Academic Focus
The Spanish Language & Culture Program, offered jointly by the CEA GlobalCampus in Barcelona and University of Barcelona (UB), is designed for students of all language levels who are interested in acquiring and improving their language skills while gaining a thorough education in Spanish culture. This distinctive program offers study abroad students the opportunity to compliment their intensive language learning with elective study in the liberal arts and social sciences. By participating in this program, you will also enjoy the unique advantage of studying at two institutions in Barcelona.
You will enroll in one 8-credit language course at the University of Barcelona, renowned for its teaching of Spanish. The language course will focus on oral comprehension and expression, listening comprehension and grammar components appropriate to your language level. In addition to your language course, you will take two to three electives taught at the CEA GlobalCampus in Barcelona. A wide variety of courses are available in subjects such as Spanish Literature, History, Art History, Cultural Studies, Cinema and Political Science. Courses are offered in both Spanish and English. If you are at the high intermediate level and above, you can choose to take your entire curriculum in Spanish in order to further advance your language skills. You can also opt to take electives in English if you prefer. Students at the beginner and low intermediate levels will complement their language course with electives taught in English.
UB language levels have been translated into English and associated with the levels we deem appropriate in the US educational system. Note, the Low Intermediate level at UB is called "Elemental" in Spanish. While the word implies a course which is basic or elementary, it is a higher level course than Beginner. In reviewing the content of the course, we have chosen to call it "Low Intermediate." All students are encouraged to retain their course materials to demonstrate work accomplished and to help their advisor determine equivalency for their home institution.
Language courses at the University of Barcelona meet for a total of 113 contact hours and are typically worth 8 credits in the US semester system. Elective courses at the CEA GlobalCampus in Barcelona meet for 45 contact hours and are generally worth 3 credits each in the US semester system. However, it is up to the discretion of your academic advisor how much credit will be awarded.
Schedule Summary
During the intensive language portion of the program, students will meet Monday through Friday for a total of 20 hours. Semester language courses taught at the University of Barcelona are typically held in the morning and meet 3 - 4 times per week Monday thru Friday. Elective classes taught at the CEA GlobalCampus in Barcelona meet one to three times per week for a total of 3 contact hours. Classes are typically held Monday through Thursday, although study trips and other required fieldwork may occur on Fridays. Classes are offered at various times throughout the day. Class timetables will be released approximately 3 months before the program closure date, and your final course schedule will be posted to your MyCEA Account around two weeks before the program start date. Please note, elective courses will begin prior to the start of the language course at UB but will coincide with the start of the intensive language prep course.
Course Registration
Students must register for courses prior to departure for Barcelona. A course preference form will be posted to your MyCEA Account when course timetables are released. This form should be completed upon submission of your confirmation deposit but no later than the program closure date. Classes are filled on a first-come, first-served basis so it is in your best interest to submit your course preference form as soon as possible.
Course preferences are considered final when submitted to CEA. You will take an online language placement exam prior to the program closure date and will receive a preliminary language level assignment. However, your final language level may be adjusted onsite. To aid in the registration process, it is in your best interest to have courses, including alternates, approved by your academic advisor prior to submitting your course preference form.
