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.
All students are required to enroll in a three credit Spanish course. Students can opt to enroll in additional Spanish courses. Students will be placed into a Spanish course based on their language level. Students with no prior Spanish language experience to advanced level Spanish language skills can participate on this program.
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 take sport or physical activity courses (e.g. sailing, bowling, yoga, etc.) abroad. These courses will not be credited at Penn State. 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.
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.
Studying Abroad with a Disability
Many students with disabilities successfully study abroad each year. Please note that other cultures may have different attitudes and available accommodations regarding disabilities. While we cannot guarantee the accessibility of all program sites and locations, specific accommodations may be arranged in consultation with our office, the Student Disability Resources office, and our partners abroad. To prepare for success, students are strongly encouraged to research the country and program location to consider if and how they will manage their disabilities abroad in advance of selecting a program. Students with disabilities and other diverse backgrounds can begin their research on our Diversity Awareness Abroad page.
NOTE: *For students enrolled in IES Abroad courses only. Students enrolled in partner university courses are required to complete partner university exams before departure and depart IES Abroad housing the following day.
Academic Year
2016-2017
03/01/2016
03/15/2016
TBA
TBA
Spring
2017
09/15/2016
**
Rolling Admission
01/09/2017
04/27/2017
NOTE: Students enrolled in partner university courses may have later departure dates as they are required to complete partner university exams to complete the program.
** Indicates rolling admission application process. Students will be immediately notified of acceptance into this program and be able to complete post-decision materials prior to the term's application deadline.
Brochure