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 25 - 32 of 32 reviews
Default avatar
Frank
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

The best money invested

It is a high quality language school in a superb location and authentic building. Energetic instructor and a method where you can start using what you have learnt immediately. Definitely recommended. The quality of instruction is excellent and being there was also fun. I heartily recommend attending this program. My instructor was very patient with me and adapted himself to my pace of learning. It is really worth. On the first day I could only make a couple of sentences, on the last day I was able to communicate properly with all the B1 knowledge that I have studied. Thank you for the opportunity! Especially my private teacher, Sheila. The atmosphere is very cool and positive. You will learn Spanish and enjoy the time doing so. I'm going back again next year.

What would you improve about this program?
Living arrangements were great. I would have prefered a location closer to downtown but it was fine at the end of the day. This way I could use public transportation too and talk to people from the district close to my home.
49 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Fran
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

The most life changing, and amazing program abroad!!!

Bilbao was such a unique place with a one-of-a-kind culture that you will not find anywhere else. Not only did I discover this, but I also discovered a ton about myself!

I honestly have no complaints about this program or the city of Bilbao. The people are friendly, the city is a whimsical mix of past and present, there is ALWAYS something to do, you are surrounded by beautiful mountains yet a few miles from the coastline, the professors at the university are so much fun... you will find yourself never wanting to leave. Bilbao, and Basque Country in general, comes with its own culture, language, music, and history that you can never really appreciate until you are there to be a part of it. Before coming here, I didn't even know this subculture existed. It's an amazing thing to accidentally stumble upon! I'm so glad I did. If you want to study in Spain but don't want to go to a major metropolitan city, Bilbao is the place to go.

Teachers are patient, understanding, and challenging. They understand that while you are there to learn, you are also in a foreign country, experiencing so many things not just inside the classroom. Make a fool of yourself when practicing the language. Make mistakes, put yourself out there, and talk as much as you can. That is the best way to learn!

What would you improve about this program?
This program was a great expirence for myself and my peers. We had a lot of fun travelling around. Our teachers were great to us and we got to know a lot of them personally. I have been recommending this program since I've been back in hopes that more students have the same experiences as us.
38 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Alexandra
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Fluent in Spanish in 6 months!!

Studying at Instituto Hemingway was a great experience. The class sizes were small and the teachers were all very encouraging and friendly. Every other Friday, they organized a dinner with all students . We also got to do some tours so it was a great way to see the city! My Spanish definitely improved and nowadays and I am fluent due to this long-term course and I would really recommend Instituto Hemingway to anyone looking for a language school.

My housing was very good in every way. The apartment of the School was located in a very nice neighborhood and I had truly nice roommates. At first I thought my level was just right for me, but after a while I felt like maybe I should have changed my level to the next one. However, I wasn't sure so I stayed in the same group and changed a little too late. Still, I enjoyed my stay very much and the fact that I stayed in the easier group for a bit too long did not bother me. I liked my teachers and made plenty of new friends.

What would you improve about this program?
I think I would prefer teachers who speak perfect English but on the other side I think it is better to have native Spanish teachers
41 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Ann
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

It was a great experience because of the friendly staff and students, the excellent teaching, the welcoming local host accommodation and the wonderful culture and of Bilbao."

The classes were small and allowed lots of participation. I was initially put in a class which was a little slow for my level but I was moved to a more advanced class later in the week where I learnt everything in Spanish about business. The professors were very good. They spoke in Spanish all the time and explained clearly so that I could understand. I really enjoyed Professor Guadalupe. She made the classes very interesting and amusing. I especially enjoyed my afternoon classes with her and one other student - lots of opportunity to speak Spanish!
The Location of the school is very convenient. The apartment is great and close to School too. The apartment where I stayed was very conveniently located for the school and the bus route. The host was welcoming and spoke to me in Spanish. Her house was extremely clean. My room and bed were comfortable. The shower worked well. The meals were excellent. i enjoyed the local fish and meat dishes which she cooked. There was always fruit to eat as well. The host was happy to let me come and go as I pleased. I ate my meal at 2.30pm after school which suited me so I could go into Bilbao or to the beach.
At the school Jose was so friendly and good at organising activities and I enjoyed the evening we went to the excursion with him. He looked after everyone very well.
I would really like to come back to Bilbao and this language school

What would you improve about this program?
I would appreciate if they can send more information before departure.
49 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Jeremiah
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Awesome experience

A very well run school with friendly and helpful staff. On the first day I was a very nervous beginner but at the end of just 2 weeks I was able to have a conversation and express myself with confidence. the teachers were very enthusiastic, patient and motivational. Thanks to Guadalupe, Eli and Carlos for these amazing weeks at Instituto, a very positive experience for me. I would highly recommend going and visiting this place!

What would you improve about this program?
Our class was really small in terms of students and I think Bilbao is a top choice to learn Spanish.
40 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Peter
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Awesome experience

The school, housing and most activities were close by in the center of town. My host family was very gracious and took the time to talk with me daily and allowed me to experience the great food of Spain. Fresh fruits, vegetables, pintxos and much more.

The school was in an older building with teachers who challenged me to converse, read, write, listen and learn the grammar, history and culture of Northern Spain. There was time for short trips on the weekend and there was always something new to explore. Overall a great experience.

The teachers were really professional and prepared, but also very approachable and friendly. The school is located in a great central location in the city and close to the accommodation provided. I liked the idea of the social evenings to get to know students and professors, and to practice the language in an informal way.

What would you improve about this program?
I think there should be more students. There were 4 people in my class but I guess that is due to not being a popular destination yet.
57 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Andrew
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Spanish course for Seniors

An excellent course to improve my Spanish so I can enjoy my life in Spain more. I can talk to Spanish people in the Health Centre, the hospital, the bank, shops and restaurants. Thank you. I have recommended to friends and would love to do another course. I like this course because they use different interactive methods to teach and it is very interesting. Presentation is clear and understandable. All subjects and conversations are important and useful in everyday life. I wish they would do next level course as well.
These courses are a good start. I know more Spanish now than I did when I started (I also find it useful to repeat the course after a few months rest). It does bother me, however, that interpreting written Spanish is quite a deal easier than translating from English. Speaking it is even harder and good luck trying to understand the Spanish when they speak. In English, if you slur words together it's a considered a sign of intellectual inferiority. Not so in Spanish, it would appear.

What would you improve about this program?
This program was fantastic and I enjoyed very much. It could be improved in the outdoor activities programmed. It could be more focused in cultural aspects rather than leisure activities but tution and methodology was top quality.
56 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Lena
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Spanish immersion program in Northern Spain

I was a student at Instituto Hemingway, and I just wanted to really thank all my professors for helping me learn Spanish. This first time I went to Bilbao I did it with knowing almost nothing of the language. I signed up for an intensive course there and liked it so much that I knew I had to continue. Not only did I improve my Spanish, but thanks to the tips and suggestions from my professors - and they always recommended places to go and see, especially those that don’t come in the guide books - I experienced so much more of Bilbao and its surroundings than I would have on my own. It was great! Then last year I repeated again and fell in love again with the place and its people. It has such a wonderful atmosphere, and the people are so nice and friendly that I never had any problems with being able to practice Spanish.

What would you improve about this program?
I wouldn't change anything
42 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.