Yale Summer Session in Barcelona: Catalonia in Modern Spain

Description

NOTE: THE CONTRACT FOR THIS PROGRAM IS PENDING ITS FINAL REVIEW AND SIGNATURE BY YALE UNIVERSITY.

SPAN S2195 is a 2-credit, 5-week-long summer course in Barcelona, Spain. This course will advance your understanding of the different cultures within the Iberian Peninsula through the analysis of a wide array of multimodal texts while developing your linguistic and sociocultural competencies. The content will cover current, authentic, relevant, and engaging topics that affect Spain and in particular, the Catalan region. To broaden your understanding of the topics discussed in class, there will be guest speakers, interviews with locals, guided visits, and excursions. We will be reflecting upon the differences and similarities between our cultures and the target cultures under study. Content-based language courses such as this have the potential to increase students’ communicative abilities while enhancing subject- matter expertise, critical thinking, and literacy skills. Class activities and assignments are designed to maximize your lexicon and grammatical learning while learning content. All classes are conducted in Spanish, and you are expected to use Spanish during class and course-related activities and excursions.

Courses & Credits

Participants enroll in SPAN 2195 and receive 2 Yale credits.

Yale Summer Session Programs Abroad are intensive, highly structured academic programs led by Yale instructors. 

Tuition & Fees

SUMMER 2026

*Additional out-of-pocket costs not billed by Yale include: air fare, meals, books, class materials, and transportation to and from the classroom. See YSS Programs Abroad: Costs & Funding for more information about coverage options and answers to general FAQ.

Instructors

Maria-Lourdes Sabé Colom, Senior Lector I of Spanish

Originally from Barcelona, Spain, Lourdes Sabé received her Teaching Degree and B.A. in Social Sciences from the Universitat de Barcelona, her M.A. from Southern Connecticut State University, and a Doctorate in Modern Languages (D.M.L.) from Middlebury College. Her career shows an extensive experience in language instruction and curriculum development.

At Yale, she has taught a range of language courses (L1-L5) and coordinated the Elementary Spanish level for about ten years, as well as serving as the interim coordinator for Intermediate Spanish II. She is a scoring trainer for the College Board Spanish Language and Culture Advanced Placement (AP Test) and a trained examiner in the ACTFL Oral Proficiency Interview (OPI) system. Starting the academic year 2026-2027 Lourdes will coordinate the new Catalan Language Program at Yale.

Her areas of interest include the acquisition of speaking skills through virtual exchange programs and technology, curriculum development, culture integration in language classes, and Catalan studies, among others.

María de la Paz García, Senior Lector II of Spanish

Born and raised in Spain, she earned a Ph.D. in foreign language education at the University of Texas at Austin and an M.A. in Spanish language and literature at the University of Cincinnati. She has taught in several colleges and universities in the Chicago area and has worked at Yale since 2007 teaching elementary and intermediate Spanish. She also participates regularly in the study abroad programs offered by Yale.

Areas of interest: Foreign language teaching methodology, curriculum development, virtual exchange, Spanish for the medical professions, technology, cinema, and the use of children’s literature at the undergraduate level.

Class Times

This course meets three days a week for two and a half hours each day (including breaks). Class days are usually Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 10:30 am to 1:00 pm with a couple of exceptions (see calendar in syllabus).

Class times may be subject to change with notice from the instructors.

Classroom Location

Classes will be held at CET Barcelona, which is located approximately between Plaza de Tetuan and the Arc of Triumph. Although you will not need public transportation to get to class, CET will provide you with a public transportation card for your personal travel needs. The building has 12 classrooms on two floors.

Required Materials

There is no textbook for this class. All materials have been either created or compiled from authentic sources by your instructor. This decision does not only have positive economic advantages but also pedagogical benefits. All materials will be placed on Canvas. Your instructor will provide details on the course dynamics on the first day of class.

Money & Budgeting

Many participants find a combination of credit and debit cards to be the most convenient way of accessing money while abroad. It’s important to have a backup option as well in case of emergency. Spain uses the Euro, and can withdraw cash at ATMs throughout the country, including at the airport.

Participants should also bring a moderate amount (equivalent to $100 or so) of the host country currency in cash when leaving the U.S. to cover initial expenses like bus/taxi fares, snacks, and phone calls for the first couple of days. Please note that participants likely will need more than $100 for out-of-pocket expenses throughout the entire duration of the program.

While it would be much more comfortable to just carry a plastic card, participants should remember that some stores, restaurants, and hotels in other countries do not accept credit cards, especially for small purchases like coffee. Students should try not to use credit or debit cards unless necessary.

Trips and Activities

On every Yale Summer Session Program Abroad, learning extends outside of the classroom. Participants can expect a variety of integrated activities and excursions that enhance the academic goals of the program. Trips and activities listed below are included as examples only and are subject to change. 

All required activities and excursion include transportation (when outside of the host city), entrance fees, and most meals. 

Students on this program will not only visit cultural sites in and around Barcelona. Excursions for this program have not yet been finalized, but sample activities may include:

• Picasso Museum
• Sagrada Familia and Parc Guell
• Montjuic and the National Art Museum of Catalunya
• Day trip to Girona
• A cooking class
• Placa de Catalunya and Las Ramblas
• Gaudi art nouveau buildings on Paseo de Gracia
• Overnight excursion to Madrid

The official excursion list will be finalized in Spring 2026.

Transit Passes

Students will receive a transit pass for Barcelona's public transit system.

Housing

All participants are required to live in program-provided housing while abroad and are not permitted to arrange housing independently. International housing is guaranteed from the first day of the program until the official end date.

Students will live in a single-occupancy student dorm called Beyoo, which is within walking distance from the CET Center and Universitat Pompeu Fabra. The dorm also has laundry facilities, a shared kitchen per floor (10 students per floor), a restaurant, a game room, a study room, a gym, and a small pool. You will meet students from other programs and countries at Beyoo.

Meals

Students will be responsible for all meals except special group dinners or meals during day-long or overnight excursions outside Barcelona. The cafe located at Beyoo has affordable meal plans options, but students are also encouraged to create their own culinary experience of  by combining meals in the city's restaurants with food purchased at local markets and farmer’s markets to prepare in their shared kitchens.

Notes

Climate

Barcelona summers are typically warm to hot and sunny, with average daytime temperatures ranging from the low 80s to high 80s °F (27–31°C). Heatwaves can occasionally push temperatures into the mid-90s °F (35°C), especially in late July and August. The city’s coastal location brings sea breezes that can make the heat more bearable, though humidity can sometimes make it feel warmer. Rain is infrequent during summer, but brief, heavy showers or thunderstorms may occur. Evenings are generally mild and pleasant, making lightweight clothing ideal, though a light jacket or sweater is useful for cooler nights or unexpected rain.

Packing Considerations

1. Pack light: Participants will be able to do laundry and will likely return home with new items from the host country. Be prepared to carry your luggage over cobblestone streets, up several flights of stairs, and on multiple modes of transportation without assistance.

2. Carry-on essentials: Always keep critical items like your passport, medications, and electronics in your carry-on bag.

Clothing

Barcelonians are known for their fashionable yet relaxed Mediterranean style. Participants should bring at least one smart outfit for evening events or special occasions: dress pants and a button-down shirt (a lightweight blazer is optional but recommended) or a stylish skirt and blouse/dress with appropriate shoes.

Shorts are more common in Barcelona than in some other European cities, especially during the summer, but they are still best suited for casual daytime activities or the beach. For a polished look in the city, lightweight trousers, capri pants, or casual skirts are good alternatives.

When visiting churches and religious landmarks, such as the Sagrada Família or Barcelona Cathedral, shoulders and knees must be covered, so plan to bring a light scarf or shawl to cover up if needed.

Comfortable walking shoes are essential, as many streets are paved with stone or tile, and exploring the city often involves walking through hilly neighborhoods like the Gothic Quarter or up to Park Güell. Avoid wearing high heels for everyday sightseeing. A sunhat, sunglasses, and lightweight, breathable fabrics will help you stay cool during Barcelona’s warm, sunny days.

Electricity Adapters

Spain uses Type C and Type F plugs. Most laptops, phones, and larger electronics are dual-voltage and require only a plug adapter. Smaller appliances such as American hair dryers or straighteners may not work properly even with adapters and are best purchased locally if needed.

Social Interactions and Cultural Considerations

In Spain, meals are often social events enjoyed at a leisurely pace. Dinner is typically eaten later than in many countries—often starting around 9 p.m. or later. Wine, cava, and other beverages are generally consumed with food. Drinking alcohol in certain public spaces, such as streets and beaches, is restricted in Barcelona and can result in fines.

Although the summer session’s main goal is to learn Spanish, participants should be aware that other languages are spoken in various regions of Spain. In Barcelona and the surrounding Catalonia region, Catalan is widely spoken alongside Spanish, and you will often see both languages used on street signs, menus, and public notices.

Students should also note that bathing suits are not permitted in restaurants, including those located at or near the beach. Cover-ups, shirts, or dresses are required when dining. Additionally, public restrooms are generally available only to paying customers, so plan accordingly when exploring the city.

Questions

For general program questions, contact studyabroad@yale.edu.

Important Information Before Applying

• All YSS Programs Abroad are intensive, highly structured academic programs for Yale credit and grades.
• Students may only apply to one YSS Program Abroad per summer.
• Admission is not guaranteed. Applicants should anticipate that more students will apply than there are spots available, and Yale College students should apply to a backup Non-Yale Summer Abroad opportunity.
• Ensure that your transcript reflects how you have met the pre-requisite, if applicable, prior to applying.
• Participants must commit to the full program dates. Late arrivals and early departures are not permitted.
• Participants are required to be enrolled in all program courses.
• Participants should expect evening and weekend requirements. Students who have questions about religious observance during a YSS Program Abroad are encouraged to Meet with an Adviser.
• Program-arranged housing is required for all YSS Programs Abroad. Students are not permitted to secure independent housing. Students who have housing-related questions about placements, allergies, religious observance, or disability-related access are encouraged to Meet with an Adviser.

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