Excurions & Activities

Excursions and activities outside of the classroom provide you with an opportunity to experience diverse aspects of the local society and culture, and to develop an appreciation for your host culture in ways otherwise difficult to obtain.

The CASA Barcelona program and its activities are thoughtfully curated by program staff and have been adapted through recommendations and suggestions of previous student participants. Some excursions and activities are required, while others are optional and may be offered on a first-come, first-served basis. You will receive an activities calendar in advance of the program start date, and should avoid making personal travel arrangements that coincide with required program excursions and activities.

Orientation

Prior to arriving in Barcelona, CASA staff will conduct a virtual pre-departure orientation where you’ll meet the semester’s cohort and learn important details regarding the program. This will also provide an opportunity for you to ask any last minute questions before arriving in Spain.

Once in Barcelona, a comprehensive, mandatory orientation program is delivered upon arrival and during the first weeks of the semester, to help you get acclimated to the local host culture. Required orientation activities may include walking tours of historic and contemporary neighborhoods of the city, as well as of the local universities; navigating the public transportation system; learning important health, safety, and emergency information; as well as other important details around academic culture and preparing for daily life in Barcelona.

Cultural Activities and Excursions

Cultural activities are an integral part of any study abroad experience, as they allow you to engage with the local community, while deepening your understanding of local society and culture. Active student participation is expected in all program activities as they are considered a critical part of the overall learning experience.

Examples of topics and destinations include:

• Roman Tarragona and medieval Girona
• Cooking class and tapas night
• Dalí Museum and modern art on the Costa Brava

A series of mandatory activities and excursions that take place throughout the semester are integrated into the CASA Barcelona Pro-seminar course. These activities offer students the opportunity to expand their cultural knowledge through collaboration with professors and other specialists. Relevant aspects of Catalan and Spanish culture and history are analyzed and discussed, providing you with an in-depth knowledge that goes beyond the classroom.