Barcelona Maymester

Business in Barcelona

 

May 8 - May 30, 2024
3 weeks, 3 credits
Application Deadline has PASSED: January 24, 2024
Application closed

Soak in the culture of Barcelona!

Beautiful Barcelona – the capital of Spain’s Catalonian region, and a renowned business hub. Students on this program will have the opportunity to engage with their professor and peers in the classroom and throughout the city. Students can expect company site visits and cultural activities to learn about the business environment of Barcelona and history of Catalonia.

Students and faculty are hosted by AIFS Barcelona and will take classes at their center and be supported by their local staff.

Field trips and site visits:

Field trips and site visits have not been finalized for 2024, but possible opportunities may included:

  • The famous cathedral – La Sagrada Familia
  • Parc Güell – a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its iconic mosaic-covered structures
  • Day trip to Monserrat and Sitges 
  • Group cooking class

Expectations:

Students should come prepared for an intense and enriching experience! This program offers the opportunity for students in business and related fields to learn about the political economy of Spain. 

Eligibilty:

  • 18 years of age or above
  • Good academic and disciplinary standing at Penn State
  • 3.0 GPA or better at the time of the application
  • Second Semester Sophomore standing or above at the time of the program
  • Prerequisites: ECON 102 or ECON 104 is recommended
  • Applicants should have an interest in business

 

GET TO KNOW YOUR CITY

Why Study in Barcelona?

Catalan’s Cultural Identity

Throughout history, Catalonia has faced challenges and periods of political and cultural suppression. Despite this, Catalans have shown resilience in preserving their language, traditions, and customs. Their strong regional identity and cultural roots can be seen in their vibrant festivals, art, cuisine, and other means of expression. 

Strategic Business Location

Situated in the northeastern coast of Spain, Barcelona serves as a gateway to Europe and provides easy access to other major economic hubs. Barcelona’s location on the Mediterranean offers a unique opportunity to study sectors in tourism, hospitality, logistics, and international trade. 

Language Learning

Both Spanish and Catalan are spoken in Barcelona, providing an excellent opportunity for students to practice their language skills. Students interested in further developing their Spanish language learning may choose a homestay experience for a more immersive experience!

the study in study abroad

Program Overview & Academics

All students will be enrolled in the following course for a total of 3 credits:

IB 399 Barcelona and Modernity: The Evolving Political Economy of Spain

| 3 credits | This course can satisfy GS, IL, Inter-Domain or general elective credit for Smeal majors.

Taught by Professor Brian Davis, Finance Department

Drawn by sun, sand, and sangria, Spain is visited by millions of English-speaking tourists every year.  Yet the modern country is oddly little-known. During the 20th century, Spain was marked by a violent civil war and a long period of dictatorship, before entering into a period of rapid modernization – both economic and cultural – during the 1980s and 1990s. Over the past 40 years, the country and society has changed with extraordinary speed, becoming a modern western European democracy with a tolerant, progressive society. This tolerance and the country’s political system has been tested over the past decade in several ways, including a severe economic slump from 2008 to 2013 and by the rise of separatism in the Catalonia region where Barcelona serves as its capital.

This three-week course is designed for students from all academic backgrounds who are interested in exploring the unique economic, political, and cultural forces that helped to shape modern Spain. Using history as a backdrop, the course emphasizes the political and economic evolution of Spain and the rise of Barcelona as one of the most vibrant cities in Europe.  Special reference will be made to the economic development of the Spanish regions, and how Spain has been integrated into the commercial dynamics of the European Union. Through classroom discussions, readings, films and visits to local Spanish companies, students will come away with a better understanding of modern Spanish society and the role that history, culture and politics can play in business.


faculty

Meet Your Professor

Dr. Brian S. Davis

Clinical Associate Professor of Finance

Dr. Davis has been a member of the Smeal faculty for over 15 years and currently serves as the Department’s Schreyer Honors College Coordinator and Thesis Advisor.  Primarily teaching the Department’s Financial Markets and Institutions Courses, Davis’ research interests include International Financial Services Regulation, Oil Markets, Welfare Reform and Public Finance.  Prior to joining academia, Davis developed a professional career in Management Consulting and also worked as an Economic Consultant to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Education

Ph D, Public Policy and Administration (Organizational Theory and Behavior), State University of New York at Albany, 2006

MA, Economics (Public Finance, Monetary Economics), George Mason University, 1996

BA, Economics (Monetary Economics, Labor Economics, International Economics), Colgate University, 1990

earn 3 credits towards the

International Business Minor

The International Business Minor is an academic credential for Smeal College of Business students to demonstrate their education in international business at Penn State and globally.

logistics

Housing, Travel & Meals

Students will be supported during the program by AIFS Abroad.  

 

Where You’ll Stay

Homestays: Students may choose to stay with a host family for an immersive cultural experience. This is the most economical option as it includes breakfast and evening meals with the homestay family, 7 days a week. Typically, twin-bedded rooms with shared living space and a weekly load of laundry. Linens, weekly cleaning and wifi access are included. 

Apartments: For a supplemental fee of $525, students may select a twin-bedded room in an apartment, instead of a homestay. Between four and six students will share an equipped kitchen, bathroom(s) and living areas. Linens and wifi are included. No meals are provided with this option.

Independent housing is NOT permitted on this program.

Getting Around

Airport Transportation: Group transfer to/from the airport upon program arrival/departure to student housing.

Travel pass: Students will be provided with a TMB T-Usual for unlimited travel on the metro, buses, trams, and regional trains in the central zone of Barcelona for the duration of the program.

Good Eats

Barcelona offers many food options, from traditional Catalan cuisine to international flavors, students will have access to fresh seafood, local produce, and artisanal products. The tapas scene in Barcelona is legendary, with many restaurants serving up small plates like patatas bravas, jamón ibérico, and grilled octopus. 

Students living in homestays will have 2 meals per day provided. Students living in apartments will be responsible for providing all their meals.

Welcome and farewell group meals are included.

what’s it like?

Summer 2023

Meet Emilyanne!

Major: Marketing

Emilyanne participated on the Barcelona Maymester program (Summer 2023) and learned about intercultural communication. Her favorite site visit was to a Spanish brewing company, Estrella Damm, and she chose to live with a host family for a more immersive experience!

Emilyanne is a Smeal Global Rep, which means that she has returned from abroad and is excited to share her experiences with students exploring the program. Feel free to reach out to Emilyanne to ask questions about what it’s like! 

Email: ejg5655@psu.edu 

Budget

Cost & Scholarships

There are many ways to reduce the cost of study abroad. One key strategy is to plan ahead and select a program that makes the best use of credits towards graduation requirements. Smeal International Program Advisers are available to meet with students to help them select the best program to meet their academic goals.

Click here to view the Budget Sheet for this particular program:

Smeal Summer Study Abroad and International Internship Scholarship

Smeal students are encouraged to apply! One easy application to be considered for various financial awards.

***Scholarships are need-based and require that a FAFSA has been filed to be considered.***

Most PSU scholarship awards are made after the program application is due (January 24) but before the deadline to commit to the program (February 7).

 

Penn State Global Programs Scholarships
The Education Abroad Office awards a number of grants and scholarships to students who participate in an education abroad program through Global Programs. The application for the scholarships awarded through the Education Abroad Office is included with your program application. Eligibility is based on academic merit and/or financial need. You must have a current FAFSA on file to be awarded. There are additional scholarship opportunities through our partner universities, Penn State Academic Departments, and other sources. To view a full list of scholarships, eligibility requirements, and deadlines visit Funding Study Abroad.
Penn State Office of Student Aid
Penn State students who plan to study on a Penn State approved program can use most forms of financial aid towards the cost of the program. Exceptions include work-study awards and some athletic scholarships. If you have specific questions regarding your aid awards, contact the Penn State Office of Student Aid.
Have a Question?

Meet with an Adviser!

 

Make an appointment with a Smeal International Programs Adviser to learn more about study abroad programs, discuss academic fit, and how to apply! We offer in person advising in the Business Building (Suite 484) or virtual advising through Zoom.

 

(814) 865-4264
smeal-international@psu.edu
University Park, Business Building, Suite 484