This capital of Catalonia, a region in northeastern Spain with its own history, culture, and language, is perfectly situated between mountains and the Mediterranean Sea. Its location is just one of the things that attracts millions of visitors each year. Stroll through the city and observe 2,000 years of architectural history - from Roman remains to a network of narrow streets in the Old Town - contrasting with the ultramodern showpieces that continue to redesign its skyline.
In an increasingly globalized economy, international experience and understanding of foreign markets and practices is essential. Advance your Spanish language skills while pursuing a degree in business. You’ll explore issues related to business within the context of Spain and the European Union. Studying abroad in Barcelona offers you challenging coursework, homestays, and a variety of cultural excursions and activities that give you an insight into international business.
Diversity & Inclusion
We are committed to providing quality study abroad and domestic study away programs for every UW-Madison student. We work strategically to identify, address, and remove barriers that may prevent participation and to provide a welcoming and inclusive environment for students. Our staff actively engages with students, faculty, and staff from diverse backgrounds and prioritizes the continuous development of our knowledge and cultural competence. We also recognize the importance of increasing access to study abroad for historically underrepresented student populations. We are committed to diversity and inclusion so that every student can engage with and understand their identity through a new lens and continue to develop and make progress on their personal, professional, and academic goals.
Sustainability
We recognize that the future of study abroad, domestic study away, and international internship programming requires a Commitment to Sustainability. We are devoted to examining, developing, and improving sustainability in all our endeavors, aligning with campus priorities and following through with UW-Madison's climate action and Resilience Commitment. Join our efforts and learn more about how to study abroad sustainably.
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Eligibility
Preference for WSB admitted students, then WSB certificate students.
2.5 cumulative GPA
2 semesters of college-level micro- or macroeconomics, accounting, finance, management, marketing, or statistics
Junior, Senior, Sophomore
Open to UW-Madison degree-seeking students only
Good academic and disciplinary standing
At the time of application and the semester prior to participation, UW-Madison students must be currently enrolled. Transfer Students to UW-Madison need to be currently enrolled at their home institution
Advising Location
Program Structure
Provider
Subjects
Business, Humanities, Social Sciences, Language
Classroom Language
English, Spanish
Housing
Apartments, Local Hosts, Residence Hall
Program Duration
Session I: Mid-May to mid-June Session II: Mid-June to mid-July
Customize the length of your summer study abroad program through CIEE in Barcelona. You can take any combination of three sessions, which are each four weeks long. Students will take one class per session and have the option to add a one-credit Communicative Spanish Language class.
Course offerings vary by session, and may include:
Principles of International Business (3 credits)
International Marketing (3 credits)
Business Ethics and Corporate Social Responsibility (3 credits)
Economics of Wine (3 credits)
Competitive Strategy: A European Perspective (3 credits)
International Management (3 credits)
Sustainability and Corporate Social Responsibility: From Theory to Practice (3 credits)
Communicative Spanish Language (1 credit).
Visit CIEE's website below to see course offerings by session and course syllabi.
Use the links below to see a list of courses that past students have taken
on this program and the UW equivalents. Note: This list only includes
pre-approved courses for your program and may not be an exhaustive list of
courses, departments or equivalents. Courses may not be available the
semester you are abroad. You will receive instructions on the course
equivalent process after acceptance.
View Course Equivalents
There’s no better place to explore and learn than in Barcelona, with its dynamic personality, pleasant climate, and fascinating history. A leading touristic, economic, cultural, and sports center, Barcelona influences commerce, education, entertainment, media, fashion, science, and the arts around the world. The city has a reputation for being edgy while maintaining tradition, having undergone many transformations and now serving as home to eight universities – yes, it’s a college town!
Barcelona is the capital of Catalonia, a region in northeastern Spain with its own distinctive history, culture, and language. Set between mountains and the Mediterranean sea, the city's population is 1.6 million, with a total of 4.5 million in the greater metropolitan area. Walking though the city, one can observe 2,000 years of history – Roman remains, the network of narrow streets in the Old Town, the 19th-century Eixample district with its original examples of modernista architecture – contrasting with the ultramodern showpieces that continue to redesign its skyline.
Cost of living varies widely by location. Be sure to consult a variety of resources when researching cost of living.
Housing
UW Madison students are required to live in CIEE-provided housing for the duration of their program.
There are three types of housing:
Homestay with a local Spanish family. Host families provide 2 meals a day (breakfast & dinner) for their students.
Student residencia (residence hall) with other CIEE students. These facilities also house local and international students, but your unit would only include students in your program.
Shared apartment with other CIEE students. The other residents in the building may be local Spanish residents, other students, etc.
All homestays, residencias, and shared apartments are located in the city of Barcelona, but individual students' commutes will vary.
Standard housing options (single rooms in either homestays or residencias) are located within 60 minutes by public transportation of the CIEE study center. This is the option that is included in the base program fee.
Housing options with a shorter commute are available for an extra fee. These options are all located within 35 minutes by public transportation of the CIEE study center.
Select: Double room in an apartment
Select Plus: Single room in a more central residencia, or very rarely single room in an apartment
During the term before you study abroad, you will fill out a housing survey and rank your preferences regarding type and level of housing. You may also be able to indicate 1-2 roommates that you would like to live with. Housing is guaranteed but your top choice and all preferences are not. You will only be housed with other CIEE students in order to ensure better health and safety standards.
In a physical sense, the on-site experience may be very different from life on the UW campus. You may walk or take public transportation more than you are used to in Madison. The physical activity level will vary by program, but in general you should be prepared for extended periods of time walking, potentially on uneven terrain.
For many students, discovering and experiencing new foods is a part of the experience. It is important to consider any dietary restrictions, whether they are due to health conditions, religious beliefs, or individual needs, and look into whether you can get the foods you need locally.
How you identify yourself in Madison may differ from how people will view you on-site. Consider exploring our Identity Resources to reflect on how your identities may impact your experience. Students with disabilities should keep in mind that attitudes and laws related to disabilities vary by country, and these differences may impact the level of accommodation available in a particular location. More details are available on our page on Study Abroad for Students with Disabilities.
We encourage you to contact your Study Abroad Advisor and share your accommodation needs with us as early as possible. This will allow us to help you explore your options in advance.
Excursions and Activities
CIEE offers various cultural activities that are included in the program cost. From CIEE's program website:
"CIEE’s excursions and cultural activities in Barcelona will open doors for you to explore Spain’s rich diversity, language, culture, history, and timeless beauty in ways that will enhance your time abroad.
Samples of past excursions and activities:
Trek Montserrat's breathtaking mountain trails, exploring a Benedictine monastery retreat and witnessing the unique rock formations of Catalonia
Wander the colorful streets of Gràcia, immersing yourself in the neighborhood's bohemian vibe and artistic flair
Dive into the captivating art of flamenco at one of Barcelona's renowned tablaos"
On-Site Support
CIEE has a dedicated, full-time, on-site staff in Barcelona who are responsible for the day-to-day operation of the program. It’s their job to look after you, from arrival to return-trip home. That includes monitoring academic progress, assisting with happy and seamless integrations into the new culture, and handling in-country details in case of illness or emergency. As local residents, the staff have personal knowledge of the city.
Orientation
WSB expects you to be an active participant in preparing yourself for your study abroad experience. As a participant on a WSB program, you will receive a pre-departure orientation, either in-person or online. The type and format of this orientation will vary by program and will be provided to you upon acceptance to the program.
An orientation session is also conducted on-site at the beginning of the study abroad program introduces you to the country, culture, and the academic program, as well as provides practical information on living in Spain and Barcelona in particular.
Visa
A visa is not required for US citizens for this program. US citizens must have a US passport valid for at least six months beyond the end of the program. Non-USPassport holders may have different visa requirements. Ask your Study Abroad Advisor, if you have any questions.
Getting to Your Program
It is your responsibility to arrange round trip transportation to Barcelona. CIEE offers airport pickup from on a specific day within a given timeframe.
Insurance
You will be enrolled in the UW System required health insurance through Cultural Insurance Services International (CISI) and the cost of the insurance coverage is included in program fees. The iNext card for evacuation purposes is also included in CIEE fees.
If you are a citizen of a country other than the United States and will remain/study in, or travel to your country of record (the location of your permanent residence), the insurance provided for you is the same as the “study away” insurance provided to U.S. citizens studying on domestic U.S. programs. You may want to explore alternative or additional international health and medical insurance that will cover your needs both while in and during any period of transit to/from your country of record. This may include participation in a national healthcare plan or coverage provided under a personal healthcare plan in your country of record. If you have questions about the coverage of the “study away” plan, please speak with your Study Abroad Advisor.
All other students participating on an international program will automatically be enrolled in Cultural Insurance Services International (CISI), the university's international health, medical and repatriation insurance policy.
Program cost information includes program fees, as well as out-of-pocket expenses with notes to help explain costs. Program fees are estimated and can be adjusted at any time. Once accepted, you will receive a cost sheet that includes confirmed program fees and additional out-of-pocket expenses. "The IAP Program Fee" and all processes and policies stated on this cost sheet apply to all participants on programs managed by International Academic Programs (IAP) and in partnership with the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, the College of Engineering, and Wisconsin School of Business. All students participating on approved programs are all eligible to apply for scholarships administered through IAP when they meet the scholarship eligibility and selection criteria.
Sources of available funding for study abroad include scholarships, grants and loans. To increase your chances of receiving financial aid, we recommend filling out your FAFSA to begin the financial planning process early.
For detailed information on financial resources, visit our Funding Study Abroad.
Scholarships
This scholarship list includes scholarships we know are relevant to this program. It is not an exhaustive list of all available scholarship opportunities for study abroad. Although we make our best effort to ensure the list is up-to-date, this information changes frequently, and it is the responsibility of the applicant to verify information. For additional scholarship information, please visit our scholarship page and Wisconsin School of Business Financial Resources page for more information regarding study abroad scholarships specific to business study abroad programs.
"I met so many new people and tried so many things. Overall, I had a really positive experience and made so many memories and long-lasting friendships. It taught me a lot about myself and pushed me out of my comfort zone.”
"I highly recommend staying with a host family to fully immerse yourself in the culture and language of where you choose to study."
How to Apply
More details can be found on the Apply to Study Abroad webpage on the Wisconsin School of Business website.
Students Requiring Accommodations: Consult and register with the McBurney Disability Resource Center McBurney Services if you will need academic, housing, and/or other disability-related accommodations or services abroad.
Military-Connected Students with Veteran’s Benefits: Talk with University Veteran Services about how your benefits can be used for study abroad.
This program is offered by the Wisconsin School of Business. We have a team that works with each program. Each member of this program team is able to help students with different kinds of questions. Visit the advising webpage to learn how to schedule an appointment.
Enrollment Manager
For questions on application advising, program eligibility, course equivalency request process, grade processing.
This scholarship is available to UW-Madison degree-seeking undergraduates or graduates studying abroad on a UW-Madison IAP program, in partnership with CALS, Engineering, and Business, for a semester or longer. There is a preference for academic year long programs, and those in STEM fields.
This award is made possible through the generous donation of Mary and Wilbert DuPont. It is their wish to help current UW-Madison students study abroad as they strongly believe the experience to be fulfilling and a factor in leading an engaged, positive and successful life.
Award Amount
Varies
How to Apply
This scholarship is an auto-match application. Students who submit an application for the IAP Study Abroad Conditional Application in the Wisconsin Scholarship Hub (WiSH) will be automatically considered if they meet the eligibility criteria.
Bryan Davia Scholarship
Description
This scholarship is available to degree-seeking UW-Madison undergraduate students studying abroad on any UW-Madison study abroad program. Preferences for this scholarship include a minimum 2.75 cumulative GPA, financial need, first generation college student, and first time abroad.
The Bryan Davia Scholarship was created in his honor to commemorate his life and to continue to share his gift of enriching the lives of everyone around him. As someone who loved to explore the world and everything life had to offer, Bryan would want nothing more than to help others do the same. Bryan was a compassionate, outgoing, hard working alumni of UW-Madison who cherished his time studying abroad in Barcelona. During his time abroad, Bryan set out to discover everything his new home had to offer. Bryan possessed the ability to extract the energy of a city through the exploration of its music, nightlife, and food allowing him to fully integrate himself within his environment and it’s culture. Bryan understood the value of knowledge gained from experiences and social interactions, rather than just in a classroom. We hope the recipient of this scholarship shares his devotion to balancing hard work with an unrelenting desire to explore, discover, and enjoy every moment in their new city.
This scholarship is available to degree-seeking UW-Madison students participating on an IAP study abroad program. This award is made possible through generous donations from UW-Madison alumni and friends of study abroad programs. These donors value the benefits of study abroad and are committed to making this opportunity available to UW-Madison students.
Award Amount
Varies
Eligibility Criteria
This scholarship is available to degree-seeking UW-Madison students participating on an IAP study abroad program.
How to Apply
This scholarship is an auto-match application. Students who submit an application for the IAP Study Abroad Conditional Application in the Wisconsin Scholarship Hub (WiSH) will be automatically considered if they meet the eligibility criteria.
Study Abroad Scholars
Description
This competitive scholarship provides students with financial awards starting at $1,500 towards the eligible study abroad program of your choice, and the chance to share your experience with the UW-Madison community upon return. Students attending any program, except the funded Global Gateway programs, in IAP, CALS, ENGR, or WSB are encouraged to apply to become a Study Abroad Scholar. Please read full scholarship details, including eligibility requirements, and considerations on the Study Abroad Scholars page.
CALS majors must apply for Study Abroad Scholars to be considered for CALS donor scholarships. Award Amount
$1,500-$8,000
Eligibility Criteria
In order to be considered for the Study Abroad Scholars scholarship for this application round, an applicant must:
Be in the process of applying, or have already applied, to an IAP study abroad program (UW Global Gateway Programs are not eligible)
Be a full-time, degree-seeking undergraduate UW-Madison student
Academic merit and financial need will be considered
Submit completed application materials online by the posted deadline
Description This funding comes from Sarah Perry, who having studied abroad for a year, wishes to support the same opportunity for students. Recipients may attend the University’s Approved Study Abroad Program of their choice (of any duration, international location, or subject matter), but may lack the necessary financial resources to do so.Award Amount
$5000
How to Apply
This scholarship is an auto-match application. Students who submit an application for the IAP Study Abroad Conditional Application in the Wisconsin Scholarship Hub (WiSH) will be automatically considered if they meet the eligibility criteria.
IAP Early Bird Scholarship
Description
Undergraduate students with demonstrated financial need are encouraged to apply for the Early Bird Scholarship from International Academic Programs (IAP). You apply to this scholarship earlier than others, and also find out if you got it earlier – which is why we call it the “Early Bird.”
This $2000 scholarship is intended to:
Provide assurance of some funding earlier in the study abroad process and encourage early financial planning.
Ease some of the financial barriers of study abroad.
This award does not cover pre-departure costs. Instead it is applied to your account during the term you receive your program bill.
Award Amount
$2000
Eligibility Criteria
This scholarship is open to students who:
are in the process of applying, or have already applied, to an approved study abroad, intern abroad, or domestic study away program (find and apply to approved programs at www.studyabroad.wisc.edu);
have a Student Aid Index of $8,000 or less (as determined by FAFSA) or are a part of Bucky’s Pell Pathway; and
are full-time degree-seeking undergraduate students at UW-Madison.
Additional consideration is given to students who have the following attributes:
First time traveling abroad
First generation college student
Have not been awarded a scholarship from UW-Madison study abroad offices or participated on a Global Gateway program
Pending annual renewal, this scholarship is available to degree-seeking UW-Madison undergraduate students studying abroad on an IAP study abroad program, in partnership with CALS, Engineering, and Business.
This award was established by Mrs. Paull in 1984 and is awarded to students to promote world peace via participation in study abroad programs.
Award Amount
Varies
Eligibility Criteria
This scholarship is available to degree-seeking UW-Madison undergraduate students studying aborad on an IAP study abroad program.
This scholarship is available to degree-seeking UW-Madison undergraduate students studying abroad on an IAP study abroad program, in partnership with CALS, Engineering, and Business. This scholarship aims to ensure that undergraduates with financial need can realize their dream of studying abroad. The Great People-International Studies Scholarship makes study abroad accessible and affordable, just as the UW Foundation’s Great People Scholarship helps to ensure that no student accepted to the university on outstanding merits will be turned away for want of money.
Award Amount
Varies
Eligibility Criteria
This scholarship is available to degree-seeking UW-Madison undergraduate students studying abroad on an IAP study abroad program.
This scholarship is open to enrolled UW-Madison Students from the greater Chicagoland area (as defined by Cook, DuPage, Kane, Lake, McHenry and Will counties) or a current recipient of one of the WAA Chicago Chapter Scholarships.
WAA Chicago Chapter created this fund circa 2005 with the estate gift from Robert Rothschild in efforts to support study abroad participants.
Award Amount
Varies
Eligibility Criteria
Must be from greater Chicago Area (as defined by Cook, DuPage, Kane, Lake, McHenry and Will counties) or a current recipient of one of the WAA Chicago Chapter Scholarships.
Description
IAP will provide a guaranteed $1000 scholarship to students applying to the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship for the first time and meet the Gilman's scholarship eligibility requirements and application deadlines.
Students can only receive the IAP Gilman Incentive one time in their academic career. No additional application to IAP is needed and our staff will notify recipients after the Gilman scholarship deadline. Award Amount
$1000
How to Apply
For more information and to apply, visit the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship website. No additional application is needed for the IAP Gilman Incentive award. Students can only receive the IAP Gilman Incentive one time.
CIEE Scholarships
Description
Students participating on CIEE programs are eligible to apply for scholarships through CIEE. Scholarship eligiblity criteria varies, but has included: need, merit, identity-based, and more.
Award Amount
Varies ($2,000-$4,000)
Eligibility Criteria
CIEE scholarship and grant recipients are selected based on the quality of materials submitted.
How to Apply
For more information and to apply, visit the CIEE website.
History Department Global Perspectives Scholarship
Description
History majors at UW-Madison are eager to study and intern abroad and bring what they learn in the classroom to life. The Department of History’s Global Perspectives Scholarship hopes to make this possible for History Majors and those pursuing a Certificate in History. This scholarship provides students with financial awards starting with $1500 towards short term study abroad and intern abroad programs, $3000 towards semester programs, and $4000 towards year-long programs. The scholarship can be used toward the eligible study or intern abroad program of your choice. Award Amount
$1500-$4000
Eligibility Criteria
To be considered for the Department of History Global Perspective Scholarship, an applicant must be: 1. a full-time, degree-seeking undergraduate student at UW-Madison in good academic and disciplinary standing 2. a History Major or pursuing a Certificate in History 3. Be in the process of applying, or have already applied, to a UW-Madison Study or Intern Abroad program for Summer, Fall, Winter Intersession Spring, or Academic Year. International Internship participants must be enrolled in the Worldwide Internship Program (WIP) online course. Additional consideration will be given to:
-Members of traditionally underrepresented groups in higher education: African American, Hispanic/Latinx, American Indian, and Southeast Asian (i.e., Cambodian, Hmong, Laotian, Vietnamese) -Students with financial need (EFC of $12,000 or lower preferred) -Students from socioeconomically disadvantaged backgrounds (educational or social disadvantage, such as coming from a low-income family, an underserved rural or farming community, attending a school with a limited college preparatory curriculum, or other family circumstances that have affected your educational opportunities) -First generation college students -Students traveling abroad for the first time -Additional funding may be available for students completing internships in Africa while enrolled in the Worldwide Internship Program (WIP).
How to Apply
This scholarship is an auto-match application. Students who submit an application for the IAP Study Abroad Conditional Application in the Wisconsin Scholarship Hub (WiSH) will be automatically considered if they meet the eligibility criteria.
Global Scholars Scholarship
Description
This scholarship is available to UW-Madison students participating in the following affiliated programs: Center for Educational Opportunity, Chancellor's & Powers Knapp Scholarship Program, First Wave, PEOPLE, or the Posse Program. The scholarship was designed to support Scholars who are engaging in study abroad or study away opportunities during the Winter Intersession and/or Summer; must be participating on an International Academic Programs (IAP) study abroad program, in partnership with CALS, Engineering, Business, & the International Internship Program (IIP).
The U.S. Department of State's Benjamin A. Gilman Internatonal Scholarship is a grant program that enables students of limited financial means to study or intern abroad, thereby gaining skills critical to our national security and economic competitiveness. The Gilman Scholarship Program is open to U.S. citizen undergraduate students who are receiving Federal Pell Grant funding at a two-year or four-year college or university to participate in study and intern abroad programs worldwide.
Award Amount
Varies (up to $5,000)
Eligibility Criteria
Scholarships available for undergraduate students who receive federal Pell Grant funding. Scholarships up to $5,000 for a semester/year in addition to a possible $3,000 Critical Need Language Supplement.
The Gilman Scholarship Program aims to support a diverse range of students who have been traditionally under-represented in study abroad, including but not limited to: 1. Students with high financial need 2. Students studying in non-traditional countries, especially those outside of Western Europe, Australia and New Zealand (Note: Students may not study in a country currently on the Department of State's travel warning list) 3. Students with diverse ethnic backgrounds 4. All recipients are required to carry out a Follow-on Service Project that promotes international education and the Gilman Scholarship Program at the students' home institution or in their home community.
All applicants are strongly encouraged to contact their Study Abroad Advisor for assistance with the application essays.
Fund for Education Abroad
Description
The FEA is committed to increasing the opportunities for dedicated American students to participate in high-quality, rigorous education abroad programs by reducing financial restrictions through the provision of grants and scholarships. This scholarship is great for students who are early in the planning process of their study abroad experience as the deadline is early.
Award Amount
Varies
Eligibility Criteria
1. Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident of the U.S. 2. Must plan to study abroad for a minimum of 4 weeks in country 3. Is committed to supporting education abroad in his/her campus community through work with the FEA and his/her campus education abroad staff upon return
How to Apply
For more information and to apply, visit the FEA website.
Going Abroad Scholarship
Description
Our mission at Going is to help people travel and experience the world. Since 2017, we've helped young travelers get out there and get going. Twice a year, two outstanding students will win $1500 towards their study abroad programs. Students must be U.S. citizens or residents enrolled full-time at an accredited institution of higher learning.
Award Amount
$1,500
Eligibility Criteria
Students must be U.S. citizens or residents enrolled full-time at an accredited institution of higher learning. How to Apply
Phi Kappa Phi Study Abroad Grants are designed to help support undergraduates as they seek knowledge and experience in their academic fields by studying abroad. Fifty $1,000 grants are awarded each year. Students do not have to be a member of Phi Kappa Phi to apply.
Award Amount
$1,000
Eligibility Criteria
1. The competition is open to Phi Kappa Phi members and nonmembers in all fields of study. 2. You must be enrolled as an undergraduate student at an institiution that has an active Phi Kappa Phi chapter. 4. You must have a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of at least a 3.75 on a 4.0 scale (3.74 GPA does not qualify). 5. You must be accepted into an accredited study abroad program before the date provided and provide the letter of acceptance as part of your application. 6. Your study abroad plan should relate directly to your academic preparation, potential career choice, or commitment to the welfare of others.
The Foundation supports Silver or Gold Award Girl Scouts undergrads who plan to study abroad, regardless of their major/minor. It is not necessary to be an Academic Scholarship recipient to apply; nor are Academic Scholarship recipients excluded from applying. Study abroad may occur during first/second/summer semester, or the full academic year.
Award Amount
$1000
Eligibility Criteria
Provide proof verifying receipt of the Silver and/or Gold Award. Submit a letter of recommendation from a Girl Scout volunteer or staff member who is not a relative. The letter of recommendation MUST be written within the past six months, specifically for this scholarship. Provide proof of acceptance to study in an accredited “study abroad” program. Show proof that the cumulative grade point is at least a “B”. ----------------------- How to Apply
Follow instructions on website for application details
