Location
  • Spain
    • Bilbao
Term
Academic Year, Fall, Spring, Summer
Subject Areas
Business Communications Cultural Studies Finance History International Business Political Science Sociology Women's Studies
Need-based funding, Merit-based funding, General grants/scholarships
Health & Safety

Program Details

Program Type
Provider
Housing
Apartment Host Family
Language
English
Sep 23, 2024
Apr 30, 2025
22 travelers are looking at this program

About Program

USAC welcomes students to come study abroad in Bilbao/Getxo, Spain at the University of the Basque Country! Located to the north of Spain, Bilbao is nothing short of a modern city labeled a cutting edge banking and service center, with attractions including world class museums, galleries, music halls, and not to mention its first rate public transportation. San Sebastian offers a unique view into the diversity of Spain and a truly multicultural experience with over a third of the city speaking both Spanish and Basque.

Coursework at the University of the Basque Country includes Engineering, International Business, Spanish/Culture studies and Spanish/Basque language. The Bilbao/Getxo program is geared towards those looking to pursue a bilingual and/or an international business career.

Video and Photos

Diversity & Inclusion 💙

There are LGBTQIA+ friends, colleagues, and allies throughout the world. However, cultural understanding of gender identity and sexuality does vary from country to country. USAC has compiled a lot of resources to help you through that learning process.
USAC is dedicated to working closely with students with disabilities to ensure the best study abroad experience possible. You may request reasonable accommodations after your initial application is complete. We routinely receive requests for scheduling, material, and environmental accommodations for the classroom setting, which may include assistive technology, scribes and readers, printed material, and interpretation.

Impact 🌎

Environmentally-conscious students choose USAC because many of our programs are held in some of the most sustainable countries in the world. There are options to take coursework in sustainability and the environment, as well as field trips and studies where students can leave a lasting impact on their host country.

Program Highlights

  • Live in a dynamic, cosmopolitan city on Spain’s northern coast, one hour from the border with France and with connections to major European cities
  • Enjoy many opportunities for inexpensive outdoor activities such as surfing, horseback riding, hiking, and cycling
  • Intern in management consulting firms, publishing companies, NGOs, the Guggenheim Museum, and more
  • Join our teaching assistantship program to gain work experience at local schools while earning money
  • Study International Business, which may be taken separately or in conjunction with language studies

Program Reviews

4.92 Rating
based on 49 reviews
  • 5 rating 91.84%
  • 4 rating 8.16%
  • 3 rating 0%
  • 2 rating 0%
  • 1 rating 0%
  • Academics 4.5
  • Support 5
  • Fun 4.7
  • Housing 4.6
  • Safety 5
Showing 41 - 48 of 49 reviews
Default avatar
Gabriel
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Bilbao brings together all aspects wished for in a study abroad experience!

Bilbao is mid-sized city 30 minutes away from the border of France. Getxo is the beautiful rolling green hills & beach town on the outer city limits. You won't be getting the big city aura and you'll be forced to have a non-touristy experience. The primary language is Spanish, but the majority of citizens are Basque and proud of it. Euskera is spoken, but not around those who aren't locals or look Basque. You'll live in Getxo in area where families and young people alike hangout, drink wine, and run to the beach on good weather days. USAC is incredibly helpful and the staff answers any of your questions and is there for you if you ever need it. The Basque people are nice, and the vibe is laid back and happy. I loved Bilbao and I won't forget it.

What would you improve about this program?
More connections to previous alumni would be nice, and connections to locals and people and the area would be nice too. Living situation turned out to be a little odd because the father was unemployed and the family yelled at each other a lot. But these are merely criticisms of what I thought was a superb program.
96 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Jenna
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Ready to Go Back

I never thought I needed to study abroad, but I decided to study in Bilbao the summer going into my senior year. This was one of the best decisions I have ever made. The classes were challenging, but my class had three other students in it, so it was basically individualized instruction. Class ended at 1p.m. and the day was ours to spend as we pleased. There are so many great places to shop in Bilbao right by the school. I even got to see Grease performed in Spanish at the local theater. That was one of my favorite things.

What would you improve about this program?
Like previously stated, the housing was not that great. The place where I stayed was a four bedroom apartment and I am not sure that previous people had cleaned because it was not very clean. Our landlord was also crazy, but very nice.
98 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
dominic
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Incredibly Fun

The USAC Bilbao program was an amazing experience. Perfect for business oriented students. You get the big city experience without having to live in a huge city by living in Getxo and commuting in Bilbao.

90 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Haley
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Basque Country Bliss

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What would you improve about this program?
The only thing I would change was that the group flight was the day after finals and it would have been nice to have a day or two to soak up every last bit of Spain before having to leave it.
99 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Carolann
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Donosti

Every expectation that I had for a study abroad experience was completely surpassed. I expected to have fun in a new country while going to school, but I had no idea what kind of emotional connection I would have from going abroad with USAC. The staff abroad were not only teachers and advisors but also caring friends. One time, I accidently ate shrimp (which I am highly allergic to) and one of the women who worked in the administrative USAC office personally came in a cab with me to the hospital, translated for me, and held my hand until I felt better. I met new friends abroad that showed me all the in's and out's of the Basque Country, traveled with me, and shared his home and family with me. Now, one friend even came to visit me in San Francisco and I know that I've made a friend that I'll have for a lifetime. The experience that you'll receive from USAC is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that you cannot pass up!

What would you improve about this program?
I honestly cannot think of a single thing, thank you for the best experience I could ever have!
102 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Brian_Lester
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

My Time in San Sebastian

I had a great time in San Sebastian. The teachers and staff were some of the best people I had ever met and I felt the courses were fun and interesting. I took primarily Spanish courses with some electives like Basque folk dance and cooking thrown in. Some friends took the surfing class and enjoyed learning how to surf on the beautiful beaches that line the city's coast. Parte Vieja (the old part) was a blast to walk around and sports some of the best food in the world. If you love food, this is definitely a place to check out. Overall my time in San Sebastian was too short, I would definitely recommend a year, but even that might not be enough.

What would you improve about this program?
I had tried to get a conversation partner to practice my Spanish, but it was kind of difficult to find someone who could meet regularly. This isn't universal, I knew some people who got great conversation partners, I just happened to be unlucky.
92 people found this review helpful.
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Default avatar
Mark
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Amazing

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What would you improve about this program?
My only faults were the excessive rain during this spring time. But reports say it is record setting. I wish I had traveled around Europe more.
85 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Brent
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Days in the Basque Country

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96 people found this review helpful.
Read my full story

Questions & Answers