New FLEAP layout

Direct Link to Apply: tinyurl.com/FLEAPBarcelona26

Priority Deadline: February 14, 2026

Extended Deadline: March 15, 2026

NOTE: This program is slated to run again in Summer 2027.

Faculty Leader

• Dr. Randol Contreras, UCR Associate Professor of Media and Cultural Studies

Classes

• MCS 160: Race, State Violence, and Incarceration in the United States (4 units)
• MCS 190: Special Studies on Drug Policy (4 units)

This program, now in its fourth consecutive year (Lisbon in 2023; Barcelona in 2024; San Juan, PR in 2025), compares the crime policies of the United States and Spain.

Starting in the 1970s, the United States applied harsh policing and punishment to non-violent drug crimes in minority communities. This resulted in the mass incarceration of Black and Brown people, which has had negative generational impacts on minorities. Spain, in contrast, began a public health approach in the early 2000s, which decriminalized personal drug use and reduced drug-related harms. Despite its more compassionate approach, Spain's violent crime averages are at least three times (sometimes nine times) less than in the US. And according to the 2021 Global Peace Index, Spain is the 31st safest and peaceful country in the world, whereas the US is ranked 122. However, like in the US, Spain has problems with racism. Its population, in general, holds negative attitudes toward the Moroccan, Latino/a, and Romani communities. Racist policing, hate, and derision run rampant, which has led marginalized young people of color to develop an oppositional identity toward white racism.

All the above will be covered across two courses: MCS 160, Race, State Violence, and Incarceration in the United States, and MCS 190, Special Studies (Drug Policy). The course, MCS 190 (Drug Policy), introduces students to drug policies in both Spain and the United States. The course, MCS 160, explores the development of mass incarceration in the US and its comparison to Spain's general approach to crime. To supplement both courses, guest lecturers will teach students about Spain's history, government, drug policies, and laws. In all, students will get a global understanding of the links between racism, drug policy, and incarceration by comparing Spain and the US.

To facilitate a smoother transition to Spain and reduce student expenses, Professor Contreras will hold the program's first two weeks at UCR. This ensures that students develop a solid knowledge base without the distractions of being in a new country. Additionally, it reduces overall costs for students by shortening their stay abroad from five weeks to three weeks.

Itinerary Highlights

• Visit to “Dialegs da Dona,” or a similar organization, including a lecture
• Visit to La Mina to speak with residents and/or Romani activists
• Cultural guided visits/activities, including entrance fees as necessary: Park Güell, Sagrada Família, walking tour of the Gothic Quarter, hands-on cooking class with Mescladís, walking tour of the El Raval neighborhood
• Full-day trip to Girona and Costa Brava, including a walking tour and free time on the beach
• Full-day trip to Tarragona, including a walking tour of the Roman Ruins and a water activity at the beach

Apply Here: Drugs and Crime in Barcelona, Spain

NOTE: As of March 15, 2026, this program has reached its minimum. It is slated to run again in Summer 2027.

Direct Link to Apply: tinyurl.com/FLEAPEdPsych26

Priority Deadline: February 14, 2026

NOTE: This program is slated to run again in Summer 2027.

Faculty Leader

• Dr. Carlos Calderón, UCR Associate Professor of Teaching 

Classes

• EDUC 109P: Educational Psychology in Spanish-Speaking Contexts (4 units)
• EDUC 197: Research with Minoritized Language and Culture Students (4 units)

Educational Psychology in Spain is a four-week, Madrid-based program in which students complete two 4-unit UCR courses: EDUC 109P: Educational Psychology in Spanish-Speaking Contexts, and EDUC 197: Research with Minoritized Language and Culture Students.

Students will study linguistic and cultural diversity in Spain and its connection to California; multicultural and bilingual development and its relevance to the education and psychology professions; and school psychology foundations with diverse learners from a scientist-practioner perspective. The program blends classroom learning with cultural immersion through museum visits, day excursions, and guest lectures by local educators and bilingual psychologists. Students work on and present a research project at the end of the program.

Activities include:

• Welcome meal and orientation in Madrid
• Madrid walking city tour
• Guided visit to the Museo Nacional del Prado
• Tapas crawl in Madrid
• Farewell meal in Madrid
• Toledo day trip
• Segovia day trip

Who is this FLEAP perfect for?

A motivated UCR undergraduate or graduate student in Education, Psychology, or related fields who values bilingualism, cultural equity, and applied research. Typically a sophomore, junior, or senior with a solid academic record (about 3.0 + GPA), the student is eager to study educational psychology in Spanish-speaking contexts, wishes to have an immersion experience in Madrid, and complete a small research project. Spanish proficiency is not required, but interest in practicing Spanish is welcome.

Apply Here: Educational Psychology in Spain

NOTE: As of February 14, 2026, this program has reached its maximum. It is slated to run again in Summer 2027.