Academic Tracks

IES Barcelona academic options have been divided into four language proficiency-based tracks which function as separate groups within the IES Barcelona program: Beginner, Intermediate I, Intermediate II and Advanced.

These academic tracks will enhance academic quality and contribute to a strong sense of community within the IES Barcelona Center. Orientation, field trips, and activities will be either in Spanish or English, depending on students' language ability. Students will also benefit from academic advising especially for each academic track.

Students are assigned to one of these tracks before departing for Barcelona. Placement will be determined by the number of semesters of Spanish a student has taken, performance on the IES Barcelona Spanish placement test (taken online before departure), the most recent Spanish course taken at the home institution, as well as the class needed to receive credit at the home school.

Academic tracks determine the course options available as they assure students take classes suited to their level of Spanish language proficiency. For example, Beginning students can take area studies courses in English at IES, and advanced students can take regular courses in Spanish at partner universities.

Students from all tracks also have the opportunity of participating in the Honors Program. The cornerstone of the program is a semester-long research project, which can be completed in Spanish or English. Admission requirements apply.

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