FAQs

1. What are tracks?

A track is a group you are assigned to depending on your proficiency in Spanish. There are five tracks; Beginners, Intermediate I, Intermediate II and Advanced.

The tracks also determine the class choices available to you. All area studies courses taught in Spanish have been assessed according to their level of language difficulty. Students will take only those classes that suit their level of Spanish. For example, if you are in the beginner track you have the option of taking IES classes in English, but not in Spanish. If you are in the Advanced track you have the option of taking IES classes in both Spanish and English.

2. What language course do I sign up for?

You will take a Language Placement Exam before you register for classes to see exactly what Spanish language course you will take. You will then receive an email from the Spanish Language Co-ordinator informing you of your track. You can only register for the class(es) in this track.

To switch language courses after being placed, you must have written authorization from your school. This letter must be presented on arrival in Barcelona or faxed to IES Barcelona at 011-34-93-302-4557. The letter must be on your school's letter-head. Emails are not accepted.

3. Does everyone take a language course?

Everyone takes a language course at IES. Only students who participate in the Honors program can opt out, if they wish. Please see our language policy section of our website or the Get Set! Guide for further details.

4. Can I take a course at a local partner university?

Yes. We STRONGLY recommend that you take a couse at a local partner university. The course titles that are listed in English are taught in English, the titles in Spanish are taught in Spanish.

Keep in mind the travel times when choosing classes:
From the IES Center to:

Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF) Group
UPF (regular courses and Estudios Hispanicos): 15 minutes by metro
ESCI Business School: 15 minutes by metro or walking.
Universitat de Barcelona (UB)
10 minutes walking
Universitat Ramon Llull (URL) Group
URL:10 minutes walking
Sant Ignasi: 30 minutes by metro and walking
UAB
30 minutes by train

5. How many credits do I take?

You take 16 to 19 credits. Language classes are worth either 4 or 7 credits, and Area Studies courses are worth 3 credits. Outside courses are worth 2, 3 or 4 credits depending on the class.

6. What is the normal course load?

The normal course load is 16 credits; however some students choose to take a sixth class for up to 19 credits.

7. Can I change my courses once I click on submit?

No, not until you arrive in Barcelona. Choose your classes carefully right now. Places are allocated subject to availability so cannot be guaranteed.

You can change classes during the advising period in Barcelona from January 16th to January 19th. However, the change is dependent upon availability and classes are allocated on a first come, first served basis.

There is also an add/drop period for IES courses during the first week of classes, from January 23rd to January 26th. The add/drop period for Outside courses varies depending on the institution. It normally corresponds to the first week of classes.

8. Can I take a course Pass/Fail?

Yes. You may take only one Pass/Fail course which can be either and IES or an outside course, but cannot be an IES Spanish language course. In order to take a course Pass/Fail, you must present IES Barcelona with written authorization from your school. This letter must be presented on arrival in Barcelona or faxed to IES Barcelona at 011-34-93-302-4557. The letter must be on your school's letter-head. Emails are not accepted.

9. What if I'm unsure about getting credit for an internship or if I'm unsure that I want to take an outside course?

Students unsure about carrying an outside course for the entire term or receiving approval for an internship should enrol in an extra IES course. Students will be permitted to drop the extra IES course, without a W on their transcripts, until the end of the add/drop period for outside courses or until their internship placement has been confirmed.

10. I need to take a class in order to receive credit for my major, but it is full. What can I do?

You will get a class if you need it for your major. We do everything we can to guarantee the classes you need to graduate. If a class is closed, a place can only be allocated by providing formal, written confirmation from your home advisor that it is required for your major. This letter must be presented on arrival in Barcelona or faxed to IES Barcelona at 011-34-93-302-4557. The letter must be on your school's letter-head. Emails are not accepted.

11. Do the letters or numbers after the code correspond to different sections of same class? What is the difference between the sections?

Some courses are scheduled to be offered in multiple sections. The content of the class will be the same but could be taught by different professors and possibly at different times.