A Summer Intensive in Barcelona
On this four-week intensive summer program, you’ll accelerate your Spanish language skills while living and studying in one of Europe’s most dynamic Mediterranean cities. With 24 hours of instruction per week, 20 hours of core Spanish language classes and 4 hours of intensive academic writing, this program is designed for students who want rapid linguistic progress combined with strong academic development.
Barcelona becomes your classroom as you strengthen your fluency, refine your grammar, and build the academic writing skills needed for university-level work in Spanish.
Your classes take place at the centrally located Expanish Study Center, where you’ll learn alongside other international students in a welcoming and supportive environment. Modern classrooms, dedicated student support, and a diverse global community create the perfect setting for language learning.
Learning extends into the city itself. Through guided cultural activities, neighborhood exploration, and informal language practice, you’ll apply what you learn in real-life contexts, ordering at local cafés, navigating public transportation, engaging with residents, and exploring historic districts.
This program is designed for students who want to make meaningful progress in Spanish in a short period of time. Courses emphasize practical communication, helping you develop the skills needed to navigate everyday situations and connect with locals.
Through intensive coursework, cultural immersion, and daily practice, you’ll strengthen your Spanish while gaining a deeper understanding of Spanish culture. By the end of the program, you’ll return home with improved fluency, greater cultural confidence, and unforgettable memories of your summer in Barcelona.
Summer Academics at a Glance
Courses are delivered at the Expanish Study Center in Barcelona, combining communicative language instruction with focused academic writing training.
Class Breakdown
During the program, you will enroll in one Intensive Spanish Language course at the Expanish Study Center. Classes take place Monday through Friday and include 24 contact hours per week.
Course Components
20 hours of General Spanish Focus on grammar, conversation, listening, reading, and practical communication skills to help you confidently use Spanish in real-life situations.
4 hours of Intensive Academic Writing Develop the skills needed for university-level writing in Spanish, including essay structure, argument development, formal language, research-based writing, and grammatical accuracy.
Why This Course Matters
This program is ideal for students who want to go beyond conversational Spanish and strengthen their academic language skills. Through the academic writing component, you will learn how to:
Write clear, structured academic essays in Spanish
Develop strong thesis statements and arguments
Use formal vocabulary and advanced grammar accurately
Prepare for upper-level university coursework in Spanish
Eligibility:
2.5 minimum GPA
Current College Student
18 years old at time of program start
Visa Requirements:
No, this program does not require a student visa
U.S Transcripts
Westminster University is our U.S school of record, that ensures easy transfer credit for students.
Students will receive a transcript issued through Westminster University and must request and pay for the transcript directly through Westminster.
A Spanish Summer in our Barcelona School
Located in the heart of Barcelona, the Expanish Study Center provides modern facilities, passionate instructors, and a strong support network. As a student, you’ll join a diverse international community, balancing academic excellence with meaningful cultural exchange.
Where You'll Stay in Barcelona
Hear From Our Students in Barcelona
Studying abroad in Barcelona is genuinely the best decision I have ever made in my life, & I don't think anything will ever top this experience. Expanish provided everything, from housing to day trips & even introduced me to my closest friends. From cooking family dinners in our residence hall to taking a 34-person program trip to Morocco, every moment in Barcelona made every anxious though worth it :') I couldn't imagine going abroad & choosing any other program. One of my biggest fears was struggling to make friends in my classes, but our program placed us together & basically forced us to bond, & it ended up being the best part of studying abroad. I love every single person I've met here & I can't believe that I have to leave it all behind in 3 weeks.The worst part of studying abroad genuinely is having to leave. If you're debating going abroad, do it. Please.
This was the best time of my life. Expanish was so helpful and the staff is great. The experience was incredible and I love Barcelona. Additionally going off of that, the teaching was good and very different than in the United States of America. It is different because we do a lot of presentations which we don’t do in the United States. I have definitely become a better public speaker.
I really enjoyed the student activities, especially climbing Montjuïc. There were a lot of stairs but the view was definitely worth it and it was a lot of fun. I liked the museums too, it's always fun to see the history of every place and where the culture comes from.
Had an incredible time! The students, the teachers and the classrooms are awesome. No notes. The course instruction was fun and based in real life situations, not just grammar or tenses. Wish I could have stayed longer!
All the teachers are so accommodating and awesome. This was the best time of my life! Wouldn't trade it for the world!
Meet our Barcelona Staff
Agustín Izquierdo
Student Services - Housing Coordinator
Agustín Izquierdo
Student Services - Housing Coordinator
Frequently Asked Questions About A Summer Spanish Program in Barcelona
How quickly can I improve my Spanish during a summer program in Barcelona?
Is Barcelona a good place to learn Spanish in the summer?
Do I need prior Spanish experience to join?
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Why choose a summer Spanish program instead of a semester?
Read From Our Blog
10 Reasons to Fall In Love with Barcelona
Contemplating studying in Barcelona? This vibrant Mediterranean city offers an unparalleled experience. It's a chance to immerse yourself in Spanish, connect with people globally, and uncover the city's top ten delights.
Is it Easy to Improve Your Spanish in Barcelona?
With its iconic architecture, vibrant arts and culture, world-class cuisine and Mediterranean lifestyle, Barcelona ticks all the boxes when it comes to an immersive Spanish experience.
Areeza: Studying In Barcelona Changed My Life
Areeza Kabani, a student at University of California Irvine, recently completed a UCEAP Business in Barcelona study abroad program with Expanish. In this candid reflection for Expanish she describes how the experience - the good, the bad and everything in between - has changed her for the better.
Plan Your Study Abroad
How to Apply: Summer Spanish in Barcelona
Apply online, send your transcript, and receive your acceptance letter. Here's how to secure your spot in the Summer Spanish Program in Barcelona, step by step. Once you're accepted, you'll complete your forms and get ready to travel.
Visa Guide: Summer Spanish in Barcelona
U.S. citizens don't need a student visa for summer programs in Spain. Check the passport rules and what applies to other nationalities. Our step-by-step guides for Spain, Argentina, and Costa Rica cover every case.
Summer Spanish Housing in Barcelona
Live with a local host family, in a student residence, or in a shared apartment during your Summer Spanish Program in Barcelona. Every option is vetted for quality and safety, dietary needs are covered, and you can pick the setting that best fits how you want to live and practice Spanish.
First Day: Summer Spanish in Barcelona
Know your start date and book the right flight, then get picked up at the airport and taken to your housing in Barcelona. After check-in you'll have time to settle in before the evening orientation, where you'll learn what to bring on day one.
