This page is the brochure for your selected program. You can view the provided information for this program on this page and click on the available buttons for additional options.
This program offers a wide variety of courses in audio-visual communication, art history, biology, business, Catalán, communications, computer science, cultural studies, economics, environmental studies, history, journalism, labor sciences, law, political sciences, sociology, Spanish language, literature, telecommunications, translation and interpretation, and urban studies. There is no language requirement prior to participation in the program; however, all students will be required to take a Spanish course on site. Information about the range of courses for this program can be found on the IES website.
You will receive credit for all academic courses taken at this institution, and all of your grades from abroad will count toward your Penn State cumulative GPA. You may not take any courses overseas on a Pass/Fail basis. Students may not fulfill GHA (General Health and Activity) general education requirements abroad.
Students are required to take a minimum of 15 credits per semester; students can take a maximum of 19 credits per semester. Students must take the equivalent of 15 credits on this program, per IES requirements.
To see what kind of credit students in past semesters have received for courses taken on this program, visit the IES Barcelona Course Equivalency List* Keep in mind you will need to complete the course equivalency process once you have been accepted to your program and after you have completed your registration abroad. To obtain specific instructions on this process visit our Course Equivalencies webpage.
*The University Office of Global Programs is committed to making its websites accessible to all users. As such we are currently developing a new course equivalency database which will launch in Academic Year 2014-2015. In the meantime if you require an accessible version of the course equivalency information provided for this program please contact educationabroad@psu.edu.
Pre-requisites
Successful applicants will satisfy the pre-requisites established by the program.
Sophmore class standing or higher at time of study
3.0 Cumulative GPA
0 semesters of Spanish
This track can accommodate students with higher levels of Spanish but students with 4 or more semesters of Spanish should consider the Advanced Spanish Studies track in Barcelona for better language immersion.
Beginning Fall 2015, Spanish majors cannot earn credit towards their major on this program. Spanish majors should consider the IES: Barcelona, Advanced Spanish Studies program as an alternative.
Housing and Meals
Your housing will be arranged by IES. You will live either in a homestay, where two meals a day (breakfast and dinner) will be provided, a residential college where some meals will be provided, or a student apartment, where you will be responsible for providing your own meals.
Note: Additional costs will be incurred for students staying in residence halls and student apartments.
Program Costs
For more information on program costs, please be sure to review the Fall budget sheet and Spring budget sheet. These budget sheets include information on costs that are billable to the bursar bill, as well as estimated additional costs. Costs vary by program, so it is important to review this information carefully.
Please note that tuition rates may vary depending on major and class standing.
Financial Aid & Scholarships
Penn State students studying through Education Abroad can use most components of their existing financial aid packages toward the cost of study abroad. This may include federal and state grants, VA educational benefits, federal student loans, and University scholarships and grants. Notable exceptions include work-study awards and some athletic scholarships.
The University Office of Global Programs also administers a number of grants and scholarships. Eligibility is based on academic excellence and/or financial need. There is also funding available for study abroad programs in diverse locations and for students from diverse backgrounds. In most cases, applicants should have a current year FAFSA on file with the Office of Student Aid. Funding opportunities may also be available through Penn State academic departments. For detailed information on financial aid and scholarship opportunities and application procedures, please visit theFunding Study Abroadsection of the Global Penn State website.
For More Information
For more information about programs and education abroad at Penn State, we encourage you to meet with or contact our Peer Advisers. These study abroad returnees can explain program options, give an overview of the education abroad process, as well as provide information about his/her program. If you are not at University Park, contact your Campus Global Representative.
To learn more about the specifics of each program, schedule an appointment with the education abroad adviser for this program.
For the inside scoop on life in a foreign country, be sure to check out the GeoBlogs of Penn State students currently studying abroad.
How to Apply
If you would like to participate on this study abroad program, you will need to apply to Penn State Education Abroad by clicking the "Apply Now" button on this page.
You must complete the following materials in your application:
Education Abroad Questionnaire
One academic recommendation
Signature Documents
Visit the How to Apply section of our website for more information.
Please note that you will also be instructed to complete an application with the host provider as a part of your Penn State application either at time of application or upon acceptance.
NOTE: Start date marks arrival in host country. End date marks departure from program housing for students taking IES Abroad Center courses and partner university courses. If participating in DiscoverIES trip, end date is April 30.
Brochure