Business in Barcelona - Semester
Joint Study Center Program with the Learning Abroad CenterProgram Dates:
Fall 2024
Spring 2025 - no longer accepting applications
Offered in partnership with the Learning Abroad Center, this program gives you the opportunity to enroll in business and non-business courses in addition to an optional credit-bearing internship experience while living in Barcelona.
Program Details
Live and study in the international city of Barcelona. Explore Catalan and Spanish working life through an English-speaking internship while also taking a mix of business and non-business courses. Begin the day with a papaya smoothie in Barcelona’s biggest food market, La Boqueria. Climb to the top of Gaudi’s Sagrada Familia. Delight in Gaudí's art. Relax in a beautiful city park. Cheer on FC Barcelona among 100,000 screaming fútbol fans. Gaze into the glistening Mediterranean Sea. Get ready to live like a barcelonés.
The Business in Barcelona program offers courses that deepen your understanding of Spanish and Catalan culture. A key feature of the program is the internship experience, which allows you to integrate with Spanish people, experience the culture firsthand, and gain professional work experience.
Apartment
Between 5 and 8 students share apartments, which include single or double bedrooms, bathrooms, and laundry. Meals are not included, but each apartment has a full kitchen. Apartments are located throughout the city of Barcelona. Students may request specific roommates, but we cannot guarantee that requests will be fulfilled.
Homestay
Students could be placed with roommates or as the only student in the home. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included seven days a week. Snacks or food in between meals is the student's responsibility.
- BCLA 3375: Global Internship course - 3 or 6 UMN credits
- beginning Spring 2025, UMN students will no longer be able to participate in the 6-credit internship option
- BCLA 3002: Global Marketing - 3 UMN credits
- approved for a MTKG elective, ENTRE elective, IB foundations or breadth
- BCLA 3003: Intercultural Management - 3 UMN credits
- approved for HRIR elective, Strategic MGMT minor additional elective, IB foundations or breadth
- BCLA 3016: Intercultural Communications - 3 UMN credits
- approved for IB foundations or breadth
- BCLA 3017: The Business of Social Media - 3 UMN credits
- approved for MKTG 4076, IDSC 4455, IB Depths, BA minor elective
- BCLA 3048: Transportation & Logistics Management - 3 UMN credits
- approved for SCO 3048
- BCLA 4061: Marketing & Distribution Channels - 3 UMN credits
- approved for MKTG 4061
- BCLA 4622W: International Finance - 3 UMN credits
- approved for FINA 4622, IB Foundations course, & Writing Intensive
- Students who have already taken FINA 4622 but are needing a writing intensive should consider the other writing intensive course options offered on the program.
- To see a full list of courses (including non-business courses, and courses approved for liberal education requirements) see the Learning Abroad Center "Study & Intern in Barcelona" website
- Students are required to enroll in at least 12 UMN equivalent credits total.
- For questions about grading scale, grade conversions, and credit conversion, see the Grade and Credit Conversion Chart here.
- All grades will come back A/F on the official UMN transcript.
- Students can take no more than two courses at UPF.
- Students may not take courses from different UPF programs. All courses must be within one UPF program.
- Students pursuing courses at UPF may not participate in an internship in Barcelona.
- Some UPF courses have been evaluated for UMN equivalencies.
- For Carlson equivalencies - check the Carlson Study Abroad Business Course Equivalencies Database
- For Liberal Education equivalencies - check the UCredit Abroad Database
Students enroll in courses taught at the CEA CAPA Study Center. Students also have the option to take some of their courses at Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), a local Spanish university. Students indicate where they would like to take courses at the time of application submission.
Study Center courses:
Classes at the CEA CAPA Study Center are specifically offered for study abroad students, and fellow classmates will be other study abroad students on the program.
Universitat Pompeu Fabra Courses:
In additional to courses at the CEA CAPA Study Center, students may also take one or two courses at UPF. Explore course options on the UPF website here. Courses at UPF are called "modules". UPF operates on a trimester schedule, so students studying abroad in the UMN fall semester will take "fall" courses at UPF. Students studying abroad in the UMN spring semester will take "winter" courses at UPF.
Classes at UPF will be a mix of students from the United States, other international students, and Spanish students. It's important that Carlson students understand that if they take classes at UPF, the academic environment will be very different from the Carlson School. They will be held to UPF grading systems, classroom behavior expectations, and there will be cultural differences in how they interact with their faculty member. Please reach out to CGI if you would like to discuss this further.
Academic Considerations:
- Second-semester sophomore, junior, or senior status
- 2.5 minimum GPA
- Spanish language experience is NOT required
Students participating in the study center program have the option to participate in a credit-bearing internship experience. An internship abroad is a great way to not only gain professional experience, but to experience workplace culture from an international perspective. It’s also a great opportunity to meet locals!
Internship placements are available in a variety of fields and in three languages: English, Catalan, and Spanish. Rather than applying for particular internship openings abroad, students on this program submit additional internship application materials to our partner, CEA CAPA. CEA CAPA then works with local organizations and companies to find a suitable placement. Students are notified of their internship placements prior to departure.
Applying for an Internship
Students opt into the internship program directly with CEA CAPA. Students work with a CEA CAPA Internship Specialist to discuss career interests, experience, and goals. During this process, students will complete pre-departure career coaching and online modules to prepare you for a successful internship abroad. Internship placements are sent to students about two weeks prior to departure. Read more about the CEA CAPA internship placement process here.
Internship Eligibility Requirements
Academic Credit
Alongside the internship, students will be partake in a 3 UMN credit internship course. The syllabus for the course can be found here.
Beginning Spring 2025, the 6-credit internship is no longer an option for UMN students.
Internship Placements
Visit the CEA CAPA website here to learn more about possible internship fields.
- No Spanish language required
Minimum 2.5 GPA
Students with a GPA between 2.0 and 2.5 - see additional information below
Sophomore, junior, or senior status
Students must meet prerequisites for the courses they want to take. Students should plan closely with their academic advisers prior to participating in a semester or summer abroad program to best prepare for remaining major(s) and graduation requirements.
- Optional Internship: Strict requirement of at least second-semester sophomore status, minimum GPA at least 2.5
Optional courses at UPF: Strict 3.0 GPA or higher. Students are subject to UPF admission policies.
Personal Statement addressing their GPA, any extenuating circumstance surrounding it, and why they feel that they are nonetheless equipped for academic success on the program (REQUIRED)
UMN transcript that offers greater detail on the trajectory of the student’s grades and the subject areas that might have posed greater challenges to the student (REQUIRED)
Recommendation from an academic or other advisor who support that student's application and their ability to succeed on the program (RECOMMENDED)
Supplemental materials to be submitted to CEA CAPA if below GPA requirement: 2.0 - 2.5 GPA
- US citizens staying in Spain for more than 90 days must obtain a Spanish student visa.
- Non-US citizens should check with the Spanish embassy to determine any special regulations pertaining entry into Spain at any time.
- If you use the visa service, a $150 fee will be assessed to your University of Minnesota account.
- The deadline to use this service fluctuates each term depending on the consulate's availability. The deadline to use this service can sometimes fall before the program application, so be sure to apply to the program early if you plan to use the visa service.
- To use the service, students must attend drop off their visa application materials and passport at the Carlson Global Institute office.
- Only complete visa applications will be accepted. If you fail to include one or more of the necessary pieces to receive your visa when you drop off your visa application, you will have to return at a later time with your complete visa application.
Remember to read all information that you receive regarding student visas carefully. Requirements could change at any time and vary from consulate to consulate.
University of Minnesota Visa Service
The Spanish consulate in Chicago has graciously granted the University of Minnesota the ability to both drop off Spanish student visa applications and pick up the completed student visas on behalf of students studying abroad in Barcelona.
This is an optional service, and is only available to students on the Business in Barcelona / Study & Intern in Barcelona program. Each student MUST inform the Carlson Global Institute of their plans for obtaining the student visa whether they chose to use this service or not.
Using the Batch Visa Service
Not Using the Visa Service
You will need to apply for the visa in-person at the consulate. The in-person consulate appointment is required no earlier than 90 days and no later than 4 weeks prior to program start date. Student’s are only eligible to apply to the consulate with jurisdiction over the state where they are from or the state in which their school is located. Click here to find your consulate. Each consulate will require slightly different supporting documents. Students should refer to the consulate’s website.
Detailed instructions will be emailed to confirmed students directly.
- Business in Barcelona - Study Center - take all courses at the study center with other students from the United States.
- Business in Barcelona - University Study and Study Center - take a mix of courses at the study center and at UPF.
- Why did you select this particular program and how does it suit your academic, career, and personal goals?
- What do you think you might find challenging about studying abroad and how do you think you will meet those challenges?
Students must use their UMN email address when creating their application account. Students will be charged a $50 application fee. In the online application, you will choose between two tracks. See below for track information. Contact the Carlson Global Institute advisor if you have questions about these tracks:
Applications will be reviewed in the order in which they are submitted. Students will be informed of their status within two weeks of completing their application. The Carlson Global Institute encourages students to apply early.
Part of the application requires submission of an essay addressing the following questions. The total essay cannot exceed 500 words in total.
Carlson School students interested in this program must apply through the Business in Barcelona program. They may not apply through the Learning Abroad Center’s Study & Intern in Barcelona program.
Financial Aid:
Most financial aid may be applied to study abroad. Please visit our Financial Aid webpage for more information. Business in Barcelona students also have access to the Bridging Loan, which is a no-interest/no-fees loan that funds the upfront program deposit and flight costs.
Scholarships:
Students on this program may apply for Carlson Global Institute scholarships, as well as scholarships the Learning Abroad Center.
CEA CAPA, our onsite logistics partner in Barcelona, also offers scholarships. More information about CEA CAPA scholarships can be found here.
Cost Estimate
Carlson Students on this program are billed through their University of Minnesota student account by the Learning Abroad Center.
Cancellation Policy: Participants on this program are held to the Learning Abroad Center cancellation policy, as outlined under "Learning Abroad Center and Affiliate Programs 30 days or more in length" here.
Fall 2024
Carlson School: Business in Barcelona: Study CenterApartment 1—Shared ApartmentFall Semester 2024 | |
|---|---|
Program Fee
| |
Non-refundable deposit | $400 |
Tuition and educational costs | $16,122 |
International health insurance | $224 |
Housing and/or mealsShared apartment - no meals included | $4,249 |
Transportation (if required and included in program fee) | $0 |
Total Program Fee | $20,995 |
Program discount for University of Minnesota and Big Ten students, if applicable | $-1,000 |
Total Program Fee with discount, if applicable | $19,995 |
Estimated Additional Expenses
| |
Costs Typically Incurred Prior to Departure These costs may need to be paid before your financial aid is disbursed for your term abroad. | |
Transportation to and from program siteEstimated cost of round-trip flight | $1,800 |
Passport/photos | $150 |
Visa/required documents | $310 |
Travel clinic/immunizations* | $0 |
Housing deposit | $0 |
Total Estimated Cost Incurred Prior to Departure | $2,260 |
Costs Typically Incurred After Arrival in Host Country | |
Texts/materials | $500 |
Housing and/or meals not included in program feeMeals not included in apartment cost | $2,800 |
Essential daily living expensesIncludes required cell phone. | $1,200 |
Total Estimated Cost Incurred After Arrival in Host Country | $4,500 |
Total Estimated Cost of Participation
| |
Total Estimated Cost of Participation | $26,755 |
Spending money and personal travel Not included in financial aid calculation | $1,200 |
Additional Notes & Information | |
* Immunizations Note: This estimate is based on approximate cost of travel-related vaccinations and medications required for entry or recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Your costs may be higher or lower depending on your travel clinic, the specific immunizations and medication prescribed, and your insurance coverage. | |
Carlson School: Business in Barcelona: Study CenterHomestay 1—HomestayFall Semester 2024 | |
|---|---|
Program Fee
| |
Non-refundable deposit | $400 |
Tuition and educational costs | $16,122 |
International health insurance | $224 |
Housing and/or mealsBreakfast, lunch and dinner included, 7 days per week | $4,999 |
Transportation (if required and included in program fee) | $0 |
Total Program Fee | $21,745 |
Program discount for University of Minnesota and Big Ten students, if applicable | $-1,000 |
Total Program Fee with discount, if applicable | $20,745 |
Estimated Additional Expenses
| |
Costs Typically Incurred Prior to Departure These costs may need to be paid before your financial aid is disbursed for your term abroad. | |
Transportation to and from program siteEstimated cost of round-trip flight | $1,800 |
Passport/photos | $150 |
Visa/required documents | $310 |
Travel clinic/immunizations* | $0 |
Housing deposit | $0 |
Total Estimated Cost Incurred Prior to Departure | $2,260 |
Costs Typically Incurred After Arrival in Host Country | |
Texts/materials | $500 |
Housing and/or meals not included in program feeEstimated cost of meals & incidentals outside of homestay | $2,000 |
Essential daily living expensesIncludes cost of required cell phone. | $1,200 |
Total Estimated Cost Incurred After Arrival in Host Country | $3,700 |
Total Estimated Cost of Participation
| |
Total Estimated Cost of Participation | $26,705 |
Spending money and personal travel Not included in financial aid calculation | $1,200 |
Additional Notes & Information | |
* Immunizations Note: This estimate is based on approximate cost of travel-related vaccinations and medications required for entry or recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Your costs may be higher or lower depending on your travel clinic, the specific immunizations and medication prescribed, and your insurance coverage. | |
Carlson School: Business in Barcelona: University Study and Study CenterApartment 1—Shared ApartmentFall Semester 2024 |
|
|---|---|
Program Fee
|
|
| Non-refundable deposit | $400 |
| Tuition and educational costs | $16,437 |
| International health insurance | $224 |
| Housing and/or mealsShared apartment - no meals included | $4,374 |
| Transportation (if required and included in program fee) | $0 |
| Total Program Fee | $21,435 |
| Program discount for University of Minnesota and Big Ten students, if applicable | $-1,000 |
| Total Program Fee with discount, if applicable | $20,435 |
Estimated Additional Expenses
|
|
| Costs Typically Incurred Prior to Departure These costs may need to be paid before your financial aid is disbursed for your term abroad. | |
| Transportation to and from program site | $1,800 |
| Passport/photos | $150 |
| Visa/required documentsCost of required student visa | $310 |
| Travel clinic/immunizations* | $0 |
| Housing deposit | $0 |
| Total Estimated Cost Incurred Prior to Departure | $2,260 |
| Costs Typically Incurred After Arrival in Host Country | |
| Texts/materials | $500 |
| Housing and/or meals not included in program feeMeals not included in apartment cost | $2,800 |
| Essential daily living expensesIncludes cost of required cell phone | $1,200 |
| Total Estimated Cost Incurred After Arrival in Host Country | $4,500 |
Total Estimated Cost of Participation
|
|
| Total Estimated Cost of Participation | $27,195 |
| Spending money and personal travel Not included in financial aid calculation | $1,200 |
| Additional Notes & Information | |
| * Immunizations Note: This estimate is based on approximate cost of travel-related vaccinations and medications required for entry or recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Your costs may be higher or lower depending on your travel clinic, the specific immunizations and medication prescribed, and your insurance coverage. | |
Carlson School: Business in Barcelona: University Study and Study CenterHomestay 1—HomestayFall Semester 2024 |
|
|---|---|
Program Fee
|
|
| Non-refundable deposit | $400 |
| Tuition and educational costs | $16,437 |
| International health insurance | $224 |
| Housing and/or mealsCost of homestay - breakfast, lunch and dinner provided daily | $5,124 |
| Transportation (if required and included in program fee) | $0 |
| Total Program Fee | $22,185 |
| Program discount for University of Minnesota and Big Ten students, if applicable | $-1,000 |
| Total Program Fee with discount, if applicable | $21,185 |
Estimated Additional Expenses
|
|
| Costs Typically Incurred Prior to Departure These costs may need to be paid before your financial aid is disbursed for your term abroad. | |
| Transportation to and from program site | $1,800 |
| Passport/photos | $150 |
| Visa/required documentsCost of required student visa | $310 |
| Travel clinic/immunizations* | $0 |
| Housing deposit | $0 |
| Total Estimated Cost Incurred Prior to Departure | $2,260 |
| Costs Typically Incurred After Arrival in Host Country | |
| Texts/materials | $500 |
| Housing and/or meals not included in program feeEstimated cost of meals & incidentals outside of homestay | $2,000 |
| Essential daily living expensesIncludes cost of required cell phone | $1,200 |
| Total Estimated Cost Incurred After Arrival in Host Country | $3,700 |
Total Estimated Cost of Participation
|
|
| Total Estimated Cost of Participation | $27,145 |
| Spending money and personal travel Not included in financial aid calculation | $1,200 |
| Additional Notes & Information | |
| * Immunizations Note: This estimate is based on approximate cost of travel-related vaccinations and medications required for entry or recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Your costs may be higher or lower depending on your travel clinic, the specific immunizations and medication prescribed, and your insurance coverage. | |
Spring 2025
Carlson School: Business in Barcelona: Study CenterApartment 1—Shared apartmentSpring Semester 2025 |
|
|---|---|
Program Fee
|
|
| Non-refundable deposit | $400 |
| Tuition and educational costs | $16,124 |
| International health insurance | $222 |
| Housing and/or meals | $4,249 |
| Transportation (if required and included in program fee) | $0 |
| Total Program Fee | $20,995 |
| Program discount for University of Minnesota and Big Ten students, if applicable | $-1,000 |
| Total Program Fee with discount, if applicable | $19,995 |
Estimated Additional Expenses
|
|
| Costs Typically Incurred Prior to Departure These costs may need to be paid before your financial aid is disbursed for your term abroad. | |
| Transportation to and from program siteEstimated round-trip flight from MSP to Barcelona | $2,000 |
| Passport/photos | $150 |
| Visa/required documentsRequired student visa and processing | $310 |
| Travel clinic/immunizations* | $0 |
| Housing deposit | $0 |
| Total Estimated Cost Incurred Prior to Departure | $2,460 |
| Costs Typically Incurred After Arrival in Host Country | |
| Texts/materials | $500 |
| Housing and/or meals not included in program feeMeals not included in apartment cost | $2,800 |
| Essential daily living expensesincludes cost of required cell phone. | $1,200 |
| Total Estimated Cost Incurred After Arrival in Host Country | $4,500 |
Total Estimated Cost of Participation
|
|
| Total Estimated Cost of Participation | $26,955 |
| Spending money and personal travel Not included in financial aid calculation | $1,200 |
| Additional Notes & Information | |
| * Immunizations Note: This estimate is based on approximate cost of travel-related vaccinations and medications required for entry or recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Your costs may be higher or lower depending on your travel clinic, the specific immunizations and medication prescribed, and your insurance coverage. | |
Carlson School: Business in Barcelona: Study CenterHomestay 1—Shared apartment with local family in BarcelonaSpring Semester 2025 |
|
|---|---|
Program Fee
|
|
| Non-refundable deposit | $400 |
| Tuition and educational costs | $16,124 |
| International health insurance | $222 |
| Housing and/or mealsBreakfast, lunch and dinner provided 7 days per week | $4,999 |
| Transportation (if required and included in program fee) | $0 |
| Total Program Fee | $21,745 |
| Program discount for University of Minnesota and Big Ten students, if applicable | $-1,000 |
| Total Program Fee with discount, if applicable | $20,745 |
Estimated Additional Expenses
|
|
| Costs Typically Incurred Prior to Departure These costs may need to be paid before your financial aid is disbursed for your term abroad. | |
| Transportation to and from program siteEstimated round-trip flight from MSP to Barcelona | $2,000 |
| Passport/photos | $150 |
| Visa/required documentsRequired student visa and processing | $310 |
| Travel clinic/immunizations* | $0 |
| Housing deposit | $0 |
| Total Estimated Cost Incurred Prior to Departure | $2,460 |
| Costs Typically Incurred After Arrival in Host Country | |
| Texts/materials | $500 |
| Housing and/or meals not included in program feeAdditional meals outside of homestay | $2,000 |
| Essential daily living expensesincludes cost of required cell phone. | $1,200 |
| Total Estimated Cost Incurred After Arrival in Host Country | $3,700 |
Total Estimated Cost of Participation
|
|
| Total Estimated Cost of Participation | $26,905 |
| Spending money and personal travel Not included in financial aid calculation | $1,200 |
| Additional Notes & Information | |
| * Immunizations Note: This estimate is based on approximate cost of travel-related vaccinations and medications required for entry or recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Your costs may be higher or lower depending on your travel clinic, the specific immunizations and medication prescribed, and your insurance coverage. | |
Carlson School: Business in Barcelona: University Study and Study CenterApartment 1—Shared apartmentSpring Semester 2025 |
|
|---|---|
Program Fee
|
|
| Non-refundable deposit | $400 |
| Tuition and educational costs | $16,440 |
| International health insurance | $236 |
| Housing and/or meals | $4,374 |
| Transportation (if required and included in program fee) | $0 |
| Total Program Fee | $21,450 |
| Program discount for University of Minnesota and Big Ten students, if applicable | $-1,000 |
| Total Program Fee with discount, if applicable | $20,450 |
Estimated Additional Expenses
|
|
| Costs Typically Incurred Prior to Departure These costs may need to be paid before your financial aid is disbursed for your term abroad. | |
| Transportation to and from program siteEstimated cost of round-trip flight from MSP-Barcelona | $2,000 |
| Passport/photos | $150 |
| Visa/required documentsRequired visa and processing for Spanish student visa | $310 |
| Travel clinic/immunizations* | $0 |
| Housing deposit | $0 |
| Total Estimated Cost Incurred Prior to Departure | $2,460 |
| Costs Typically Incurred After Arrival in Host Country | |
| Texts/materials | $500 |
| Housing and/or meals not included in program feeMeals are not included in apartment stay. | $2,800 |
| Essential daily living expensesincludes cost of required cell phone. | $1,200 |
| Total Estimated Cost Incurred After Arrival in Host Country | $4,500 |
Total Estimated Cost of Participation
|
|
| Total Estimated Cost of Participation | $27,410 |
| Spending money and personal travel Not included in financial aid calculation | $1,200 |
| Additional Notes & Information | |
| * Immunizations Note: This estimate is based on approximate cost of travel-related vaccinations and medications required for entry or recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Your costs may be higher or lower depending on your travel clinic, the specific immunizations and medication prescribed, and your insurance coverage. | |
Carlson School: Business in Barcelona: University Study and Study CenterHomestay 1—Homestay with family in BarcelonaSpring Semester 2025 |
|
|---|---|
Program Fee
|
|
| Non-refundable deposit | $400 |
| Tuition and educational costs | $16,440 |
| International health insurance | $236 |
| Housing and/or mealsBreakfast, lunch and dinner provided 7 days per week | $5,124 |
| Transportation (if required and included in program fee) | $0 |
| Total Program Fee | $22,200 |
| Program discount for University of Minnesota and Big Ten students, if applicable | $-1,000 |
| Total Program Fee with discount, if applicable | $21,200 |
Estimated Additional Expenses
|
|
| Costs Typically Incurred Prior to Departure These costs may need to be paid before your financial aid is disbursed for your term abroad. | |
| Transportation to and from program siteEstimated cost of round-trip flight from MSP-Barcelona | $2,000 |
| Passport/photos | $150 |
| Visa/required documentsRequired visa and processing for Spanish student visa | $310 |
| Travel clinic/immunizations* | $0 |
| Housing deposit | $0 |
| Total Estimated Cost Incurred Prior to Departure | $2,460 |
| Costs Typically Incurred After Arrival in Host Country | |
| Texts/materials | $500 |
| Housing and/or meals not included in program feeMeals while traveling | $2,000 |
| Essential daily living expensesincludes cost of required cell phone. | $1,200 |
| Total Estimated Cost Incurred After Arrival in Host Country | $3,700 |
Total Estimated Cost of Participation
|
|
| Total Estimated Cost of Participation | $27,360 |
| Spending money and personal travel Not included in financial aid calculation | $1,200 |
| Additional Notes & Information | |
| * Immunizations Note: This estimate is based on approximate cost of travel-related vaccinations and medications required for entry or recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Your costs may be higher or lower depending on your travel clinic, the specific immunizations and medication prescribed, and your insurance coverage. | |