Summer in Barcelona
Business & Creative Industries
Allow Barcelona's creativity to fuel yours
Expect your creative juices to flow fully on this program! Between its avant-garde nature, social street life, cutting-edge companies, and innovative start-ups, Barcelona naturally sparks creativity. The unique academic focus of this program will have you learning about entrepreneurship and marketing, as well as delving into the design and communication skills necessary to succeed in today’s creative industries. You’ll receive personalized attention and support in a small and creativity-inspiring urban campus setting. And when you need a brain break, Barcelona’s beaches will beckon!
What to Expect:
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Language: English & Spanish
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Average Courseload: 2-3 courses (6-12 US credits)
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GPA Requirement: 2.6
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Visa Requirements: NONE Required!
Highlights:
- Unique course offerings focused on innovation, digital art, and design
- Small and attentive campus setting, with passionate instructors
- Barcelona provides the perfect inspiration for all creative endeavors
- Spanish language, literature, and culture courses available
- Superb housing that combines comfort and community in a prime location
Program Details
LCI Barcelona
CIS Abroad has partnered with LCI Barcelona to offer unique academic offerings, many of which focus on the arts, creative industries, and innovation. Being itself such a creative and innovative city, Barcelona provides the perfect setting for such a program!
The LCI Barcelona campus offers personalized attention and instruction. Students learn about trends and acquire creative skills to manage the relationship between people and their space. Academic offerings rely on the competencies-based pedagogical model to educate competitive designers aware of the current and future challenges in the creative industries. Coursework and evaluation emphasizes research processes, creativity, technology, sustainability, and cultural projects.
LCI Barcelona is part of the LCI Education Network. Founded in Canada in 1959, LCI Education provides exceptional academic programming across 23 campuses around the world.
LCI Barcelona is accredited by the Education Department in Spain. During the last reaccreditation process done by AQU Catalunya (Agència per a la Qualitat del Sistema Universitari de Catalunya), LCI Barcelona was accredited obtaining a rating of outstanding in its Occupational Quality Index thanks to its high rates of labor insertion in Art Higher Education.
Areas of study with at least 2 classes available
- Business
- Communications
Don't see your major listed here? There may still be courses available. Browse our programs by major.
Areas of study with 3 to 7 classes available
- World Languages
- Spanish
Don't see your major listed here? There may still be courses available. Browse our programs by major.
Areas of study with 8 or more classes available
- Art & Design
Don't see your major listed here? There may still be courses available. Browse our programs by major.
CIS Abroad’s academic partner, LCI Barcelona, offers a variety of courses between Business & Creative Industries (taught in English), Spanish As a Foreign Language, and Spanish Literature & Linguistics.
You’ll take 2 or 3 courses over the 8 week session.
Courses are subject to change; please check back here or contact us for specifics. As with any study abroad program, you’ll want to get approval for more courses than you plan to take so you can easily adapt as needed.
Course Offerings
The following are expected to be offered for Summer 2024. You can choose any combination from the categories below.
ART & SOCIETY (Taught in English)
Past and Present in Barcelona – ART2200 (3 Credit Hours)
Barcelona: Urban Sketching – ART3100 (4 Credit Hours)
Spanish Cuisine: Old World to the New Cuisine – HUM1100 (4 Credit Hours)
Grastronomy Photography -PHOT3200 (4 Credit Hours)
Fashion Photography -PHOT3300 (4 Credit Hours)
Artistic Photography – PHOT3100 (4 Credit Hours)
Understanding Contemporary Spain: Politics, Society, History-SOC2200 (3 Credit Hours)
BUSINESS & CREATIVE INDUSTRIES (Taught in English)
Entrepreneurship & Design Thinking -BUS3200 (3 Credit Hours)
Creative Industries Journalism -COM3300 (3 Credit Hours)
Principles of Marketing -MKT2100 (3 Credit Hours)
Sports Marketing – MKT3000 (3 Credit Hours)
International Marketing -MKT3100 (3 Credit Hours)
Brand Strategy and Visual Identity -MKT3200 (3 Credit Hours)
VISUAL COMMUNICATION & DESIGN (Taught in English)
Animation, Film and Cinematography -ANI3100 (3 Credit Hours)
Introduction to Interdisciplinary Design Principles -DES1100 (3 Credit Hours)
Introduction to Fashion Design -FAS1100 (3 Credit Hours)
Fashion Culture -FAS2100 (3 Credit Hours)
Trend Forecasting: Coolhunting -FAS3200 (4 Credit Hours)
Introduction to Graphic Design -GRA1100 (3 Credit Hours)
Editorial Graphic Design -GRA2100 (3 Credit Hours)
Introduction to Interior Design -INT1100 (3 Credit Hours)
Videogame DesignTechnologies and Gaming Resources -VGA3100 (3 Credit Hours)
SPANISH LITERATURE & LINGUISTICS – TAUGHT IN SPANISH C1 LEVEL
Lecturas Selectas de la Literatura Española -SPAN3120 (3 Credit Hours)
Cine español: retrato social y político -SPAN4350 (3 Credit Hours)
SPANISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE
Básico 1: Gramática y Conversación -SPAN101 (4 Credit Hours)
Básico 2: Gramática y Conversación -SPAN102 (4 Credit Hours)
Intermedio 1: Gramática y Conversación -SPAN201 (4 Credit Hours)
Intermedio 2: Gramática y Conversación -SPAN202 (4 Credit Hours)
Español Conversacional Avanzado -SPAN310 (4 Credit Hours)
Español Básico para Negocios -SPAN104 (4 Credit Hours)
Español Intermedio para Negocios -SPAN204 (4 Credit Hours)
Why Life in Barcelona
It’s no wonder that Barcelona is one of the top tourist and study abroad destinations in the world. This incredible location on the shores of the Mediterranean has a delightfully mild climate year round. Plus, Barcelona is one of the most exciting and vibrant cities to live in! The second-largest city in Spain has two official languages: Castilian Spanish and Catalan. It’s the perfect place to challenge yourself and practice your own Spanish skills, while also learning more about the unique Catalan history and culture.
The city is bustling, and you’ll be in awe of the architecture, including Gaudi’s towering Sagrada Familia basilica. When you’re ready to immerse yourself in nature, you can easily reach beaches and hiking sites just outside of Barcelona. The efficient public transportation system allows you to quickly travel to the many beaches to both the north and south of Barcelona. It also means you can easily navigate campus and the many amazing sites located throughout the city.
The city’s diverse international population, colorful flair, exciting nightlife, and vast array of cultural, historical, and modern attractions makes Barcelona an unparalleled place to study abroad!
Live The Local Life
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Barrio Gótico
Enjoy a guided walking tour around the Barrio Gótico, the oldest neighborhood in Barcelona, while learning all about the history of the city.
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Spanish Wine Tour and Tasting
Learn all about the importance of the production of wine and cava in Catalunya at a beautiful vineyard that ends with a tasting paired with delicious local cheeses.
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Around Catalunya
Visit a local beach town in Catalunya and amaze in the wonders of hidden coves while soaking up the beach culture in Spain.
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FC Barcelona
Attend a football or basketball match and/or the famous FC Barcelona museum.
Housing in Barcelona
Location
Students on CIS Abroad programs in Barcelona are housed in various residence halls. Housing will be allocated based on your program, term, and availability. The options below will give you a great idea of the type of residence where you’ll be placed!
Sample Student Residence 1
Location
Enjoy upscale, shared accommodations in a residence designed for visiting students just like you! The student residence boasts a whole suite of modern amenities that ensure you’re living in complete comfort. The double rooms have twin beds, an ensuite shared bathroom, storage space, and two desk and chair sets. Step out of your bedroom into a shared apartment environment, with living and lounging spaces, dining areas, and a kitchen. Share a meal or conversation with your apartment mates, find a quiet nook of your own, or head for one of the residence’s communal spaces.
Among the residence’s abundant shared amenities, you’ll find a gym, pool, terrace, lounges, kitchens, study areas, and cinema room. You’ll be supported by 24/7 on-site staff and friendly reception.
The residence is located on Carrer Pallars, bordering Poblenou in the 22@, Barcelona’s innovation district. The major thoroughfare, Avenida Diagonal, is just around the corner, providing easy access to the rest of Barcelona. The beach is about 15 minutes’ walk.
Meals
You’ll have access to a kitchen shared among your apartment mates stocked with basic cooking supplies.
Inclusions and Amenities
- 24-hour security
- BathroomEnsuiteShared
- Bed linens
- Cleaning Service
- Desk
- Double Room
- Fitness Center
- Kitchen Equipment
- LaundryOn-site
- Maintenance Service
- Pool
- Study Areas
- Towels
- Wi-Fi
Sample Student Residence 2
Location
Enjoy a full range of modern amenities and convenient services in housing designed for students like you! A fully-furnished room, private bathroom, spaces to work and relax, a gym, free bikes, laundry, and 24-hour security are just some highlights of this exceptional student residence.
With a private bathroom, climate control, bed linen and towels, cleaning and maintenance, study desk, TV, and high-speed Wi-Fi, you’ll enjoy quiet and comfort when you need to rest. There’s also access to a fully equipped community kitchen. When you want to soak up the communal vibes, you’ll find a community of fellow international students among the study rooms, co-working spaces, café, lounges, and workshops.
The residence is in Poblenou, the most dynamic, modern, avant-garde neighborhood of the city – a great home base for studying abroad in Barcelona. Just around the corner from Avenida Diagonal and a 20 minute walk from the beach, you’re well placed for excursions both near and far!
Inclusions and Amenities
- 24-hour security
- Air conditioning
- BathroomEnsuite
- Bed linens
- Cleaning Service
- Desk
- Fitness Center
- LaundryOn-siteService Available
- Maintenance Service
- Pool
- Single Room
- Study Areas
- Wi-Fi
What's Included
Inclusions
Program fees are in U.S. dollars and include the following:
- Airport Pickups (according to CIS arrival date and time)
- Cultural and recreational excursions and activities in Barcelona
- One guided weekend excursion outside of Barcelona
- Full-time tuition and fees
- Housing
- Medical and accident insurance
- CIS Abroad support services before, during, and after the program
- On-site support
- Academic advising
- Financial aid counseling
- Assistance with travel arrangements
- Pre-departure orientation
- Official transcript
- The Local Life cultural program
Welcome & Orientation
Upon arrival you’ll be collected from the airport and taken to your accommodation. In the first few days you’ll take part in an LCI and/or CIS Abroad orientation program. You’ll learn how to get around campus and how to make the most of your time in Barcelona.
Farewell & Re-Entry Program
As the program draws to a close, you’ll go home with the tools you need to make the most of your experience. We’ll gather everybody together for a farewell meal. We’ll help you reflect on your experience during your time abroad and prepare you for cultural differences you’ll experience as you return home (reverse culture shock is no joke!).
Program Excursions

Day Trips Around Catalonia
A day trip around Catalonia typically includes guided tours, some museum entrance fees, a group meal, and some free time. For example, you might visit the Salvador Dalí Museum in Figueres, explore the vibrant coastal town of Sitges, and wander the old Jewish Quarter in beautiful Girona. Trips may vary.

Besalú and Museum Dali
One of Catalonia’s best preserved medieval towns, Besalú is an historic gem, full to the brim with character. Cobbled streets and facades and a wonderful bridge are the trademarks of Besalú and have been there for hundreds of years — the impressive architecture draws visitors from far and wide. Situated in the La Garrotxa region in the province of Girona, Besalú is a haven for history buffs, who flock in huge numbers to admire the many constructions and facades representing Romanesque, Gothic, and medieval influences. Explore the Dalí Theatre and Museum in the artist’s hometown of Figueres.

Barcelona Cooking Class
During this Spanish Cuisine Workshop students learn a variety of traditional Spanish dishes from different regions around Spain. Examples include gazpacho from Andalucía, Pan con Tomate from Cataluña, Tortilla de Patatas from País Vasco, Paella from Valencia, and Crema Catalana from Cataluña. And of course, you’ll get to delight in the fruits of your labor!
Site Director

Travel Tip:
When traveling always make friends with the locals! They will help really immerse you into the culture and give you a different perspective of your destination. They have the best recommendations for the most authentic restaurants and show you places that you would never find in a guidebook or on a blog. Not only will you have a great experience while traveling, but you also have the chance to make new, lifelong friends from around the world!
Travel Tip:
When traveling always make friends with the locals! They will help really immerse you into the culture and give you a different perspective of your destination. They have the best recommendations for the most authentic restaurants and show you places that you would never find in a guidebook or on a blog. Not only will you have a great experience while traveling, but you also have the chance to make new, lifelong friends from around the world!
About:
Nicole was born and raised in the beautiful Pacific Northwest in Seattle, Washington, and studied Political Science, Law Societies and Justice, and Human Rights at the University of Washington. Nicole has always had the travel bug so after graduating she moved to Spain to work as an English Assistant and fell in love with the country of tapas, flamenco, and constant sunshine! She lived in Granada, Spain for 9 years and is lucky to now call Barcelona home. She has always worked in education and loves seeing the profound benefits of students immersing themselves in another language and culture. As site director in Barcelona Nicole is looking forward to welcoming students to the most desired and exciting city in Spain and giving them the most local experience to help deepen student understanding of the Spanish culture and language. In her free time, Nicole is studying for a Global MBA at IE University and uses the skills from this degree in her daily life and job. She also loves to spend time at the beach, wandering around neighborhoods, and grabbing a few tapas and cañas with friends.
Your Support Staff

Make sure to explore the city that you’re in! Although the beauty of study abroad is you have the chance to travel all over the country and to other countries as well, sometimes people forget how many amazing things there are right there in the city they’re studying in! Make some local friends, participate in holidays and festivals, find that local beloved restaurant. Although I have many travel memories to talk about, some of my fondest or most nostalgic moments I have were the ‘in betweens’ so to speak – going grocery shopping with friends, hanging out in the school courtyard at night when the temperature outside was finally bearable, saying hello to the neighborhood cow (yes, there was in fact a neighborhood cow). Don’t neglect what you have right in front of you!

You’ll be supported every step of the way!
Advising
Kaylee Klinger, our student advisor and 2x CIS Abroad alum, can help match you with a program that fits your academic and personal objectives. It’s not always an easy choice, but you can’t go wrong! Once you’ve decided, we’ll guide to you submit an online application.
Enrollment
Once you’ve submitted your initial application and the fee, you’ll be assigned a Program Enrollment Coordinator. We’ll work closely together to guide you through the enrollment process and prepare you for a life-changing experience!
Dates & Prices
ADVISOR TIP: Please WAIT to book flights until you have received confirmed dates in your acceptance paperwork. Dates posted here are subject to change.
- Application Deadline: Apr 1 (Estimated)
- Arrival: June 8 (Estimated)
- Departure: August 3 (Estimated)
- Price: $9,890 - $12,390 (Estimated)
Price range
SUMMER 2024
8 credit option – double room: $9,890
8 credit option – single room: $10,990
12 credit option – double room: $11,290
12 credit option – single room: $12,390
Program Deposit
There is a non-refundable program deposit of $500. This deposit will be deducted from the total cost of the program. Paying the deposit secures your spot on the program.
As with all study abroad programs, you should count on a few additional expenses.
CIS Abroad reserves the right to alter fees at any time due to currency fluctuations and/or fee changes made by our partner universities.