studies, and official ACM-IAU transcript *School of Record Transcript carries an additional fee | $13,600 |
| Housing & Student Life Fee | Housing, Orientation, 24/7 Emergency Assistance, On-Site Support, Wellness Support *Meal inclusions may be provided by location and housing type | $5,500 |
| Program Fee | On-Site Activities, Study Tours, Pre-Departure Advising, International Insurance, Administrative Costs | $2,500 |
| Total Cost | $21,600 |
| Summer 2026 Program Costs | 3 Weeks/1 Course Sessions B or C | Session A 6 Weeks/2 Courses Session A | Session A 6 Weeks/3 Courses Session A | 8 Week Internship/2 Courses |
| Tuition | $3,515 | $5,990 | $7,322 | $5,990 |
| Housing & Student Life Fee | $1,535 | $2,390 | $2,390 | $3,155 |
| Program Fee | $775 | $1,270 | $1,268 | $1,375 |
| Total Cost | $5,825 | $9,650 | $10,980 | $10,520 |
What's Included?
Preparation & Arrival Support
• Personal study abroad advising
• Visa application assistance
• Pre-departure resources and orientation
• On-site orientation to your new home
• Arrival day support
Academics
• Tuition
• Academic resources
• Academic study tours
• Textbooks and course materials
• High-quality academic facilities
• Full-time faculty
• IAU transcript sent directly to your home university
• Access to IAU alumni network and fellowship opportunities
Student Life
• Experienced full-time on-site team
• Housing
• Activities, clubs, community engagement activities
• Academic and cultural experiences
• Day and overnight trips
• Collaboration with The American College of the Mediterranean students receiving their international master's degree
Student Health & Wellness
• 24/7 emergency support
• Comprehensive health, wellness, mental health & safety support
• International medical insurance
• Connection to local English-speaking hospitals or medical centers
• Risk management, emergency preparedness, and student well-being aligned with NAFSA and The Forum on Education Abroad's best practices
CALENDAR
Students will be advised when they should make their travel arrangements by the IAU Admissions Team after they are accepted. Students will be expected in person at the IAU center location of their program on the Arrival Day to move into their housing accommodation, and must vacate their accommodation on the program Departure Day.
Students should not make any personal extracurricular travel arrangements before the first week of classes. Field studies and course excursions can be scheduled during weekends and breaks, so IAU recommends not purchasing any tickets or scheduling any travel until after learning of course requirements on-site.
Summer 2026
| Session | Dates | Duration | Course Load |
|---|---|---|---|
| Internship | Monday, May 18 - Saturday, July 11 | 8 weeks | 2 |
| A | Tuesday, May 26 - Saturday, July 11 | 6 weeks | 2 or 3 |
| B | Tuesday, May 26 - Thursday, June 18 | 3 weeks | 1 |
| C | Thursday, June 18 - Saturday, July 11 | 3 weeks | 1 |
Fall 2026
| Early Start Program Arrival | Friday, August 28 |
| Arrival | Friday, September 4 |
| Orientation | Saturday, September 5 - Sunday, September 6 |
| Classes Begin | Monday, September 7 |
| Last Day to Drop/Add/Change a Course Without a "W" | Tuesday, September 15 |
| Required Make-up Class Session | Friday, October 23 |
| Fall Break | Saturday, October 24 - Sunday, November 1 |
| Last Day of Class | Wednesday, December 9 |
| Exam Period | Thursday, December 10 - Friday, December 11 |
| Departure | Sunday, December 13 |
STUDENT LIFE
Center and Student Support
IAU is proud to offer a robust system of support, which culminates in student success while abroad. Before traveling abroad, our Admissions team provides pre-departure resources, including virtual orientations and visa advising. Once on-site, students have access to 24/7 support, on-site orientations, and a team of professionals ready to help them succeed. Learn more about student support on our Student Life page.
Center Activities
The IAU Student Life team coordinates center activities for students every term. Some of these activities include student government opportunities, Spanish language exchange meetups, and the weekly Sports in the City club.
Field Studies and Study Tours
While abroad, students participate in course-related field studies that use Barcelona as a classroom, including visits to museums, historical and cultural sites, and local businesses. Students also take part in academic and cultural excursions such as day trips or weekend study tours, cooking classes and wine tastings, language exchanges, and guided walking tours that deepen their understanding of the city and its culture.
Included cultural excursion examples (subject to change and depending on season):
- Day trip to Tarragona
- Day trip to Montserrat
- Weekend in Valencia
- Weekend in Costa Brava
Cultural Trips
IAU offers optional multi-day cultural trips to destinations in Europe and North Africa, organized by IAU staff for an additional fee. Trips vary by term and include round-trip flights, accommodations, ground transportation, some activities, most meals, and 24/7 staff support. Students must register and pay a nonrefundable deposit before the term begins, with the remaining balance due prior to departure.
