Dates
June 30 - July 26, 2012
*Paris Extension, July 26-29
Program Fee
$7,895 + airfare
Housing
Residential
Grades
Completing grades 9 - 12

The academic curriculum is designed specifically for Summerfuel Barcelona students and all classes are taught by faculty from Barcelona’s most prestigious university, the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB). Students take 3 hours of Spanish every morning and are placed into different levels by ability. Students should have completed at least one year of high school Spanish or equivalent. As a special guest of the UAB you will have full access to the latest in language learning resources. All students receive both a Summerfuel transcript, as well as a UAB certificate. All classes are for college credit.

Spanish classes are supplemented by afternoon cultural electives that meet 3 afternoons a week and are designed to give a deeper insight into Spanish history and culture. Where possible, electives involve on-site visits and tours.

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Discover

Adventures in Barcelona
Every day we’ll offer options from our jam-packed activities calendar, designed by a lifelong resident of the city. From Europe’s largest soccer stadium to the Picasso Museum, Barcelona has more than enough to keep even the most ambitious students busy. The evening activity program will introduce students to different aspects of Spanish culture, including food, film, music, theater and politics.

Exploring Spain
We offer more excursions than any other academic program in Spain, so students can fully experience Spain. You will visit the historic sites of Montserrat, Figueres, and Girona, the beaches of Sitges, Sant Feliu de Guíxols, Rosas, and Tossa del Mar, and the Port Aventura Theme Park.

Learn

Spanish Language Study
Perfect your Spanish language skills under the guidance of professors from the Autonomous University of Barcelona in a dynamic learning environment. Enhance your knowledge of grammar, syntax and vocabulary, and improve your listening and speaking skills! Then practice what you learned in the city, and earn 3 college credits!

Cultural Electives
Dive into Spanish culture with one of our seven afternoon elective courses! Whether you’re a film buff, fashion fanatic, literature lover, art enthusiast or international relations wonk, we have something for you. And the courses are designed to make the most of our most valuable resource—the city of Barcelona!

Alumni
Hear from our alumni

Our greatest endorsement comes from our alumni. They form a large network of students and families that overwhelmingly agree that their summer with us was their "best summer ever." See what our alumni have to say about their summer on our Alumni Testimonials page.

Morning Courses
  • Spanish Language Study

    The Spanish language course met five days a week for 3 hours and consisted of 63 hours of class work combining all aspects of grammar as well as reading and oral comprehension. The classes were divided into four different levels determined by the results of a placement test provided by the Universidad Autonoma de Barcelona (UAB). Students also participated in project based work and completed a short film, magazine or journal. Classes were taught by UAB faculty and students received a certificate of participation and college credit upon succesfully completing the course.

Afternoon Courses
  • Fashion Design

    In this course, students will learn the essentials of sketching, figure drawing, conceiving a collection and assembling a fashion portfolio. Students will also have the opportunity to attend guided visits of notable fashion houses, and to learn about the business side of the fashion industry from a local professional working in the field.

  • International Business

    How do large international corporations such as GE and Google make business decisions? This course looks at differences in consumer taste, competition in the digital age and the changing face of business in a globalized world. You will learn and critique basic theories of international business with a focus on successful Spanish corporations such as Banco Santander, Zara and Iberdrola.

  • Spanish Cinema

    Spain has a rich, well-respected film tradition, which receives much critical acclaim. Spanish cinema provides a fascinating and lively insight into Spanish culture and life. In this class you will have the opportunity to view and analyse works by acclaimed directors such as Almodovar, Saura and Amenabar.

  • International Relations

    In this course, students will study current events relating to issues like war and terrorism, diplomacy, the economy and climate change, with a particular emphasis on positions taken by the European Union and Spain. Readings and lectures will be complimented with debates and student presentations to help students better grasp the intricacies of international affairs and politics.

  • Drawing & Painting

    Designed for students of every level, this course focuses on the essential techniques of sketching and painting. Students will strive to master the art of figure drawing, still life, portraits and abstractions, and will have the opportunity to create their own portrayals of the stunning natural landscape and innovative architecture of Barcelona.

  • 20th Century Spanish Art History & Architecture

    Through a combination of discussion and field-based work and visits, this course will introduce students to three of Spain's most significant and influential artists, Picasso, Miro and Dali, as well as the renowned architect Antoni Gaudi. Their philosophy and unique vision changed 20th century art history and architecture and continues to influence generations of artists today.

  • Digital Photography

    Pursue your passion for photography and improve your skills in this course designed for intermediate and advanced students. Master the fundamentals of composition and explore your own style taking pictures around Barcelona.