Pre-College Enrichment Barcelona 21 Days
Courses Offered In:
There is no better city in Spain for teenagers to spend a summer studying abroad than Barcelona! This summer program for high school students offers the rare combination of academic enrichment, cultural immersion, and college preparation, all while living in a Mediterranean beach town. Attend engaging summer courses for teens at internationally renowned schools while living in the heart of the city. Get a true taste of the college experience on this summer program in Spain, which offers a unique balance of independence and structure for high school students. College is a time of growth and personal choice; why not get a head start? You’ll leave after three weeks with a greater sense of independence and feeling better prepared for college, all while making great friends along the way – the perfect summer!
This 21-day version of this program includes day and weekend excursions. The 28-day version adds a grand finale week touring Costa Blanca, Granada and Madrid.
Experience college life with the balance of engaging courses, group excursions, and free time.
Receive a letter certifying the completion of your course. Letters of recommendation are also available.
All classes are private to Westcoast Connection students only.
Courses taught by experienced university-level faculty, instructors, and local professionals.
Upscale, centrally located residence.
Complimentary membership to world-class fitness club and indoor pool.
Includes breakfast and dinner daily. Enjoy a variety of options at the dining hall and local restaurants.
Exciting day and weekend excursions are included.
Public transportation and occasional private motor coach.
We can accommodate most dietary preferences and allergies.
Community Service at the Martí-Codolar Youth Center
For more than fifty years, Barcelona’s Martí- Codolar Youth Center has been providing disadvantaged children, young people and families a place to participate in educational and recreational programs after school and during the summer. You can make a real difference by facilitating programs, games, computer education and English classes for these children. Westcoast Connection is a Certifying Organization for the President’s Volunteer Service Award.
21-day and 28-day program: a certificate for 22 hours of community service will be provided. 14-day program: a certificate for 16 hours of community service will be provided.
Psychology of Human Behavior: Barcelona
This course introduces basic concepts in psychology including behavioral, cognitive and clinical psychology. Through the use of discussion, film and in-class activities, explore topics such as how to improve emotional intelligence, limitations in perception, cognitive distortions and how to improve memory. Other topics included are mental illness, stereotyping and prejudice.
Cooking: The Food and Culture of Spain
Expert chefs at the Barcelona Cooking School teach you kitchen skills and develop your understanding of Spanish culture as shaped by culinary traditions. In each class, learn about a different region and how to prepare signature dishes, such as Valencian paella and tapas from Catalonia. The contemporary kitchen is located on Barcelona’s famous Las Ramblas, steps from Boqueria Market, one of the most famous food markets in the world.
* A supplementary fee of $220 applies.
Digital Photography Journal: Barcelona
Capture the city of Barcelona from behind the lens. Learn to frame, light and compose photos in the inspiring surroundings of art, architecture and Spanish culture. The backdrop of Barcelona and all that you will learn culminates in your creation of a portfolio of your work.
*A DSLR or bridge camera with manual functions having at least a 12.0 megapixel sensor is required.
Spanish Language Immersion
The city of Barcelona becomes your classroom while immersing yourself in “out-of-the-class” language activities (rather than formal classes) under the guidance of a Spanish teacher. Participate in real life Spanish interactions such as bargaining at a local market, interviewing local community leaders and other fun, learning activities.
* Open to students with at least two years of previous Spanish study.
Spanish Language
While attention is given to grammar, vocabulary, reading and writing, the main emphasis and goal is enhancing your verbal skills. We don’t just want you to know Spanish, we want you to be able to use it.
*Open to students of all levels of Spanish, from beginner to advanced.
Independent Workout: Barcelona
Enjoy access to the Canricart Fitness Center. Plan a workout regimen including weight training and cardio to help meet your fitness goals.
Online Marketing with Digital Apps
Videos are no longer just entertainment, they are rapidly overtaking traditional marketing techniques. “If a picture is worth a thousand words, then a video has to be worth at least 1.8 million words.” (Forrester Research). This course gives you the key tools to plan and produce your own promotional video using the latest digital apps. You also learn how to promote your video via social media channels.
Entrepreneurship & New Venture Creation
The aim of this course is to engage students in the experience of entrepreneurial management for early-stage new ventures. In this class, students will learn and practice contemporary methods to identify and evaluate new business opportunities and to execute them into viable businesses. Students will progress through different methods for developing business ideas, the processes of starting a business, the acquisition of resources, and the key components of a business plan. Emphasis is placed on projects and activity-based learning.
Leadership and Negotiation Skills
Great leaders are great negotiators. As the world becomes a more uncertain environment, the requirement for developing leadership as a skill instead of as a role is at a premium. This subject will benefit those who desire to develop their self-awareness as they learn about inspirational leadership and negotiation techniques to maximize their effectiveness and contribution to the world and to their own lives.
International Business in a Globalized World
Although international business has been important for decades, its impact on our lives has been more visible in recent years. I am presently typing this syllabus in a computer manufactured by an American corporation (H-P), many of whose components are produced in Taiwan or mainland China. The computer was assembled in the Czech Republic and purchased from the Spanish HP subsidiary in an Internet Auction conducted by an American firm. A few minutes ago, a courier delivered me the latest International Business book I ordered a week ago from a UK Internet-bookstore. In order to understand the complexities of modern international business we shall start the course focusing on the economic foundations of international business. Next, we will consider the main forces that shape business across countries: political, economic, cultural and legal forces. The last part of the course will analyze the internal aspects of a firm oriented towards international business.
Las Ramblas
Feel the energy of a Las Ramblas, a very busy, extremely lively street that runs from Plaza Cataluña, a giant square not unlike Trafalgar, Piccadilly or Champs-Élysées, to the statue of Christopher Columbus along the waterfront. On both sides of the street are the older sections of Barcelona, where a lot of the history and traditional culture exist.
Casa Milà (La Pedrera)
Constructed by Antoni Gaudí, this renowned building is known for its uniqueness and artistic creativity. In 1984, it was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Guided Bike Tour
The absolute best way for our students to explore and experience the incredible architecture and fascinating history of Barcelona is on a bike. The tour includes many of the most popular tourist attractions and provides an ideal orientation and overview of Barcelona.
Tapas Tasting
Enjoy a mouthwatering evening in the Gothic Quarter tasting different tapas and choosing your favorite!
Plaza Cataluña
This animated square is considered the most central area of Barcelona and is steps away from large shopping centers and department stores. Plaza Cataluña is also home to a variety of interesting sculptures and decorative arts, such as the iconic mosaics that decorate the walls of the underground part of Plaza Cataluña. The square is huge at 32,291 square feet and you will be sure to catch a glimpse of regular festive activities.
Gothic Quarter
This charming Barcelona district is renowned for its narrow, Medieval streets and classic Catalonian restaurants. Near this area, you will be able to see the remains of the Roman temple of Augustus. The original center of Roman and Medieval Barcelona still is an inherent aspect of modern Barcelona life. Picasso actually lived and worked in Barrio Gótico from 1895 to 1904!
Park Güell
Park Güell’s construction began in 1900 when Eusebi Güell gave Gaudí the assignment of drawing up plans for developing an estate for well-off families on a large property with unbeatable views of the Mediterranean Sea and Barcelona’s city. The complex condition for the sale of the plots made it unlivable, which eventually instigated its state as a public park. It was recognized as an artistic monument in 1969 and was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984. It now stands as a tribute to Catalonian modernism and innovation.
Gaudí’s Casa Batlló
Casa Batlló is one of the two iconic buildings designed by Gaudí on Passeig de Gràcia, the other being La Pedrera. Take note that the façade of the building was originally designed to look as though it had been made of skulls and bones. However, the skulls and bones components culminate into uniquely constructed balconies and supporting pillars. The colors of the building were inspired by the colors found in natural coral.
Plaza Real
Plaza Real is one of Barcelona’s most famous squares, as it is situated off of the iconic Las Ramblas. It is a beautifully designed square in Barri Gòtic and is home to some of Gaudí’s earliest works. Can you find the hidden secret of Plaza Real – a set of lamps that he designed for the Barcelona Council? Each lamp has a plaque with his name on it and is a little-known treasure of the area.
Sagrada Familia
Over 130 years after construction began on the Sagrada Familia Basilica, it has reached its final stage of construction. La Sagrada Familia is one of Gaudí’s most well-known masterpieces. He played a pivotal role in its construction until his death in 1962 and did his best to leave a lasting imprint of his concepts into the modern-day. La Sagrada Familia is an important icon to Barcelona’s skyline and artistic culture.
Barceloneta Beach
Barceloneta Beach is easily the most distinguishable and notable beach in the city. Many people think that it was the setting that inspired Miguel de Cervantes in writing the fight scene between Don Quixote and the Knight of the White Moon. See glamorous yachts filling the Port Olímpic complex and walk along the long palm-lined promenade.
La Boqueria Market
La Boqueria Market features the best products of Catalonia, such as fruit, vegetables, seafood and tapas, all in one place! The history of this market dates back long before 1217, when locals were already taking advantage of selling food items. Today, the market is home to over 200 stalls that sell all kinds of food items and flowers.
Barcelona Cooking School
The very best of Catalonian and Spanish cuisine come together in this hands-on cooking class. Classes are taught by professionally trained and bilingual Spanish chefs. In working with the freshest ingredients from local markets and farms, this is guaranteed to be a delectable program highlight.
The Magic Fountain of Montjuïc
The Montjuïc fountain celebrated its first performance in 1929 during the Great Universal Exhibition. Designed by Carles Buigas, over 3,000 workers helped to construct this magnificent fountain in one year. Enjoy a breathtaking display of lights, color, motion, music and water acrobatics, making it a must-see attraction in Barcelona.
Picasso Museum
Located in the heart of the Gothic Quarter, this museum is set in five contiguous medieval stone mansions with beautiful courtyards. The collection includes more than 3500 artworks from Picasso’s formative years and later periods to give a sense of his career trajectory.
Palau de la Música
Visit this spectacular concert hall that is designed in the Catalan modernista style by the architect Lluís Domènech i Montaner. It was built between 1905 and 1908 for the Orfeó Català, a choral society founded in 1891 that was a leading force in the Catalan cultural movement that came to be known as the Renaixença (Catalan Rebirth).
FC Barcelona Camp Nou Stadium Tour*
Camp Nou is the largest stadium in Spain and home to the world famous FC Barcelona soccer team.
*Pending renovation schedule
**Included but optional
Museum of Contemporary Art (MACBA)*
See for yourself what one of the world's cutting-edge art scene's has in store at MACBA. Decipher the meaning of famous Catalonian contemporary artworks by Basquiat, Miró and more!
*Included but optional
Flamenco Workshop
Enjoy and learn with a professional “Bailaoras” with extensive experience. Learn the basic steps of flamenco dance, its rhythm with palms and feet, the elegant movement of the arms coordinated with the zapateado, concluding with a small choreography so that you can enjoy what you have learned with your friends.
Aerial Cable Car from Port Veil to Montjuic
Enjoy panoramic views of the sea and city as you ascend to Montjuic, a prominent hill overlooking Barcelona harbor.
Bogatell Beach
It is located in the district of Sant Martí and is 700 meters long. The tranquil beach vibe makes it a great place to chill.
Montserrat
Take a funicular ride to the top of this beautiful mountain retreat for breathtaking views of the Pyrenees mountain range and coastal islands. Visit the famous monastery and enjoy a beautiful hike and relaxing picnic.
Figueres
Be intrigued by the unique and quirky works of the Salvador DalÍ Museum. This is not just a museum, it’s an experience. The building itself is a work of art – you have to see it to believe it!
Girona
Explore the labyrinth of cobblestone streets in the old quarter of this Medieval city.
Sitges Beach
Explore summer in style at this incredible beach town.
Choose one morning course and enjoy afternoon highlights.
Resa Felipe Monlau Residence
Come live and study in Barcelona at our fantastic residence located in the highly desirable Raval neighborhood, in the historic center of Barcelona. The Resa Pere Felip Monlau Residence features single rooms each with their own bathroom and Wi-Fi. The residence provides 24-hour security, gym, a game room, study and computer rooms, and more!
Stay Active: Gym & Indoor Pool
You'll receive a membership to this impressive, modern facility around the corner from our residence. The Canricart has it all: weightlifting, spinning, pilates, cardio, water activities, or any of the 50 classes offered. You can swim in 8 different lanes in the indoor pool and relax at the thermal zone with different showers, including a sauna and a hydromassage area.
Prestigious Academic Partners
We have partnered with some of the finest institutions in Barcelona to bring you the best selection of engaging courses possible. Our university-level courses are taught at Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB) and the EU Business School, which feature state of the art teaching facilities. Cooking is taught at Barcelona Cooking, a cutting edge culinary school just steps from the Boqueria Market. Digital Photography Journal is instructed by the Institut d'Estudis Fotogràfics de Catalunya (IEFC).
Positive Social Experience
This program is designed to give you a taste of the excitement and independence you will experience in college. Just like in college, you will be part of a large group of students, live in a residence, and have your choice of classes. And like in college, you will enjoy a warm, family environment within your residence where you enjoy many opportunities to socialize with other students.
Organized Sports
Our Sports Coordinator organizes games of basketball, volleyball, indoor soccer and more.
Flight to Barcelona, Spain
Participants on this program have the option to fly overseas on our chaperoned flight that leaves in the evening from the New York area to Barcelona. Our staff will be with you from the time you check in onward. For the many travelers from outside the New York area, you can choose to join the chaperoned flight and we are happy to assist you with arranging connecting flights at suitable times into New York; or if you prefer, you may meet us in Barcelona and we will help you coordinate your flight and times and greet you after you proceed through immigration and customs.
Return Flight Home from Barcelona, Spain
For the 21-day program return flight from Barcelona, our leaders help you to check in and remain in the airport until flights in designated times have departed. The staff remains in Spain for the duration of the longer 28-day program and chaperone that flight home. Depending on the number of students departing after 21 days, one staff may chaperone that flight as well.
Food & Meals
A big part of your program’s success depends on how well you eat. We are proud of the fact that year after year we are complimented for our quality, quantity and choice of food! Breakfasts in Spain are eaten at the dining hall and are buffets with a variety of hot and cold choices. For dinners, on some school nights, you will dine at the residence hall. On other nights, either the whole group goes to the same restaurant or we divide into smaller groups to sample quainter places with a variety of different cuisines. For lunch, you enjoy the choice of eating in smaller groups and choosing from local cafés and restaurants. Food options are varied and plentiful; taste seafood from the coast, paella, incredible fresh fruits and plenty of fresh vegetables and meats. But don’t worry, they also have North American style options on the menu.
We have satisfied the choosiest of eaters and gladly accommodate most special dietary requests including vegetarian, food allergies, lactose intolerance, celiac disease, and kosher style. We welcome discussing your individual requirements with you and have extensive experience in this area.
Laundry
You will only need one week’s worth of clothing as outlined in the packing list that will be sent to you prior to departure. You will have the opportunity to do laundry at your convenience by either dropping off your laundry at a local wash and fold service and then pick it up clean, folded and ready to go or you may do laundry in your residence hall.
What’s Included
Included in your program tuition is all lodging, breakfast and dinner daily, recreation & entertainment listed, day and weekend excursions, application fee, fitness club and pool club membership, Wi-Fi in residence, campus identification fee, classes (supplementary fees may apply for some courses) airport transfers in designated times, gratuities & taxes.
Not included is transportation to and from the program, lunches, snacks, personal spending money for souvenirs, and laundry. We also make available optional travel insurance that is not included, but highly recommended.
Please contact us with any questions. We are happy to hear from you!
Will attending one of your programs help me get into college?
Attending a summer program is an incredible opportunity to learn and grow into a more well-rounded, mature individual. No matter what type of program you choose, the personal development and experience gained over the course of the summer are valuable resources that could help you with your college essays and applications. If your goal for the summer is to get a head start on college prep, a Career Experience or Pre-College Enrichment program could be just what you need. So while attending any particular summer program will not necessarily get you into your choice school, what you get from it can make a difference!
Who are the staff and what are their qualifications?
Our staff are educators, guidance counselors, coaches, college and university students, former camp counselors, residence life coordinators, community volunteers, world travelers, and other leaders with diverse backgrounds. Many are former participants themselves who couldn’t get enough of the Westcoast experience! Learn more about our summer leaders.
When do I choose my courses?
For fall enrollments, we will send you a course choice preference form around December 14. You will be able to select your first and second course preferences. Your course choices will be confirmed in the spring.
For enrollments after December 14, we will send you a course choice preference form upon receipt of your application for enrollment. Your course choices will be confirmed in the spring.
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