Program Overview

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Program Overview

The Sands College of Performing Arts at Pace University offers a semester abroad program at the Institute of the Arts Barcelona (IAB) in Sitges, Spain. This program is a required component of the International Performance Ensemble (IPE) curriculum for BA Acting and BA Directing students.

What is the Sands IPE Semester Abroad Program?

The Sands IPE semester abroad program is a study abroad component that takes place at the Institute of the Arts Barcelona (IAB) in Sitges, Spain. Participants study European-based methods of acting, dance, directing, and other fine art techniques.

What is the Institute of the Arts Barcelona (IAB)?

The IAB is a world-class performing arts training and higher education institution offering Bachelors, Foundation, and Masters programs in acting, dance, and musical theater. The IAB is a multinational and multicultural environment, enrolling students from over 50 countries.

Program Dates

The IAB Academic Calendar for Fall semester is typically from mid-September to mid-December. The first week of the semester in Sitges begins with an IAB induction or orientation week.

Benefits of Study Abroad

Participating in study abroad provides numerous benefits, including earning credit towards a Pace degree while experiencing a unique performing arts training in a foreign culture. Students develop critical thinking, cross-cultural communications skills, and intercultural awareness, and gain experiential learning and insights.

Eligibility and How to Apply

Eligibility

Every junior in Pace's International Performance Ensemble (IPE) BA actors and BA directors' program is eligible to participate in the IAB semester program, provided they meet the study abroad minimum GPA of 2.5.

Application Process

Students must complete all necessary application procedures for the IAB Sitges program, including applying for a passport, attending pre-departure meetings, and completing required signature documents and questionnaires.

Academics

Courses

BA Acting students take the following courses:

• PAPE 310: Acting V
• PAPE 350: Performance Ensemble III
• PAPE 280: Theater History
• DAN 201: Dance Styles for the Stage
• IABACT 5505: Advanced Stage Voice
• IABACT 3000: Sex, Gender, and Love in World Literature (AOK 3 or 4)
• IABACT 3001: Ideas and the Modern State in Europe (AOK 2)

BA Directing students take the following courses:

• PAPE 370: Directing III
• PAPE 350: Performance Ensemble III
• PAPE 280: Theater History
• PAPE 375: Design for Directors
• IABACT 3000: Sex, Gender, and Love in World Literature (AOK 3 or 4)
• IABACT 3001: Ideas and the Modern State in Europe (AOK 2)

Credits and GPA

Students must take all courses abroad for a letter grade. Credits earned at a foreign institution will be applied to a Pace degree as Pass/Fail.

Costs, Financial Aid, and Scholarships

Program Costs

Students pay their normal Pace tuition and fees to Pace. Housing is not included and must be paid by the student directly to the host institution or third-party provider abroad.

Financial Aid

The IAB program is a Pace "partner" program, and 100% of federal and state financial aid applies to the semester abroad in Spain. Up to $12,500 of Pace institutional aid (scholarships/grants) applies to the semester abroad.

Scholarships

There are scholarships available for study abroad, including those specific to Pace students and those based on the location and subject of study.

Preparing for Study Abroad

Passport and Visa

Students must have a valid passport and obtain a Student Visa for Spain. Pace Education Abroad works with IPE students to obtain a Student Visa from the New York City Spanish Consulate through a group visa application process.

International Health Insurance

Students must purchase mandatory international travel insurance for the academic term abroad, which is arranged through Pace.

COVID-19

Although Pace no longer requires students to be COVID-vaccine compliant, it is strongly recommended that students be vaccinated against COVID-19 before studying abroad.

After the Program Abroad

Housing

Students should look out for communication from Pace Residence Life about securing on-campus housing for the Spring semester.

Credits and Degree Works

Pace Education Abroad will receive the student's IAB official transcript approximately 1-3 months after the program abroad has ended. The transcript will then be forwarded to the Registrar for processing and conversion of foreign credits.

Reverse Culture Shock

Students may experience reverse culture shock upon returning home. This can include feelings of boredom, difficulty explaining the study abroad experience, and readjusting to life back home.