Our School & Curriculum

Our School – International House

A center of learning for over 36 years, the International House (IH) School is centrally located, just steps from Plaza Cataluña and Las Ramblas. IH enjoys an excellent reputation as one of Spain’s leading teacher training centers, and each year organizes the largest conference of Spanish teachers in Europe. Language teachers have been specifically trained to teach Spanish as a foreign language, which makes them highly effective when it comes to helping students maximize learning.

You choose your curriculum:

Morning (14 Class Sessions):

• Spanish Language (beginner through advanced)* - Optional College Credit Available

Afternoon (11 Class Sessions):

• Choice of an enrichment class (Spanish Culture, 20th Century Spanish Art, Creative Writing or International Business)
• SAT Preparation with Princeton Review
• Digital Photography
• Fitness Training
• Community Service option
  

Morning classes will meet for 14 days from 10am - 1pm. Afternoon classes will meet for 11 days from 3pm - 5pm.

Morning Classes

SPANISH LANGUAGE – 42 Hours

The main objective of your Spanish course this summer is to improve your communication skills. The emphasis of classroom activities is therefore on the development of your abilities to speak and understand spoken Spanish. You are given plenty of opportunity to practice the skills you will need to communicate outside the classroom. Of course attention is also given to grammar, vocabulary, reading and writing skills, but the focus is always on enhancing verbal skills. We don't just want you to know Spanish, we want you to be able to use it.

Class Placement and Certificate of Completion

On day 1, if you’ve had any prior Spanish, you’ll receive both an oral and written evaluation so that you may be placed in the most appropriate classroom. Class sizes range from 7-12 students, and at the end of your course, you’ll receive a certificate for the 42 hours and noting which level you completed.

*Optional College Credit

The Spanish Language classes are available for 3 credits on the 28 day program. Students have the option of choosing a credit or non-credit option.  There is an additional fee of $395 for the credit option.  College credit is conferred through the University of Southern Mississippi and is transferable to most colleges and universities.   Official final grade and course credit will be provided to each student.  Our teachers and staff are always happy to write letters of recommendation letters for college admission.

Afternoon Classes

Choose between an enrichment class or SAT Preparation with Princeton Review - The Essentials.

Enrichment Courses – 22 hours

Choose from one of the following Enrichment courses:

20TH CENTURY SPANISH ART

Pablo Picasso, Salvador Dalí, and Joan Miro are just three of the giants of 20th century art who were both inspired by Barcelona and left a lasting impression on the city. This course will provide students with the opportunity to study the life and work of Spain’s most famous modern artists and to visit some of the many museums and works of art that are housed in or around the city of Barcelona.

SPANISH CULTURE

Spanish culture is incredibly rich and varied. This course will explore several different aspects of Spanish culture including:

• Spain's cultural diversity: the languages, food, geography and folklore of each of Spain's regions
• Spain's most popular fiestas
• Spanish music – both classical and contemporary
• Spanish social customs: students are given an insight into the Spanish way of life and invited to compare Spanish social customs with those of their own countries
• Flamenco: a look beyond the music and dance to the culture of flamenco
• The Spanish media: press, radio, television and Internet and the language that is characteristic of each media form
• The Spanish Civil War: the causes, most important episodes and many consequences of this war
• Modernist architecture – including the work of Gaudi in Barcelona
  Spanish cinema

CREATIVE WRITING

Barcelona has inspired countless writers over the years, from Miguel de Cervantes in the 16th century through to Carlos Ruiz Zafón and Woody Allen in our time. Following a brief introduction to the history of Spanish literature, students will be invited to create their own work in a number of different styles – poems, short stories, drama, personal reflections. As you get to know this wonderful city, it is certain to inspire you as well.

INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS

How does doing business in Spain compare to doing business elsewhere? How has European Union membership changed the Spanish economy? What are the recent success stories and failures of Spanish trade and industry? How is the Spanish economy likely to evolve over the next decades? What are the main problems facing Spanish business today? All of these questions will be addressed during the course. Students will also be invited to meet and interview local business leaders, as well as representatives from local trade unions.

THE PRINCETON REVIEW SAT PREPARATION

Your Princeton Review instructor will help you master the test through in-class practice, drills, and test reviews. You will better understand math, critical reading and writing concepts tested on the exams and your instructor will teach proven test taking techniques. All lessons are focused on beating the SAT!

In addition to your course, you'll be getting the following materials and extras:

• Talented, dynamic instructors
• Exclusive, proven Princeton Review methods and strategies
• 3 or 4 proctored SATs, with detailed computer analysis of the results
• 11 practice tests for the SAT
• Princeton Review SAT Student Manual
• Access the Online Student Center where extra lessons and drills are available 24/7
• The score you need - with the Princeton Review guarantee!

*Note a supplementary fee of $795 for the SAT Preparation option.

FITNESS TRAINING

Work out, eat right and feel great. Your fitness instructor will help you plan a work-out regimen including weight training and aerobics. If you commit the results will follow!

DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY

Capture the city of Barcelona from behind the lens. Learn to frame, light and compose photos in the inspiring surrounding of art, architecture and Spanish culture. Create a portfolio under the direction of internationally recognized photographer Katherin Wermke. Katherin and her staff teach the course amongst the backdrop of Barcelona and from her impressive professional studio. Click here to learn more about the studio. (You must supply your own digital camera).

COMMUNITY SERVICE

For more than fifty years, Barcelona’s Martí- Codolar center for Youth 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. Certificate for 25 hours of community service will be provided.