IFSA Study in Barcelona

IFSA’s Study in Barcelona program provides a compelling curriculum that’s taught in English and focuses on business, the social sciences, arts, humanities, and interdisciplinary classes. Crafted for U.S. degree requirements and contemporary hot topics, IFSA classes explore relevant topics in the Catalan, Spanish, and European contexts by incorporating a variety of case studies and field visits. Mix and match four to five IFSA classes for a total of 12–16 U.S. semester credit hours. You may opt to take two classes at Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF) for a supplemental fee.

IFSA CLASSES
Not all classes may be offered in a given semester depending on enrollment. Click on each link below for a detailed class syllabus.

Arts and Humanities

Design Thinking
Language of Instruction: English
Design thinking is a powerful approach to solving a wide variety of problems across many different disciplines. In this experiential class, students will learn how to flexibly sort through and solve challenges and pursue opportunities. At its core, design thinking relies on creativity; and unless one has already unleashed their innate creativity, the power of design thinking is constrained. Therefore, in this truly interdisciplinary class students will build their “creative confidence,” learn design thinking, and apply these skills to a variety of challenges as they actively engage in the creative process individually and in teams. (3 U.S. semester credit hours)

Understanding Spain Through its Art
Language of Instruction: English
This class aims to provide students with knowledge of Spanish culture within the context of art history. The history of Spanish culture will be evaluated through the lenses of its most well-known artists including Goya, Picasso, Gaudí, Miró, and Dalí, among others throughout the ages. Students will develop a critical understanding of the past and present of Spain they can use to interpret their Barcelona home. (3 U.S. semester credit hours)

Interdisciplinary

International Internship Seminar
Language of Instruction: English
All internships include participation in the International Internship Seminar, which covers 15 hours of online asynchronous Canvas modules to provide structured opportunities to reflect on the practical experience of the internship, learn more about your host country’s business culture, and further develop the professional skills needed for a successful transition from undergraduate coursework into a career or graduate school. Plus, you will engage with an online global cohort of IFSA internship participants, gaining exposure to business cultures around the world. (3 U.S. semester credit hours)

Sustainability and the Global City
Language of Instruction: English
This class introduces theoretical and methodological tools with which to evaluate potential for sustainable urbanism. Focusing on Barcelona alongside comparative global case studies, students will be exposed to urban planning and both natural and build environments in order to evaluate the common challenges and successes related to sustainability efforts. Through experiential learning opportunities, students will develop first-hand context as they examine various facets of sustainable urbanization in Barcelona. (3 U.S. semester credit hours)

International Business

Business Ethics (Coming Spring 2026)
Language of Instruction: English
This class delves into the core principles of ethics as they relate to the corporate landscape. Through a blend of theoretical exploration and practical case studies, students will examine the intricate ethical dilemmas faced by businesses and organizations. Emphasis will be placed on understanding the role of ethical leadership in fostering an environment conducive to ethical decision-making within the business realm. (3 U.S. semester credit hours)

Corporate Social Responsibility
Language of Instruction: English
Corporate social responsibility (CSR) is a self-regulating business model that helps a company be socially accountable—to itself, its stakeholders, and the public. By practicing corporate social responsibility, also called corporate citizenship, companies can be conscious of the kind of impact they have on all aspects of society, including economic, social, and environmental. This class will study the responsibility that businesses have at both the local and global level, in addition to key legal and ethical considerations. (3 U.S. semester credit hours)

The Economics of Professional Soccer
Language of Instruction: English
Professional soccer, or football as it is more commonly known, is both a multicultural obsession and a globalized economic market. FC Barcelona, one of the world’s top soccer brands, was valued at more than $1.5 billion USD in 2020. This class explores professional soccer through the lens of behavioral economics, a discipline that blends sociological insight with economic theory. Through a case study of FC Barcelona, we will analyze various aspects of international soccer industries, as well as how professional soccer informs how Spain is viewed around the world. (3 U.S. semester credit hours)

Entrepreneurship: Creating a Plan of Action
Language of Instruction: English
The aim of this class is to provide students with an understanding of the scope of entrepreneurship including elements that could potentially foster or hinder a business start-up. In addition to exploring concepts and frameworks, students will think through and engage in the creation of a start-up and develop and communicate a business plan to potential investors. (3 U.S. semester credit hours)

Intercultural Communications for the Global Workplace (Coming Spring 2026)
Language of Instruction: English

This course is designed to improve your ability to communicate effectively with people from diverse cultural backgrounds.

As much as anything, this is a course in personal development designed to prepare you to study and work successfully domestically and abroad with people from every part of the world. Success is a function of your ability to communicate across cultures, build cultural intelligence, and global dexterity. Critical skills include your ability to decode the context, understand yourself, and to respond creatively. Utilizing intercultural theory, we will explore the complexity of culture through paradox, stereotypes, verbal and non-verbal communication, personal beliefs and values, and strategies for building cultural intelligence and adaptability.

Examination of Barcelona work environments, professional practices, and business etiquette will be an important and underpinning feature of the course. Local guest speakers representing such areas as multicultural team leadership and international young professionals will augment your learning. At all times, theoretical learning will be linked to personal experiences and perspectives.

While this course is likely to contribute to a positive study abroad experience; in the long term, the aim is to enhance your effectiveness in multi-cultural organizations whether domestically or abroad. (3 U.S. semester credit hours)

International Business (Coming Spring 2026)
Language of Instruction: English
This class provides a comprehensive overview of international business strategies in the context of today’s globalized economy. Students will explore fundamental concepts and practical applications essential for success in the international marketplace. Topics include the analysis of globalization’s impact, the alignment and divergence of political and economic systems, international trade dynamics, foreign direct investment strategies, global finance and accounting principles, market entry strategies, global production processes, and challenges in international human resource management. Through case studies, discussions, and interactive exercises, students will develop a deeper understanding of the complexities of international business and gain practical skills for navigating the global business environment. (3 U.S. semester credit hours)

International Finance
Language of Instruction: English
This class focuses on the theory of international finance and its real-world applications. Students begin by exploring fundamental concepts such as national income accounting and the Balance of Payments. Students analyze theories of both flexible and fixed exchange rate systems, and to debate the merits of each system, along with their implications for macroeconomic performance in terms of output, money supply, price levels, etc. The class concludes with an international lens on macroeconomic policy and the unique types of financial policies and crises in developing countries. (3 U.S. semester credit hours)

International Marketing (Coming Spring 2026)
Language of Instruction: English
This class explores the intricacies of international marketing, examining how businesses navigate diverse global markets and cultural landscapes. Students delve into market entry strategies, global branding, and cross-cultural consumer behavior, gaining insights into effective marketing campaigns tailored to international audiences. Through case studies and collaborative projects, students develop strategic marketing skills essential for success in the global marketplace. (3 U.S. semester credit hours)

International Political Economy (Coming Spring 2026)
Language of Instruction: English
Political and economic development are increasingly intertwined with international and global integration. In this class, students will explore theoretical issues and illustrative case studies related to international political economy. Students will read about and discuss the ways domestic and international politics affect relations between states by examining the role of government in the production, distribution, and consumption of resources. Trade policy, exchange rate policy, foreign investment policy, and migration are points of focus in this class which positions economics and politics as inextricable concepts. The class will introduce students to core concepts and theories in international economy as well as how to apply them to analyses of case material. Examples will be specific to Spain, contextualized within Europe, and applicable to global scenarios. This class addresses a number of important concepts and theories relevant to the study of politics.  By the end of the class, students should develop a significant understanding of these concepts and theories and should be able to apply them to analyze political action, institutions, and organizations. (3 U.S. semester credit hours)

Managing Consumer Data (Coming Spring 2026)
Language of Instruction: English
This class focuses on the collection, analysis, and application of consumer data in a global business environment. Students will explore how international companies use data analytics to understand consumer behavior across different cultures and regions. Topics include data privacy regulations, ethical considerations, and the use of big data tools to drive international marketing and product development strategies. Students will also learn to manage data-driven decision-making in multinational corporations while complying with varying global data protection laws. (3 U.S. semester credit hours)

Marketing Analytics (Coming Spring 2026)
Language of Instruction: English
This class equips students with the skills to analyze global marketing performance using data-driven approaches. Students will learn how to apply key metrics, such as customer lifetime value and market segmentation, to evaluate the success of international marketing campaigns. Emphasis is placed on understanding how data from diverse cultural markets can inform marketing strategies. Students will use tools like Google Analytics and CRM systems to interpret global consumer data and optimize marketing strategies for different regions. (3 U.S. semester credit hours)

Money and Banking (Coming Spring 2026)
Language of Instruction: English
This class examines the global financial system, focusing on the role of money, banking, and financial institutions in international business. Students will explore the operations of central banks, the creation and regulation of money, and the influence of monetary policy on global trade and capital flows. Topics include exchange rates, international banking regulations, and the impact of financial crises on multinational corporations and economies. By analyzing real-world case studies, students will gain insights into how monetary policy affects global economic performance, business strategy, and risk management across borders. (3 U.S. semester credit hours)

Service Operations Management (Coming Spring 2026)
Language of Instruction: English
This class is designed to explore, challenge and refine the principals of service operations Management in hospitality and tourism operations. The foundation is built upon an understanding that service excellence is achieved through strategy, systems and staff. By the end of this class, students should have an understanding and appreciation for facility designs and layouts, planning and analyzing service delivery systems, defining and measuring service quality, and service recovery. Additionally, students will know strategies for managing demand and supply, and making continual improvements a competitive strategy. Barcelona as a city of tourism provides the ideal backdrop for an up-close examination of these issues. (3 U.S. semester credit hours)

Social Media Marketing in the Age of Self
Language of Instruction: English
This class will outfit students with the tools and expertise to develop strategic and comprehensive social media marketing plans that integrate with overall marketing and communications efforts to achieve business goals. Through case studies and hands-on exercises, students will develop a deep understanding of social media platforms and best practices, leveraging these channels to elevate one’s reach and reputation. Topics include choosing appropriate platforms, creating effective and engaging social media content, and developing social media policies and content management strategies. The class emphasizes social listening, ethics, and inclusivity. (3 U.S. semester credit hours)

Strategic Communication in Business (Coming Spring 2026)
Language of Instruction: English
Communication plays a fundamental role in all facets of business, regardless of industry. This class challenges students to explore leadership styles and leverage their strengths to communicate clearly and strategically in a variety of settings and to a range of internal and external audiences. Students will study and practice effective written and oral internal communication strategies proven to improve morale, inspire innovation, and increase productivity. Similarly, students will study strategic communications theories to produce sound, integrated external communications across platforms. Students will gain the skills to identify and communicate effectively with audiences; develop goals, metrics and tactics for lasting, meaningful outcomes; and draft clear, consistent, and correct business communications. The class will also explore emerging trends, active listening, conflict communication, ethics, diversity, and business etiquette. (3 U.S. semester credit hours)

Spanish Language 
Developing skills in a foreign language can profoundly impact your life personally and professionally. Though language study is not required, students frequently report their Spanish language class as one of their favorites and the one they applied most outside the classroom.

Essential Spanish
Language of Instruction: English and Spanish

If you’ve never studied Spanish before, you can take this optional, introductory class in Spanish language and Catalan culture. By introducing key words and phrases and venturing out into the city to practice them, you’ll gain essential skills to communicate effectively and navigate in a new culture. (1 U.S. semester credit hour)

Beginning to Advanced Spanish (Coming Spring 2026)
Language of Instruction: Spanish No prior language study is required.

A mandatory prearrival language assessment will determine your appropriate language level.

• Beginning Spanish I (3 U.S. semester credit hours)
• Beginning Spanish II (3 U.S. semester credit hours)
• Intermediate Spanish I (3 U.S. semester credit hours)
• Intermediate Spanish II (3 U.S. semester credit hours)
• Advanced Spanish I (3 U.S. semester credit hours)
• Advanced Spanish II  (3 U.S. semester credit hours)

Social Sciences

Food Culture and Spanish Society
Language of Instruction: English
Understanding food in culture and society is a local and global concern. Through anthropological and sociological lenses, students will consider the importance and roles of food in our personal and social lives. Even though we need food to survive and it is present in every society and culture, we cannot take for granted that we eat the same food for the same reasons at the same time; or assume that food is available everywhere with the same quality and under the same conditions. It is a matter of national security and is tied to economic growth. Situated in the fascinating culinary settee of Barcelona, this class examines food as part of national heritage, cultural identity, and as a sometimes controversial product for tourist consumption. (3 U.S. semester credit hours)

Identity and Politics in Spain
Language of Instruction: English
Identity movements around race, LGBTQIA+ rights, feminism, and nationalism have swept the globe in recent years and Spain is no exception. This class examines the different levels of identity that Spanish people profess and how these different identities have affected recent politics. Drawing on histories of Catalan and Basque secessionist movements, we will also explore more contemporary struggles around gender, sexual orientation, and race in Spain, as well as the growing influence of populism and national identity against the broader backdrop of European integration. (3 U.S. semester credit hours)

Social Psychology
Language of Instruction: English
Social psychology examines the perceptions, thoughts, feelings and behaviors of individuals within their social environments. In this class, methodologies used to investigate social psychology phenomena are introduced, aiding understanding of the application of social psychology research to real-world problems. Special attention is devoted to issues of socioeconomic class in Spain. This class includes three investigative field visits to diverse Barcelona neighborhoods, providing vibrant context for discussions. (3 U.S. semester credit hours)

UNIVERSITAT POMPEU FABRA (UPF) CLASSES 
Choose two classes at Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF) for a supplemental fee. At UPF you are invited to not only share academic classes, but also campus life including services, clubs, and activities. More than 100 classes are available in politics, management, communications, finance, humanities, and social sciences. Most classes are taught in English; some classes can be taken in Spanish for students with level B2 language proficiency. See the UPF class catalogs (linked below) for up-to-date offerings. UPF requires a 3.0 GPA minimum for enrollment.

CHART Your Course
Find the classes you need fast with CHART. Our easy-to-use tool shows you classes recently taken by IFSA students.

Barcelona Program for Interdisciplinary Studies (BaPIS) 

• Analytics for Social Good 
• From Ethnographic Cinema to the Avant-Garde 
• LGBT+: Exploring Identities and Diversity  
• Mind, Brain, and Machines 
• The Impact Journey: (Un)Sustainability, Climate Emergency, Authentic Leadership 
• The Space Race: A Cultural History in the Cold War 

ESCI-UPF International Business Program 

• Corporate Finance  
• Consumer Behavior 
• Financial Risk Management 
• Digital Business Modeling and Competitive Strategy 
• Sustainability Management 
• Strategic Brand Management  

You may also request to take classes delivered in Spanish if you have at least four semesters of Spanish language experience or the equivalent.

Universitat Pompeu Fabra Elective
UPF requires a 3.0 GPA minimum for enrollment in its classes.

Can I take my classes in Spanish? 
To enroll in Spanish-taught classes at this program, you must have a specific language level. Please visit our Language Requirements page for more details. If you have questions about whether you qualify, contact your IFSA Enrollment Counselor.

INTERNSHIPS
IFSA internships include real-world work experience, along with developing intercultural skills and experiences that are key to personal, academic, and professional success. Expect to devote a total of 120 hours working with your host organization, with supervision from your seminar instructor, coordinated by on-site IFSA team members. In addition, interns complete the International Internship Seminar for 3 U.S. semester credit hours. Internships are not remunerated.

There are nearly 10,000 multinational companies operating in Catalonia with Barcelona being the hub and capital city.  The leading industries include chemicals, pharmaceuticals, automotive, electronics, and appliance manufacturing.  Barcelona is the second most popular startup hub in the European Union. Among our internship partners are local start-ups in Barcelona.

With IFSA, your goals are carefully considered, tailoring the placement process to ensure the best possible fit. Keep in mind that final placements depend on your skills, prior experience, and availability. Although every effort is made to match your placement with your preferred field or area of business, it can’t be guaranteed. Most internships are conducted in English. If you have had at least four semesters of Spanish language instruction, ask your IFSA Enrollment Counselor about opportunities to conduct your internship in Spanish.

Application. After you submit your application, resume, and IFSA Internship Interest Form, an IFSA Enrollment Counselor and an on-site IFSA Team member will work with you to identify your professional strengths, review your goals, and refine your internship interests to establish a match. From there, you’ll have an interview with your potential internship host. You will be provided with tips and resources to prepare for your interview. Note: Multinational or global organizations often require a formal internal internship application process that is very competitive, in addition to the IFSA process.

Sample Placements. The following are examples of internship areas and types of roles available for IFSA students in Barcelona. Placement options vary from term to term.

• Arts: Administration, Market Research, Social Media Development/Marketing, Web Design/Content
• Education: Administration, Policy Making/Processes, Social Media Development/Marketing, Web Design/Content Writing
• Healthtech: Business Development Planning, Client Outreach, Database Development, Market Research, Social Media Marketing, Trade Show Support, Web Design/Content
• Human Resources Management: Administration (Interviews/Postings/Contracts), Application Review/Hiring Process Support, Database Design/Maintenance, Document Filing, Policy/Procedure Process/Improvements/Communications, Social Media Marketing, Support Design of Individual Development/Teamwork Activities/Events
• Marketing: Brand Management/Design, Content Writing, CRM Analysis, Event Management, Market Research, Public Relations, SEO, Social Media
• Non-Profit Organizations: Administration Support, Competitive Market Basket Research, Data Analysis/Reporting, Economic Analysis, Fundraising Campaigns, Human Resources, Social Media Development/Marketing, Web Design/Content Management
• Sustainable Energy: Data Analysis/Statistical Analysis for Business Decision Making, Market Research, Project Development/Management, Social Media Marketing, Web Resources
• Tourism and Hospitality: Business Management, Client Advisor, Customer Service, Events Assistance, Public Relations, Social Media Marketing, Sustainability Strategies, Web Design/Content

New country, new way of learning!

Here’s what to expect at Universitat Pompeu Fabra:

• More emphasis on independent learning.
• A variety of assessment methods including mid-term exams, assignments, projects, seminars, and in-class participation, in addition to traditional final exams.
• Less personal access to professors, who typically indicate their availability and class assessments on syllabi.
• IFSA on-site staff are also available for individual help.
• Academic accommodations must be presented on a form with a letter from the home university.

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

Eligibility

• You must be at least 18 years of age. Students under 18 may be accepted on a case-by-case basis.
• You must be currently attending or recently graduated from a U.S. or Canadian community college, technical college, two-year college, four-year college, or four-year university.
• You must have completed at least one (1) full-time semester of study at your home institution before the beginning of the term. If you elect to take a class at Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), you will need to have completed (2) full-time years of study at your home instruction before the beginning of the term.

Recommendation Letter
Not required. An internship site may request a reference letter before placement is finalized.

TRANSCRIPT
Upon completion of your program, IFSA will send an official Butler University transcript to your home university with your coursework converted to the U.S. semester credit hour system. You will also have access to an unofficial transcript in your IFSA Student Portal. The transcript reflects classes taken, credits attempted, and grades earned during your term abroad. This service is included in your study abroad program at no additional cost. See our Transcripts page for more information.