Spain: Bilbao & Getxo - International Business and Spanish Studies

As I sit down to reflect on my time studying abroad in Bilbao, Spain, I’m overwhelmed with a sense of nostalgia. My experience in this vibrant Basque city was not just an academic endeavor; it was a journey of self-discovery, cultural immersion, and personal growth.

From the moment I arrived, Bilbao captivated me with its unique blend of modernity and tradition. The city is home to the iconic Guggenheim Museum, a masterpiece of contemporary architecture that stands as a symbol of Bilbao’s transformation from an industrial hub to a cultural hotspot. I spent countless hours wandering its galleries, marveling at the thought-provoking art installations. The museum wasn’t just a place to view art; it became an integral part of my understanding of the city’s identity.

Living in Bilbao was an adventure in itself. My accommodation was located in the heart of the city, allowing me to immerse myself in the local culture. The cobblestone streets were lined with charming cafes and pintxos bars, where I quickly learned the art of socializing over food. I remember my first pintxo experience—small bites of deliciousness served on a skewer, perfect for sharing with friends. I was introduced to the Basque culinary tradition, which is rich and diverse, and I found myself falling in love with dishes like bacalao a la vizcaína and txangurro.

Academically, my classes were engaging and challenging. I took courses that focused on Spanish language and Basque culture, and I found that the professors were not only knowledgeable but also passionate about their subjects. They encouraged discussions that often extended beyond the classroom, allowing me to gain a deeper understanding of the region’s history and its significance within Spain. The small class sizes fostered a sense of community, and I made friends from all over the world, each bringing their own unique perspective to our discussions.

One of the highlights of my study abroad experience was the opportunity to explore the stunning landscapes surrounding Bilbao. On weekends, I ventured out to the nearby mountains and beaches. The Basque Country is known for its breathtaking natural beauty, and I found myself hiking in the lush hills of the Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve and sunbathing on the sandy shores of Plentzia. These excursions provided a refreshing balance to my academic life and allowed me to connect with nature in a way I hadn’t experienced before.

The language barrier was initially daunting, but I embraced the challenge. I enrolled in a local language exchange program, where I met locals eager to practice their English. This not only improved my Spanish but also fostered friendships that enriched my experience. The warmth and hospitality of the Basque people made me feel at home, and I cherished the moments spent sharing stories over coffee or exploring the city together.

In retrospect, studying in Bilbao was more than just a semester abroad; it was a life-changing experience that expanded my horizons and deepened my appreciation for cultural diversity. I returned home with a newfound confidence, a broader worldview, and memories that I will cherish forever. If you’re considering studying abroad, I wholeheartedly recommend Bilbao—it’s a city that will capture your heart and inspire you in ways you never imagined.

I had the greatest experience while studying abroad in Bilbao, Spain. I met amazing people, practiced my Spanish and learned a lot. The city is gorgeous and close to the ocean and French border so there are lots of places close by to visit! The program offered excursions that allowed me to explore the Basque country which had a whole different language and culture that I was excited to learn more about. Ever since I've been back in the U.S. I have wanted to go back to Spain/Bilbao because I had such a nice time there and grew a lot as a person.

I stayed with a host family who were the nicest people and made me feel very welcome in their home. Almost a year later I still have contact with them! However I do know that other students in the program did not enjoy their host family as much as I did.

The best advice I could give to anyone studying abroad is to lean into the experience. Explore the city and try the activities it offers. Try the new food and talk to new people even if its only just in the program (the students are from all over the country). And most importantly utilize your time wisely. I was fortunate enough that I could travel to other cities in the country which meant I got to see a lot of different cities and try all sort of food (since each region has their own specialty). I even got to see a flamenco show in Seville where the art was created! My friends and I enjoyed the show so much we booked another show for the next day! Unfortunately, I was there for school and not just fun so I had homework. However, the travel time to the cities was an excellent time to complete my homework.

This program transformed my life. Personally, professionally, and academically I am a completely different person than I was two years ago and I could not be more grateful for the amazing friends I made and professors who guided us during our summer abroad. Studying abroad opened my mind to new perspectives about the world, and since then I have continued to fulfill my passion of traveling and immersing myself in other cultures. I have even gotten a job that allows me to do so because of this experience. I cannot rave about this program enough!

I loved my time in the Basque city of Bilbao, located in the northern region of Spain. Its culture is really unique and unlike other parts of the country. The USAC business classes offered were great and easily transferable to my home university, along with awesome electives like surfing or basque cooking (taught by a Michelin star chef!). The public transportation is very cheap and it costs less than 2 euro to get to the airport by bus. This makes traveling much easier and Bilbao Airport is a good hub to get to many places in Europe. There’s also a well connected long haul bus system, with companies like FlixBus, Alsa, etc conveniently located in the San mames central station. Being able to have the support of your fellow study abroad peers and the staff while adjusting to living in Europe makes the experience a lot more comfortable. Great food scene, art scene, nightlife, and shopping. Really the perfect sized big but not too overcrowded city, close enough to the beach as well. I think about my time there everyday and miss it so much. I wish everyone could study abroad in Bilbao!

Studying abroad in the Basque Country of Spain was an enriching experience that surpassed all my expectations. Immersed in vibrant culture, I explored festivals, indulged in local cuisine, and engaged in academia that offered unique insights. The region's breathtaking landscapes provided the perfect backdrop for adventure, while interactions with locals and fellow students enriched my global perspective. Overall, it was a transformative journey that I'd highly recommend to anyone seeking an unforgettable study abroad experience.

Studying abroad will not only be unforgettable, but it has shaped a change in my life that I will never not be grateful for. Within my experience, I was completely immersed in the culture as I had chosen to stay with a host family. Aside from my family, I attended a campus that was historic to the area of Bilbao where my program studied, so everyday I was able to experience the townspeople and even mingle with them on my own terms, creating life-long friendships. This was my first time going anywhere outside of the United States, expanding my view in the world and assuring that the fears I once had before leaving, were only there because of the vast changes that have been made in my life since. These changes were only for the better though. I have had dreams of traveling since I was young, and as a surfer it meant the world to me to get to surf outside of the USA. Since studying in Bilbao I have made that dream come true. I feel like I have conquered what I thought was impossible way before I expected to be able to, which taught me to never stop striving for my goals because you never know how things will work out for you, but you can trust that everything will. I lived in Gexto, a beach town outside of the city Bilbao. Here in the north of Spain, it was challenging because of the Basque language being so popular aside from Spanish that people speak due to the region they’re from and born in. This taught me to be open minded to learning the differences of peoples culture and not just basing them off of which continent they came from. I learned the appreciation to see everyone in a more unique light, and that there can also be similarities found in people no matter where we come from. It also taught me a lot about my home country and how the rest of the world views us. Most importantly I learned a deeper sense of gratitude for where I come from and the place I belong to. I will always cherish that Spain was once a home but now apart of my life forever.

Choosing to study abroad with the USAC program in Bilbao has proven to be an incredibly rewarding decision. The supportive staff in Bilbao have gone above and beyond to ensure that students feel welcomed and supported throughout their time abroad. From helping with administrative tasks to offering guidance on cultural immersion experiences, the staff's dedication has been instrumental in making the transition to living and studying in a foreign country seamless. Moreover, the opportunity to immerse oneself in the rich Basque culture and explore the diverse landscapes of the region has been both educational and personally fulfilling. Overall, the USAC program in Bilbao offers a fantastic blend of academic excellence, cultural immersion, and supportive guidance, making it an unforgettable and transformative experience for students.

Studying abroad in Bilbao, Spain was an absolute dream come true! From the vibrant culture to the breathtaking landscapes, every moment felt like a picturesque adventure. The university provided top-notch education, immersing me in Spanish language and culture seamlessly. The locals were incredibly welcoming, making me feel like a part of their community from day one. Exploring the charming streets filled with delicious pintxos and lively music became a cherished routine. My time in Bilbao not only enriched my academic knowledge but also left me with unforgettable memories and lifelong friendships. Grateful for this transformative experience!