Instituto Hemingway

Program Reviews

As a former student at Instituto Hemingway in Bilbao, I can say the experience was both fast and highly effective. The teaching method is very communicative, so you start speaking Spanish from day one. Classes are dynamic, practical and never boring. I improved much faster than I expected thanks to constant interaction. The international environment made it easy to practice outside the classroom too. Bilbao itself is perfect—safe, lively, and surrounded by beaches and mountains. It felt like learning Spanish while living a real cultural experience, not just attending a course.

What was your funniest moment?

One of the funniest moments I had at Instituto Hemingway was during a speaking activity when I confidently tried to explain a simple story in Spanish… but completely mixed up the words. I wanted to say I “missed the bus,” but instead I accidentally said I “married the bus.”

The whole class burst out laughing, including me, and even the teacher couldn’t stop smiling. What made it even better was that instead of feeling embarrassed, everyone helped me fix it and we turned it into a running joke for the rest of the week.

It was the perfect reminder that making mistakes is part of learning—and sometimes the funniest part of the experience.

Pros

Fast improvement through active learning
International and social environment
amazing location in Bilbao

Cons

Cost of living in Bilbao
Unpredictable weather
Intensive and sometimes challenging method

As a student at Instituto Hemingway in Bilbao, I can honestly say this has been one of the most enriching and enjoyable experiences of my life. I came to Spain expecting to improve my Spanish, but I found much more than just a language course — I found a lifestyle, a community, and a city that feels both exciting and welcoming at the same time. From the very first day, I noticed that the classes were focused on real communication. Instead of only memorizing grammar rules, we were encouraged to speak, interact, and express ourselves in Spanish constantly. This made a huge difference in my confidence.

The teachers are not only professional but also very patient and supportive. They understand that students come from different countries and levels, and they adapt the lessons so everyone can follow and improve. I never felt pressured — instead, I felt motivated to participate and make mistakes, which is part of the learning process.

The small group sizes also helped a lot. It felt more like a conversation than a traditional classroom, and that made learning much more natural and enjoyable.

🎉 A fun and social environment

One of the things I enjoy most about studying here is the social atmosphere. At Instituto Hemingway, you don’t just meet classmates — you meet friends from all over the world.

There are students from Germany, the United States, France, Italy, and many other countries. This creates a very international environment where we all speak Spanish together, even outside class. It is amazing how quickly you improve when Spanish becomes part of your daily life.

The school also organizes activities such as city tours, cultural visits, and social events. These moments are not only fun but also help us practice Spanish in real situations. I have made memories here that I will never forget.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?

If I could give advice to anyone planning to come to Bilbao to study Spanish at Instituto Hemingway, I would say this: don’t just prepare for a language course — prepare for a life experience. Everything you do here, inside and outside the classroom, will become part of your learning journey. 1
1- Speak Spanish from day one (even if you make mistakes)

One of the biggest lessons I learned is that progress comes from using the language, not just studying it. At the beginning, it is normal to feel shy or unsure, but the more you speak, the faster everything improves.

Even simple conversations in cafés, shops, or with classmates make a huge difference. People in Bilbao are generally friendly and patient, and they appreciate the effort to speak Spanish.

2. Be open to meeting people from everywhere

At Instituto Hemingway, you will meet students from all over the world. This is one of the most valuable parts of the experience.

My advice is: don’t stay only with people from your own country. Try to mix, speak Spanish with everyone, and learn from different cultures. You will not only improve your language skills but also make international friendships that can last for years.

3. Take advantage of Bilbao’s location

One of the best things about studying here is how close everything is. In less than 20 minutes, you can be at the beach, and in a short trip, you can be surrounded by mountains and nature.

Don’t miss this. After classes, go to the coast, explore nearby towns, or join weekend trips. The Basque Country is incredibly beautiful, and it becomes part of your learning experience.

Pros

Fast and practical Spanish learning
International and social environment
Amazing location: city, beach, and mountains

Cons

Cost of living can be high
Weather can be unpredictable
Intensive learning can feel challenging

Volunteering at Instituto Hemingway was a truly unique experience. What made it so special was the perfect combination of meaningful work and an amazing lifestyle. I met incredible friends from all over the world, enjoyed a warm and welcoming atmosphere, and made unforgettable memories together. The good weather and beautiful beaches made every day even better, especially after volunteering hours. Everything was close and easy to reach, which made life very convenient. On top of that, the price was excellent for everything included. It was the perfect mix of fun, purpose, and connection.

What was your funniest moment?

My funniest moment was during a beach cleanup with Instituto Hemingway when a group of us tried to speak only Spanish for an hour. It quickly turned into chaos—mixing up words, inventing new ones, and laughing non-stop at our mistakes. At one point, I accidentally asked for a “fish umbrella” instead of a bag! It was hilarious, but also one of the moments where I learned the most.

Pros

Great opportunities to meet international friends and build connections
Beautiful location with beaches, good weather, and everything nearby
Fun, relaxed atmosphere that mixes volunteering, culture, and social life

Cons

Some activities can feel disorganized at times
Shared accommodation may lack privacy
Intensity of social life can feel overwhelming for people who prefer quiet time

What made my experience at Instituto Hemingway truly unique wasn’t just the Spanish classes—it was the feeling of living something real and meaningful every single day. The teachers were incredibly patient and made every class fun and engaging, so learning never felt like a chore. You could tell they genuinely cared about each student’s progress.

But beyond the classroom, the whole school felt like a team, like a big family where everyone supports each other. From day one, I felt at home, surrounded by people from all over the world but connected by the same goal.

Living in a shared flat with people my age made everything even more special, and being able to walk to school gave a sense of routine and independence. The cultural activities brought the city to life, and little by little, it felt like I wasn’t just visiting—I was starting a new life in Spanish. That’s what made it unforgettable.

What was your funniest moment?

One of the funniest moments in class at Instituto Hemingway was during a speaking activity when we had to improvise a conversation like we were in a restaurant. I tried to order something simple, but I mixed up a few words and ended up saying something completely ridiculous instead of what I meant. The whole class burst out laughing—including me—and even the teacher couldn’t hold it in.

What made it so great was how relaxed and supportive the atmosphere was. The teacher, with so much patience, turned it into a learning moment without making anyone feel embarrassed. In fact, it helped me remember the correct words much better.

Moments like that made the classes so enjoyable. You learn, you laugh, and you feel comfortable making mistakes—which is honestly the best way to improve.

Pros

Amazing teachers – super patient, friendly, and classes are always fun and interactive.
Great atmosphere – the school feels like a big family where you feel at home from day one.
Full experience – accommodation, cultural activities, and the city itself make learning Spanish feel natural and immersive.

Cons

Time flies – the experience goes by way too fast!
Hard to leave – you get attached to people and the lifestyle.
You’ll want to stay longer – one course never feels like enough.

discovering cultural activities programmed by School

y experience with Instituto Hemingway was truly unforgettable. The Spanish courses were dynamic and focused on real communication, helping me gain confidence quickly. At the same time, participating in volunteer activities made the experience even more meaningful, as I could give back to the community while improving my language skills. Another highlight was the accommodation, which was fantastic and very well located, making it easy to explore the city and enjoy daily life. Overall, it was a perfect combination of learning, culture, and personal growth.

What was your funniest moment?

One of my funniest moments at Instituto Hemingway happened during a volunteer activity. We were cleaning a park and trying to communicate in Spanish while organizing tools. I accidentally mixed up words and told everyone to “pick up the trees” instead of “pick up the trash.” Everyone laughed so hard, including the local staff, and I couldn’t stop smiling.

It was a little embarrassing at the moment, but it made the day so much fun and showed me that mistakes are part of learning—and laughing together makes the experience unforgettable.

Pros

Immersive learning – Classes focus on real-life communication, which helps you improve Spanish quickly.
Volunteer opportunities – You can give back to the community while practicing the language, making the experience meaningful.
fantastic accommodation – Well-located and comfortable, making it easy to explore the city and enjoy daily life.

Cons

Intensive schedule – Courses and activities can be fast-paced, especially for beginners.
Age mix in some programs – Some housing or classes may include a range of ages, which can affect group dynamics.
Limited free time – With language classes, volunteering, and cultural activities, personal downtime can be short.

My experience taking a Spanish course at Instituto Hemingway was truly unforgettable and enriching. From the first day, I felt welcomed by both the teachers and fellow students, which created a friendly and motivating learning environment. The classes were dynamic and focused on real communication, allowing me to improve my speaking and listening skills quickly and naturally.

The teachers were highly professional, patient, and always ready to help, adapting lessons to our needs and levels. What made the experience even more special was the cultural immersion. The institute organized activities such as city tours and social events, giving us the chance to practice Spanish outside the classroom while discovering local traditions.

Overall, it was much more than just a language course—it was a complete cultural experience that helped me grow personally and academically.

What was your funniest moment?

One of my funniest moments at Instituto Hemingway happened during a class activity where we had to act out everyday situations in Spanish. I was trying to order food in a role-play exercise, but instead of saying “pollo” (chicken), I accidentally said “polo” (polo shirt). Everyone burst out laughing, including the teacher, and I was completely confused at first!

It turned into a great moment because the teacher used it to explain pronunciation differences, and I never made that mistake again. It was a bit embarrassing at the time, but also hilarious and memorable. Moments like that made learning much more fun and helped create a relaxed atmosphere where making mistakes was part of the process.

Pros

Practical learning approach – Classes focus on real-life communication, helping you speak Spanish confidently in everyday situations.
Supportive teachers – The instructors are patient, experienced, and create a friendly learning environment.
Cultural immersion – Activities outside the classroom allow you to practice Spanish while experiencing local culture.

Cons

Intensive pace – The course can feel fast, especially for beginners who need more time to absorb the material.
Mixed-level groups – Sometimes students have slightly different levels, which can affect the class rhythm.
Limited class time – You may wish for more hours to practice, especially if you want faster progress.

My time at Instituto Hemingway was an amazing experience. The teachers are very supportive and make the classes interesting and interactive. I improved my Spanish a lot while enjoying a friendly and international atmosphere. The school also organizes great cultural activities that help you discover Bilbao and its culture. I met wonderful people from different countries and felt very welcome from the first day. I would definitely recommend this school to anyone who wants to learn Spanish and have a great experience abroad

What was your funniest moment?

One of the funniest moments at Instituto Hemingway was during a group Spanish game. We were supposed to act out words without speaking, and I completely misunderstood “lluvia” (rain) and started pretending to swim! Everyone burst out laughing, including the teachers. It was hilarious, and we all ended up laughing so much that it made the lesson unforgettable. Such moments made learning Spanish really fun!

Pros

Friendly and professional teachers who make learning Spanish enjoyable
Small class sizes, allowing for personalized attention and interaction
Great cultural activities that let you explore Bilbao and practice Spanish in real life.

Cons

Classes can feel intensive for complete beginners at first.
Accommodation is shared apart, which might not suit everyone.
Some cultural activities depend on the weather, so outdoor plans can change.

Volunteering in Spain has been one of the most fun and meaningful experiences of my life. Helping the environment while cleaning beaches made me feel that my work had a real impact. At the same time, I grew a lot personally and became more confident and open. Living in comfortable apartments in the city center and walking every day to the Spanish school made the experience even better, as I could keep learning the language. The cultural activities were fantastic and helped us discover the local culture. During volunteering we often sang together to stay motivated, which created such a joyful atmosphere. Our supervisor was also very friendly and supportive. It truly felt like a unique adventure.

What was the most surprising thing you saw or did?

The most surprising thing I did was volunteering in beach clean-ups. At first I didn’t expect it to be so fun, but it turned into one of the best parts of the experience. We worked together, sometimes even singing while collecting trash, which made the atmosphere really positive. It was also surprising to see how much waste we could remove and how quickly a beach could look beautiful again. It made me feel proud to help the environment while meeting great people and practicing Spanish at the same time. 🌊🌱

Pros

Meaningful impact – Helping clean beaches and protect the environment felt very rewarding.
Cultural immersion – Living in the city, walking to Spanish classes, and joining activities helped me improve my Spanish quick
Great community – Meeting volunteers from different countries created a fun, supportive atmosphere.

Cons

Physical work – Beach clean-ups can be tiring, especially on hot days.
Weather dependent – Some activities change depending on the weather.
Time goes too fast – The experience is so enjoyable that it feels too short!

I did my internship in Bilbao with Instituto Hemingway in a fantastic program. Everything was excellent: the accommodation, the courses, and the internship itself. I learned a lot about customer service, discovered the local culture, and improved my Spanish skills significantly. The experience was enriching, combining practical work with cultural immersion, making it unforgettable and highly rewarding. I totally recommend this program for anybody interested in improving Spanish or learn language culture. A big step forward

What was the most surprising thing you saw or did?

The most surprising thing I experienced was how quickly I felt part of the local culture. Walking through the charming old streets of Bilbao, trying traditional pintxos in local bars, and speaking Spanish with friendly locals made every day exciting and memorable. I was amazed at how welcoming people were, how much I could learn outside the classroom, and how these small daily experiences helped me improve my Spanish faster than I ever expected.

Pros

The internship gives hands-on experience in customer service and professional skills
You get to explore Bilbao and learn about its culture, food, and traditions.
You improve your Spanish quickly through daily practice and immersion

Cons

Adapting to a new country and work environment can be challenging at first.
Being away from home and managing your own schedule requires independence and responsibility.
Some tasks at the internship may be repetitive or demanding

The Instituto Hemingway program is unique in Bilbao because it offers much more than traditional language learning. Students do not only study Spanish in the classroom; they experience the culture of the city every day. The program combines quality teaching with cultural activities, local experiences, and contact with people from Bilbao. Participants explore the history, gastronomy, and traditions of the Basque Country while improving their language skills in a natural environment. The friendly atmosphere and international community make students feel welcome and motivated. At Instituto Hemingway, learning Spanish becomes a real adventure that connects language, culture, and unforgettable memories.

What was the most surprising thing you saw or did?

The most surprising thing I experienced was how quickly I felt part of the local culture. Walking through the old streets of Bilbao, trying traditional pintxos, and speaking Spanish with local people made every day exciting. It was amazing to see how friendly everyone was and how much you can learn outside the classroom.

Pros

You improve your Spanish quickly
You experience the real culture of Bilbao through food, traditions, and activities.
You meet people from many countries and make international friends

Cons

At the beginning it can be challenging if your Spanish level is low.
The weather in Bilbao can sometimes be rainy.
Exploring the city can require extra spending.

Program Reviews

From student to speaker: my experience at Instituto Hemingway

A complete Spanish learning experience in the heart of the Basque Country

Sun, Friends & Purpose: A Volunteering Experience Like No Other

Why Instituto Hemingway Was Such a Unique Experience

Learn, Help, and Live Spain to the Fullest!

More Than a Course: A Spanish Adventure to Remember!

An Unforgettable Spanish Learning Experience in Bilbao

A Life-Changing Volunteer Experience in Spain

An Unforgettable Internship in the Heart of Bilbao

Discover Bilbao the Hemingway Way