Spring 2026 in Barcelona, Spain

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.
   Spring, Barcelona 2026 financial aid is only available through Citrus College.
   Be certain to 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.

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PROGRAM DEADLINES

• Sunday, November 23, 2025: $450 enrollment deposit deadline

• Monday, December 1, 2025: Complete the financial aid request form

• 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)

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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.

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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

Affording Study Abroad Workshop

• When: Thursday, September 18 at 5 p.m.
• Where: Zoom
• Register and receive a reminder for the meeting

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

Information Meeting #4

• When: Tuesday, 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.

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SCHOLARSHIPS

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

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

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

• AIFS Ambassador Scholarships (submit to your coordinator by December 1, 2025)
  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.

  *Students receiving the AIFS Ambassador Scholarships agree to work with AIFS staff during the semester to take pictures, videos and clips and/or write a blog sharing their experiences abroad with other students through AIFS and SCFC social media sites and agree to attend a study abroad info session upon their return.
  
  
  1. Attach unofficial college transcript(s) indicating 12 units completed with a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or better.
  2. Must be currently attending a SCFC member college.
  3. Compose a statement of interest (750 words/1.5 pages) that addresses the following points. Include your name, home college and email address.
     • Introduce yourself and your motivation for studying abroad on this program.
     • What motivates you to apply for this scholarship? Do you have a specific reason or goal for wanting to serve as an AIFS Ambassador?
     • Describe any related experiences, talents and abilities that may assist you in this task. What is your vision for the content you will create? What types of experiences, settings, etc. might you record?
     • How you will promote study abroad during your program and when you return to your home college (or after transfer).
  4. Selection will be based upon previous academic achievement and strength of statement.
     
     

• 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.

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Other Scholarship Opportunities

• Your college's financial aid web page will likely have information about internal and external scholarships.
• Citrus College 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

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.

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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.

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Mary McGuire – mmcguire10@mtsac.edu

Mary McGuire, Ph.D. is a professor of art history and humanities 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).

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COURSES TAUGHT BY DR. ANA AFZALI

• REQUIRED COURSE
  HUM 127/SPAN 127 - Spanish Civilization
  
• SPAN 101 - Spanish I
  
  
• SPAN 102 - Spanish II

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SPANISH COURSES TAUGHT BY LOCAL INSTRUCTORS

• SPAN 140 - Beginning Conversational Spanish
  
  
• SPAN 141 - Intermediate Conversational Spanish
  
  
• SPAN 201 - Spanish III
  
  
• SPAN 210 - Intermediate Spanish for Spanish Speakers I.

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COURSES TAUGHT BY TINA McDERMOTT

• COMM C1000 - Introduction to Public Speaking
  
  
• SPCH 106 - Small Group Communication
  
  
• SPCH 150 - Intercultural Communication

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COURSES TAUGHT BY DR. MARY McGUIRE

• ART 100 Art History - Fundamentals of Global Art History
  
  
• ART 104 Art History - Modern and Contemporary Art
  
  
• ART 108 - History of Photography
  
  
• ART 199 - Motion Picture Appreciation

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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 the Citrus College Banner 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

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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.

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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 nights 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