Program Reviews

Volunteering in beach clean-up activities with Instituto Hemingway was one of the most rewarding parts of my stay in Spain. What started as a simple environmental activity quickly became a powerful lesson in teamwork, responsibility, and connection with nature.

From the very first day, I felt part of a motivated international group, all sharing the same goal: protecting the coastline and reducing plastic pollution. Equipped with gloves, bags, and lots of enthusiasm, we worked together to collect waste, separate recyclables, and restore the natural beauty of the beach. Seeing the sand transform from littered to clean in just a few hours was incredibly satisfying.

Beyond the physical impact, the experience raised my awareness about how everyday habits affect the environment. It was eye-opening to realize how much plastic and micro-waste ends up in the ocean, often coming from small, careless actions. The coordinators explained the importance of sustainability and responsible consumption, making the activity both practical and educational.

What I loved most was the sense of community. Volunteers came from different countries and backgrounds, yet we connected easily through shared purpose. Conversations flowed naturally while we worked, and laughter mixed with meaningful discussions about climate change, travel, and cultural experiences. It reminded me that volunteering is not only about helping — it’s also about building bridges between people.

The program was well organized, supportive, and flexible, allowing everyone to contribute at their own pace. Even simple tasks felt meaningful because we could immediately see the results of our efforts. Knowing that our work helped protect marine life and preserve beautiful landscapes gave me a deep sense of accomplishment.

This experience also helped me grow personally. I became more mindful of my environmental footprint and more motivated to adopt eco-friendly habits in daily life. It reinforced the idea that change starts locally, with small actions repeated consistently. Cleaning a beach may seem minor, but when many people work together, the impact becomes powerful.

Volunteering through Instituto Hemingway offered the perfect balance between cultural immersion, environmental action, and personal development. It allowed me to give back to the community while enjoying the outdoors and meeting inspiring people. I left each session feeling energized, grateful, and more connected to the place I was living in.

I would highly recommend this beach clean-up volunteering program to anyone seeking a meaningful experience abroad. It combines environmental awareness, teamwork, and cultural exchange in a truly memorable way. For me, it was not just about cleaning beaches — it was about caring for the planet, learning from others, and becoming part of something bigger.

Studying Spanish online with Instituto Hemingway was a truly unique experience. The personalized approach and small classes allowed me to focus on my individual needs, while the excellent teachers provided constant guidance, encouragement, and feedback. Thanks to their expertise and support, my fluency improved rapidly, and I gained confidence in speaking, listening, and understanding Spanish in real-life situations. The lessons were engaging, fun, and fully tailored to my learning goals, making every session motivating and rewarding.

Volunteering in permaculture with Instituto Hemingway was truly a unique experience. I learned hands-on sustainable farming techniques while connecting deeply with the local community. The program combined language learning, environmental education, and meaningful social impact. Every day offered new challenges and insights, from planting and composting to understanding local culture. The supportive team made me feel part of a purpose-driven family. This experience changed how I view sustainability and community engagement forever.

Choosing Instituto Hemingway for learning Spanish was one of the best decisions I’ve made. The school offers small, dynamic classes where teachers are professional, friendly, and always ready to help. The lessons focus on practical communication, which means you learn to speak Spanish in real-life situations from day one.

Beyond the classroom, the school organizes cultural activities that allow students to practice Spanish while exploring Bilbao. From visiting the Guggenheim Museum to tasting local pintxos or walking through the Old Town, every activity makes learning fun and engaging.

The school also provides a welcoming international environment, where you meet students from all over the world, share experiences, and make lasting friendships. Combined with Bilbao’s pleasant climate, excellent public transport, and beautiful surroundings, studying at Instituto Hemingway is not just about learning a language—it’s a full cultural immersion that leaves you more confident, independent, and inspired.

In short, Instituto Hemingway offers high-quality teaching, cultural enrichment, and a supportive community, making it the perfect choice for anyone serious about improving their Spanish while enjoying an unforgettable experience in Spain.

My experience at Instituto Hemingway was simply excellent, and the city of Bilbao made it even better. From the very first day, I felt welcome thanks to the friendliness of the staff and the dedication of the teachers. The classes are designed to be dynamic and effective, combining theory and practice in a balanced way. I loved being able to participate in communicative activities, debates, and practical exercises that truly improved my Spanish in a short time.

The teachers are highly professional, attentive, and always willing to help. They not only teach the language but also share Spanish culture and customs, which makes learning more engaging and complete. Additionally, the small class sizes allow for personalized attention and a friendly atmosphere where it’s easy to ask questions and actively participate.

Bilbao, on the other hand, is a wonderful city that perfectly complements the Spanish learning experience. Its pleasant climate—even in summer—makes walking through the streets and exploring the city very enjoyable. The mix of modern and traditional architecture, rich Basque cuisine, and proximity to mountains and beaches ensures there is always something to discover. Participating in cultural and social activities organized by the school allowed me to practice Spanish in real-life situations and meet students from all over the world, which enriched the experience even further.

In short, studying at Instituto Hemingway not only helped me improve my Spanish effectively but also allowed me to enjoy Bilbao as a lively, cultural, and welcoming city. I highly recommend this experience to anyone who wants to learn Spanish in a professional environment while enjoying a city full of charm and life.

Volunteering at an animal shelter in Spain was a heartwarming and meaningful experience. I helped care for abandoned dogs and cats, feeding them, cleaning their spaces, and giving them love and attention. Seeing their progress and happiness grow every day was incredibly rewarding. It taught me compassion, patience, and the importance of giving animals a second chance at life. Fantastic atmophere, great community of friends and volunteers and my Spanish improved a lot to be honest. Bilbao was amazing.

Volunteering in Spain for beach cleaning was an amazing and eye-opening experience. Working alongside locals and other volunteers, I learned how small actions can make a big environmental impact. The sense of teamwork, the beautiful coastal views, and contributing to a cleaner planet made it both rewarding and unforgettable. It also helped me understand the importance of sustainability and how community effort can truly make a difference in protecting our oceans and environment. I strongly recommend this program.

Volunteering in the art therapy program in Bilbao was a truly inspiring experience. Through painting and creativity, participants expressed emotions and built self-confidence. Seeing their artwork displayed and sold gave real value to their effort and talent. It was amazing to witness how art can heal, connect people, and create a positive impact in the community. I strongly recommend this program for anybody interested in helping others, community impact, and improving the Spanish language. The atmosphere is great and the supervisors speak English.

When I first arrived in Bilbao, I hardly had any knowledge of Spanish and was a tiny bit nervous, but everyone at the Instituto Hemingway was very kind and accommodating and made me feel welcome in an instant. It was no problem at all for the volunteer program that my Spanish skills were so low at the beginning, as I could do a lot of the work in English, and while my Spanish skills progressed over time, I was happy to see that I could do more and more of the volunteering work in Spanish. The work itself was very varied - it consisted for example in creating videos for social media, planning the social activities of the institute, designing panels and pictures for one of the classrooms and assisting in examinations. Moreover, I also had language classes in the insitute during the five weeks that I spent there, which were virtually always a lot of fun and helped me greatly to improve my Spanish skills, so that by the end of my time in Bilbao I could even have longer conversations in Spanish with my new friends. I'm very grateful for this unforgettable experience and I'm sure that I will return to Bilbao - a city which I have grown to love - with its vibrant culture, nice inhabitants and picturesque landscapes surrounding it.

My experience volunteering at an animal shelter in Bilbao was unique because I got to care for animals while learning about local culture. The program organized fantastic cultural activities, and I met amazing friends from all over the world. Working together, sharing stories, and exploring the city made the experience unforgettable and showed me the joy of connecting with both animals and people in a meaningful way. I also learned valuable skills in teamwork, responsibility, and empathy, which I will carry with me forever.