Learning Abroad Center
cityscape in Barcelona

Study & Intern in Barcelona

Europe
LAC Program
Study Abroad Center
University Study

Live and study on the Mediterranean. Integrate with Spanish people and Catalan culture. Relax in beautiful city parks. Cheer on FC Barcelona. Delight in Gaudí's and Dalí's art and architecture.

Due to changes in the Spanish student visa application process, the application deadline for the Spring 2026 program in Barcelona has been changed to September 1, 2025. The confirmation deadline has been changed to September 10, 2025.

Program Details

Location
Location
Barcelona, Spain
Term
Term
Fall Semester
Spring Semester
Housing
Housing
Dormitory
Languages Taught In
Languages Taught In
Catalan
English
Spanish

Program Eligibility

Student Type
Student Type
UofM Students
Student Year
Student Year
Sophomores
Juniors
Seniors
GPA
GPA
3.0 recommended
Language Prerequisite
Language Prerequisite
No Language Prerequisite

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Study & Intern in Barcelona

Program Locations

La Boqueria

La Boqueria is a large public market with a diverse selection of goods. It is a tourist landmark.

Latitude
41.381800
Longitude
2.171600
Plaça de Catalunya

The Plaça de Catalunya is the Barcelona city center. It has fountains, statues, and lots of pigeons.

Latitude
41.387000
Longitude
2.170000
La Rambla

La Rambla is a tree-lined pedestrian street which connects the Plaça de Catalunya with the Christopher Columbus Monument at Port Vell. It has a lot of pavement cafes and souvenir kiosks for tourists.

Latitude
41.385800
Longitude
2.170100
La Sagrada Família

La Sagrada Família is a large unfinished Roman Catholic church designed by Antoni Gaudí. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Latitude
41.403600
Longitude
2.174400
Park Güell

Park Güell is a public park and garden designed by Antoni Gaudí. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Latitude
41.414300
Longitude
2.152600
Casa Batlló

Casa Batlló is a beautiful building designed by Antoni Gaudí and decorated with a colorful mosaic made of broken ceramic tiles. The roof looks like the back of a dragon or a dinosaur.

Latitude
41.391600
Longitude
2.164800
Barcelona–El Prat Airport

It is the second largest and second busiest airport in Spain behind Madrid-Barajas Airport, and the seventh busiest in Europe.

Latitude
41.297400
Longitude
2.083300
Camp Nou

Camp Nou is a soccer (football) stadium that is the home of FC Barcelona. It is the largest stadium in Spain and Europe, and the third largest football stadium in the world in capacity.

Latitude
41.380900
Longitude
2.122800
Barcelona Sants Train Station

This is Barcelona's largest train station. It provides rail services both in and around Barcelona. The high speed rail line can take you to Madrid in two and a half hours.

Latitude
41.379000
Longitude
2.139900
Port Vell

Port Vell is a waterfront harbor with numerous tourist attractions. It includes the Maremàgnum (a mall containing shops, a cinema, bars and restaurants) as well as Europe's largest aquarium.

Latitude
41.377100
Longitude
2.183500
Barcelona Cathedral

Barcelona Cathedral is a Gothic cathedral constructed from the thirteenth to fifteenth centuries. It is the seat of the Archbishop of Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain. The roof has a lot of cool looking gargoyles.

Latitude
41.384000
Longitude
2.176200
Barcelona Metro (Plaça Tetuan)

The Barcelona Metro is part of the city's public transport system. It runs mostly underground in central Barcelona and into the city's suburbs.

Latitude
41.394900
Longitude
2.175600
Liceu

The Liceu is a 19th century opera house on La Rambla. There is an adjacent metro station named for the theater.

Latitude
41.380200
Longitude
2.173300
Santa Maria del Mar

The Santa Maria del Mar is a Catholic Gothic church built between 1329 and 1383.

Latitude
41.383900
Longitude
2.182100
Parc de la Ciutadella

This "park" includes the city zoo, the Palau del Parlament de Catalunya, a small lake, museums, and a large fountain designed by Josep Fontserè.

Latitude
41.388100
Longitude
2.186000
Museum of Contemporary Art

A museum that has contemporary art.

Latitude
41.383200
Longitude
2.166900

About

Live and study in the international city of Barcelona. Explore Catalan and Spanish working life through an English-speaking internship. Begin the day with a papaya smoothie in Barcelona’s biggest food market, La Boqueria. Climb to the top of Gaudi’s Sagrada Familia. Delight in Gaudí's art. Relax in a beautiful city park. Cheer on FC Barcelona among 100,000 screaming fútbol fans. Gaze into the glistening Mediterranean Sea. Get ready to live like a barcelonés.

The Study & Intern in Barcelona program offers courses that deepen your understanding of Spanish and Catalan culture. The strength of the program is the internship experience, which allows you to integrate with Spanish people, experience the culture firsthand, and gain professional work experience.

Program Model

Study Abroad Center
University Study

Housing & Meals

Residencia

You will be placed in residencia-style accommodations for the duration of the program. You will have a single bedroom with a private bathroom, as well as access to a shared living space and shared furnished kitchen. Amenities include a gym, roof-top pool, and 24/7 front-desk security and assistance. The residencia is located within walking distance of the CET Study Center and Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF). The cost of housing is included in the program fee, including utility costs and bed linens (excludes bath towels).

Excursions

Guided academic activities and tours in and near Barcelona, as well as networking events with European and other international students, are included in the program fee. You will receive details about term-specific excursions during the onsite orientation and prior to the beginning of classes onsite.

Examples of past excursions include:

  • a visit to Montserrat
  • a zip train to Cova de Sant Joan with guided visits and entrances
  • a visit to Tarragona including entrances and guided visit to the Museum, Forum, Circus and Amphitheater.

You can also take advantage of My Global City events, a calendar of events centered around key themes that provides you with a tool to help personalize your experience in Barcelona.

Flight

The Learning Abroad Center works with Village Travel, a local travel agency, to arrange a coordinated flight for program participants. The flight is optional, and is arranged for those who want to fly with other program participants. Group flight information is typically available by the program application deadline, if not before.

Learning Outcomes

  • Deepen cross-cultural understanding through interaction with local community via internships and community engagement
  • Increase independence and self-reliance by learning to successfully navigate Spanish society
  • Gain Spanish and international perspectives on academic disciplines
  • Develop awareness of and challenge assumptions about Spanish and Catalan cultures, your own culture, and how your culture is viewed by others
  • Gain knowledge and insight into a professional career through internships or community engagement

Faculty & Staff

The LAC provides housing, program classrooms, and study areas. We also arrange on-site orientation and program excursions, as well as social and cultural events. Classes are taught by Spanish and European faculty who are specialists in their academic field and in the field of teaching foreign students.

Program Structure

Program Level
Upper-division coursework on Spanish and European Area studies, art history, literature, marketing, finance, economics, political science, and many more
Courseload

12 credits minimum for Fall and Spring semester, recommended 15 credits. Summer 2026 will not be offered.

  • You must enroll in one Spanish language course (BCLA 1001, 1002, 1003, or 1004—4 credits each) or Spanish & Catalan Culture & Language (BCLA 3024—3 credits).

In this program, you will gain a deeper understanding of Spanish culture, fulfill liberal arts requirements, and participate in an optional internship related to your field of study. This program offers two different tracks for you to choose from:

Study Center

Courses are with other study abroad students and are held at the Study Center. The courses are taught by local professors and designed for students coming in with a US perspective.

You may choose your courses from the Full Course List. Course descriptions and syllabi are also available.

  • You must enroll in one Spanish language course (BCLA 1001, 1002, 1003, or 1004—4 credits each) or Spanish & Catalan Culture & Language (BCLA 3024—3 credits).
  • Recommended 3.0 minimum GPA.
  • If you have a GPA below 3.0, you will need to provide supplemental materials for further review.
  • Participating in a 3-credit internship is an option on this track (internships will not be available during the Fall 2025 semester).

University Study & Study Center (Hybrid) Track

This track will allow you to take study center courses and take two courses at a local university, Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF). At UPF, you will choose from a variety of interdisciplinary classes in English or Spanish with local and other international students.

View courses at UPF. Use the Module Finder on the left side of the page to search for courses. 

You may choose your courses from ONE of the following. Note that you cannot mix and match courses from the options below:

  • Barcelona Program for Interdisciplinary Studies
  • ESCI Regular
  • ESCI-UPF School of International Business

A few notes about the University Study & Study Center option:

  • 3.0 minimum GPA required
  • Junior status or higher is required
  • Courses in this track are offered in the Fall (Sept–Dec) and Winter (Jan–March). If you are a Spring semester student, you will enroll in winter courses
  • The courses offered at UPF have 45 contact hours and are worth 3 US (6 ECTS) credits.
  • Participating in a 3-credit internship is an option on this track (internships will not be available during the Fall 2025 semester)

Coursework

Located in the heart of the city, this program offers courses in a wide variety of topics, complemented by tours in and around the city. Further immerse yourself in Catalan and Spanish life through an internship. On-site staff provide housing, classrooms, study areas, an orientation, excursions, and social and cultural events.

Check the course list for more information and syllabi.

If you participate in an internship, you will enroll in the Global Internship Program course (3 credits) and work 20 hours per week. 

Internships

Learn more about the internships on this program on the Internship tab. All internships are for resident credit and are unpaid. Internships will not be available for the Fall 2025 program and will have limited availability for Spring 2026.

Global Identity

Global Identity: Connecting Your International Experience with Your Future is an optional 1-credit online course that helps you process your international experience and apply what you've learned upon your return. Global Identity gives you the opportunity to work individually with a trained cultural mentor, helping you articulate your newly acquired skills and differentiating you from your peers.

To access more information about the course, visit the Global Identity Course Information page.

Full Course List

Starting in Fall 2025, you must enroll in one Spanish language course (BCLA 1001, 1002, 1003, or 1004—4 credits each) or Spanish & Catalan Culture & Language (BCLA 3024—3 credits).

Internships are not available in Fall 2025 and have limited availability for Spring 2026.

Beginning Spanish I

Course ID
BCLA 1001
Terms
  • Fall
  • Spring
4
Credits

Spanish Beginner 1 is designed for students with no previous experience with the language, this course offers a unique opportunity to learn Spanish while fully immersing in the vibrant culture of Barcelona and the Catalan region. You will develop foundational skills in speaking, listening, reading, and writing, with a focus on daily and intercultural communication. Through diverse teaching methods, including interactive classroom activities and field studies, you will put your language knowledge into practice in real-life contexts, increasing your proficiency. The immersive program and hands-on learning approach ensure rapid progress in both language skills and cultural understanding. 

Spanish Beginner 1 is designed to help you “survive” in a Spanish-speaking context by building essential knowledge, skills, and abilities in the following areas: Interpretive Competence (focus on understanding and interpreting content), Interpersonal Competence (focus on interaction with others), Presentational Competence (focus on presenting and producing language) and Intercultural Competence (focus on understanding and engaging with diverse cultural contexts).

Syllabus for Beginning Spanish I

Language Taught In
  • Spanish
UofM Equivalent
Spanish 1001

Beginning Spanish I (Summer)

Course ID
BCLA 1001
Terms
  • Summer
4
Credits

This course is designed to provide students the vocabulary and grammar necessary for basic expression in Spanish using a communicative approach. In this course, students will learn to introduce themselves, talk about daily routine and plans, discuss past events, use vocabulary related to food, family, and everyday life and activities, negate, and use other expressions necessary for basic communication such as greetings, ordering at a restaurant, or asking for directions.

Syllabus for Beginning Spanish I (Summer)

Language Taught In
  • Spanish
UofM Equivalent
Spanish 1001

Beginning Spanish II

Course ID
BCLA 1002
Terms
  • Fall
  • Spring
4
Credits

Spanish Beginner 2 is designed to further develop basic skills in listening, speaking, reading, writing, and intercultural communication while fully immersing in the vibrant culture of Barcelona and the Catalan region. The course emphasizes communicative competence with a focus on daily and intercultural interactions. You will expand your ability to discuss interests, hobbies, places, people, relationships, routines, health, and life events, while referring to present, past, and future contexts. You will also learn to express opinions and navigate common interactions. Through diverse teaching methods, including interactive classroom activities, field studies, and targeted assessments, you will apply your language skills in real-life contexts. 

Spanish Beginner 2 is designed to further equip you with the skills needed to thrive in a Spanish-speaking context by enhancing your foundational knowledge in the following key areas: Interpretive Competence (focus on understanding and interpreting content), Interpersonal Competence (focus on interaction with others), Presentational Competence (focus on presenting and producing language), and Intercultural Competence (focus on understanding and engaging with diverse cultural contexts).

Syllabus for Beginning Spanish II

Language Taught In
  • Spanish
UofM Equivalent
Spanish 1002

Beginning Spanish II (Summer)

Course ID
BCLA 1002
Terms
  • Summer
4
Credits

After completing this course, the student will understand phrases and expressions of frequent use related to areas of experience that are especially relevant to him (basic information about himself and his family, purchases, places of interest, occupations, etc.). Will be able to communicate when carrying out simple and daily tasks that do not require more than simple and direct exchanges of information on issues that are known or usual. Can describe in simple terms aspects of their past and their environment as well as issues related to their immediate needs.

Syllabus for Beginning Spanish II (Summer)

Language Taught In
  • Spanish
UofM Equivalent
Spanish 1002

Intermediate Spanish I

Course ID
BCLA 1003
Terms
  • Fall
  • Spring
4
Credits

This course is designed for students with prior language experience, offering an opportunity to further develop your Spanish skills while exploring the complexities of Hispanic cultures, with a special focus on the local Spanish and Catalan contexts. The goal is to continue refining your communication skills for greater accuracy and fluency in both formal and informal settings while fostering critical thinking and analytical skills in the target language as you engage with more complex ideas. Emphasizing experiential learning, you will interact directly with local cultures to develop your cross-cultural and intercultural competence, enhancing your ability to communicate effectively and appropriately in diverse settings, while fostering greater intercultural awareness and understanding. 

Spanish Intermediate 1 is designed to further equip you with the skills needed to thrive in a Spanish-speaking context by enhancing your elementary knowledge in the following key areas: understanding, interpreting, and critically evaluating authentic texts; engaging in unrehearsed conversations with native and non-native speakers; presenting information, concepts, and ideas to an audience of listeners or readers; and deploying intercultural kills and competences to communicate effectively and appropriately in intercultural situations. 

Syllabus for Intermediate Spanish I

Language Taught In
  • Spanish
UofM Equivalent
Spanish 1003

Intermediate Spanish I (Summer)

Course ID
BCLA 1003
Terms
  • Summer
4
Credits

This course is designed to improve a student’s ability to communicate in Spanish. Building on knowledge from previous courses, this course will introduce students to grammatical topics such as the subjunctive mood, the imperative mood, the pluperfect of the indicative, and expressions regarding the passage of time. This class is based on the communicative approach and stresses the use of these grammatical structures in real and relevant communication.

Syllabus for Intermediate Spanish I (Summer)

Language Taught In
  • Spanish
UofM Equivalent
Spanish 1003

Intermediate Spanish II

Course ID
BCLA 1004
Terms
  • Fall
  • Spring
4
Credits

This course enables you to use your prior intermediate-level Spanish experience to advance your proficiency while deepening your intercultural awareness and cultural understanding, with Barcelona’s dynamic Catalan and Spanish contexts as your backdrop. In Spanish Intermediate 2, you will engage more critically with unfamiliar topics and global issues, using Spanish not only to comprehend and participate in conversations, but also to evaluate and present cultural perspectives more deeply. Moving from situational contexts and familiar topics, the course emphasizes integrating diverse sources, supporting interpretations with evidence, and presenting complex ideas independently. This includes a greater focus on intercultural competence, as you continue to enhance your skills and attitudes through challenging and critical experiential-learning activities focused on Spanish and Catalan cultural and social settings. 

Spanish Intermediate 2 is designed to further equip you with the skills needed to thrive in a Spanish-speaking context by enhancing your elementary knowledge in the following key areas: understanding, interpreting, and critically evaluating authentic texts; engaging in unrehearsed conversations with native and non-native speakers; presenting information, concepts, and ideas to an audience of listeners or readers; and deploying intercultural skills and competences to communicate effectively and appropriately in intercultural situations.

Syllabus for Intermediate Spanish II

Language Taught In
  • Spanish
UofM Equivalent
Spanish 1004

Intermediate Spanish II (Summer)

Course ID
BCLA 1004
Terms
  • Summer
4
Credits

After completing this course, the student will understand extended speech and lectures (TV, movies, newspapers,...). Will be able to communicate with a degree of fluency that will let students interact with locals with spontaneity. The information presented will be precise when talking in a field of interest and quite clear when writing or speaking in other range of subjects.

Syllabus for Intermediate Spanish II (Summer)

Language Taught In
  • Spanish
UofM Equivalent
Spanish 1004

Nationalism in Comparative Perspective (Summer)

Course ID
BCLA 3001
Terms
  • Summer
3
Credits

This course studies the relationship between states and nations in both a theoretical and comparative perspective with a particular focus on the Catalan, Basque and Spanish experiences. It analyzes state building processes and the development of nationalism, as well as the social, economic and technological conditions behind its emergence, transformation and contrasting discourse. The course aims at providing a solid theoretical background on the subject of nationalism as well as introducing the students into the social and political reality that permeates in Spain's daily life and shapes Spaniards' political mind-frames and identities.

Syllabus for Nationalism in Comparative Perspective (Summer)

Language Taught In
  • English
Fulfills Liberal Education Requirement
  • Civic Life and Ethics
  • Social Sciences
UofM Equivalent
3xxx level topics course in POLS 

Global Marketing

Course ID
BCLA 3002
Terms
  • Summer
3
Credits

This course provides an exploration of basic knowledge of global marketing, focusing on the impact of environment on the strategies used by firms, and the understanding of consumer behavior management as it relates to the development and implementation of global marketing strategies. Worldwide business represents real opportunities for a firm but also creates difficulties, challenges and new ways of implementing marketing. Global marketing is a specific kind of marketing applied to international firms in order to implement the same strategy within the entire market taking into account cultural, economic, social, political, etc., specifics for each area.

This course will provide the basic knowledge of global marketing focusing on the impact of environment on the firm strategy, the development and implementation of a global marketing strategy and the understanding of consumer behavior management in a global strategy. Case studies applied to worldwide business contexts as well as more specific European contexts will provide concrete illustrations for the students.

Syllabus for Global Marketing

Language Taught In
  • English
UofM Equivalent
Approved for a MTKG elective & IB Foundations course. Equivalent to RM 4217 International Retail Markets

Intercultural Management

Course ID
BCLA 3003
Terms
  • Summer
3
Credits

This course is designed to introduce students to concepts and fundamentals of international management. The course will consider aspects of management within an international and culturally complex environment, while considering the business influences within the global workplace. Students with or without prior international management knowledge will benefit from the course. Organizational effectiveness demands that personnel do the right things efficiently. Therefore, the role of management is to strive for and maintain the goals of the organization. Being an effective manager is not just telling others what to do. It is also about effective leadership, training, and communication. Having effective managers can be a cost saving tool for all organizations of all sizes. Corporation executives, supervisors, and managers are aware of the importance of and difficulty in finding and retaining highly skilled employees (a time-consuming role of management).

Today’s managers need a systems-view of the organization. This course will help you think of the organization as a system rather than as a work unit where tasks are performed. Most of you will, after graduating, become supervisors and managers and be required to provide training and leadership for your personnel. In just about any organization, you will be working with people who will have a different cultural background that your own, you may be working as an expatriate in a different country or you may experience any of a number of multicultural challenges. This course will help you prepare for these eventualities.

Syllabus for Intercultural Management

Language Taught In
  • English
UofM Equivalent
Approved for IB Foundations course. Satisfies the Retail major's required elective area.

Advertising & Society

Course ID
BCLA 3004
Terms
  • Summer
3
Credits

This course introduces students to the linkages between advertising and society. It is premised on the belief that advertising helps shape human attitudes and behaviors, just as the latter two in turn help direct and shape advertising. However, the emphasis in this course is firmly on advertising as a shaping agent—how it influences individuals and societies, the dynamic nature of the relationship, and the impacts (both positive and negative) that advertising may have on individuals and societies. It takes a critical and dispassionate view of advertising rather than a managerial or practitioner’s view. Various criticisms of advertising are flagged, and these are used as a basis for further coverage and discussion of the criticisms and issues raised.

Syllabus for Advertising & Society

Language Taught In
  • English
Fulfills Liberal Education Requirement
  • Civic Life and Ethics
UofM Equivalent
JOUR 4274*, Satisfies the Retail major elective area *please note that while the on campus version of this course fulfills a writing intensive requirement, the course abroad does not

Advertising in Spanish Society

Course ID
BCLA 3004W
Terms
  • Spring
3
Credits

This course focuses on the importance of advertising as a communication tool, focusing on the presence (and lack) of JEDI (Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion) in mainstream media in Catalonia and Spain. This is a writing-intensive upper-level course designed for communication majors studying abroad in Barcelona. The course explores how diversity is represented in Spanish advertising’s ethics and strategies, focusing on race, gender, sexuality, and culture. Emphasis will be placed on developing advanced writing and research skills tailored to communication professionals. Through academic readings, critical analysis, and hands-on writing assignments, you will examine the role of media in shaping social perceptions and discuss the impact of diverse representation on brand messaging and consumer behavior. You will also engage with local case studies and campaigns, enhancing your understanding of Spain’s unique cultural landscape.

Syllabus for Advertising in Spanish Society

Language Taught In
  • English
Fulfills Liberal Education Requirement
  • Civic Life and Ethics
  • Writing Intensive
UofM Equivalent
JOUR 4274, Satisfies the Retail Major Elective Area, Marketing Foundational Electives, IB Depth

Analyzing and Exploring the Global City: Barcelona

Course ID
BCLA 3005
Terms
  • Summer
3
Credits

Cities around the world are striving to be “global,” and Barcelona, the capital of Catalunya, is one of the largest and most cosmopolitan cities in Spain. It is globally renowned for its art and architecture, possessing no fewer than nine UNESCO World Heritage sites, and has become a major destination for global tourism. This interdisciplinary course examines the emergence of this elegant, creative city as Spain’s gateway to the Mediterranean, and analyzes its history and evolution since its foundation by the Romans. Students will explore the role of population dynamics, industrial change, and globalization in shaping the city and the lives of its inhabitants, examining the ways in which the interplay of urbanism, politics, and society has addressed challenges of social, political, and technological change in the past and today. The course also traces the changing nature of Barcelona’s relationship with the rest of Spain, Europe, and the wider world. Topics will include ancient and Medieval Barcelona; nationalism and innovations in art and architecture; the role of the 1992 Olympics as a catalyst for urban regeneration; the impacts of gentrification, tourism, and the recent economic crisis on the city and its inhabitants; and future scenarios of urban change.

Syllabus for Analyzing and Exploring the Global City: Barcelona

Language Taught In
  • English
Fulfills Liberal Education Requirement
  • Global Perspectives
  • Historical Perspectives

Architectural History of Spain

Course ID
BCLA 3006
Terms
  • Summer
3
Credits

This course will look at the history of architecture and urban design in Spain. Beginning with a brief introduction to the ancient styles (from the first civilization of the Iberian Peninsula), it will focus upon developments in architecture and urban planning in Spain from the 1st Century AD to the present. Special attention will be paid to the 19th and 20th Centuries in Barcelona, and several relevant field visits will be made.

Syllabus for Architectural History of Spain

Language Taught In
  • English
Fulfills Liberal Education Requirement
  • Historical Perspectives
UofM Equivalent
Equivalent to a 3xxx level AHST course.

Media & Conflict

Course ID
BCLA 3009
Terms
  • Summer
3
Credits

The course will provide a structured approach to address different media systems. It will explore the dynamics of news, politics, conflicts and freedom of the press. Focusing on ongoing, international crises of global importance, we will examine how various international media report on topics including armed conflicts, human rights abuses. study the dynamics governing news media environment and structures. We will try to understand why different audiences from different cultural spheres perceive the same news in sometimes a diametrically opposed way. We will examine the rich arsenal of repression tools used by authoritarian and even democratic regimes to suppress press freedom or spin news to their advantage. We will look at the ways and means by which courageous journalists try to circumvent these obstacles.

Syllabus for Media & Conflict

Language Taught In
  • English
Fulfills Liberal Education Requirement
  • Civic Life and Ethics
  • Social Sciences
UofM Equivalent
Equivalent to JOUR 4801

The Birth of Modern Art: Matisse, Picasso, & Dali

Course ID
BCLA 3011
Terms
  • Summer
3
Credits

The work of these three international artists with distinct cultural roots is explored on an individual basis within the wider framework of European art movements. In each case, we will study the acceptance and/or rejection of tradition, the interaction with French art and artists, and personal experience. We will also pay attention to the role of both outside stimuli (war, relationships) and inner forces (memory, imagination). The course will include course related excursions to the Picasso Museum, the MNAC (Catalan National Museum of Art) as well as a Friday trip to the Dalí Theatre Museum in Figueres.

Syllabus for The Birth of Modern Art: Matisse, Picasso, & Dali

Language Taught In
  • English
Fulfills Liberal Education Requirement
  • Arts/Humanities
UofM Equivalent
3xxx level AHST course

Writing the City

Course ID
BCLA 3013W
Terms
  • Summer
3
Credits

The course explores the craft of creative writing in relation to the city and investigates the particular challenges of writing about place. Students will examine different aspects of the city in relation to Barcelona narratives, including the old city, travel, urban spaces, solitude, politics, ethnicity, particular boroughs, and characters (both fictional and real), as well as making use of practical exercises and fieldwork.

Syllabus for Writing the City

Language Taught In
  • English
Fulfills Liberal Education Requirement
  • Global Perspectives
  • Literature
  • Writing Intensive
UofM Equivalent
3xxx level topics course in Creative Writing Minor

Capturing Barcelona through Photography

Course ID
BCLA 3015
Terms
  • Summer
3
Credits

This course will explore digital photography as a tool to view different aspect of Spanish society (and ourselves within that society) through various photographic exercises and assignments. At the end of the course the students will produce a portfolio of the work done. Lectures will cover the History of Photography, with a special attention to photo-reportage, Italian photographers, technical aspects related to photography production. The course introduces technical process of digital photography, from camera operation and the essential techniques of image capture with camera, image management with imaging related software. Classroom discussions and assigned readings will help student develop the critical skills used to understand how photographs function aesthetically and conceptually as how they are used in contemporary society and culture.

Syllabus for Capturing Barcelona through Photography

Language Taught In
  • English
Fulfills Liberal Education Requirement
  • Arts/Humanities

The Business of Social Media

Course ID
BCLA 3017
Terms
  • Summer
3
Credits

This course will help you understand and value the importance of social networks as a strategic tool for companies. You will also understand how social networks allow the company to improve in areas like strategic position, financial situation, increase in sales, improvement of the supply chain, etc. At the end of this course, you will have a command of the use of networks in the company’s strategy as well as a strategic vision of its importance in the company’s communication strategy. In order to achieve these goals, you must complete readings and case preparation, present these practical cases in class, and prepare a final project applying all the knowledge acquired during the course.

Currently the way in which people interact is changing. We live in a new digital and technological era, and an important factor in this change are social networks. Social networks today represent a real revolution in the way we communicate. According to The Global State of Digital in 2019, prepared by HootSuite and We Are Social, it is estimated that 3,484 million people already use social networks regularly, 45%of the world’s population. This data reveals the importance that these platforms already have in our lives. In different recent events, such as the so-called Arab Spring or the 2020 elections to the US presidency, the importance of social networks and how they can shape people’s opinions was verified. If thanks to Facebook we can influence who will be the next president of a country or incite or promote a social revolution, how will it not be decisive to position a brand, sell a product, improve the image of a company, or launch a new service?

Syllabus for The Business of Social Media

Language Taught In
  • English
UofM Equivalent
JOUR 3275 MKTG 4076, IDSC 4455, & IB Depths, Retail Major Required Elective Area

Barcelona's Cultural Fabric

Course ID
BCLA 3018
Terms
  • Spring
3
Credits

This course invites you to delve into Barcelona's rich and diverse cultural heritage. Starting from its earliest foundations up to the contemporary era, it provides a guided journey through the most relevant historical, artistic, and architectural events that have shaped the city’s urban identity. With deep roots in its past and a focus to the future, Barcelona has become an international model for its ability to preserve and showcase its uniqueness, while making creative use of innovation to underpin cutting-edge urban updating processes. Field study experiences enhance classroom discussions and allow experiencing the way in which these historical and cultural dimensions intertwine and build-up the city's multilayered fabric. This interdisciplinary approach is expanded through contextual and critical reviews, on a local and global basis, to learn about the challenges facing Barcelona today.

Syllabus for Barcelona's Cultural Fabric

Language Taught In
  • English
Fulfills Liberal Education Requirement
  • Global Perspectives
  • Social Sciences
UofM Equivalent
IB Depth

International Marketing

Course ID
BCLA 3019
Terms
  • Fall
  • Spring
3
Credits

This course provides an in-depth exploration of the strategic challenges of marketing in a globalized world, focusing on the interplay of cultural, political, and economic factors that shape international strategies. Emphasizing European markets and Barcelona’s dynamic role in global trade, students will analyze consumer behavior across cultures, market research techniques, branding, sustainable marketing strategies, and the integration of technology. The course integrates local insights with global trends, equipping students to address dynamic challenges in international marketing.

Syllabus for International Marketing

Language Taught In
  • English
Fulfills Liberal Education Requirement
  • Global Perspectives
UofM Equivalent
IB Foundations, Marketing Foundations elective

Global Communication: Navigating Media, Culture, & Influence in a Connected World

Course ID
BCLA 3021
Terms
  • Spring
3
Credits

This course introduces you to various facets of communication in a globalized world. It explains the dynamics of major media and technology companies and how their actions result in cultural and content colonialism that shapes the news agenda. The course also emphasizes the importance of learning to “read” the media. It encourages the development of critical thinking when analyzing information and delves into the current dynamics of deep fakes and misinformation. Based on the resources and reality of Barcelona, this course aims to demonstrate, through visits to local and national media outlets, interactions with journalists, and visits to international institutions like the European Parliament, how different communication channels operate, from the political sphere and international organizations to international relations outside of public entities. The final part of the course explores two aspects that make Barcelona an ideal place to address the multicultural challenges of a globalized world. First, it examines European identity dynamics and nationalisms through the conflict between Catalonia and Spain. Next, it leverages the multiculturalism that characterizes global cities like Barcelona to explain misunderstandings and how bridges are built between different cultures.

Syllabus for Global Communication: Navigating Media, Culture, & Influence in a Connected World

Language Taught In
  • English
Fulfills Liberal Education Requirement
  • Global Perspectives
UofM Equivalent
JOUR 4801, International Business Foundations OR Breadth

Narrating Barcelona

Course ID
BCLA 3022W
Terms
  • Fall
  • Spring
3
Credits

This course provides intensive experience in creative writing, focusing on the intersections of literature, cultural identity, and global perspectives, with the city of Barcelona as a privileged scenario. Through creative practice, literary analysis, and field-based learning, you will hone consistent writing skills and critically examine the role of storytelling as a tool for social change. Specifically, by examining literary representations of the city’s historical, symbolic and social fabric, and interacting with local writers and organizations, you will explore the transformative potential of creative writing in shaping personal and collective identities within a global context.

Through you participation in this course, you will:

  • Examine literary texts by local and international authors and compare perspectives on the interplay between identity, power, and culture.
  • Identify key literary techniques to hone specific vocabulary for both critical analysis and creative application.
  • Develop original creative writing pieces (fiction, non-fiction, poetry) to master writing skills while engaging with the city’s urban, social, and cultural fabric.
  • Analyze the ethical dimensions of creative writing to explore how narrative structures respond to contemporary challenges.
  • Conceptualize a consistent approach to creative expression within a global cultural and societal framework.
Syllabus for Narrating Barcelona

Language Taught In
  • English
Fulfills Liberal Education Requirement
  • Arts/Humanities
  • Global Perspectives
  • Writing Intensive

Social Media in Business

Course ID
BCLA 3023
Terms
  • Fall
  • Spring
3
Credits

Social media and digital marketing have a tremendous influence on how consumers engage with their favorite brands, search for products, services or information, and make purchasing decisions in alignment with their values, lifestyle, and personal preferences. In the current social media landscape, marketers must know how to implement an effective social media marketing strategy including how to: design a diverse and targeted marketing mix; build an engaged following; convert know, like, trust into loyal customers; and avoid unethical, coercive or manipulative marketing tactics rooted in toxic capitalism. This course will help you gain practical knowledge and skills to research, plan, and launch a successful social media marketing campaign that builds brand awareness and trust and leads to customers and sales. The course will also help you understand the Barcelona business online social media landscape and cultural context through practical, hands-on learning, field study course components, and a social media launch group project. 

Through your participation in this course and the hands-on experiential projects and learning activities, you will:

  • Gain an understanding of how to design and launch a successful, ethical social media marketing campaign for a Barcelona brand.
  • Compare current social media marketing channels (Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Threads, LinkedIn) and evaluate the most relevant strategies to build an engaged and loyal online brand following that leads to sales.
  • Distinguish between the most current social media marketing channels and the benefits of each for a specific brand, audience, and product, service, or movement.
  • Explore current social media trends including interactive video, AI, and influencer partnerships.
  • Develop the skills to build community, engage followers with valuable content, and build know, like, and trust that leads to a credible brand, repeat customers, and recurring sales.
  • Explore the intersection of toxic capitalism, marketing manipulation, and coercive online social media tactics.
Syllabus for Social Media in Business

Language Taught In
  • English
UofM Equivalent
JOUR 3275, Retail Major Required Elective Area, IB Depth, MKTG 4076

Spanish & Catalan Culture & Language

Course ID
BCLA 3024
Terms
  • Fall
  • Spring
3
Credits

This course provides an in-depth examination of Spanish and Catalan culture and languages, focusing on the historical events that shaped the region and their impact on contemporary dynamics. Through a multidisciplinary approach, social, political, and cultural factors will be critically analyzed to understand how languages shape identities. Focusing on key events—such as the Catalan Renaissance, the Spanish Civil War, the transition to democracy, and the independence movement—the course traces the evolution of Spanish and Catalan culture and language from their origins to present-day significance. The complexities of multilingualism and cultural diversity in Spain will be addressed through cultural expressions, such as festivals, music, cuisine, and the arts, with the city of Barcelona as a privileged setting. Field studies and interactions with local experts will enhance understanding of how identities and communities are shaped in local and global contexts.

Through their participation in this course, you will:

  • Analyze the historical evolution of Spanish and Catalan languages, with specific emphasis on the role of political and social contexts.
  • Identify the key historical events that shaped contemporary Spanish and Catalan cultures.
  • Conceptualize the cultural, social and political roles of languages in national, regional and urban narratives to understand their impact on local and collective identities.
  • Examine the intersection of culture and language through artistic expressions, traditions, and symbols, in Barcelona, Catalonia, and Spain.
  • Compare Catalan and Spanish cultural landscapes with global frameworks to identify the dynamics in place to foster cultural preservation, equity, and inclusion in multilingual contexts.
Syllabus for Spanish & Catalan Culture & Language

Language Taught In
  • English
Fulfills Liberal Education Requirement
  • Global Perspectives
  • Historical Perspectives
UofM Equivalent
IB Depth

Transportation & Logistics Management

Course ID
BCLA 3025
Terms
  • Fall
  • Spring
3
Credits

Barcelona is a major international and regional hub for transportation and logistics, connecting major industries such as automotives, textiles, fashion, food, and tourism across Europe and beyond. This course offers you an opportunity to explore the essential role of transportation networks and logistics in facilitating trade and economic growth in a highly dynamic setting. With Barcelona’s unique position as a gateway to the Mediterranean, the European markets and Latin America, you'll delve into the challenges and opportunities in optimizing transportation routes, managing logistics infrastructure, and enhancing sustainability. Leveraging Barcelona’s rich logistics ecosystem as a living classroom, this course combines in-depth case studies with field-based learning experiences. You'll engage in classroom sessions complemented by guest lectures from industry leaders and visits to key sites, such as the Port of Barcelona, cutting-edge manufacturing and logistics centers, and El Prat Airport. By the end of the course, you will gain both theoretical knowledge and practical skills in designing and managing efficient, sustainable transportation and logistics systems. Immersed in Barcelona’s forward-thinking transportation and logistics culture, you will learn to tackle the challenges of global and regional transportation in one of Europe’s most important logistics hubs.

Syllabus for Transportation & Logistics Management

Language Taught In
  • English
UofM Equivalent
Satisfies the Retail major's required elective area, SCO 3048

Women Filmmakers in Spain

Course ID
BCLA 3026
Terms
  • Spring
3
Credits

This course explores the contributions of women filmmakers to Spanish cinema, examining their creative strategies and the social, political, and cultural themes they address. Through the works of directors such as Pilar Miró, Isabel Coixet, and Carla Simón, you will analyze key films that challenge traditional narratives and present diverse perspectives on gender, identity, and contemporary Spanish society. The course emphasizes critical thinking and analysis, and academic and journalistic writing, integrating film screenings, readings, and class discussions. You will engage with feminist film theory, Spanish history, and cinematic techniques to deepen your understanding of the unique voice of women in Spanish film, as well as the systemic obstacles that jeopardize their success in the Spanish film industry. By the end of the course, you will enhance your ability to write insightful, research-based essays and specialized journalistic pieces, develop a nuanced appreciation of Spanish women filmmakers, and critically evaluate the intersection of gender and cinematic expression.

Syllabus for Women Filmmakers in Spain

Language Taught In
  • English
Fulfills Liberal Education Requirement
  • Arts/Humanities
UofM Equivalent
IB Depth

Intercultural Communication & Cultural Immersion in Barcelona

Course ID
BCLA 3027
Terms
  • Spring
3
Credits

The purpose of this course is to enrich your intercultural learning during your sojourn in Barcelona. The content facilitates your ability to make meaning of your experiences with cultural others. It takes an experiential, constructivist approach to intercultural communication that requires you to interact with the local community and analyze your experiences through the lens of intercultural theories such as ethnocentrism, cultural relativism, identity, cross-cultural adaptation, and verbal and non-verbal communication. The course helps you develop a critical awareness of your ethnocentric beliefs and the ability to shift your perspectives, leading to a deeper understanding of other cultures. By connecting your real-life experiences with intercultural theories, it aims to improve your capability to engage in effective and appropriate communication across cultures—a valuable skill in the globalized and increasingly multicultural societies in which we live.

Syllabus for Intercultural Communication & Cultural Immersion in Barcelona

Language Taught In
  • English
Fulfills Liberal Education Requirement
  • Global Perspectives
UofM Equivalent
IB Foundations

Management & Organizational Behavior

Course ID
BCLA 3028
Terms
  • Spring
3
Credits

This course explores the fundamental principles of management and organizational behavior, focusing on the human aspects that shape workplace dynamics. Drawing on contemporary research and real-world applications, it covers individual and group behavior, leadership, communication, motivation, decision-making, conflict resolution, and organizational culture. You will gain insights into how emotions, values, and personality influence workplace interactions and decision-making processes. The course also emphasizes the role of diversity, emotional intelligence, and stress management in organizational settings. By understanding how these factors affect behavior, you will be better equipped to create inclusive and effective teams, navigate conflicts, and foster positive organizational cultures. Through a combination of theoretical frameworks, case studies, and team-based activities, you will develop a deeper understanding of organizational dynamics and the skills necessary to thrive in a variety of professional contexts.

Syllabus for Management & Organizational Behavior

Language Taught In
  • English
UofM Equivalent
Strategic Management Minor elective

Nature-based Solutions for Climate Resilience in Spain

Course ID
BCLA 3029
Terms
  • Spring
3
Credits

In a world that was once mesmerized by the capabilities of new technology, there is an increasing trend of returning to the basics and using nature to reduce climate impacts and create resilience to the climate crisis. The increase in the number of people implementing Nature-based Solutions (NbS) has yielded incredible results in the environmental, economic, and social realms. This course focuses on NbS in Spain that are implemented to promote climate resilience across a variety of landscapes in the country. You will learn of the benefits of NbS with a primary focus on environmental benefits and disaster risk reduction, and a supplementary focus on the economic and social impacts of the solutions. Climate resilience is demonstrated through specific case studies of NbS in a variety of regions spanning from the buzzing urban center of Barcelona to the vineyards in Spanish mountains. You will be exposed to innovative NbS through guest lectures by stakeholders implementing NbS, field visits to NbS sites, and experiential learning to connect theory to practice. Upon completion of the course, you will have gained a comprehensive understanding of how NbS can be implemented in an array of contexts, how NbS promotes climate resilience through disaster risk reduction, and the social and economic implications of NbS.

Syllabus for Nature-based Solutions for Climate Resilience in Spain

Language Taught In
  • English
Fulfills Liberal Education Requirement
  • The Environment
UofM Equivalent
UofM course equivalencies are currently under review.

Corporate Finance

Course ID
BCLA 3031
Terms
  • Spring
3
Credits

This course examines corporate finance through a blend of theory and practical application, focusing on financial analysis, investment decisions, evaluation methods, and corporate financial policies. It equips you with essential tools to navigate financial markets, manage capital structure, and assess risk and return, while integrating European and global perspectives. Designed for those with a basic understanding of accounting, mathematics, and statistics, it prepares you to address complex financial challenges in diverse organizational contexts.

Syllabus for Corporate Finance

UofM Equivalent
FINA 4221

Inside Terrorism

Course ID
BCLA 3032
Terms
  • Spring
3
Credits

This course examines terrorism through a multidisciplinary approach, exploring its history, dynamics, and impact on society and global security. It addresses the intrinsic definitional issues of terrorism and the theoretical approaches to its study, situating the state of the art within the current security paradigm. The course explores the dynamics of terrorism, including the structure of terrorist cells, organizations, and the systems of actors who directly or indirectly influence these activities. Additionally, it delves into the human dimensions of terrorism, examining the experiences of both victims and perpetrators and analyzing the psychological, social, and political factors involved. The course fosters dialogue on the past, present, and future of terrorism, leveraging Spain’s extensive experience in combating terrorism and its historical suffering because of it. Field study components may include visits to the sites of past terrorist attacks and relevant institutions, and discussions with guest speakers.

Syllabus for Inside Terrorism

Fulfills Liberal Education Requirement
  • Historical Perspectives
UofM Equivalent
POL Upper Division Elective, International Relations Focus Area, IB Breadth

Economic Growth & Sustainability: Barcelona's Innovation Model

Course ID
BCLA 3034
Terms
  • Spring
3
Credits

This course examines economic growth and sustainability through the lens of Barcelona's innovation model. It first explores traditional theories of economic growth and their practical applications in urban contexts. You will then analyze Barcelona's transformation from an industrial hub to an innovation capital, focusing on the city's strategies for sustainable development, entrepreneurship, and talent attraction. The course leverages Barcelona's unique ecosystem as a living laboratory, combining theoretical frameworks with real-world case studies. Through lectures, guest speakers, and field visits, you will gain insights into the challenges and opportunities of balancing economic growth with sustainability in urban environments. The course culminates in a project where you apply your knowledge to evaluate the transferability of Barcelona's strategies to other urban contexts, and propose solutions for current economic challenges facing cities worldwide.

Syllabus for Economic Growth & Sustainability: Barcelona's Innovation Model

Language Taught In
  • English
Prerequisite
Principles of Macroeconomics, College Algebra, or Pre-Calculus
UofM Equivalent
FINA elective

Modernizing Barcelona: Urban Transformations & Social Movements

Course ID
BCLA 3035
Terms
  • Spring
3
Credits

This course explores the historical and contemporary transformations of Catalonia and Spain through the lenses of urban development, modernization, and social movements. From the Industrial Revolution to the present day, you will analyze key urban policies, economic shifts, and grassroots activism that have shaped the evolution of Spanish cities, particularly Barcelona. The course integrates historical case studies, urban planning debates, and field excursions to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of how cities function as political, economic, and cultural battlegrounds. Through critical readings, site visits, and discussion-based learning, you will engage with themes such as gentrification, labor struggles, anarchist movements, urban renewal, and the impact of global events, like the Universal Expositions and the 1992 Olympics.

Syllabus for Modernizing Barcelona: Urban Transformations & Social Movements

Language Taught In
  • English
Fulfills Liberal Education Requirement
  • Social Sciences
UofM Equivalent
URBS: Social/Cultural concentration & international cities concentration, IB Depth

International Management

Course ID
BCLA 3036
Terms
  • Spring
3
Credits

This course explores how companies operate in an interconnected global economy, the challenges managers face, and the ways in which they can adapt their business strategies and operations to thrive in global environments. Barcelona and the wider region of Catalonia is a successful international business hub, home to major local and international companies, innovative startups and important financial institutions. The business climate is based on a unique blend of Spanish, Catalan, European, Mediterranean, and global business cultures, making it an ideal environment to study international management. You will examine the role of trade policies, international expansion strategies, global financial markets, cross-cultural leadership, and sustainable and ethical approaches while gaining practical insights into international management through a combination of classroom learning, case studies, and field visits. By the end of the course, you will have gained a comprehensive understanding of international management strategies while experiencing the dynamic business culture of Barcelona and Catalonia.

Syllabus for International Management

Language Taught In
  • English
Prerequisite
Prior coursework in economics or business is recommended but not required.
UofM Equivalent
Strategic Management minor elective

Nationalism in Comparative Perspective (Spring)

Course ID
BCLA 3038
Terms
  • Spring
3
Credits

This course provides a comparative exploration of nationalism, examining its historical evolution, theoretical frameworks, and contemporary manifestations across different global contexts. Using Barcelona and Catalonia as a key case study, you will analyze how cultural, political, and historical forces shape national identities and nationalist movements. The course engages with diverse topics, including varieties of nationalism, the role of historical memory and myths in shaping national identities, and the intersection of nationalism with globalization and migration. You will critically assess the impact of nationalism on political conflicts, secessionist movements, and the rise of populist ideologies. Through a combination of academic readings, case studies, and experiential learning—including field visits to key sites in Barcelona—you will gain a deeper understanding of how nationalism is expressed, contested, and institutionalized in contemporary societies.


Language Taught In
  • English
UofM Equivalent
POL Upper Division Elective, Comparative Government Focus Area

Identity, Politics, & War in 20th-Century Catalan Art

Course ID
BCLA 3041
Terms
  • Spring
3
Credits

Catalonia has long been a center of radical thought and culture, especially during the Spanish Civil War, when Barcelona became the heart of the Republican cause. Throughout the 20th Century, the region played a key role in shaping avant-garde artistic movements while serving as a battleground for opposing political visions. This course examines the intersection of art and politics in Catalonia, focusing on how artistic production functioned as a vehicle for national identity and propaganda, as well as a tool for anti-Fascist resistance and left-wing transformation. Spanning from the turn of the century through the Spanish Civil War and well into Franco’s dictatorship, you will explore key cultural moments—from the rise of bourgeois Modernisme in the early 1900s to the radical politics of the avant-garde in the 1930s and the cultural opposition to Franco in the 1960s. Special attention is given to Civil War propaganda and the role of the three leading figures of the Catalan avant-garde: Picasso, Miró, and Dalí.

Through multiple site visits, critical analysis, and close examination of architectural landmarks, paintings, artworks, posters, and films, you will explore how visual culture and artistic discourse shaped and responded to Catalan national identity, revolutionary politics, and anti-Francoist resistance. With a focus on close reading and direct engagement with artwork, you are encouraged to interpret and analyze these pieces within their historical and political contexts.


Language Taught In
  • English
UofM Equivalent
POL Upper Division Elective, Comparative Government Focus Area

Transportation and Logistics Management/Global Supply Chain

Course ID
BCLA 3048
Terms
  • Summer
3
Credits

In today’s global supply chains, manufactured products often travel across multiple countries and multiple states, using multiple modes of transportation, before reaching final customers. Along the way, these products are processed at a variety of inventory transfer points, and reconfigured and combined with other products with the goal of arriving intact at the right place and right time. Effectively managing these flows requires understanding the underlying economics of weight, volume, distance, and velocity. It requires taking an end-to-end view of the logistics and transportation network to understand how changes in one link impact others. It also requires openness to change, including adopting new network designs and other innovations that promise to improve processes in fundamental ways.

This course uses a combination of lectures, case discussions, interactive classroom activities, and guest speakers. Students are expected to have read any assigned readings and cases before the corresponding class session so they are prepared to actively take part in class discussion.

Syllabus for Transportation and Logistics Management/Global Supply Chain

Language Taught In
  • English
UofM Equivalent
Approved for SCO 3048. Satisfies the Retail major's required elective area.

Global Internship Course

Course ID
BCLA 3375
Terms
  • Summer
3
Credits

The Global Internship Course (GIC) provides a unique and innovative opportunity for students to engage in an internship (and living abroad experience) while supported by academic in-class and online educational sessions to further develop their personal and professional skills while earing academic credit. GIC students also partake in out-of-class guided and self-guided activities and excursions that have been devised to enable them become more comfortable with, and knowledgeable of, their internship locations/neighbourhoods. Furthermore, a day-long field trip illustrates how socio-political and economic factors, such as effects of housing costs in global cities, necessitate commuting and changing work practices such as flexible working hours and working remotely that embody best practice in well-being. 

Syllabus for Global Internship Course—3 credits (PDF)

 


Language Taught In
  • English

Professional Internship Seminar

Course ID
BCLA 3505
Terms
  • Spring
3
Credits

Internships will not be available for Fall 2025 and will be offered again in Spring 2026 on a limited basis.

This seminar-style course guides you in your professional internship experience at a local organization, business, or institution, and connects your engagement in the workplace to in-class learning and reflection. You will complete projects and tasks that contribute to the placement entity's goals by working in collaboration with your intern supervisor. As an intern, you will gain a cross-cultural perspective on professional settings in the host country while critically examining your own worldview. The course topics and assignments will deepen your insights about yourself, professional expectations in the local context, and enable articulation of career skills outcomes to be successful in a global workplace.

Syllabus for Professional Internship Seminar

Language Taught In
  • English

Framing Barcelona: Photography, Identity, & Urban Space

Course ID
BCLA 3XXX
Terms
  • Spring
Credits

Photography has long shaped how we perceive the world, from early documentary images of city life to contemporary explorations of urban change. The first known photograph taken in Spain—a daguerreotype of Barcelona’s Sea Loggia in 1839—marks the city’s deep connection to the medium. In a place as visually and historically layered as Barcelona, photography has often been the lens through which space, identity, and memory intersect. Today, photography is digital and ubiquitous, allowing anyone to capture an image in an instant. This course explores Barcelona’s identity through its photographic representation while encouraging you to engage directly with the city. Through hands-on exercises and assignments, you will investigate how different districts reflect Barcelona’s past and present, using the camera as both a documentary and creative tool.

You will develop a portfolio that reflects your engagement with the city while studying the history, geography, and visual identity of Barcelona. The course introduces key concepts in photography history and theory alongside technical instruction in digital photography, including camera operation, composition, and post-production editing. Through discussions, readings, site explorations, and guest lectures, you will develop visual literacy and a critical understanding of photography’s role in shaping urban identity.


Language Taught In
  • English
UofM Equivalent
Liberal education requirements and UMN course equivalencies are currently under review.

Taste of Catalonia: Food, Culture, and Tradition

Course ID
BCLA 3XXX
Terms
  • Spring
3
Credits

This course examines the gastronomy and culture of Catalonia, emphasizing historical events that have shaped the region and their impact on contemporary dynamics. Through an exploration of Catalonia’s distinctive culinary traditions, you will analyze the role of food in shaping identity. The course also explores the multifaceted dimensions of food tourism, including its cultural significance, economic potential, and societal influence. Utilizing experiential learning and practical applications, you will develop cultural sensitivity and critical thinking skills.


Language Taught In
  • English
UofM Equivalent
Liberal education requirements and UMN course equivalencies are currently under review.

Marketing & Distribution Channels

Course ID
BCLA 4061
Terms
  • Summer
3
Credits

Marketing channels are sets of interdependent organizations involved in the process of making a product or service available for use or consumption. Marketing and distribution channels management is an essential aspect of commercial activities. In today’s ever-more complex and challenging competitive scenario, it is necessary for organizations to know how to effectively select and manage marketing channels so that they can create partnerships that are capable of generating value and trust and avoiding conflicts.

As Peter Drucker has said, “The greatest change will be in distribution channels, not in new methods of production or consumption.” Choosing the right channels, convincing them to carry your merchandise, and getting them to work as partners is a major challenge. Too many companies see themselves as selling to distributors instead of selling through them.

This course will help students learn how to develop marketing channel plans, which enable an organization to increase sales, margins, and levels of collaboration with channel partners.

Syllabus for Marketing & Distribution Channels

Language Taught In
  • English
UofM Equivalent
Approved for MKTG 4060. Satisfies the Retail major's Marketing course core requirement (MKTG 3001) or the course can count towards the Retail Merchandising major required elective area.

Marketing Channels

Course ID
BCLA 4601
Terms
  • Fall
  • Spring
3
Credits

Barcelona is a vibrant international and regional business hub for a variety of industries, including fashion, pharmaceuticals, food, and tourism—making it an ideal setting for studying marketing channels. This course focuses on how, in today’s dynamic business landscape, brands must navigate multiple marketing channels to effectively engage diverse customer segments. This course leverages Barcelona’s and Catalonia´s rich business ecosystem as a living classroom, featuring in-depth case studies and field-based learning opportunities. In addition to classroom-based sessions, you will also participate in guest lectures from industry experts and visits to leading companies across various sectors in the city, such as large multinational firms, innovative startups in the Gothic Quarter and El Born area, and the renowned fashion brands on Passeig de Gràcia. By the end of the course, you will gain both theoretical and practical insights into understanding effective marketing channel strategies and management, all while immersed in the dynamic business culture of Barcelona and its entrepreneurial spirit.

Through your participation in this course, you will:

  • Identify and describe marketing channel terminology.
  • Give examples of channel structures, strategies and frameworks in the global and local Barcelona/Catalonia context.
  • Apply channel principles and processes to real-world situations in the global and local Barcelona/Catalonia context.
  • Assess various channel alternatives using decision criteria in the global and local Barcelona/Catalonia context.
  • Recommend channel structures, processes and provide rationale for their implementation in the global and local Barcelona/Catalonia context.
  • Create marketing channel strategies to produce incremental gains in the global and local Barcelona/Catalonia context. 
Syllabus for Marketing Channels

Language Taught In
  • English
Fulfills Liberal Education Requirement
  • Global Perspectives
UofM Equivalent
MKTG 4060, and satisfies the Retail major's Marketing course core requirement (MKTG 3001) or the course can count towards the Retail Merchandising major required elective area

International Finance

Course ID
BCLA 4622W
Terms
  • Summer
3
Credits

The International Finance module provides an understanding of finance in the international context. In a globally integrated world, it has become imperative to trade, invest, and conduct business operations internationally. This course exposes students to the opportunities and risks associated with international finance. As the world has become more integrated due to deregulation of financial markets, product innovation, and technology, capital markets have kept pace with this integration. Building upon the understanding of theoretical concepts of finance and their adaptation to the international context, the study of international finance has become essential. The course coverage includes historical perspectives and foundations of international finance, the foreign exchange markets and exchange rate determination, exposure management, and financial management of the multinational firm. The course also helps students examine the current economic landscape through discussions of current economic and political development and their impact on international finance.

With its global presence, CAPA offers students the opportunity to enrich their academic experience by exposing and exploring the localized context of the CAPA Barcelona Centre. Barcelona is a member of the Eurozone (countries using the Euro currency), and it has deep economic and financial links with other European countries.

Syllabus for International Finance

Language Taught In
  • English
Fulfills Liberal Education Requirement
  • Global Perspectives
  • Writing Intensive
UofM Equivalent
Approved for FINA 4622 & IB Foundations course.

International Finance

Course ID
BCLA 4623W
Terms
  • Fall
  • Spring
3
Credits

This upper-level writing-intensive course provides you with a comprehensive understanding of financial management in an international context. Focusing on multinational enterprises, particularly in Barcelona and the broader European market, the course explores international investment strategies, exchange rate management, and financial decision-making. Special emphasis is placed on overcoming barriers to international capital flows, managing currency risks, and examining the cost of capital in both developed and emerging markets.

Through your participation in this course, you will:

  • Gain a foundational understanding of international trade and finance principles, including the role of multinational enterprises.
  • Demonstrate proficiency in analyzing the balance of payments and national income accounting in an open economy.
  • Examine the determinants of exchange rates and their effects on global competitiveness.
  • Analyze the relationships between interest rates, inflation, and exchange rate movements.
  • Compare fixed and floating exchange rate systems and evaluate short-run policy effects.
  • Explore global financial markets, institutions, and their impact on international finance.
  • Understand European monetary integration and the role of the Euro in Spain’s economy.
  • Identify emerging trends in digital finance, sustainability, and future challenges for multinational firms.
Syllabus for International Finance

Language Taught In
  • English
Fulfills Liberal Education Requirement
  • Global Perspectives
  • Writing Intensive
UofM Equivalent
FINA 4622 and fulfills IB foundations elective

Global Identity

Course ID
FOST 3332/FOST 3331H
Terms
  • Online (all terms)
1
Credit

Global Identity: Connecting Your International Experience with Your Future is an optional 1-credit online course that helps you process your international experience and apply what you've learned upon your return. Global Identity gives you the opportunity to work individually with a trained cultural mentor, helping you articulate your newly acquired skills for future professional opportunities, and differentiating you from your peers.

This course is offered at no additional cost on programs 6 weeks or longer. There are several sections offered including: Honors, College of Liberal Arts, and Leadership Minor focused versions of the course. Additional details on how to request registration, deadlines, and a grade basis can be found on the Global Identity Course Information page.

Syllabus for Global Identity (FOST 3332)
Syllabus for Global Identity Honors (FOST 3331H)


Language Taught In
  • English
Fulfills Liberal Education Requirement
  • Global Perspectives

Internships

Internships will not be available for the Fall 2025 program and will be offered again in Spring 2026 with limited availability.

On this program, you have the option to participate in a credit-bearing internship experience. An internship abroad is a great way to gain professional experience and experience workplace culture from an international perspective. It’s also a great opportunity to meet locals.

Internship placements are available in a variety of fields and in three languages: English, Catalan, and Spanish. Rather than applying for particular internship openings abroad, you will submit additional internship application materials to our onsite partner. They will then work with local organizations and companies to find a suitable placement. You will be notified of your internship placement prior to departure.

Applying for an Internship

Within the application with our onsite partner, you will indicate that you would like to participate in an internship. You will provide the required application materials and give them your top areas of interest for potential placements. You are encouraged to work with your academic advisers to determine your choices.

Note: Internships are not able to be dropped once placements are made. We ask that students commit to the internship component and meet the weekly work requirement once they decide to enroll in the Professional Internship Seminar.

Internship Eligibility Requirements

  • Junior, or senior status
  • Host country language is NOT required

Academic Credit

UofM 3-credit internship: you will work 15–20 hours per week at your internship site and enroll in the Global Internship Program course for 3 UofM credits (30 contact hours).

Program Dates

Submit the online application and complete the assigned application checklist according to the appropriate deadline:

Note: We will not be running this program in Summer 2026.

Orientation Dates & Locations

The Learning Abroad Center provides pre-departure orientation in preparation for your time abroad. It is your responsibility to know the information shared at these orientations.

Orientation consists of several sessions, all of which are created to support your preparation to go abroad:

  • Online Health & Safety Orientation: This asynchronous module can be accessed in your LAC checklist and is mandatory.
  • LAC Program Orientation: Program-specific and important UofM registration information will be covered (academic registration, finances, arrival, housing etc.). Details will be sent to you via email.

The Learning Abroad Center also offers 2 optional orientations:

Spring 2026

Study Center and Hybrid Tracks

Application Open Date: April 1, 2025*
Application Deadline: September 11, 2025

Attention: Due to changes in the Spanish student visa application process, the application deadline for the Spring 2026 program in Barcelona has been changed to September 1, 2025. The confirmation deadline has been changed to September 10, 2025.

ScheduleDate
Arrive in BarcelonaJanuary 4th, 2026
Depart from BarcelonaApril 25th, 2025

*Spring 2026 applications open on April 1st, 2025. There will be capacity restrictions on the program in Spring 2026. We encourage you to apply as soon as applications open. Applications will be reviewed on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Fall 2025

Study Center/Hybrid Tracks

Application Open Date: December 1, 2024
Application Deadline: April 1, 2025

ScheduleDate
Arrive in BarcelonaAugust 27, 2025
Depart from BarcelonaDecember 20, 2025

Summer 2025

Application Open Date: August 1, 2024
Application Deadline: February 1, 2025

ScheduleDate
Arrive in BarcelonaMay 21, 2025
Depart from BarcelonaJuly 26, 2025

Fees

University of Minnesota participants pay the program fee instead of on-campus tuition and fees for the term they are abroad.

Spring 2026

The words "$2K LESS" against a pink burst background.

Fall 2025

Summer 2025

Billing & Payments

Visit Billing for information about the billing process for application fees, deposits, and program fees.

Financial Aid & Scholarships

Visit Financial Information for information on using financial aid and scholarships for study abroad.

You can apply for additional scholarships and funding opportunities through CEA CAPA, in addition to the University of Minnesota. Check eligibility requirements and deadline dates for all CAPA scholarships and financing options.

Bridging Loan

Bridging Loan, a no-interest/no-fees loan that funds the confirmation deposit and/or flights cost, is available for this program for eligible students going abroad during an eligible term.

Cancellation Policy

Before you apply to or confirm your participation on this program, review the Learning Abroad Center's Cancellation Policy to inform yourself of the timeline and financial obligations for canceling.

Spring 2026—Study Center

Study & Intern in Barcelona: Study Center

Spring Semester 2026

Program Fee

  • UofM students pay program fee instead of on-campus tuition & fees while abroad
  • Billed through UofM account
Non-refundable deposit $400
Tuition and educational costs $16,270
International health insurance $280
Housing and/or mealsStudents are housed in single-room residencia-style housing $4,500
Transportation (if required and included in program fee) $0
Total Program Fee $21,450
Program discount for University of Minnesota and Big Ten students, if applicable $0
Total Program Fee with discount, if applicable $21,450

Estimated Additional Expenses

  • Financial aid-eligible but not included in program fee
Costs Typically Incurred Prior to Departure These costs may need to be paid before your financial aid is disbursed for your term abroad.
Transportation to and from program siteEstimated round-trip flight from MSP to Barcelona $2,000
Passport/photos $175
Visa/required documentsRequired student visa and processing and required ETIAS for US travelers to Europe starting in 2025 - €7 per traveler $325
Travel clinic/immunizations* $0
Housing deposit $0
Total Estimated Cost Incurred Prior to Departure $2,500
Costs Typically Incurred After Arrival in Host Country
Texts/materials $500
Housing and/or meals not included in program feeMeals not included with housing $2,800
Essential daily living expensesIncludes the cost of required cell phone $1,200
Total Estimated Cost Incurred After Arrival in Host Country $4,500

Total Estimated Cost of Participation

  • UofM students—compare this to your estimated on campus cost of attendance
Total Estimated Cost of Participation $28,450
Spending money and personal travel Not included in financial aid calculation $1,200
Additional Notes & Information
* Immunizations Note: This estimate is based on approximate cost of travel-related vaccinations and medications required for entry or recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Your costs may be higher or lower depending on your travel clinic, the specific immunizations and medication prescribed, and your insurance coverage.

Spring 2026—University Study & Study Center

Study & Intern in Barcelona: University Study and Study Center

Spring Semester 2026

Program Fee

  • UofM students pay program fee instead of on-campus tuition & fees while abroad
  • Billed through UofM account
Non-refundable deposit $400
Tuition and educational costs $16,270
International health insurance $280
Housing and/or mealsStudents are housed in single-room residencia-style housing $4,500
Transportation (if required and included in program fee) $0
Total Program Fee $21,450
Program discount for University of Minnesota and Big Ten students, if applicable $0
Total Program Fee with discount, if applicable $21,450

Estimated Additional Expenses

  • Financial aid-eligible but not included in program fee
Costs Typically Incurred Prior to Departure These costs may need to be paid before your financial aid is disbursed for your term abroad.
Transportation to and from program siteEstimated round-trip flight from MSP to Barcelona $2,000
Passport/photos $175
Visa/required documentsRequired student visa and processing and required ETIAS for US travelers to Europe starting in 2025 - €7 per traveler $325
Travel clinic/immunizations* $0
Housing deposit $0
Total Estimated Cost Incurred Prior to Departure $2,500
Costs Typically Incurred After Arrival in Host Country
Texts/materials $500
Housing and/or meals not included in program feeMeals not included with housing $2,800
Essential daily living expensesIncludes the cost of required cell phone $1,200
Total Estimated Cost Incurred After Arrival in Host Country $4,500

Total Estimated Cost of Participation

  • UofM students—compare this to your estimated on campus cost of attendance
Total Estimated Cost of Participation $28,450
Spending money and personal travel Not included in financial aid calculation $1,200
Additional Notes & Information
* Immunizations Note: This estimate is based on approximate cost of travel-related vaccinations and medications required for entry or recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Your costs may be higher or lower depending on your travel clinic, the specific immunizations and medication prescribed, and your insurance coverage.

Fall 2025—Study Center

The words "$2K LESS" against a pink burst background.

Study & Intern in Barcelona: Study Center

Fall Semester 2025

Program Fee

  • UofM students pay program fee instead of on-campus tuition & fees while abroad
  • Billed through UofM account
Non-refundable deposit $400
Tuition and educational costs $14,260
International health insurance $290
Housing and/or mealsStudents are housed in single-room residencia-style housing $4,500
Transportation (if required and included in program fee) $0
Total Program Fee $19,450
Program discount for University of Minnesota and Big Ten students, if applicable $0
Total Program Fee with discount, if applicable $19,450

Estimated Additional Expenses

  • Financial aid-eligible but not included in program fee
Costs Typically Incurred Prior to Departure These costs may need to be paid before your financial aid is disbursed for your term abroad.
Transportation to and from program siteEstimated round-trip flight from MSP to Barcelona $2,000
Passport/photos $175
Visa/required documentsRequired student visa and processing and required ETIAS for US travelers to Europe starting in 2025 - €7 per traveler $325
Travel clinic/immunizations* $0
Housing deposit $0
Total Estimated Cost Incurred Prior to Departure $2,500
Costs Typically Incurred After Arrival in Host Country
Texts/materials $500
Housing and/or meals not included in program feeMeals not included with housing $2,800
Essential daily living expensesIncludes the cost of required cell phone $1,200
Total Estimated Cost Incurred After Arrival in Host Country $4,500

Total Estimated Cost of Participation

  • UofM students—compare this to your estimated on campus cost of attendance
Total Estimated Cost of Participation $26,450
Spending money and personal travel Not included in financial aid calculation $1,200
Additional Notes & Information
* Immunizations Note: This estimate is based on approximate cost of travel-related vaccinations and medications required for entry or recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Your costs may be higher or lower depending on your travel clinic, the specific immunizations and medication prescribed, and your insurance coverage.

Fall 2025—University Study & Study Center

The words "$2K LESS" against a pink burst background.

Study & Intern in Barcelona: University Study and Study Center

Fall Semester 2025

Program Fee

  • UofM students pay program fee instead of on-campus tuition & fees while abroad
  • Billed through UofM account
Non-refundable deposit $400
Tuition and educational costs $14,260
International health insurance $290
Housing and/or mealsStudents are housed in single-room residencia-style housing $4,500
Transportation (if required and included in program fee) $0
Total Program Fee $19,450
Program discount for University of Minnesota and Big Ten students, if applicable $0
Total Program Fee with discount, if applicable $19,450

Estimated Additional Expenses

  • Financial aid-eligible but not included in program fee
Costs Typically Incurred Prior to Departure These costs may need to be paid before your financial aid is disbursed for your term abroad.
Transportation to and from program siteEstimated round-trip flight from MSP to Barcelona $2,000
Passport/photos $175
Visa/required documentsRequired student visa and processing and required ETIAS for US travelers to Europe starting in 2025 - €7 per traveler $325
Travel clinic/immunizations* $0
Housing deposit $0
Total Estimated Cost Incurred Prior to Departure $2,500
Costs Typically Incurred After Arrival in Host Country
Texts/materials $500
Housing and/or meals not included in program feeMeals not included with housing $2,800
Essential daily living expensesIncludes the cost of required cell phone $1,200
Total Estimated Cost Incurred After Arrival in Host Country $4,500

Total Estimated Cost of Participation

  • UofM students—compare this to your estimated on campus cost of attendance
Total Estimated Cost of Participation $26,450
Spending money and personal travel Not included in financial aid calculation $1,200
Additional Notes & Information
* Immunizations Note: This estimate is based on approximate cost of travel-related vaccinations and medications required for entry or recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Your costs may be higher or lower depending on your travel clinic, the specific immunizations and medication prescribed, and your insurance coverage.

Summer 2025

Study & Intern in Barcelona: Study Center

Apartment 1—Shared Apartment

Summer 2025

Program Fee

  • UofM students pay program fee instead of on-campus tuition & fees while abroad
  • Billed through UofM account
Non-refundable deposit $400
Tuition and educational costs $6,738
International health insurance $138
Housing and/or mealsRent & utilities. No meals included. $1,874
Transportation (if required and included in program fee) $0
Total Program Fee $9,150
Program discount for University of Minnesota and Big Ten students, if applicable $0
Total Program Fee with discount, if applicable $9,150

Estimated Additional Expenses

  • Financial aid-eligible but not included in program fee
Costs Typically Incurred Prior to Departure These costs may need to be paid before your financial aid is disbursed for your term abroad.
Transportation to and from program siteEstimated cost of round-trip flight to/from MSP-Barcelona $2,000
Passport/photos $175
Visa/required documentsRequired ETIAS for US travelers to Europe starting in 2025 - €7 per traveler $10
Travel clinic/immunizations* $0
Housing deposit $0
Total Estimated Cost Incurred Prior to Departure $2,185
Costs Typically Incurred After Arrival in Host Country
Texts/materials $300
Housing and/or meals not included in program feeEstimated cost of additional meals $1,200
Essential daily living expensesIncludes the cost of required cell phone $1,000
Total Estimated Cost Incurred After Arrival in Host Country $2,500

Total Estimated Cost of Participation

  • UofM students—compare this to your estimated on campus cost of attendance
Total Estimated Cost of Participation $13,835
Spending money and personal travel Not included in financial aid calculation $1,000
Additional Notes & Information
* Immunizations Note: This estimate is based on approximate cost of travel-related vaccinations and medications required for entry or recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Your costs may be higher or lower depending on your travel clinic, the specific immunizations and medication prescribed, and your insurance coverage.

Prepare

Complete pre-application advising.

Apply

The COVID-19 vaccine series is strongly recommended, pursuant to CDC guidelines, but not required for participation in this program.

You will be charged a $50 application fee for each application you submit.

Apply Now

Spring 2026 applications open on April 1st, 2025. There will be capacity restrictions on the program in Spring 2026. We encourage you to apply as soon as applications open. Applications will be reviewed on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Complete

After you submit your application, you will receive an email notification confirming that your application was received. Submitted applications are assigned an application checklist, which will include the following items:

  • Pre-Application Planning Meeting
  • Application Essay

If you do not meet the GPA requirement for this program you will be required to submit an additional essay. It will be added to your checklist after you start your application, and you will be notified when it has been added.

Internships will not be offered in Fall 2025 and will be offered again Spring 2026 with limited availability.

Detailed descriptions and instructions for submitting each checklist item are included on the application checklist assigned to you.

After your application checklist is complete, your application is reviewed by our program team. You will be notified of an acceptance decision by email. If accepted, you will be assigned a confirmation checklist, which you will complete to confirm your participation in the program. Following your acceptance, you will be required to submit an application with our partners in Barcelona. You will be provided with further instructions at the time of admittance. 

If you decide not to continue with the application process, log into the online application system and submit a Cancel Request.

After You Apply

Before your program begins, review these resources.

Health & Safety

Learn more about staying healthy and safe abroad, including mental health and wellness, international travel insurance, and safety precautions.

Power of Attorney

Consider designating someone as your power of attorney to act as your legal representative while you’re abroad.

Student Identity

Consult our resources on student identities as you prepare for your abroad experience.

Travel Resources

Ready to go abroad? Our travel resources will help you pack and learn what to expect.

Passport & Visa Notice

Passport

You must obtain a passport to enter Spain. Your passport must be valid for at least one year after your return date to the US. The Learning Abroad Center recommends erring on the side of caution by having a full year of validity remaining after your return date to the US.

If you have not already obtained your passport, visit our Passport page for more information.

Visa

If you are studying on any of the Learning Abroad Center Spain programs for a semester or year, or are a US citizen staying in Spain for more than 90 days, you must obtain a student visa.

Important: Read all information that you receive regarding student visas carefully. Requirements could change at any time and can vary from consulate to consulate.

University of Minnesota Visa Service

The Spanish consulate in Chicago has graciously granted the University of Minnesota the ability to drop off Spanish student visa applications and pick up the completed student visas on behalf of students studying abroad in Spain for all students on our programs.

This is an optional service. You must inform the Learning Abroad Center of your plans for obtaining the student visa, whether you chose to use this service or not.

Using the Visa Service
  • If you use the visa service, a $150 visa service fee will be assessed to your UofM account. This fee will not be listed separately on your student account. It will be added to the overall program fee.
    • The $150 visa service fee is separate from the actual cost of the visa. As of April 2025, the cost of the visa for US citizens is an additional $186. This will either be paid directly by you to the Spanish Consulate via a money order or billed to your UofM student account. Term-specific payment process and information will be sent to you before the visa application deadline.
  • The deadline to use this service comes on or quickly after the program application deadline. To use the service, you must attend an in-person or virtual appointment with Learning Abroad Center staff to drop off or mail visa application materials before the deadline.
  • If you live outside of the state of Minnesota, completed visas will be returned to you via Fed Ex once picked up from the Chicago Spanish Consulate by the UofM.
Not Using the Visa Service

We highly recommend and expect you to utilize the Learning Abroad Center visa service. Obtaining a visa independently means that you are assuming the full risk of successfully securing a visa prior to your departure. Failure to obtain a visa would jeopardize your participation in the program and is not a justifiable reason for a full refund appeal.

  • If you choose to apply on your own and live within the Chicago consulate's jurisdiction, you will need to make at least one in person appearance at the Spanish Consulate. For example, if you have someone drop of your materials on your behalf, then YOU must pick up your passport in person. If you drop off your materials and want your passport returned by mail, you must use their established courier service (pricing ranges from $35 to $55).
  • If you are not within the Chicago consulate's jurisdiction, check with the consulate within your jurisdiction, as requirements and procedures may differ.

Visa Application Requirements for UofM Visa Service

Refer to the Visa Checklist in your LAC portal for up-to-date visa requirements for the Chicago Consulate and UofM batch service, including a full document checklist. If you are not applying via the UofM batch service, reference the Consulate website directly in the jurisdiction that you will be applying through.

Police Background Check

A police background check is required for all students doing an internship or community engagement. We will not be able to place you in an internship or community engagement site without this. You can obtain a background check either online, in-person, or via US postal service (USPS).

Online

To complete your background check online, visit the State of Minnesota Public Criminal History Search website. Enter your information (Name and DOB). Take a screenshot of the results that include your name, birthdate, and full results page. This process is free of charge. Depending on the type of internship or community engagement placement you participate in, obtaining a more detailed background check via in-person visit may be required (and may incur a fee).

In-person

If you live in the Twin Cities metropolitan area you may obtain a printed copy of your background check in person by visiting the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension. You can find detailed instructions at the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension website. For this process, a valid government issued form of identification and an $8.00 processing fee are required. Depending on the type of internship or community engagement placement you participate in, this may be the required method to obtain the police background check.

US Postal Service

You may request a printed copy of a background check by writing the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension. You can find detailed instructions at the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension website. Your request must be signed, dated, and your signature notarized. You must indicate that your request is for use outside of the United States. Include a self-addressed, stamped envelope with your request.

If you live outside the Minneapolis-St. Paul Area, you should check with a local government agency or a police department in your hometown.

Program Contact

For further information or questions about this program, send an email to

Maria Schrupp at [email protected], or call at 612.624.1537.

Contact Program Alum

Below is a list of students who participated in past program sessions. They are ready and willing to speak about this program. Feel free to contact them during your decision-making process or anytime during pre-departure preparation to get a student perspective.

  • Eleanor S.—Strategic Communications major, Sociology major, Spring 2023, apartment, internship
  • Carly C.—Sociology major, Public Health minor, Spring 2023, apartment
  • Lauren H.—Human Physiology major, Spanish Studies minor, Spring 2023, apartment
  • Ashley S.—Biochemistry major, Spring 2022, Internship, apartment