Barcelona 2026

Application Steps

1. Contact your study abroad office OR go to the Citrus College Study Abroad website and complete the interest form. 
   
   If approved, your study abroad advisor will send a link to the AIFS Student Portal (enrollment page).
   
   
2. Apply to Citrus College for spring semester. 
   
   Complete a Citrus College application for admission online at Applying for Credit Admission. You will be issued a Citrus student I.D. and student email.
   
   
3. Awards and loans are available for the spring 2026 semester through the Citrus College Financial Aid office. 
   After applying and receiving a Citrus College student ID number, click here to complete the Financial Aid Request Form (link available soon). 
   Spring, Barcelona 2026 financial aid is only available through Citrus College. 
   Add Citrus College to FAFSA.
   
   
4. Pay the $450 deposit to secure your spot before the November 23, 2025 deadline. 
   
   
5. Pay the remaining balance and attend the mandatory pre-departure orientation (see the dates below). 
   *Note: $150 of your deposit is non-refundable. After December 3, 2025, the entire deposit is non-refundable. See the AIFS Refund and Cancellation Policy in a tab below.

Program Deadlines

• Sunday, November 23, 2025: $450 enrollment deposit deadline
• Tuesday, December 23, 2025: Entire balance due (financial aid students will pay most fees when they receive their awards/refunds if they have added Citrus to FAFSA and completed the financial aid request form)
• Monday, December 1, 2025: Complete the financial aid request form.

Fees

• Based on an enrollment of 45 or more participants, the fee per person is $9,425.
  
  This fee excludes airfare, optional insurance upgrades, passport or visa fees, meals other than those listed, personal expenses, any Citrus College tuition or administrative fees, textbooks, additional field trips or excursions required by the Citrus College faculty and anything not specified.

Eligibility

Students from any accredited college or university are welcome to participate in our study abroad programs.

To be eligible, students must have:

• completed at least 12 units (nine units must be CSU/UC transferable)
• have a cumulative 2.5 GPA
• must be at least 18 years old by the program's start date

What if I am (or will be) in my first semester of college?

• Currently enrolled first semester college students may also qualify if their campus coordinator approves a progress report.
• Incoming high school seniors enrolling in their first college semester with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher may be accepted with an additional essay composition.

Information Meetings

For program information and fundraising/scholarship workshops, attend the following meetings. 

You can also join meetings without registering by clicking on this direct Zoom link.

Information Meeting #1

• View the Zoom recording here

Information Meeting #2

• When: Thursday, September 25 at 5 p.m.
• Where: CI 159 or Zoom
• Register here and receive a reminder

Information Meeting #3

• When: Thursday, October 8 at 5 p.m.
• Where: CI 159 or Zoom
• Register here and receive a reminder

Information Meeting #4

• When: Thursday, November 4 at 5 p.m.
• Where: Zoom
• Register here and receive a reminder

Mandatory Pre-Departure Orientation Meeting

• When: Wednesday, January 14 at 5:45 p.m.
• Where: In person at Citrus College in CI 159
• Please come at 5 p.m. to chat with your fellow Barcelona students and eat pizza!

Financial Aid

Students may apply for federal and state financial aid to assist with study abroad expenses. To do so, ensure that Citrus College is listed on your FAFSA (College code #001166). After receiving your Citrus College student ID, complete the Financial Aid Request Form to apply for grants and loans.

Scholarships

Scholarships are often overlooked, but you should apply for as many scholarships as possible.

Review our "Writing a Winning Scholarship Essay" worksheet. Be sure to make an appointment with your study abroad advisor, writing center, or faculty for essay review and assistance.

For comprehensive essay tips and tutoring contact information, read Citrus College's Learning Center guide available here.

Here are just a few of the scholarships that are available:

AIFS Ambassador Scholarships (more information available soon)
For students enrolled in the Southern California Foothills Consortium "Barcelona Semester with AIFS Abroad," AIFS Abroad is proud to sponsor and offer five $1,000 scholarships.

The Gilman Scholarship
Awards Pell Grant eligible students (required) a maximum of $5,000 per program (usually $2,000-$3,500)

Gilman Scholarship deadlines:

• Winter and Spring Programs: First Thursday of October (or you can submit early for summer and fall) 
  
  
• Summer and Fall Programs: First Thursday of March (or submit early for winter and spring) 
  
  View the Gilman overview presentation slides as a PDF file.

Other Scholarship Opportunities

• Your college's financial aid web page will likely have information about internal and external scholarships.
• Citrus College's internal scholarships open in the spring and close in May.

Additional Helpful Resources

• Scholarship and fundraising information
• Scholarship resources and links
• "Funding Your Study Abroad" presentation (PDF file)

Ana Afzali – aafzali@citruscollege.edu

Ana Afzali, Ph.D., is a Spanish-born scholar and tenured professor of Spanish at Citrus College, where she was honored with the Distinguished Faculty Award in 2019. Her academic expertise centers on the history and literature of Spain and Portugal, and she has also taught at UCLA.

She is the author of Modern Spain (2009) and is currently completing a forthcoming book on the Spanish Civil War. Dr. Afzali brings a deep knowledge of Spanish culture and the Camino de Santiago to her teaching and scholarship.

A passionate advocate for global education, she has led multiple study abroad programs in Spain, inspiring students to broaden their academic horizons while gaining cultural and personal growth.

Tina McDermott – tina.mcdermott@avc.edu

Tina Leisner McDermott holds both a B.A. and M.A. in Communication Studies from California State University, Los Angeles. Since 2007, she has served as a faculty member at Antelope Valley College, where she combines her background in music and the legal field to encourage students to use their voices to build ethical connections and advocate for their communities.

Her research explores family communication, gender roles, and culture, earning her recognition and awards, including being named the college's 2016 Scholar in Residence.

Beyond the classroom, Professor McDermott enjoys traveling, hiking, dancing, cooking, and spending time with family and friends.

Mary McGuire – mmcguire10@mtsac.edu

Mary McGuire, Ph.D. is a professor of art history and uumanities at Mt. San Antonio College, where she has been teaching since 2018. She earned her doctorate in the History of Art and Architecture from the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB), specializing in modern art, contemporary art, and photography. Originally from Kansas City, Dr. McGuire received her B.A. in Art History and English Literature from the University of Kansas.

Students must enroll in at least 12 units from the courses listed below. HUM 127 or SPAN 127 (choose one) is required and counts for three of those units. 

Students may also add one online course (see the Online Education Courses section below).

Courses taught by Dr. Ana Afzali

• Required Course
  HUM 127/SPAN 127 - Spanish Civilization
  3 Units (AA/AS; Citrus C2; Citrus D1; CSU; UC; Cal-GETC 3B; Cal-GETC 4). Equivalent to: SPAN 127
  Spanish Civilization provides an interdisciplinary global understanding of the culture and history of Spain. The course critically analyzes contemporary Spanish society by examining the social and historical traditions and institutions that shape the Spanish way of life in the 20th century.
  
  

  *Be sure to send your transcripts to Citrus College, as SPAN 102 and higher require prerequisites. Here is more information about clearing prerequisites.

• SPAN 101 - Spanish I 
  5 Units (AA/AS; Citrus C2; CSU; UC)
  A course in elementary Spanish grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation which focuses on understanding, speaking, reading, and writing (including spelling) simple Spanish and serves as an introduction to the geography, history, and culture of the Spanish-speaking world.
  
  
• SPAN 102 - Spanish II
  5 Units (AA/AS; Citrus C2; CSU; UC; Cal-GETC 3B)
  Prerequisite(s): SPAN 101 OR two years of high school Spanish or equivalent OR basic knowledge of first semester elementary Spanish as determined by the professor of record.
  A further study of elementary Spanish grammar and vocabulary that develops understanding, speaking, reading and writing (including spelling) skills. Affords opportunities to apply communication skills to new social, professional, and travel contexts. Explores the cultural heritage and civilization of Spain and Latin America through technology and level-appropriate readings. The class will be taught primarily in Spanish.

Spanish courses taught by local instructors

• SPAN 140 - Beginning Conversational Spanish
  3 Units (AA/AS; Citrus C2; CSU; UC)
  Prerequisite(s): SPAN 101 or one year of high school Spanish.
  This course is designed for students who wish to improve their oral speaking skills and expand their vocabulary in Spanish. 
  
  
• SPAN 141 - Intermediate Conversational Spanish
  3 Units (AA/AS; Citrus C2; CSU; UC)
  Prerequisite(s): SPAN 102 or two years of high school Spanish.
  This course is designed for students who wish to further improve their oral proficiency in Spanish.
  
  
• SPAN 201 - Spanish III
  5 Units (AA/AS; Citrus C2; CSU; UC; Cal-GETC 3B)
  Prerequisite(s): SPAN 102 or fluency in Spanish.
  This intermediate level course was created with both native Spanish speakers and students studying Spanish as a second language in mind. Current social themes and vocabulary support a comprehensive review of Spanish grammar. The discussion of contemporary cultural topics, the reading of authentic texts, and the development of writing skills are all features of this class that help all intermediate Spanish students to refine and enjoy using their language skills. Class is conducted primarily in Spanish. Note that Spanish III and IV do not need to be taken in order.
  
  
• SPAN 210 - Intermediate Spanish for Spanish Speakers I
  5 Units (AA/AS; Citrus C2; CSU; UC; Cal-GETC 3B)
  Prerequisite(s): Oral fluency in Spanish.
  A course designed to help students who are fluent in spoken, informal Spanish, but who need to improve writing, reading and grammar skills. Emphasis on acquiring formal oral Spanish skills and a knowledge of Spanish and Latin American literature and culture.

Courses taught by Tina McDermott

• COMM C1000 - Introduction to Public Speaking
  3 Units (AA/AS; Citrus A2; CSU; UC; Cal-GETC 1C) Equivalent to: COMM 1000H, SPCH 101, SPCH 101H In this course, students learn and apply foundational rhetorical theories and techniques of public speaking in a multicultural democratic society. Students discover, develop, and critically analyze ideas in public discourse through research, reasoning, organization, composition, delivery to a live audience and evaluation of various types of speeches, including informative and persuasive speeches. Formerly SPCH 101
  
  
• SPCH 106 - Small Group Communication
  3 Units (AA/AS; Citrus A2; CSU; UC; Cal-GETC 1C) This course focuses on oral communication in small group settings. Emphasis is placed on rhetorical principles and practices relating to small groups. Additionally, the focus is on the assessment of the efficacy of communication processes such as problem-solving, conflict management, decision-making, and leadership. The course is intended for students pursuing a Communication Studies degree or any discipline requiring effective communication in group settings. Throughout the course, students are expected to speak their own words, not recite words written by others. This course includes faculty-supervised, faculty-evaluated oral presentations in the presence of others (physically or virtually). 
  
  
• SPCH 150 - Intercultural Communication
  3 Units (AA/AS; Citrus D2; CSU; UC; Cal-GETC 4) Introduction to intercultural communication in domestic and/or global contexts. Influence of cultures, languages, and social patterns on how members of groups relate among themselves and with members of different ethnic and cultural groups. Theory and knowledge of effective communication within and between cultures. Appreciation and comparison of communication of diverse groups within the larger context of American culture.

Courses Taught by Dr. Mary McGuire

• ART 100 Art History - Fundamentals of Global Art History
  3 Units (AA/AS; Citrus C1; CSU; UC; Cal-GETC 3A) Utilizing artworks and monuments from around the world, from ancient times to the present, this course will examine basic art principles, media and methodological approaches to art history.
  
  
• ART 104 Art History - Modern and Contemporary Art
  3 Units (AA/AS; Citrus C1; CSU; UC; Cal-GETC 3A) This course covers the history of Western art from the French Revolution to today.
  
  
• ART 108 - History of Photography
  3 Units (AA/AS; Citrus C1; Citrus C2; CSU; UC; Cal-GETC 3A; Cal-GETC 3B) 
  A survey of the history of photography from its origins to the present. An examination of critical and theoretical approaches to the photographic medium. 
  
  
• ART 199 - Motion Picture Appreciation
  3 Units (AA/AS; Citrus C1; CSU; UC; Cal-GETC 3A) 
  An introductory course in which the student will learn how to analyze films on technical, aesthetic, and thematic levels. Historically significant and diverse films will be used as source material.

Online Education Courses

Students may take ONE online course during the study abroad semester. Online classes require independent study, research, and reliable internet access. While Wi-Fi is provided in both the student residence and homestay, it may not always be available; students are responsible for finding alternative access if needed. Before enrolling, you MUST confirm with the instructor that the course has no on-campus requirements.

Note: Late-start classes may delay financial aid disbursement. AIFS will still require payment by the standard disbursement dates

Students who have paid the $450 deposit will be able to register through Citrus College's Wingspan portal after the November 23 deposit deadline.

Students must enroll in a minimum of 12 units including the required HUM 127/SPAN 127 course (3 units).

If students are not eligible for the Promise Grant (CCPG), tuition fees will be applied (12 x $46 = $552).

• Accommodation: In twin-bedded rooms within a shared apartment, centrally located, maximum 40-minutes travel time to the AIFS Center, apartments include shared kitchen/living space, and laundry facilities on-site, bed linens and towels, weekly cleaning and Wi-Fi; all students will be housed in a centrally located hotel for the first night.
  
  
• Meals: Self-catering in the student accommodations, a welcome dinner and farewell dinner
  
  
• Travel pass: A Metro de Barcelona travelcard for unlimited travel on the metro, buses, trams and regional trains in the central zone of Barcelona for the duration of the program
  
  
• Orientation: An orientation program in Barcelona consisting of a meeting with experienced AIFS staff, covering topics such as general acclimation to Barcelona, safety and security issues, cultural differences, travel, money and cultural activities, and a local area walking tour covering housing and classroom location and local amenities
  
  
• Academic support: Workshops with local staff about life in site and the differences the students will encounter
  
  
• A Spanish Life and Culture course, comprising of a weekly lecture with a guest speaker on a variety of topics such as contemporary Spanish history, Spanish politics, education, art, architecture, and customs and traditions. The final syllabus will be confirmed in liaison with the teacher of record, appointed by the Southern California Foothills Consortium. 
  
  
• Cultural activities and excursions: A half-day sightseeing tour of Barcelona by private bus with the services of a professional, English- speaking guide
  
  
• An Articket, granting one entrance to each of the following museums in Barcelona: Centre de Cultura Contemporania de Barcelona (CCCB), Fundacio Antoni Tapies, Fundacio Joan Miro, Museu d'Art Contemporani de Barcelona (MACBA), the Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya (MNAC), and Museu Picasso
  
  
• A full-day excursion to Tarragona, including round-trip transportation by private bus, a walking tour, entrance to the Roman Circus, Forum and Amphitheater, and the services of a professional, English-speaking guide
  
  
• A full-day excursion to Girona and Figueres, including round-trip transportation by private bus, a walking tour in Girona with the services of a professional, English-speaking guide, and entrance to the Teatro Museo Dali in Figueres
  
  
• A cultural calendar of free and subsidized events to help students make the most of their time in Barcelona. Events will include walking tours, cooking classes, guided museum visits, sporting events, and local seasonal activities. 
  
  
• 24-hour on-call service in Barcelona for the duration of the program.
  
  
• Access to the AIFS Student Center with free internet access and printing facilities.
  
  
• A team of experienced student services staff to ensure the smooth running of the program, providing information and advice to students, organizing excursions and supervising housing
  
  
• Medical insurance

• Optional transportation package consisting of round-trip airfare between Los Angeles (LAX) and Barcelona (BCN), and round-trip transfers overseas between the airport and the accommodations on the specified program dates for $775; and mandatory additional U.S. government and airline-imposed departure taxes, fees, and fuel surcharges of $220. 
  
  
• Southern California Foothills Consortium tuition or administrative fees
  
  
• Textbooks
  
  
• Homestay option: Participants may choose to share a twin-bedded room in a homestay for an additional cost instead of the shared apartment. This option includes daily continental breakfast and five evening meals per week, a weekly load of laundry, and Wi-Fi for $500
  
  
• Single room option: Optional single room supplement in student apartment for $825 (offered on a first come first service basis and subject to availability, and single room occupancy rooms are not guaranteed).
  
  
• Optional single room supplement in homestay for $625 (offered on a first come first service basis and subject to availability, and single room occupancy rooms are not guaranteed)
  
  
• Andalusia excursion: An optional three-day, two-night weekend excursion to Andalusia, including round-trip AVE train travel, two night's hotel accommodation in multi-bedded rooms in Granada with daily continental breakfast, a guided walking tour in English of Granada and entrance to the Alhambra, a full-day excursion to Cordoba by round-trip private bus, including guided walking tour and entrance to the Mezquita, a group meal, the services of an AIFS Tour Manager throughout for $825.
  
  
• Passport and visa fees, if applicable
  
  
• Additional field trips or excursions required by your instructors
  
  
• Local or independent travel while in Barcelona
  
  
• Personal expenses such as laundry
  
  
• Optional medical insurance upgrade for $65

Optional Transportation Package

Airfare package – $995 ($775 + taxes/fees $220 subject to change)

• Round-trip flights between Los Angeles (LAX) and Barcelona (BCN) in economy/standard class.
  
  
• Round-trip transfers in Barcelona between the airport and the student housing.
  
  
• AIFS staff meet-and-greet at the airport to assist on arrival and escort students to their housing.

Optional Components

Excursion to Andalusia - $825 (based on a minimum of 20 students)
An optional three-day, two-night weekend excursion to Andalusia, including round-trip AVE train travel, two night’s hotel accommodation in multi-bedded rooms in Granada with daily continental breakfast, a guided walking tour in English of Granada and entrance to the Alhambra, a full-day excursion to Cordoba by round-trip private bus, including guided walking tour and entrance to the Mezquita, a group meal, the services of an AIFS Tour Manager throughout. A deposit of $50 is required with application.

Single Room Supplement
Students can request a single occupancy room where available. This is offered on a first-come first-served basis and applies to the main student housing option only. Additional fees would apply if students wished to upgrade to single occupancy on overnight excursions. 
Please note: single occupancy rooms are not guaranteed.

• Single Supplement – apartment $825
• Single Supplement – homestay $625

Email kwinslow@aifs.com and provide withdrawal intent.

• Withdrawal on or before Wednesday, December 3, 2025
  All fees paid less a $150 processing fee
  
  
• Withdrawal after Wednesday, December 3, 2025 but on or before Tuesday, December 23, 2025
  All fees paid less the $450 deposit and any non-refundable deposits paid by the student or by AIFS on the student's behalf
  
  
• Withdrawal after Tuesday, December 23, 2025
  No refund and the total program fee is due
  
  
• Withdrawal once the program has begun
  No refund

Please note: Any student who is academically withdrawn by their home institution after their application has been processed by AIFS is subject to the standard refund policy.

Citrus College
1000 W. Foothill Blvd.
Glendora, CA 91741

• John Morris, study abroad specialist: (626) 914-8560 or studyabroad@citruscollege.edu
• Citrus College Financial Aid: (626) 914-8592 or finacialaid@citruscollege.edu or dluna@citruscollege.edu
• Ana Afzali , Spanish: afzali@citruscollege.edu
• Tina McDermott, speech: tina.mcdermott@avc.edu
• Mary McGuire, art: mmcguire10@mtsac.edu

American Institute for Foreign Study (AIFS)
One High Ridge Park
Stamford, CT 06905

• Karen Winslow, systems program coordinator (housing questions, flight questions, general program, withdrawals, refunds, financial aid, payment processing questions): (800) 727-2437 ext. 5089 or kwinslow@aifs.com