Instituto Hemingway

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!

Before my semester abroad I had never been out of the country. Being in Spain and in Europe I learned to appreciate other cultures and branch out of my shy tendencies. It also gave me the nerves to finally speak Spanish with people other than my grandparents without feeling like I was being judged.

My Spanish improved significantly. I was able to see amazing things in person. I was able to adapt to and learned to love a new city. I gained about 10 pounds and a lot of international experience. I also learned so much about the culture from living in a shared apartment. It was completely worthwhile.

After about two or three weeks studying in Bilbao I felt like a part of the city. I walked to work every morning with everybody else that lived in Bilbao, had coffee and red the newspaper at the same coffee shops and drank beer and conversed with the locals after work. The people in Bilbao are incredible and make you feel at home.

I learned to be more independent, I learned how to be a traveler and not tourist, I learned how to communicate inter-culturally, I learned a lot about globalization, I learned to get out of my comfort zone, I learned about 12 different countries and cultures, I learned that the world is truly a great place.

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.

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

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!