University of Wisconsin–Madison
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IES Barcelona

The city of Barcelona illuminated by the sunset.

Spring 2027 application review will begin in July 2026

IES Financial Aid Opportunity
Semester students: Receive up to $7000 in scholarships/aid, including an automatic $1000 grant!
Summer students: Receive up to $3000 in scholarships/aid!
You can apply for aid from IES Abroad before you’ve completed your IES program application.
IES Abroad aid amounts are confirmed within five days of submitting your aid application.
Study Abroad Scholarships & Aid Application | IES Abroad

Spain, Barcelona

Offered through IES, all of the IES Barcelona program tracks (except the Full-Time Semester Internship, Engineering and Summer Internship tracks) found on the IES website are approved UW affiliate programs. Students on all tracks will be required to take a Spanish language course. In addition to that course, you will choose from a variety of IES English-taught area studies courses. For semester and yearlong programs, students also have additional options to enroll in local university courses taught in Spanish and/or English and to participate in an internship placement and seminar course worth 3 credits.

Of the various program tracks available through the IES Barcelona program, the Liberal Arts & Business track is the most general option. Students choosing the Arts & Culture, Journalism & Communications, or Political Science & International Relations tracks will have priority registration for two courses within the disciplines associated with their track and must register for at least one course within the disciplines associated with their track. Regardless of track selection, the curriculum options remain the same for all IES Barcelona program participants.

You will be working closely with both IAP and IES on this program. You can access the program's main information page through the IES website to learn more about the academics, housing, excursions and activities, and location.

  

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

  • 2.75 cumulative GPA
  • Sophomore, Junior, Senior
  • 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

Humanities and social science

Classroom Language

English, Spanish

Housing

Residence Hall, Apartments, Local Hosts

Program Duration

Fall: Early September – Mid-December
Spring: Early January – Early May
Summer: Late May - Early July

Application Deadline(s)

Summer 2026 - [Summer Language & Area Studies] 2/6/2026 Cost Details
Fall 2026-27 2/20/2026 Cost Details
Year 2026-27 2/20/2026 Cost Details
Spring 2026-27 8/28/2026 Cost Details

Future durations will be posted at a later date.

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For specific details on the courses and academic structure of the semester/year program, visit this IES program page.

For specific details on the courses and academic structure of the summer program, visit this IES program page.

Students enroll in 15-19 credits per semester. 

Students are required to take a Spanish language course on this program. Your course level will be determined by an online placement test administered by IES Abroad.

Spanish equivalents will only be granted for students at the novice through intermediate level (Spanish 101, 102 or 203). Students at the level of Spanish 204 or higher will not receive Spanish language course equivalents, but will instead earn Study Abroad Topics for the course work.

For semester and yearlong programs, students have additional options to enroll in local university courses taught in Spanish and/or English and to participate in an internship placement and seminar course worth 3 credits

Below you will find the course equivalents listing for the program.

Program Web Pages

IES Barcelona

Course Equivalents

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