Barcelona Program

Knox College, in cooperation with the University of Barcelona offers a full year of accredited academic study in the humanities and social sciences. In 1969, Knox chose the University of Barcelona as the site for this program in Spain because of the excellence of its academic programs and the small number of Americans studying there. The program office is located in the downtown campus of the university (Patio de Letras), just a few blocs from the famous Ramblas and the centrally located Plaza de Catalunya, and a short walk from the Gothic Quarter.

Calendar:
Full year: Mid September - June 1
Fall term: Mid September - Late November
Winter term: First week in January - Mid March
Spring term: Mid March - June 1

Course of Study:
A student's course of study is determined according to current program offerings and the student's individual needs. All courses are taught in Spanish by University of Barcelona professors, in such fields as humanities and social sciences. All assignments and examinations are prepared and graded by them. Students enroll in a variety of courses, the majority chosen from those offered by the program. Additional courses are selected from regular university offerings.
Example of classes available to program participants:
- Advances Syntax and Composition
- Spanish Art I, II, III
- History of Spain I, II
- Contemporary Spain-language and Culture
- International Relations
- Comparative European Governments
- Golden Age Drama
- Don Quixote
- Generation of 1981 Contemporary Spanish Novel

Educational Trips:
Students take several one-day trips to places such as Montserrat, Ampurioas, Tossa de Mar, Poblet, and Besalu. In early December, students take a two-week bus trip through southern Spain, stopping at Grenada, Silerile, Cordova, Toledo, Madrid.

Arrival and Orientation:
Upon arrival in Barcelona the whole group stays at a hotel in the old Gothic Quarter for a three to four day orientation period. This includes informational meetings with the resident director about academic and practical matters, a panoramic bus tour of the city, a walking tour of Barrio Gotico and visits to the University and the bank. Students have the opportunity to learn a bit about their new city, the University, and the professors. At the end of the orientation, students meet and join their host families.

Housing Arrangements:
Our long experience in Spain has taught us that living with a Spanish family is the best housing arrangement for our students, and this is one of the cornerstones of the program. This gives students the opportunity to integrate into Spanish culture and society, learn the language and history in an informed setting. The families have been carefully chosen. Many of them have been with us for many years, while others are more recent additions. But all have had experience hosting American students. Almost invariably, the relationship that students develop with these families is a close one and becomes one of the most valuable and cherished experiences of the year. Many students have established long lasting relationships with their host families and continue to maintain contact decades later.

Spanish