Barcelona, Spain
IFSA January in Barcelona
Program Overview
START THE YEAR FRESH ON THE MEDITERREAN COAST
There’s no place like Barcelona for moderate temperatures, Mediterranean tastes, and cultural treasures like Parc de la Ciutadella and Casa Mila. On the academic side, fulfill an elective or communications requirement while you sharpen your strategic and communication skills with our Social Media Marketing in the Age of Self class. A full slate of activities—all included— ensures you experience Spain’s unique cultural highlights.
Also open to students from select Australia universities.
This is an exclusive IFSA-Designed Program. Learn more about these affordable programs here.
Details at a Glance
Application deadline
Minimum GPA
2.00
Credit load
3
Housing
Apartment/Flat
Instruction language
English
Language prerequisites
Class taught in English. No Spanish required.
Visa required?
Not in most cases. Learn more.
Academics
Social Media Marketing in the Age of Self
This class will outfit you 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, you will develop a deep understanding of social media platforms and best practices, leveraging these channels to elevate reach and reputation. Topics include choosing appropriate platforms, creating effective and engaging social media content, and developing social media policies and content management strategies. Emphasis on social listening, ethics, and diversity. (3 U.S. semester credit hours)
Australia Outbound Program
Students enrolled at select Australia universities are invited to participate in this program. The program is open to students of all year levels and all fields. Students will earn 45 contact hours credit; the equivalent of one subject.
Please see the Australia Outbound term below in the Dates and Fees section for program fees and expected expenses in Australian dollars. For more information on the Australia Outbound program, please reach out to us at australiaoutbound@ifsa-butler.org.
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. Students attending select Australia universities are also eligible.
- You must have completed at least one (1) full-time semester of study at your home institution before the beginning of the term.
Recommendation Letter
Not required.
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.
Excursions
Below are a selection of activities and excursions from previous terms; options may vary for your program. Due to the seasonal nature of many of program activities, we cannot guarantee a specific activity or excursion will be available in a given term or program.
- City-as-Text: These activities (museum visits, street art tour, visiting different neighborhoods) will use the city of Barcelona as the frame to understand socioeconomic, artistic, and cultural aspects of the city.
- Architecture and Design: Barcelona’s colorful, distinctive, and unique architecture successfully blends the traditional with the modern. Visit iconic buildings such as Gaudi’s masterpiece Sagrada Família, Casa Batlló, La Predrera, and Park Güell, while also understanding how Barcelona’s support of innovation, creative talent, and design makes it a special city in which to live.
- Food and Local Culture: Gastronomy in Catalonia and Spain is about more than just food. It is a way of life and an essential part of the culture and history. Visit a local market and also participate in cooking a traditional Catalan-style meal where an expert will discuss central issues surrounding the importance of food culture and the Mediterranean diet.
- Folklore: Through organized activities as well as local festivities, learn more about the Catalan traditions such as dancing sardanes or rumba catalana, the building of human towers or castellers, and other local customs.
Housing and Meals
Housing
Apartment/FlatMeals
Self-CateringDetails
Barcelona students typically live in flats (apartments) shared by four to six IFSA students. Apartment locations vary but are typically in neighborhoods with plenty of local charm, no more than 30 minutes from the IFSA Program Center via public transportation.
Flatmates in student apartments could include all genders, while bedrooms within apartments are shared by same gender students. Students who request and are placed in single bedrooms in shared apartments incur a supplemental fee. Singles cannot be guaranteed. Students are responsible for their own meals, either cooking in their kitchen or eating out—in Barcelona, there are delicious options at every turn.
Sample housing
Explore Carrer Córsega 528 to see what your Barcelona home might be like:
- Location: Barcelona’s Eixample district.
- Commute: A 25-minute walk or 12-minute bus ride to the IFSA Program Center.
- Living space: Apartments include shared bedrooms with single beds and storage, living space, a kitchen and eating area, and a bathroom. Sometimes two students share one desk. Complete bedding and towels provided at program start. Kitchens are equipped with stovetop, oven, refrigerator, and basic dishes and kitchenware for all flatmates.
- Meals: No meal plan. Students prepare or purchase meals, and often tell us cooking together is a fun, social part of the day.
- Other details: Internet included. Washing machine and drying rack in each apartment.
- Nearby: Cafes, fresh markets, supermarkets, public transportation, and galleries. La Sagrada Familia. Casa Batlló. Casa Milà. Passeig de Gràcia.
Dates and Fees
Get Started
Eleni Katsarelas
Enrollment Counselor
