Studying at IBEI means living during a year in one of the most attractive and cosmopolitan European cities. Two hundred years of history have printed their mark on the cultural heritage of Barcelona. The urban transformation carried out during the last decades and the consequent opening towards the sea of the city, have turned the Catalan capital into a fascinating city to live in.

The Barcelona metropolitan area has one of Europe's most important university communities and one of Spain's greatest concentrations of international students. Eight universities and a wide range of research centres and science parks provide a suitable setting for study and research.

The city combines this exceptional academic environment with an unbeatable quality of life. In comparison with other large European cities, the cost of living is relatively low. The city has a Mediterranean climate with mild winters and hot summers, and its excellent location offers endless opportunities for leisure time, thanks to the magnificent beaches of the Catalan coast and the chance to ski, trek and climb in the Pyrenees, near the Catalan capital.

IBEI is integrated in the Universitat Pompeu Fabra’s (UPF) Research Park of social sciences at the Ciutadella Campus. UPF is situated in the Vila Olímpica neighbourhood, next to the Parc de la Ciutadella and the Barcelona Zoo. 

As its name indicates, the Vila Olimpica neighbourhood was built to house the athletes participating in the 1992 Barcelona Olympic Games. It mainly consists of modern apartment blocks and spacious, green areas such as the Parc de la Ciutadella and is very close to the seaside.

The stunning cityscape, a spectacular blend of sea and mountains, the amazing architecture and beautiful nature, the rich cultural scene, delicious cuisine and excellent transportation infrastructure make BAR-CEL-ONA (in Catalan, bar-sky- wave) the place where one must be.