Grades 9–12

Grades 6–8

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OXFORD ACADEMIA AT

Esade Business School

Barcelona, Spain

June 27–July 16, 2026

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20 days

$8,990

Completing grades 9–12 (motivated rising 9th graders will also be considered)

35 students

Highlights

Take daily classes with Esade Business School faculty at the Barcelona Sant Cugat campus
Learn the fundamentals of innovation, entrepreneurship, and management from an international perspective
Develop your own business proposal, then workshop it at Esade’s state-of-the-art Rambla of Innovation
Grow as a learner and thinker alongside a diverse international cohort of motivated students
Explore the dynamic city of Barcelona from your accommodations in the city center

Esteemed Faculty & Staff

Each program is run by an on-site Director, Residential Life staff, and faculty from the Esade Business School. Expert guests from Esade and engaging speakers from the broader Barcelona business community join frequently throughout the program to give presentations and answer questions about their career trajectory.

Exploration & Excursions

The Sagrada Familia, Parc Güell, Barceloneta Beach, and more iconic destinations!
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Esade Business School

The Oxford Academia Business Intensive Summer Program at Esade in Barcelona offers an immersive academic and cultural experience for ambitious high school students seeking to strengthen their understanding of international business and entrepreneurship. Over the course of three weeks, students engage in dynamic lectures, interactive workshops, and real-world case studies led by Esade’s renowned faculty. The program covers key topics such as marketing, entrepreneurship, finance, and leadership, all within the context of international business and trade. Set in the vibrant city of Barcelona, the experience is enriched by networking opportunities, company visits, and a diverse cohort of students from around the world, making it a unique opportunity to develop both professional skills and global perspectives.

Academic Excellence

Students on our program join a network of students and faculty at one of the top-ranking Business institutions in the world. Esade views the campus as a laboratory, where students are constantly exposed to new ideas, and have the opportunity to network and innovate in and out of the classroom. Students enjoy personalized instruction from full-time Esade faculty, complemented by presentations from distinguished guest speakers and excursions into the city of Barcelona for specialized company visits that give students access to industry professionals and real-world insight into the business landscape.

Vibrant & Supportive Community

Beyond the individualized support students receive from faculty in their seminars, Oxford Academia programs stand apart for the community they cultivate and the support every student receives during their experience. Our Residential Life team is much more robust than other summer programs because we recognize the importance of a supervised and structured learning and social environment. The Program Director and Program Assistants cohabitate with the students in the Residence, where they plan activities and foster connections that are both academically enriching and fun. They prioritize the well-being of each student from the moment they arrive, working proactively to ensure students are happy, comfortable, and safe while forming new friendships and making the most of their time on the program.

Growth & Outcomes

The Oxford Academia Business Intensive at Esade serves as a springboard for students personally and academically, setting them on a course for success in university, in business ventures, and beyond. Students pursue their interests, work with inspiring professionals, gain insight into future academic and career paths, and come away with the confidence and skillset to begin building their future. At the end of the program, each student receives a “Certificate of Completion” and a written evaluation from faculty—as well as accessing a new network of peers, professionals, and friends.

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Program Structure

Each day begins with breakfast at the Residence in the city center. Then, students head to Esade’s Sant Cugat campus for morning classes, and enjoy lunch at the campus dining hall. Some afternoons are filled with presentations from guest speakers on-campus, or company visits in Barcelona’s city center. Others are spent exploring Barcelona’s incredible cultural offerings like the Barrio Gótico, the Sagrada Familia, and the beach at Barceloneta. The group reconvenes at the Residence for an evening meeting to recap the day and engage in community-building, then students head out to dinner at local restaurants in small groups. Students spend a total of 50 hours in classes at Esade and receive a Certificate of Completion at the end of the program.

Seminars

Taught by esteemed ESADE faculty, students take courses that cover topics from innovation and entrepreneurship to marketing and finance. In the latter portion of the course, students workshop their own business idea, create a comprehensive strategic plan, and present their proposal to their peers and faculty. Learning continues outside of the classroom with field visits and projects designed to implement what is covered in the classroom in real-world situations.

Seminar Offerings

Business Intensive

Outstanding Faculty & Experts

ESADE faculty are known for their academic excellence, international experience, and strong connections to the business world. They combine rigorous research with practical insights, often bringing real-world business challenges into the classroom. With extensive professional backgrounds as consultants, entrepreneurs, or corporate leaders, Esade faculty deliver learning that is fast-paced and interactive, innovative, and focused on developing critical thinking, leadership, and global awareness.

Program Details

Accommodations & Meals

The group is based at a University Residence in the city center, close to a plethora of restaurants, open-air markets, parks, and cultural attractions. Students and Res Life staff reside in the same accommodations, with students in single and double rooms. The Residence is a short commute from Esade’s Sant Cugat campus. We begin each day with a typical breakfast of coffee and a pastry, toast, or yogurt at the Residence. Students take lunch at the dining hall at Esade, where they can expect to enjoy simple two-course meals of Spanish staples including meat, fish, potatoes, rice, and fresh vegetables. Dinners are organized by program staff at local restaurants in the city center.

Teaching Methodology

Esade faculty introduce students to the foundations of the business world through an experiential and opportunity-driven approach. Rather than focusing solely on products or profits, students will learn to observe markets, understand human needs, and identify meaningful problems worth solving. Emphasis is placed on curiosity, critical thinking, and collaboration as essential tools for transforming ideas into value-creating solutions. Click here to read more about Our Approach to Learning.

Final Projects, Certificates, & Evaluations

Each student works in a small team to create and develop a compelling plan for a new business. On the final day of the program, students present their business proposals to their professors, Program Director, staff, and fellow students. At the final celebratory dinner, students are presented with an Oxford Academia and Esade “Certificate of Completion” in acknowledgement of their hard work and accomplishment, signed by Esade faculty and the Program Director. Each student and their family also receive a written report from faculty that provides a summary of the curriculum and content learned, and an evaluation of the team’s business proposal. The final presentations and faculty feedback serve to inspire and motivate students to continue their academic pursuits and encourage them to achieve their highest potential.

Weekend Excursions

On weekends, students continue their learning beyond Esade’s campus. On Saturdays, students take field learning excursions with their instructors to important sites like Barcelona’s Mercat de la Boquería, the town of Castelldefels, or Camp Nou. On Sundays, the group heads further afield on excursions to beach towns Tossa de Mar or Sitges.

Travel Logistics

The program dates reflect the days that students commence, and consequently complete, travel to and from their program. For Barcelona this assumes students will fly on an overnight flight to Europe.

June 27–overnight travel to program
June 28–program officially begins
July 16–program ends, onward travel home

Oxford Academia organizes a round-trip group flight from New York (JFK) to Barcelona for this program. One or more of your program instructors will be at the airport with all student e-ticket confirmations and will welcome and fly with the group on the round-trip itinerary. Families are responsible for travel costs and arrangements to and from the U.S. Gateway Airport (JFK). The group flight cost is not included in the program tuition and will appear as a separate line item on your invoice. To learn more about how we organize travel, click here for our FAQ.

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Sagrada Familia

Take a guided tour of the Spanish Gothic-style basilica, architect Antoni Gaudí’s iconic unfinished masterpiece

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Head up stairs and escalators through the posh Gràcia neighborhood to the whimsical park designed by Gaudí

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Travel by private bus to the Costa Brava and spend a day playing beach volleyball, swimming in crystal clear blue water, and enjoying a gelato in town

“I gained independence, Spanish fluency, friendships, and the ability to push myself to try things that ended up being my favorite parts of the program.”

“Our son has shared multiple times that this was “the best trip of his life.” He loved the adventure—of meeting new friends and taking business lessons—and was inspired to continue working on his Spanish and keep traveling abroad.”

“The faculty and staff were always there to give support and provide healthy challenges that made our experiences exponentially better.”

Next Steps

Start your application, connect with us to choose the right program, or schedule a call with with Program Director Emma Smith.