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CIEE Barcelona Business and Culture

Two stone buildings with fancy, colorful roofs. An expansive view of Barcelona and the sea takes up the background.

Spain, Barcelona

Limited Capacity: This program can accept a limited number of students. There will be more qualified applicants than available spots, particularly for the spring term. Because you may have only one application open per term, you should list up to three alternative WSB programs in your application in case you are not accepted to this program. Click here to learn about how UW Study Abroad evaluates applications.

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 in classes with local students, taught in English or in Spanish. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced-level Spanish student, studying abroad in Barcelona offers you challenging coursework, homestays, company visits, internship opportunities, and a variety of cultural excursions and activities that give you an insight into international business.

Study abroad in Barcelona and you'll:

  • Take courses with local students at a reputable business school, or gain credit and real work experience through an internship
  • Begin or continue to build your Spanish language skills
  • Explore your neighborhood with local students who help you get oriented and make the city feel like home
  • Travel throughout the region of Catalonia through three one-day trips, and enjoy a weekend trip to another major Spanish city such as Madrid or Seville through CIEE planned cultural activities

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.
  • 3.0 cumulative GPA
  • 3 semesters of college-level micro- or macroeconomics, accounting, finance, management, 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

WSB icon

Program Structure

Provider

Subjects

Business, Humanities, Social Sciences, Language

Classroom Language

English, Spanish

Housing

Apartments, Local Hosts, Residence Hall

Program Duration

Fall: early September to mid-December
Spring: early January to late April

Application Deadline(s)

Fall 2026-27 2/27/2026 Cost Details
Spring 2026-27 2/27/2026 Cost Details
Applications are due by 4:30 PM Central

Future durations will be posted at a later date.

APPLY NOW

 

The Barcelona Business and Culture study abroad program is designed for students interested in improving their language skills while taking classes in business, Spanish language, and Spanish culture. The program is unique because both the theories of modern management and economics and the cultural context in which business is conducted are studied. 

CIEE, the study abroad provider that hosts this program, has a study center in Barcelona where they offer a wide variety of courses taught in English and Spanish. All students on this program take at least 2 courses through CIEE, and often more. Students will also have classes or activities in other locations, depending on which of the three academic tracks they select. 

UW students must choose between the following three academic tracks: 

  1. ESCI Track (14-credit minimum): 2-3 CIEE courses + 2 courses at Escola Superior de Comerç Internacional
    • Must have 60+ completed credits to participate in this track - ask the Study Abroad Advisor if you have questions about eligibility
    • Students on this track typically take courses from ESCI's International Business Programme (ESCI-IBP) but may also have some limited options from the regular ESCI catalog
  2. UVic Track (15-credit minimum): 3-4 CIEE courses + 1-2 courses at University of Vic - Central University of Catalonia's Barcelona campus
    • TIP: If you search for UVic on a map, you may find a different campus that is about two hours away from Barcelona. However, don't worry - the satellite campus where our students take classes is conveniently located in Barcelona!
  3. Internship Track (15-credit minimum): 4 CIEE courses + a part-time internship through CIEE (about 8-10 hours/week)

Students cannot take courses from both ESCI and UVic - they can only choose one local host institution. However, any student can opt-in to an internship, regardless of track. 

What are the differences between CIEE, ESCI, and UVic courses?
In CIEE courses, UW students study with other students from universities across the United States. At ESCI or UVic, UW students may also study with local students and/or exchange students from around the world. Course offerings will differ for each track, so students should pick their track with course offerings and UW equivalencies in mind.

CIEE courses might use teaching methods similar to those in the US. UVic and ESCI professors follow a mix of Spanish and US teaching styles. In the Spanish university system, students are responsible for their work and must take an active role in selecting outside readings to complement lectures. Traditional Spanish professors use the lecture method, and students take careful notes, often studying together to fill in any gaps. Spanish professors also emphasize the use of the case method and group-learning activities. In many cases, attendance is mandatory and tardiness or absences result in a lowering of the final grade.

Typical class schedules (subject to change):

  • CIEE and UVic courses are often scheduled Monday-Thursday.
  • ESCI courses may follow the Monday-Thursday schedule most weeks, but they typically require a few Friday class days.
  • The ESCI spring term ends a bit earlier than CIEE and UVic, so those classes may not meet for the whole length of the program.
Optional academic offerings:
Students on this program are encouraged to take a Spanish course at the CIEE study center, but it is not mandatory. Any students who opt in will complete a Spanish assessment through CIEE and be placed in a class that matches their level. There are also some ESCI business offerings taught in Spanish for students with signficant Spanish language experience.

Finally, UW students on this program may also be allowed to take one ASU Online course to supplement their program coursework if needed, but this is subject to approval at the time of the program and may change in future sessions.

Program Web Pages

CIEE Barcelona Business + Culture

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