Location
  • Spain
    • Bilbao
Length
1 to 52 weeks
Language
Spanish

Program Details

Language Level
BeginnerIntermediateAdvanced
Immersion Level
Intensive Standard
Certifications
DELE (Spanish)
Specialized Courses
Business Specific Purposes Teaching
Class Size
Private Lessons Small Class (1-7) Medium Class (8-15)
Weekly Classroom Hours
20
Housing
Apartment Host Family
Age Min.
14

Pricing

Price Details
Prices vary, starting at 130$
1-52 weeks
Primarily small classes (1-7 students per group)
We offer both standard and intensive courses.

All students will receive a textbook which uses a communicative approach to ensure you progress rapidly.
Teaching hours vary depending on the course. Though our most popular courses are 20 hours a week, students can choose to do 23, 26 or 30 hours as well.
What's Included
Activities Classes Visa Wifi
Dec 18, 2023
Nov 09, 2020
6 travelers are looking at this program

About Program

Looking for an unforgettable trip to Spain that will improve your Spanish and expand your resume? Look no further: the Instituto Hemingway’s courses are designed to immerse you in Spanish language and culture. You, the learner, are at the heart of everything we do.

We offer a wide range of courses at all levels and for all ages to fit your specific aims, be it learning more about this wonderful country, progressing your Spanish, or preparing and taking an Official DELE exam with us.

With us you don´t need to be worried about dealing with accommodation and visa subjects on your own, we will be there to help!

Our highly qualified teachers will quickly help you find your feet, working with you throughout your stay with us to get the most out of every minute of your course. After lessons are done for the day, kick back with your new friends as you explore our city with our much-loved daily program of cultural activities.

Video and Photos

Program Highlights

  • Bilbao is a city that’s off the beaten tourist trail, so it’s the perfect place to truly practice your Spanish in day-to-day situations. Why not explore some of the many other cities in Spain while you’re here, thanks to Bilbao’s great transport networks!
  • Join us for our free cultural activities including trips, wine tastings, salsa lessons, cooking workshops and tapas tours.
  • We have a range of accommodations available, including with a Host Family, in Shared Apartments or in Private Accommodation.
  • Our courses start every Monday all year round! We cover all levels, from A1 (Beginner) to C2 (Proficient). At the end of your course you'll receive a certificate which states the level of Spanish you’ve acquired.
  • Our experienced and accredited in-house lawyer who specializes in Study Abroad programs helps handle the VISA process with no hidden costs, to make your arrival in Spain a breeze.

Popular Programs

Permaculture in Spain

Teaching is highly interactive and our course is tailored to your level of Spanish, from beginner to advanced.In the afternoons you will take part in agricultural initiatives. You don't have to be an expert to have a great impact on the conservation and positive management of our natural environments.The initiative seeks to reconnect volunteers with the environment and the earth by reclaiming lost values in modern society, like day-to-day work, patience, perseverance and care.

DELE/SIELE Exam Preparation

Working towards your DELE exam? We can help: as an accredited DELE exam centre, we know the best ways to prepare you for your exam. The course offers DELE preparation alongside general Spanish classes - you’ll be dreaming in Spanish by the end! If you don’t have much time, we’ll help your Spanish improve in leaps and bounds with our SIELE preparation course. As the first certified digital Spanish exam with international recognition, SIELE is a quick and easy way to highlight your Spanish skills.

Spanish Course for Spanish Teachers

If you’re a Spanish language teacher looking to brush up on current methods for teaching Spanish as a second language (ELE), this is the course for you! Covering both foreign language acquisition and specific classroom techniques, we aim to supply you with the latest advice on how best to teach Spanish. Our classes also explore Spanish culture and history. You’ll leave with a wide range of knowledge and resources, including the Instituto Cervantes’ curriculum, to inspire your teaching.

Spanish Course for Children

Searching for a fun and educational trip for your child? Our courses for 6-12 year olds will be perfect for them. We aim to playfully introduce children to Spanish without making them feel they have to sit in school. In four 45 minutes classes per day, your child will learn to communicate in Spanish, play language games, sing Spanish songs, do handicrafts, listen to Spanish music and role play everyday situations. We provide accommodation for your family so you can enjoy Bilbao while they learn.

Spanish Course for Seniors

We know many people aged 50+ are looking for much more than just learning Spanish or improving their skills. That’s why our courses for seniors, at all language levels, have cultural activities tailored to your individual interests - be it tasting the delicacies of Spanish cuisine, exploring Bilbao or discovering the secrets of Spanish culture. With no more than 10 people per class, our teachers can dedicate more time to each individual student, incorporating your needs into the class content.

Live and Learn Spanish with an Instituto Hemingway Teacher

What better way to learn Spanish than to live with your own private Spanish teacher! This program is the most effective way to develop your language skills in a short space of time whilst being fully immersed in Spanish culture. You’ll get 10-20 private lessons per week in your teacher’s own home. Please note some teachers take more than one student, but we don't place two students of the same nationality or language in the same homestay unless requested. Contact us directly to learn more.

Student School and University Trips with Instituto Hemingway

Are you a teacher seeking a flexible educational school trip or university program for your students? Our subject-specific academic travel programs, customised to fit your requirements, are just what you need! We combine intensive Spanish studies with enjoyable afternoon activities, ensuring students gain in-depth insights into the Spanish way of life and practise their Spanish. Thanks to our high-quality professional service, many schools return regularly to relive their experiences with us.

Program Reviews

5.00 Rating
based on 32 reviews
  • 5 rating 100%
  • 4 rating 0%
  • 3 rating 0%
  • 2 rating 0%
  • 1 rating 0%
  • Instruction 5
  • Support 5
  • Fun 5
  • Housing 5
  • Value 5
Showing 17 - 24 of 32 reviews
Default avatar
Sarah
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

I learnt so much that I am fluent in Spanish

I spent a wonderful month with Jose, Eli, Guadalupe, Alfredo, Amaia etc. It's difficult to discribe..first at all I had a lot of fun with the teachers and the other students. I had an interesting experience. I met students from all over the world of different ages, younger and same age as me. The teacher was efficient and taught us the language very well.

It was the first time I had attended a language course and I enjoyed it so much! The one month every day and all day language class was very productive. Eli and Guadalupe are very professional and patient teachers, the lessons were tailor made and stress free. Everybody is very welcome.
They were more than just teachers, it was like staying with friends.
I enjoyed my stay so much, I have learned a lot and the activities were great: nature at its best and sightseeing to improve the use of the learned language.
I am considering arranging another visit!

Thank you for a wonderful month!
Muchas gracias y hasta luego

What was the most unfamiliar thing you ate?
Everybody eats breadcrumbs, but maybe not as a standalone dish. Except for Spanish people. Traditional migas are eaten in central Spain accompanied with garlic, olive oil, pepper, and, to make it perfect, some grapes. So, if you’re a vegetarian and visit Spain, you can still eat authentically with migas and pipas.
62 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Celine
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Amazing time in Bilbao!

I came to Bilbao because I wanted to be in a place that was very different to my home country! And Bilbao was the perfect choice, surrounded by sea and kilometers of beautiful sandy beaches, not to mention its amazing history.

I chose Instituto Hemingway because I heard is the best School in Northern Spain.

The school is the perfect size and all the staff are very friendly and make you feel comfortable right from the start.

A very well-rounded place with a lot of upsides.
There's a friendly atmosphere, effective teachers and helpful people in general (they can recommend you tons of stuff that you're interested in, in Bilbao).
I haven't done my courses yet (as of this time), but I can already say that it is very effective. And they also propose cultural activities that you can sign up for DAILY.

I enjoyed the small classes and activities that allowed us to see all the parts of the city and learn more about the culture. My Spanish improved a great deal during the summer and I look forward to coming back next year. Surfing lessons were super and just 30 min far from School!

What would you improve about this program?
Everything was perfect. My parents were well-informed about my itinerary and I got an orientation upon arrival. I just have nice words for them.
45 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Peter
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Total inmersion Spanish program

The teachers were excellent. I would say not only were they very good at teaching, the three teachers that I interacted with I would characterize as being pleasant and exuberant personalities. I would also like to add that my classmates at the school were excellent as well and that I made some really good friends at (and through) Instituto Hemingway. The location is convenient and I also like the fact that the school is located in an "active" and "entertaining" part of the city. I also participated in activities that were introduced to me through Instituto Hemingway. Those were awesome as well because I was able to interact with other students in Bilbao (ERASMUS for example) outside of my language school. Additionally, my accommodation in Bilbao was as good as anyone could ask for as I was able to stay with an extremely kind and helpful Spanish woman and after some weeks I moved out to an independent apartment of Instituto, next to School. Finally, I can honestly say that my Spanish skills tangibly improved during my time in Bilbao and that I was able to lay a strong foundation for tremendous future improvement after my stay in Bilbao. I was an A+ Spanish student in college in the United States and I would state unequivocally, that my Spanish improved more in my 3 months in Bilbao than it did in an entire year of studying Spanish in college.

What would you improve about this program?
In my opinion 30 hours of intensive lessons per week are a lot when it comes to reality. I think that perhaps it should be accompanied with some outdoor activities but I understand the School has to meet the needs of everybody.
47 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Frank
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

My students had a terrific experience in Spain

My trip to Spain with 22 students was the greatest thing I’ve ever done in my life. It opened my eyes to so many things and I saw and learned so much. Our flight over got delayed and we didn’t end up getting to Spain until a day later but it was all worth it once we got there. Everything was so picture perfect that you couldn’t put your camera down.

The location is perfect, really central and I think easily reachable for everyone. The classes were pleasant and went by fast in general, host families were also fantastic and I liked the fact that the teachers of Instituto Hemingway switch after two hours because it keeps things interesting and does not get boring. I found the teachers to be really nice, are able to explain grammar and constructs clearly. What I would have liked more is that when students speak up in class that the teacher also gives feedback on conversation and grammar mistakes, even though it is not a conversation class

Our chaperone of Instituto Hemingway, Rodrigo, was the most amazing person, he always brought us treats, made us laugh, and helped us get where we needed to be on time. This trip made me want to travel even more all over the world.

What would you improve about this program?
Over all our experience was good. We enjoyed the city, the sites, and the optional excursions but if I had to say something to improve was to have had more time for shopping.
61 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Vera
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Thumbs up for Spanish lessons!!

The teachers are mostly young and fun. That really helped relate to the new culture we were facing since they were speaking Spanish but spoke “our language”. The school offered good service and seemed really like a Babel tower since there were people from Latin America, Europe, Asia, and North America all in my own class. There’s nothing compared to spending time in a country where the language spoken is the one you’re trying to learn. It’s the fastest and most accurate way of learning! I was surprised by the quality of the teaching methods as well as the incredibly nice and motivated teachers! The classes are perfect in size and there is not too many students.

In my nine months of classes at the institute, I can say it was spectacular. Why? Let me start by saying that the school is very well located and has self-level teachers.

1) The teaching methodology is impeccable
2) The teachers have a very good disposition (friendly).
3) Their language books are updated.
4) There is a privilege of exchanging with people from different cultures and with different habits.
5) Their knowledge of Spain (history, culture, customs, politics, etc.).

I can only describe the school, but those who would want to attend should have the curiosity and courage to try the language.

I really recommend this school! I will maybe be back in the next years. The location was good in city centre and it was relatively near the beach (30 min by metro), so it was quite useful after class.

What would you improve about this program?
Everything was perfect. After spending 9 months studying Spanish I consider some of the great activities Instituto Hemingway offers every afternoon were repeated but that to some point is normal.
47 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Lucia
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Business Spanish course thumbs up!!

The teachers were excellent. I would say not only were they very good at teaching, the three teachers that I interacted with I would characterize as being pleasant and exuberant personalities. I would also like to add that my classmates at the school were excellent as well and that I made some really good friends at (and through) Instituto Hemingway. The location is convenient and I also like the fact that the school is located in an "active" and "entertaining" part of the city. I also participated in activities that were introduced to me through Instituto Hemingway. Those were awesome as well because I was able to interact with other students in Bilbao (ERASMUS for example) outside of my language school. Additionally, my accommodation in Bilbao was as good as anyone could ask for as I was able to stay with an extremely kind and helpful Spanish woman. Finally, I can honestly say that my Spanish skills tangibly improved during my time in Bilbao and that I was able to lay a strong foundation for tremendous future improvement after my stay in Bilbao. I was an A+ Spanish student in college in the United States and I would state unequivocally, that my Spanish improved more in my 3 months in Barcelona than it did in an entire year of studying Spanish in college.

What would you improve about this program?
The location in the very center of Barcelona was really good! The teacher was very nice and passionate. The facilities weren't new, but still well-functional.
48 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Lucia
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

A professional attitude to teach

I did a business course with Instituto Hemingway and it was really good. The teachers were knowledgeable and helpful and the staff is really keen on offering you a smooth registration process. I learnt a lot about business and technical words related to business in Spanish. I also visited some companies too and did some formal letters in Spanish for companies.

Guadalupe was a really great teacher, she asked lots of challenging questions and was very clear in her explanations. There was a good mix of activities during the class also so I could practice speaking aswell as learning how to read and write with the correct grammar. This also made each class interesting and kept me interested and focused whilst learning

They also have great activities within the school where students get together and explore parts of Bilbao and the city life. Everyone is really nice and welcoming here. The weekly activities are great to get to know the city and meet new people! I already told many friends of mine to try it out as well, because it's definitely worth the price!

49 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Petra
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

The best trip ever to real Spain

I can’t say enough good things about this trip! Bilbao and all the sites we visited were amazing but what really brought the whole experience together was the tour director. I was really impressed by his knowledge and willingness to accommodate everyone to the best of his abilities. I have been on trips to Spain before and enjoyed them but I have never had a tour director that took such a personal interest in the group. There was a really good balance of scheduled time versus free time and everything was very well timed and organized. I would definitely do another trip, especially if I could get the same tour director, José! My 25 students and me felt safe, the host families were all good, and came home happy, yet exhausted. While learning Spanish students met people from all over the world. It was a rewarding experience!!

60 people found this review helpful.

Questions & Answers

Thanks but in our opinion and experience this program is better for non-single mothers or fathers.

Pleaes let me know your citizenship and reasons to come to Spain.

Not at all. This program is totally flexible in terms of dates to join us but also time to stay (2 weeks minimum) and degrees required. We will give you training upon arrival and in that sense no degrees required either.