Language Policy

Spanish language is a requirement at IES Barcelona. All students must take a Spanish language class. Only students who place into the 400-level may opt out–if they wish—and take in its place either an IES area studies course in Spanish or a regular or joint course in Spanish at a partner university.

All IES Barcelona students take an on-line Spanish language test. They are then assigned to a language class based on (i) performance of the placement test, (ii) the number of semesters of Spanish taken, (iii) the most recent Spanish course taken at the home institution, as well as (iv) the Spanish class needed to receive credit at the home school.

On arrival in Barcelona, all students take the on-site part of the language placement test designed to assess oral and listening skills. Students´ Spanish language class and track may change after this stage of the placement test.

If students are required by their home university to take a different language course from the one they finally place into, then they must have written authorization from their 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 the school´s letter-head. Emails are not accepted.