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Spain: San Sebastián - Spanish Language, Basque, Psychology, and European Studies

Name: Spain: San Sebastián - Spanish Language, Basque, Psychology, and European Studies
Brand: USAC
SKU: 44106
Rating: 4.88 (52 reviews)

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USAC

4.88 (52 reviews)

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Students

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Adventure travelers

Spain: San Sebastián - Spanish Language, Basque, Psychology, and European Studies

USAC

4.88 · 52 reviews

Community Choice Award Winner

Location

Spain
- San Sebastián

Term

Academic Year, Fall, Spring, Summer

Subject Areas

Accounting Anthropology Cultural Studies Humanities Journalism Literature Philosophy

Need-based funding, Merit-based funding, General grants/scholarships

Health & Safety

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Program Details

Program Type

Provider

Degree Level

Bachelors

Housing

Apartment Host Family

Language

English

Last Updated: Sep 25, 2024

Last Reviewed: May 31, 2026

Wish List

13 travelers are looking at this program

About Program

The San Sebastián program opens an academic window on the Spanish and Basque people, introducing you to the rich diversity of Spain and offering a truly multicultural experience. San Sebastián has the highest level of bilingualism of any of the area’s cities: all of its inhabitants speak Spanish, and one third speak Basque as well. In addition to American students, European students also participate in the San Sebastián program.

Read more about our awesome program and sign up for the next available term on the USAC Study Abroad website today!

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COMMUNITY REVIEWS SUMMARY

This program offers immersive Spanish and Basque cultural experiences in a beautiful, safe city with supportive staff and small classes.

AI-generated summary from verified community reviews Read reviews →

Video and Photos

Study abroad with USAC in San Sebastián, Spain

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Diversity & Inclusion 💙

LGBTQIA+ Support

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.

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Accessibility Support

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.

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Impact 🌎

Sustainability

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.

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Program Highlights

Study Spanish and Basque language and culture while you live it in activities such as hiking, cultural events, and the conversation partner program with local students
Live in a stunning location on Spain’s beautiful northern coast, twenty minutes from the border of France—with easy connections to Madrid, Bilbao, and major European cities
Benefit from San Sebastián’s well-known, cuisine and beautiful beaches. Surf the Basque Country with locals to see why San Sebastián is known as one of the top destinations for surfing in Europe
Join excursions in Spain and the French Basque Country to prehistoric caves, mountains, and traditional fishing villages
Sign up for the optional Madrid Tour/Field Study and earn credit while exploring one of Europe’s most exciting capital cities

Program Reviews

4.88 Rating

based on 52 reviews

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Rating Spread Study

5 rating 88.46%
4 rating 11.54%
3 rating 0%
2 rating 0%
1 rating 0%

Academics 4.45
Support 4.75
Fun 4.8
Housing 4.75
Safety 4.85

Good for Students, Solo Travelers, Adventure travelers

Showing 1 - 8 of 52 reviews

I participated in session 2 of USAC’s summer program last year and had the best time. I would highly recommend San Sebastián to anyone looking to go abroad. Not only is it on the beach, it has the feel of a smaller place with the resources of a big city. I personally took the positive psychology class during my time there and did not particularly enjoy my professor but I would recommend every other aspect of this program. I made life long friends, got to see a new side of Spain, and was able to travel to new places on the weekends.

What was the most unfamiliar thing you ate?

Pintxos! I have had traditional spanish tapas before but in the Basque Country they serve pintxos at local restaurants and bars. I found it very fun to try all of the different offerings!

I was the only Japanese student participating in USAC's San Sebastian program. Living in Spain with English-speaking friends and facing a language barrier was a difficult experience at the time, but I also learned a lot, and I can say that those were the days I worked hardest and felt the most confident of my life.

Everything was new during my time in Spain, and I studied hard every day and communicated with many different people. My time in Spain influenced my career path and way of thinking, and I began to dream of becoming someone who can be active internationally. Even after returning home from Spain, I continue to keep in touch with my friends and teachers. I used to be shy, but now I can speak three or more languages and I feel like I've discovered a new side of myself. I'm grateful to have been able to spend such wonderful days in the beautiful city of San Sebastian. I'm glad I chose USAC's program!

What was your funniest moment?

I was walking along the beautiful seaside on my way home from school when I was approached by cheerful people and we ended up having a drink together.

Pros

Improving language skills
Making new friends
Delicious food culture

Cons

Lack of support for pre-departure anxiety
Medical systems
Pickpocket

This is Zurriola Beach, just a few minutes walk from our apartment.

Studying abroad in Donosti (San Sebastian) was one of the greatest experiences of my life. The USAC faculty in Donosti are the best people who truly care about educating and sharing Donosti // the Basque country with others. I learned so much during my short time abroad, not only in terms of the course materials, but also in terms of self-exploration and the exploration of a new place. The program had a great work-life balance, the city is beautiful and safe, and there is always something new and exciting occurring. The Basque Country is full of incredible, welcoming people, and I am honored I had the chance to study here.

My experience was really fun and one of the best summers I had. It was really the definition of a fun summer, surfing and having lots of ice cream. The Spanish classes were also very good and I had the best teacher you could ask for :)

I also had a lot of time to travel, I traveled to Paris and Barcelona. I made a lot of friends too and traveled with them. It was nice sharing housing even though I'm not too fond of it, but it was easier to make friends that way and I came closer to the ones I lived with.

If you did this all over again, what's one thing you would change?

I would be more careful while taking the surfing lessons, and trusting my gut more and remembering that I'm first and foremost responsible for my safety.

Pros

Learning Spanish
learning how to surf
traveling

Cons

sharing housing
surfing conditions were not always good
the vegan food through usac

Mari Mar is the best professor I’ve ever had in any subject ever. I made so many great friends with locals and within the program and had such a great time socially, but my biggest takeaway from the program was its contributions to my academic and professional development in the Spanish language. Having the same class every single day not only helped me to quickly adjust to a new schedule and routine, but it also helped me build long-lasting relationships with my classmates and professor. I also got to spend a lot of time with my best friend’s family who live in San Sebastián, which was a great local connection to have and maintain.

I LOVED my stay in San Sebastián so much. Amaya and Borja were perfect hosts; the food scene was vast and delicious. There were so many places to go within a short distance from San Sebastián, and I hope to return in the next couple of years. Barcelona was an hour plane ride away, and you could walk anywhere in San Sebastián easily. I loved the city and beach mix. I felt that I had the cultural experience and immersion I was looking for in college while still having the most fun I’ve had in my whole life!

What was the most nerve-racking moment and how did you overcome it?

I think the most nerve-racking moment that I had on my trip was going by myself. I came from a study abroad experience with my college and then left on my own to do this UC experience, and I was so nervous to meet new people in a place that I was unfamiliar with. I’m so glad that I did it, though, because I would not change that experience for the world, and I met some great people on that trip miriam and all of her staff members were the absolute sweetest to me when I had a tough experience with my suitcase.

Pros

Staff members
Exploration opportunities
Host families

Cons

Honestly n/a

My time in San Sebastian was incredible. I particularly appreciated being there over summer for the weather and activities that summer brings as well as gaining credits during a session I would not normally be getting credited. having traveled internationally before was incredibly helpful, especially in terms of confidence in transportation. I am eternally grateful to the people who made this possible and into those who supported us along the way. I never felt healthier physically and mentally. Thank you for giving me my summer home.

What was the most nerve-racking moment and how did you overcome it?

Nerve-racking moment was utilizing my Spanish and Basque in the city and not in a classroom setting. I was really nervous about messing up however, the more I did it, the more natural it became, and the more my confidence grew.

Pros

Weather
Community
Education

Cons

Cost

My time I spent abroad were some of the best weeks of my life. I met a lot of new people I can comfortably call great friends who I am still in touch with, the host family I stayed with was very supporting of my learning of Spanish and were very caring. They made me lunch and dinner and breakfast if I ever needed it and weren't stirct at all, letting me roam around and come and go as I please. The excursions done through the program were very insightful and interesting with lots of beautiful scenery. We took a trip to some "witches caves" which were very pretty and large. Overall, phenomenal experience and would recommend it to anyone!

What was the most unfamiliar thing you ate?

The most unfamiliar thing I ate while abroad was sea urchin from an amazing pintxos bar called Bar Sport.

Pros

Learned a lot
Great food
Wonderful housing

Cons

Not long enough
Didn't explore enough
Too good of weather

Questions & Answers

Language track 3 or 4? How much harder is track 4?

Hi Abby - sorry for the delayed response on this. If you haven't received an answer yet, you are pre-determined for a class level based on your prerequisites and classes you've already taken at home. Some things to note is that if you choose to take a class abroad at a level you've already taken at home, you won't receive credit. Also, track four, while harder since it is a 400 level class only...

By USAC Study Abroad on December 16, 2016

Apartment or Homestay?

I had a homestay in San Sebastian and am glad that I did. I picked up the language more quickly, had an adorable host sister, got lots of local tips, and if I ever go back to the city, I will have friends to visit. However, there were times that I experienced some "fear of missing out." I think this is common with homestay students - I sometimes felt like all my friends were hanging out without me...

By Tara Littlefield on February 18, 2016

Alumni Interviews

These are in-depth Q&A sessions with verified alumni.

Why did you choose this program?

I choose USAC San Sebastian because it looked like an established program that has been successful for many years. I also heard a lot of positive things about USAC specifically for being very efficient, and on the less expensive spectrum. As for San Sebastian, it was very easy for me to pick the location because I love smaller cities, and it is right by the water which was something that initially caught my eye. I love going to the beach and swimming in the water. Once I found out they had a surfing class, I knew that San Sebastian was the place I was going to study abroad!

What did your program provider assist you with, and what did you have to organize on your own?

The application was all on my own, however USAC was very efficient with letting me know my next steps without making me feel overwhelmed. Once I was accepted into the program, they helped me with deciding which housing would best fit me, (an apartment or homestay) along with all my other questions I had. They were quick to email me back and I felt as if they truly cared for my success! Their website is also very efficient and user friendly!

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What is one piece of advice you'd give to someone going on your program?

Prepare for the best time of your life! But actually, don't pack too much, especially if you plan on traveling afterwards. Try to practice the language of that country as much as you can there because it is the best way to learn. Make the most out of every single day because the moment you leave, you'll wish you did so much more! Lastly, if you have any bit of desire to go abroad, find a way to make it happen! You will grow so much as a person by just experiencing a new culture, and being somewhat on your own.

What does an average day/week look like as a participant of this program?

An average day would be you wake up in your apartment or homestay and go to school for about 3-4 hours. I took a Spanish class, however, some of my friends took a Psychology class. The professors are amazing! Then, after you are done with school, you have the rest of the day to explore the beautiful city. I would usually go to the beach, or go hiking, or shopping! Then, three days a week, I would have my surfing class and it was the highlight! The instructors were so friendly and really good at teaching! It was so nice to be out in the water and learning to surf in one of the most beautiful places!

Going into your experience abroad, what was your biggest fear, and how did you overcome it? How did your views on the issue change?

I was most afraid of the unknown, and whether or not I would like being so far from home. However, once I got to San Sebastian and met all of the other students in the program all that was left was pure excitement! Not once did I miss home, I only missed my family and wished they could have come out to visit me! Luckily, I was in the same program as my good friend so that made it easier to adjust, but even if I didn't know anyone I still would have had an amazing time!

Should I go abroad? Should I travel on the weekends? Should I do a semester or summer program?

I could go on and on answering questions and convincing people to study abroad. My answer will always be YES! This was the most life-changing experience I have ever had. Not only did it help me become more independent, but it opened my eyes to a new world that I was unaware of. I had the privilege to travel on the weekends in my program but also for a month afterwards to 9 different countries and it was amazing.

I only did a month program but wished I would have done a longer program. I tried to make the most out of the short amount of time but there is more I still wanted to do. Overall, it is based on who you are and what you are trying to get out of your time abroad! I loved going in the summer because I didn't have to miss any time back at my University in California, and it gave me a lot of time to travel afterwards. However, a semester would have been nice because you have more time in your host city but maybe less time to travel far away on the weekends. So, do whatever you need to do to be successful and happy, just make sure you do it! :)

Ginny Allen

2014 Alum

Staff Interviews

These are in-depth Q&A sessions with program leaders.

What is your favorite travel memory?

While traveling from Krakow to Prague, our bus (that I remember to be more of a Winnebago) let us off at a small bus station that looked like a shack. Unsure which country we had arrived at, we grabbed our packs and walked, doing our best to communicate with locals to find where the train station was.

As we navigated through the cobblestone tight, winding streets, pointing and gesturing only to get loud hacks and coughing sounds in return from whatever language we had encountered, we crossed a bridge with a large blue sign: Česká republika. Soon after, we followed the bridge and found the train station.

The most memorable part of that experience that lives with me today is that although we couldn’t point to a map to show our mothers or fathers where we were, ultimately we learned how to trust ourselves, and how to communicate with others who speak a much foreign language to find a resolution to our problem.

No matter where we are in the world—physically or mentally—we can always find confidence from within to survive any situation we arrive into.

How have you changed/grown since working for your current company?

Each day brings great opportunity to see new challenges and learn how to find resolutions. None of us are experts, and each situation is unique in its own way. Much like I learned through stumbling into the Czech Republic, I’ve learned to first take a deep breath.

Then, tell myself that it is okay not to have an immediate solution, but to find the confidence within myself (and encourage those around me to do the same) to find a resolution.

As in life, there are not guides or policies that dictate the future. We can only learn through experience and develop enough confidence in ourselves to trust instincts, and have the calm and will to push forward whether our judgement leads us in the right direction or not.

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What is the best story you’ve heard from a return student?

This past year, I had a student who contacted me with questions about student visas in Spain. I asked if they were planning to study abroad again, but they had told me they got a job there.

Before departure, the student had shown no interest in finding a job abroad or asked about career opportunities, but after studying there, she was convinced that is where she wanted to move and make a life.

I was excited and inspired knowing USAC gave her the opportunity.

If you could go on any program that your company offers, which one would you choose and why?

I would choose Accra, Ghana because it seems so unique in contrast to Reno, Nevada. Having already traveled and studied in developed and westernized countries, I think it would be extremely thrilling to go somewhere like Accra that I believe boasts a wealth of culture, but is limited to the westernized resources in which I’d been accustomed since birth.

In order to grow as people and improve our lives and this world, we must feel discomfort. Since it seems like such a new world from the one I’m used to, I think my cultural competence would explode!

What makes your company unique? When were you especially proud of your team?

USAC is genuine. We’ve grown greatly from when I first walked in the doors for my first advising session as a student here, but to this day we still feel like a small startup company that is interested in individuality.

As an Advisor, I’m okay with suggesting other locations or programs, because our aim as a company is not simply to grow numbers, especially monetarily. We are focused on providing the greatest, most engaging experience possible for each individual student, just as I was fortunate to have when I made the choice to study in the Basque Country.

What do you believe to be the biggest factor in being a successful company?

Caring about those you serve. Yes, I earn a pay stub for the work I do at USAC. Yet, I know each project I do - from mundane processing to revamping the way we deliver crucial pre-departure information - is to prepare our students for a cultural experience that could change their lives and shape our world’s future.

As we move forward with a more engaged global population, we must learn to respect each other on an individual level. Understanding and acting on this principle not only will benefit companies and workers, but it will bring unity to all involved with the relationship-building process.

It’s with those we serve who we have most direct contact. When we see this process improving their lives, it does the same for us in return.

About USAC

USAC is a non-profit consortium of U.S. universities that collaborates to offer affordable, academic and authentic study abroad programs. There are abundant opportunities to immerse in the culture, history, and academics of other countries providing an unforgettable experience. Each program is designed to help you grow into an engaged citizen of...