ISA Study Abroad in Bilbao, Spain

Studying abroad in Bilbao was more than an academic opportunity—it was a transformative experience of the vibrancy of Basque culture. Having previously studied in Salamanca, Madrid, and Toledo, I expected familiarity, but Bilbao offered something unique. With its seamless blend of tradition and modernity, the city embodies a cultural heartbeat that pulses proudly through every aspect of life here. What set this program apart was the care and passion of our program leader, Genoveva Garcia Gallardo. She curated engaging excursions across the Basque Country and beyond, creating an experience that went far beyond the classroom. Classes in the Basque language bridged former cultural gaps, providing insight into Bilbao’s identity, a proud Basque identity that stands apart from Spanish or French influences. Bilbao’s charm lies in simplicity and authenticity. From frequent visits to the Guggenheim Museum to strolling the historic streets of Casco Viejo while enjoying pintxos, the city’s vibrant soul is undeniable. While some might see its location as a limitation for international travel, I found it an invitation to fully embrace the lush green landscapes of the Basque Country. Day trips to San Sebastián or hikes to San Juan de Gaztelugatxe revealed a region bubbling with beauty and tradition. The warmth of my host family and Genovava’s emphasis on community fostered an unforgettable experience. Though the academics at the University of Deusto were not as rigorous as desired, the cultural richness and environment more than compensated. Bilbao doesn’t teach; it transforms. Walking past the Guggenheim every day for three months was a privilege, but the real gift was a deeper understanding of Basque culture. If you’re considering studying abroad, choose the road less traveled. In Bilbao, you’ll discover the beating heart of a people, a culture, and a city like no other.

Bilbao is a small, walkable city with great public transportation, amazing food, and stellar cultural offerings. There are numerous free exhibits and concerts every week, and I took full advantage of the cheap, incredible food options across the city. I went to Spain as a Spanish major wanting to cement my language skills, and ISA's Bilbao program let me do exactly that. Homestay was the only housing option (which I wanted), and my host family was incredible; my host parents supported my language immersion tirelessly (talking with me over daily family-style lunch about Basque culture and and Spain and teaching me new vocabulary) while also giving me the independence to explore the city and travel. ISA's pre-program visa-support process in the US left a lot to be desired, but Genoveva (the on-site coordinator in Bilbao) was the absolute best. She connected me with volunteer opportunities, cultural experiences, and students seeking English tutors who hired me to give private classes in the afternoons. Be aware ISA offers classes through CIDE (el Centro Internacional de Español) at Deusto University. CIDE is a language exchange program designed specifically for North American students, so you'll start and end the semester on a North American schedule and take classes with mostly other North Americans unless you opt into classes with locals (although you will have to push to take more than one class with Spanish students per semester). The CIDE instructors are excellent, and they offer a variety of classes designed to meet requirements for Spanish and Business degrees. I joined Deusto's Basque dance group, and you can take language classes separate from your CIDE classes at the university's language center in the evenings (including French and Basque). There is also a chapter of the international student group Happy Erasmus in Bilbao that organizes weekly events and weekend trips in English for students from around the world. I loved Bilbao so much I took a gap year after my program to continue volunteering on a tall ship based in the city in order to stay. For a student who had never left the united states before but wanted as much Spanish immersion as possible, it was an incomparable experience.

Bilbao is a beautiful city rich in culture with amazing views, inspiring art, delicious food, and kind people! The city's vibrant atmosphere and welcoming spirit allowed me to feel at home within days of arriving. The city offers experiences for everyone to enjoy: lively nightlife, picturesque hikes, world class gastronomy, and spirited fútbol matches of Bilbao's own professional team. The public transportation is in a class of its own as it is reliable, clean, and efficient allowing easy access to explore the city within or take quick day trips to nearby cities and beaches. Whether it was walking around historic Casco Viejo, riding the metro to nearby beaches, taking in the views of the city from above per the funicular, eating pintxos at La Ribera market, or simply sitting on a bench in the park, my time in Bilbao was a once in a lifetime experience with memories I will cherish forever.