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16 WEEKS | 15 CREDITS
Global Politics & Society in Barcelona
Live like a local in the historic yet cosmopolitan city of Barcelona. While exploring politics and global studies at Pompeu Fabra University, gain the skills to navigate your new environment during Spanish language lessons. In addition to exploring the best of Barcelona, experience diverse history and culture with excursions to Granada and Lisbon. The immersive semester will equip you to understand the global politics of today and inspire you to make a positive impact on the world of tomorrow.
UPCOMING TRAVEL DATES
Aug. 29, 2025 – Dec. 15, 2025
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IN COLLABORATION WITH OUR PARTNER IN EDUCATIONAL EXCELLENCE, POMPEU FABRA UNIVERSITY
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Areas of study
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Group excursions
These immersive visits will provide deeper insights into your host country, allow you to explore different regions, and create immersive learning opportunities.
Travel to the south of Spain to experience the unique architecture, history, and culture of Granada. Explore the palace and fortress complex of the Alhambra, a shining example of Islamic architecture, and immersive immerse yourself in the region’s world-renowned culinary culture during a tapas cooking class. With a local professor, learn about Andalusia’s unique role in world history and in modern-day Spain.
Travel to the other side of the Iberian Peninsula on a weekend trip to the bustling city of Lisbon. Wander through the hills and cobblestone streets of the city as you learn about the city’s history and culture, and sample local delicacies at one of Lisbon’s most unique food markets. During a day trip to Sintra, explore the famous cliffside palaces of this fairytale town.
Throughout the semester, connect your curriculum to the world around you alongside industry experts during course-specific field visits, such as visiting the Camp Nou stadium to learn about the culture of soccer within Spain and across the globe.
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EF Coursework
Students will jumpstart their journeys with an immersive Spanish language course at our EF Study Center in the heart of Barcelona. After being placed in the class that aligns with their skill levels, students will dive into coursework alongside learners from around the world and continue honing their language skills both in and out of the classroom.
During this EF-led course, students will examine their place in the world as they explore what matters to them, what they believe in, and what they want to achieve. Through reflection and engagement with their peers and the local community, students will learn to work through differences to address challenges related to the economy, environment, politics, education, technology, and society.
Pompeu Fabra University
Explore the major socio-political developments that have shaped modern Spain from the 1970s to today. By the end of this course, students will understand the trajectory of the Spanish political system and how it relates to broader contexts in the European Union and across the globe.
We live in a new era characterized by globalization and the digital revolution, and by the emergence of new planetary challenges and threats that require global, collective, and effective solutions. Study how global institutions, as well as nation states, cities and other actors, can face these challenges and explore the new ways in which collective intelligence, crowdsourcing methods, and public involvement in decision- making can enhance the quality of their responses.
Explore the processes of interaction and exchange from 1500 to today that have brought us to today’s globalized world. Gain a new range of transdisciplinary analytical and research skills in international relations, cultural anthropology, and historical geography that allow for a deep understanding of today’s global society.
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What’s included
Tuition for this 16-week program is $19,750 and payment plans are available. Your program tuition includes:
“Barcelona breathes culture with tons of activities all year round... It’s the perfect mix of vibrant, European big-city life and warm, slow-paced Mediterranean vibes.”
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Diana C.
EF Operations Specialist
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Students interested in embarking on an EF Foundation Program must be at least 18 years old, hold a U.S. passport, maintain a 2.5 GPA minimum, and be a high school graduate by departure day in order to apply.
Fall 2025: August 25 – December 15
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