ABC Studio – Short-term Study Abroad Option

The Architecture in Barcelona and Chicago (ABC) Studio

Open to juniors and students in the M.Arch Track 2 program

The ABC Studio (Architecture in Barcelona and Chicago) is a summer initiative that takes advantage of our resident studios in arguably two of the epicenters of architectural culture on either side of the Atlantic. Students spend the first part of the studio attending an intensive urban workshop in Barcelona, coordinated by Prof. Sara Bartumeus Ferré and ETSAV Director Pere Fuertes. The second part of the studio takes place at the Chicago Architecture Center, where the UrbanWorks team of Pat Saldaña-Natke, FAIA, Maria Pellot, FAIA, Ingedia González and Sofía Linares will facilitate a co-housing proposal in the city. The students will participate in several visits to sites in Barcelona and Chicago, and a series of curated and coordinated lectures will inform their design work. Students receive 6 hours of course credit.

The ABC Studio is a travel section of ARCH 474 and is restricted to juniors and students in the M.Arch 2+ program. Students are responsible for travel and housing fees. There are no additional tuition costs for undergraduate students.

Fees for the 2025 ABC (Architecture in Barcelona and Chicago) Studio  

View the Official Study Abroad Student Budget.

These are the estimated expenses for the 2025 ABC Studio. The exact amount you’ll pay depends on your personal factors. Undergraduate students enrolled in ARCH 474 ABC pay no tuition. Graduate student tuition costs are dependent on IL Resident, IL Non-Resident, or Graduate International status. Financial aid may be available.

Fees billed by the College of Fine & Applied Arts: $2,117.00

• Application Fee: $25
• International Insurance (1-16 days): $92
• FAA International Programs Fee: $250
• Program Fee for Barcelona lodging and site visits: $1750

Non-billed Fees (estimated):

• Schengen visa, if applicable: $90
• Airfare to Barcelona and from Barcelona to Chicago: $1,500
• Barcelona housing deposit: $250
• Local transportation, tube pass: $125
• Meals: $500
• Personal expenses: $500
• Lodging in Chicago (approximately $65/day @ 35 days): $2,275.00

Important Note

Note: Students may not arrive at the residence management office in Barcelona prior to Monday morning, June 9. Students who plan to arrive in Barcelona early will need to find accommodations on their own. All students must leave the residence in Barcelona no later than Sunday, June 22.

Please contact me with any questions.

All the best,
Emelie Mies
Associate Director, Curricular and Academic Programs