Customize your summer in a way that works best for you!  

Choose one 3 U.S. semester credit hour class from one or both of our shorter summer sessions—or stay for the full summer to complete an IFSA internship with the support of Essential Catalan language learning for a total of 7 U.S. semester credits.  

IFSA-taught courses explore disciplines through the lens of the self and the city, helping you to understand the subject in the context of Barcelona, and to apply lessons learned to your future self. Not all courses may be offered in a given summer depending on enrollment.  

Session 1 

Design Thinking (3 U.S. semester credit hours)  

Design thinking is a powerful approach to solving a wide variety of problems across many different disciplines. In this experiential course, students will learn how to flexibly sort through and solve challenges and pursue opportunities. At its core design thinking relies on creativity. Therefore, in this truly interdisciplinary course 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.     

Food Culture and Spanish Society  (3 U.S. semester credit hours)  

This course invites students to consider the importance and roles of food in our personal and social lives. Even though food 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. Situated in the fascinating culinary setting of Barcelona, students will examine food as part of national heritage, cultural identity, and as a sometimes-controversial product for tourist consumption.    

Session 2 

Catalan Identity and Politics  (3 U.S. semester credit hours)  

This cross-disciplinary course analyses the drivers behind the emergence of contemporary political separatism. It begins with the historical origins of Catalan identity and moves into the fields of political sociology and political science to address constitutional arrangements, political parties, linguistic normalization, immigration, and minority rights. The pivotal secessionist events of recent years are examined as students develop an understanding of identity issues in Catalonia, including important nuances of Barcelona's role as both a traditional regional capital and a global city.     

Social Media Marketing in the Age of Self  (3 U.S. semester credit hours)   

This course 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 diversity.   

Internship 

Internship  and  Methodology Seminar  (6 U.S. semester credit hours)  

Individually tailored internships are supported by a group seminar that prepares students to understand expectations, set personal objectives, identify and strengthen specific skills, critically reflect on their progress, share experiences, and learn from one other throughout the summer. A focus on the application of theory to practice supports students as they develop a deeper understanding of themselves and their goals, their professional areas, as well as Spanish work culture. In this seminar, students gain real world work experience while developing intercultural agility—skills and experiences which are critically important to personal, academic and professional success.      

Essential Catalan (1 U.S. semester credit hour)  

This required course is taught intensively during the first weeks of the summer term to complement the internship experience. By introducing key words and phrases in the classroom —and venturing out into the city to practice them—this class also provides insights into daily life in Barcelona and local business culture.