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Study Abroad | Barcelona

Spain | LCI Barcelona | Fall 2024
Parc Guell in Barcelona at sunset.
Barcelona, Spain

Select Your Program Option:

  • Fall 2024

  • Spring 2025

  • Fall 2025

  • Spring 2026

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Overview

Spend a semester or academic year with AIFS in the avant-garde city of Barcelona, Spain, located on the shores of the Mediterranean. Study at LCI Barcelona, an international school of design and creativity located in the Poblenou district. The dynamic and diverse campus in this most inspirational of cities is an exciting space in which to study, learn, experiment, and innovate on the Barcelona Visual Arts and Design program.

What’s Included

The AIFS inclusive program fee includes all of the great features below in addition to many pre-departure, on-site, and upon-return services to help students make the most of their time abroad.

Review Our Policies
  • Tuition

    Up to 14 semester credits. More credits available for an additional fee

  • Courses

    A wide variety of courses is available; taught in English and Spanish. Spanish language is not required.

  • Housing

    Homestay; additional options are available

  • Meals

    Homestay students receive breakfast and dinner Monday through Friday.

  • Excursions & Day Trips

    3-day excursion to the Pyrenees in the Fall and to the Tarragona region of southern Catalonia in the Spring, and day trips to Girona, Figueras and the Salvador Dalí Museum, and Montserrat.

  • Cultural & Social Activities

    A wide range of AIFS-organized cultural activities and social events to enrich your experience

  • Onsite Program Director

    To help with any questions or advice you may need throughout the program

  • Health & Safety

    24/7 emergency support and comprehensive insurance

  • Personal/Professional Development

    Access to the renowned Clifton StrengthsFinder assessment and alumni network

  • Green Initiative

Additional Options & Opportunities

  • AIFS Flight Package

    Round-trip flights from 25 U.S. gateways

    Airport transfers to and from campus

  • Optional Excursions

    Seville and Granada, Andalucía (3 days)

    Basque Country, Northern Spain (4 days)

  • Housing Supplement

    Student apartment

    Student residence

Program Details: Study Abroad | Barcelona Visual Arts and Design

Program is closed

Dates

September 12, 2024December 6, 2024

Term

Fall

Institution

LCI Barcelona

Application Deadline

May 15, 2024

Inclusive Fees

$14,490

Stay for a year to save on cost

Eligibility

Open to Sophomore, Junior, Senior

Minimum of 2.6 GPA

Additional requirements may vary by course selection. See Academic section below.

Visa Requirements

No visa is required for this program. Contact your advisor or login to your portal for more information.

Academic Interest

  • Architecture
  • Art
  • Business
  • Communications
  • Computer Science
  • Cultural Studies
  • Digital Media
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Fashion
  • Fashion Design
  • Fashion Merchandising
  • Film Studies
  • Graphic Design
  • History
  • International Business
  • International Relations
  • Journalism
  • Literature
  • Marketing
  • Multidisciplinary
  • Photography
  • Political Science
  • Sociology
  • Spanish Language
  • Technology
  • Visual and Performing Arts

Global Themes

  • Arts, Culture and Creative Industries
  • Business, Innovation and Social Entrepreneurship
  • Global Peace, International Security and Human Rights
  • Health Sciences and STEM
  • Language, History and Culture
Learn More About Global Themes

Rolling Admissions

Admission into this program is done on a rolling basis. You can expect confirmation of your acceptance within 2 working days of completing all required tasks.

Academics

AIFS Abroad offers a unique global educational experience for students on this program, with the following academic options available:

LCI Barcelona is a member of the Canadian network LCI Education and thus a part of 23 campuses located across the 5 continents. The internationality and strong relationship within the network give students the unique opportunity to be recognized by their quality and global outlook. LCI Barcelona attracts talent from all over the world. The overall goal is to provide quality teaching and empower the student to seek and build their talent and creativity.

Focused on design, animation, photography, and management of creative industries, and supported by the best equipment and technology; the student is encouraged to explore and be inspired.

  • Architecture
  • Art
  • Business
  • Communications
  • Computer Science
  • Cultural Studies
  • Digital Media
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Fashion
  • Fashion Design
  • Fashion Merchandising
  • Film Studies
  • Graphic Design
  • History
  • International Business
  • International Relations
  • Journalism
  • Literature
  • Marketing
  • Multidisciplinary
  • Photography
  • Political Science
  • Sociology
  • Spanish Language
  • Technology
  • Visual and Performing Arts

LCI Barcelona offers a panoramic and integral vision of the creative world: fashion, graphic design, interior design, industrial product design, photography, Spanish society, communications, and management of innovative companies. Most courses are taught in English. Students are not required to take a Spanish language course, although we highly recommend it in order to benefit more roundly from the experience of living in Spain.

Students will learn trends and creative skills to enhance their resumes and help them engage in new social, cultural, and economic contexts regarding the relationship between the people and their spaces. Studying Spanish as a Second Language, should the student choose to do so, also provides access to business opportunities with 20 countries worldwide, and with the large Spanish-speaking population in the U.S.

LCI understands that there are many dimensions to your international experience, and acquiring skills in your disciplinary interest can be challenging in another language. LCI therefore offers English-taught offerings so you can experience the local culture and grow in your interests. Some courses are available in Spanish. Students wishing to take courses taught in Spanish should have a minimum level determined by a placement test.

Each course is 3 or 4 credits. The program fee includes up to 14 credits. Students wishing to take more credits can do so for an additional fee. There are many different options for combining courses, e.g.:

  • 1 x Spanish course (4 credits) and 3 (3 credit) electives for a total of 13 credits
  • 1 x Spanish course (4 credits), 2 (3 credit) elective and 1 (4 credit) elective for a total of 14 credits
  • 1 x Spanish course (4 credits) and 3 (4 credit) electives for a total of 16 credits
  • 2 x Spanish course (4 credits each) and 2 (4 credit) electives for a total of 16 credits
  • 4 (3 credit) electives for a total of 12 credits
  • 3 (4 credit) electives for a total of 12 credits
  • 2 (3 credit) electives and 2 (4 credit) electives for a total of 14 credits

All students enrolling in Spanish courses are required to take an online placement test and oral interview prior to arrival.

Students should consult with their university advisors in the U.S. prior to participating in the program to have course credit pre-approved and ensure that they are taking the appropriate amount of credits.

LCI Barcelona offers a panoramic and integral vision of the creative world: fashion, graphic design, interior design, industrial product design, photography, Spanish society, communications, and management of innovative companies. Most courses are taught in English. Students are not required to take a Spanish language course, although we highly recommend it in order to benefit more roundly from the experience of living in Spain.

Students will learn trends and creative skills to enhance their resumes and help them engage in new social, cultural, and economic contexts regarding the relationship between the people and their spaces. Studying Spanish as a Second Language, should the student choose to do so, also provides access to business opportunities with 20 countries worldwide, and with the large Spanish-speaking population in the U.S.

LCI understands that there are many dimensions to your international experience, and acquiring skills in your disciplinary interest can be challenging in another language. LCI therefore offers English-taught offerings so you can experience the local culture and grow in your interests. Some courses are available in Spanish. Students wishing to take courses taught in Spanish should have a minimum level determined by a placement test.

Each course is 3 or 4 credits. The program fee includes up to 14 credits. Students wishing to take more credits can do so for an additional fee. There are many different options for combining courses, e.g.:

  • 1 x Spanish course (4 credits) and 3 (3 credit) electives for a total of 13 credits
  • 1 x Spanish course (4 credits), 2 (3 credit) elective and 1 (4 credit) elective for a total of 14 credits
  • 1 x Spanish course (4 credits) and 3 (4 credit) electives for a total of 16 credits
  • 2 x Spanish course (4 credits each) and 2 (4 credit) electives for a total of 16 credits
  • 4 (3 credit) electives for a total of 12 credits
  • 3 (4 credit) electives for a total of 12 credits
  • 2 (3 credit) electives and 2 (4 credit) electives for a total of 14 credits

All students enrolling in Spanish courses are required to take an online placement test and oral interview prior to arrival.

Students should consult with their university advisors in the U.S. prior to participating in the program to have course credit pre-approved and ensure that they are taking the appropriate amount of credits.

View All Courses For Visual Arts and Design
Carson Instagram Takeover

A DAY IN THE LIFE barcelona

Say hello to Carson, a college student from @unccharlotteofficial who took over the AIFS Abroad Instagram story recently to answer questions about what it was like to study abroad in Barcelona, Spain for a fall semester! Watch as Carson highlights what a typical day in the life looks like there.

Girls posing on steps.

Living Abroad

HomeSTAY

The best way to immerse yourself in the languages and cultures of Spain, and many students choosing this option find that it is the most rewarding part of their time abroad.

  • Double room (single room available for $495 Fall 2024/Spring 2025 or $550 Fall 2025/Spring 2026 supplement)
  • Breakfast and dinner Monday through Friday
  • Weekly laundry

Optional Apartment ($445 Fall 2024/Spring 2025 or $700 Fall 2025/Spring 2026 supplemENT)

Stay in a shared apartment in a centrally located neighborhood of Barcelona.

  • Live with up to 6 other AIFS participants
  • Apartments may be co-ed
  • Shared double room (single room available for $795 Fall 2024/Spring 2025 or $900 Fall 2025/Spring 2026)
  • Communal kitchen, living area and bathroom(s)
  • Fully furnished with shared washing machine

Optional Student Residence ($1,745 Fall 2024/Spring 2025 or $TBA Fall 2025/Spring 2026 supplement)

Situated in a vibrant neighborhood of Barcelona within walking distance of the city´s beautiful beaches and the awesome Sagrada Familia. Located near several bus lines and metro stops, which provide easy access to universities in less than 30 minutes.

  • Single room with private bathroom
  • State of the art shared kitchen facilities
  • Laundry facilities
  • Access to onsite gym
  • Stunning rooftop swimming pools with views of the Barcelona skyline
  • Study areas, cinema and games room

Internet access is included in all AIFS housing in Barcelona

Language

Along with speaking Spanish, most people in Barcelona speak the regional language of Catalan as their native language. You will see signs in both languages throughout the city; it’s an excellent opportunity to be exposed to another language rich in culture.

Architecture

Barcelona is one of Spain’s most energetic and vibrant cities. Not only will you find amazing modern and art nouveau architecture throughout the cities of Spain, you will also find world famous UNESCO Heritage Sites- the most in any one country after Italy.

AIFS in Barcelona Director, Academic Year and Semester Programs

Maya headshot.

Maya Edwards

¡Hola! Greetings from beautiful Barcelona, a city I love to call “home.” Having lived in many cities in Spain, I’ll be a great resource for you while you’re here in Barcelona. An educator and study abroad professional, I’ve been working with students both in Spain and in the U.S. for over 15 years. I earned a B.A. in Spanish and Communications, an M.A. in Spanish, and am completing a Ph.D. in Spanish Literature and Cultural Studies. I love working with students and am happy to help you navigate your own journey in Spain, Barcelona and beyond: broadening academic and personal horizons, making the most of your time in this amazing place.

My favorite aspect of being Program Director is spending time with students and seeing how much they grow after their study abroad experience in Spain. The AIFS Barcelona team is always eager to offer our guidance and support, as well as share ideas on how to make the most out of your stay. Barcelona is a beautiful and fascinating city; perfect for a study abroad program, not just because of its proximity to the beach!

The Program Director provides academic advice, introduces you to the community and handles communication with the University.

In addition to day trips and excursions, a cultural calendar of weekly activities and social events is included in your program fee. These activities will include both typical tourist sites and attractions and lesser known visits which take advantage of the expert knowledge of our local AIFS staff and give you a more authentic and insightful view of Spanish life. Typical activities, tours and visits include:

  • Guided city tour
  • Welcome meal and farewell activity
  • Gothic Quarter and Cathedral
  • Gaudí’s Park Güell
  • The Sagrada Família Basílica
  • Cooking class
  • Tours and workshops designed to learn about Barcelona from another perspective
  • Wellness events and more!

You may be asked to pay a small supplementary fee for some events.

Volunteer opportunities are available through a local NGO to provide services to people in need within the local community. 

Excursions

Included in your program fee are a range of day trips and a 3-day excursion which will take you outside Barcelona and deepen your social, historical and cultural understanding of Spain. Previous excursions include:

*Please note optional excursion fees may change slightly depending on the term. Fee will be shown at time of application.

Pyrenees view.

The Pyrenees (Fall only)

Scenic trip to Cadí National Park. Visit the principality of Andorra. Includes round-trip transportation, accommodations and some meals.

  • Spain
  • 3 Days
  • Included in Program Fee
Roman ruins in Tarragona, Spain.

Tarragona and Southern Catalonia (Spring Only)

Take in the spectacular Roman ruins in Tarragona, the most Roman city on the Iberian Peninsula. Scenic trip to Ebro Delta Nature Reserve. Includes round-trip transportation, accommodations and some meals.

  • Spain
  • 3 Days
  • Included in Program Fee
Girona.

Girona

Spend a day exploring this beautiful medieval Spanish town. Includes round trip transportation and a guided sightseeing tour of important monuments.

  • Spain
  • Day Trip
  • Included in Program Fee
Figueras.

Figueras and the Salvador Dalí Museum + Besalú

Examine some of Salvador Dali’s greatest works in one of Spain’s most visited museums. Guided museum tour in the morning with free time to explore the medieval village of Besalú in the afternoon. Includes round-trip transportation and entrance fees.

  • Spain
  • Day Trip
  • Included in Program Fee
Montserrat.

Montserrat

Explore the distinctive mountain of Montserrat, visit the beautiful monastery, and see the 12th century carving of the Black Virgin. Includes round-trip transportation, entrance fee, and guided tour.

  • Spain
  • Day Trip
  • Included in Program Fee
Seville, Spain cityscape.

Seville and Granada, Andalucía

Visit the Alhambra Palace, Generalife gardens, the largest gothic cathedral in the world, the Giralda tower, Barrio Santa Cruz and more. Includes accommodation, entrance fees, guided tours and some meals. Transportation is not included.

  • Spain
  • 3 Days
  • Estimated fee: $495*
Basque country, Northern Spain

Basque Country

Discover the strong cultural traditions, world famous cuisine and scintillating modern architecture of Bilbao and San Sebastian. Don’t miss the opportunity to photograph the magical islet of San Juan de Gaztelugatxe along the stunning Biscay coastline. Includes round trip transportation, entrance fees, guided tours, and some meals.

  • Northern Spain
  • 4 Days
  • Estimated fee: $745*
Barcelona,Spain
A group of happy students at a carnival.
A view of Prague.

Social identity & access

One of the best things you can do before departure is enter into the journey knowing that your time abroad will be unique to this experience. The resources, community, and support available to you when abroad will likely be different as well. In order to help you prepare for your experience, we have compiled many resources about social identity and access in specific locations abroad. Your program staff will also provide you with more details pre-departure and during orientation.

Learn more

Important Dates & Deadlines

Request Info

Closed

Program is closed

Dates & Deadlines

Details

  • Early Application Deadline*
  • Application Deadline
    May 15, 2024
  • Deposit Deadline
    May 1, 2024
  • Scholarship Deadline
    April 15, 2024
  • Visa Deadline****
  • Optional Departure Flight from US***
    September 11, 2024
  • Program Begins
    September 12, 2024
  • Program Ends
    December 6, 2024
  • Optional Return Flight to US***
    December 6, 2024
  • *** Included for students on AIFS flight package.
  • **** AIFS Abroad offers visa processing services to applicants who enroll into the program by this date. All other applicants who enroll after this date will be responsible for securing their own visa with guidance from AIFS Abroad.

Optional Flight Package

Participants can select an optional transportation package for all AIFS Abroad programs that includes a round-trip flight from 25 U.S gateways and airport transfers to and from campus. Participants who choose to book their own flights will be responsible for connecting with the group at the program location and will need to make their own ground transportation arrangements from the airport.

Below are fees by departure city based on average historical costs and subject to change. If you select this option on your application, the total flight package price will be confirmed approximately one month prior to departure. Your program fee is guaranteed, and the optional flight package is an additional fee. Please note that once we have finalized the pricing for your flights the cost may change, and you will be responsible for making the additional payment if you want to participate in the flight package. Your program advisor will be in touch should there be any changes in the price of your flights.

Depature City

Fee

  • Atlanta
    $2,300
  • Boston
    $1,960
  • Buffalo
    $2,040
  • Charlotte
    $2,120
  • Chicago
    $2,180
  • Cincinnati
    $2,080
  • Columbus
    $2,180
  • Dallas
    $2,220
  • Denver
    $2,180
  • Des Moines
    $2,220
  • Detroit
    $2,060
  • Houston
    $2,280
  • Los Angeles
    $1,960
  • Miami
    $2,100
  • Minneapolis
    $2,060
  • New York
    $1,880
  • Newark
    $1,480
  • Orlando
    $2,020
  • Philadelphia
    $2,060
  • Phoenix
    $2,220
  • Pittsburgh
    $2,080
  • Raleigh/Durham
    $2,100
  • San Francisco
    $2,220
  • Seattle
    $2,260
  • St. Louis
    $2,080
  • Washington/Dulles
    $1,980
  • View more View less

See what others are saying

Two students walking in a field.

Ready to Study Abroad in Barcelona?

For more dates or questions, contact your program consultant:
(203) 399-5163 or email: aifsabroad@aifs.com