Boston, MA - August 14, 2005 - Academic Studies Abroad, a leader in affordable study abroad programs, has solidified agreements with two additional institutions in Barcelona, Spain. This increases their offerings in Barcelona to three distinct programs for all levels of Spanish ability.

"Five or ten years ago students were afraid to study in Barcelona because they thought they would need to know Catalan," said Programs Manager Chelsea Kaloupek, "The reality is, however, that most everyone in Barcelona speaks Spanish as well, so there really is no need to know Catalan. As students are getting over their fear, the number of American students going to Barcelona is increasing. "

With the addition of courses at the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona and Barcelona Center for Education Abroad, students can now take elective courses in either English or Spanish and can choose between receiving an official transcript directly from a Spanish university or from an American university. This is important says Ms. Kaloupek because, "Some universities in the U.S. will only accept transcripts from other U.S. universities, although the majority accept an official transcript from accredited Spanish universities."

Academic Studies Abroad offers programs in Spain for both the fall and spring semesters, as well as during the summer for either four or six weeks.

For information: www.academicstudies.com or Contact: info@academicstudies.com
Phone: (888) 845-4272

Academic studies abroad offers study abroad programs for American students wishing to travel to Madrid, Barcelona, Spain, London, England, Florence, Italy and Dublin, Ireland