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: 4.89 (46 reviews)

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4.89 Rating

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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: Apr 18, 2025

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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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

4.89 Rating

based on 46 reviews

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Rating Spread Study

5 rating 89.13%
4 rating 10.87%
3 rating 0%
2 rating 0%
1 rating 0%

Academics 4.5
Support 4.7
Fun 4.8
Housing 4.8
Safety 4.85

Good for Students, Adventure travelers, Solo Travelers

Showing 25 - 32 of 46 reviews

I absolutely loved my time abroad in San Sebastián! My apartment (assigned by the program) had a beach view, delicious food was everywhere, and I learned so much about the Basque culture, which I never imagined happening before coming to Spain! If you join this program, be sure to sign up for a language partner. Not only did this help me improve my Spanish, but I now have a friend for life (I've been back to visit him twice since my program ended).

The best part about San Sebastián is that there is beauty everywhere you look. It's surrounded by lush greenery and there are plenty of outdoor activities such as hiking or surfing.

The USAC employees are also super helpful. I had no issue getting the classes I wanted, there were tons of recommendations for things to do in town, and I could tell that everyone there was really passionate about what they do.

I've been back to visit San Sebastián twice now and I can't imagine going to Europe without making a trip to my home away from home.

San Seb was such a gorgeous city to live in while learning spanish. I couldn't gush about this city or this program more. My host parents were extremely kind and so patient while I was in the early stages of my learning. The teachers spoke mainly in spanish with students but also knew english if things became too much of a struggle. Being from Iowa, I never thought I would surf but taking the surfing class gave me a new confidence (plus the teachers were so cute).

I highly recommend living in San Sebastian during your study abroad experience. I still miss pintxo pote and kalimotxos <3

My experience in San Sebastian was incredible. I was in one of the most beautiful places in the world, met so many interesting new people, and was completely immersed in a fascinating culture. The city was not only gorgeous, but it was extremely safe and welcoming. I felt very lucky to have studied abroad in Northern Spain, because Basque Country is the most unique and interesting culture I have ever come across. Through my classes, field trips, and personal adventures, I was able to surround myself completely with Basque culture. It will always hold a very special place in my heart, and now that I am back in America, I am very open about my love for Basque people, language, and culture.

What would you improve about this program?

I believe there a few ways in which this program can be improved. First off, I want to comment on the disappointment I felt in the communication between the program and the arriving students before the start of the program. I was not able to tell my parents which classes I was taking, where I was living, or much else until the first day of school. Since arriving to a foreign country is already unsettling, it would’ve been nice to have the assurance of class schedule and living address. I also would like to express my discontent in the inflexibility of the program. There were not many choices of classes to start with, and upon arriving, we found out that some of the advertised classes were being cancelled. We were forced to take Spanish for three hours a day, Monday-Friday along with other classes. Let me be very clear when I say that if I had known this was my schedule, I would NOT have chosen this program. As much as I loved San Sebastian, the work load was too stressful for a student of a foreign country. For a student who’s main prerogative was to travel, San Sebastian’s work load made this nearly impossible. And when we did travel out of the country, a lot of the time, we were delayed because of unforeseeable circumstances. These were not excused, but instead condemned by the administration, who responded by docking our grades by a significant amount. It seemed extremely ridiculous to me that we could fail out of a class for only missing 3 classes. Although professors would claim this is a USAC guideline, I had colleagues in Prague and Florence who’s staff was much more understanding regarding attendance. Overall, if I had known my class schedule beforehand, I most likely would’ve chosen another place to study.

Response from USAC

Hi Sydney,

Thank you very much for your feedback on the San Sebastian program. USAC does instill a very strict attendance policy, seeing as we are an academic first program. Our attendance guidelines are in the academic policy which every student receives before they leave. I have passed on your feedback to my team and am glad you enjoyed your time in San Sebastian.
Thank you,
Sara

By USAC Study Abroad on May 22, 2018

The city is absolutely beautiful and the people who live there are friendly. The program offers a lot of excursions that take you to places off the beaten path and you get to experience the country like a local. The professors are patient and very good. The university campus is gorgeous. The best part would probably be the amazing food you can find. There is pinxo pote every thursday night where locals crowd the streets and hop from restaurant to restaurant and eat a small meal at each. Overall the city was very safe and had a ton to do. It is nice and close to the France border so you can make quick and fun day trips.

San Sebastian, Spain is one of the most beautiful places in the world. It has two different coves, one for relaxing and the other for surfing. The hiking is to die for and the surrounding towns are something you will never forget. The city is not too big but big enough to find new adventures everyday. I missed the cuisine the most. San Sebastian has the top michelin star restaurant and the best food at local bars called pintchos.

What would you improve about this program?

One way the program could become better is, having more class trips and local activities planned.

I chose this city based off of recommendations from people who have visited, and I’m really glad I followed through. The staff here was amazing and soooo supportive and helpful. The staff really wanted to you to succeed and enjoy your time there. I participated in an optional tour and along with that they also took us and informed us about tons of cultural events! The city was beautiful, but the USAC staff is what really made the trip worth it.

What would you improve about this program?

The only thing that could possibly include this would be more field trips, although we went on plenty!

This was a field trip to The Valley of the Fallen

I learned so much while abroad in San Sebastian. Not only did my Spanish improve immensely, but I made so many friends, got to see lots of new places, and learned really cool info about different cultures. San Sebastian is a really small, but beautiful, beachside town. Some may have thought it would get boring because of its small size and limited clubbing opportunities, but it truly never did. I feel so much more independent and brave after studying abroad here!

What would you improve about this program?

The scheduling of classes could be improved

This program was excellent and I would highly recommend anyone looking to study abroad to choose San Sebastian. The apartments provided by USAC were all in great locations and close to the beach. The city was big enough to have a city feel but small enough to get a feel for within a week or two and the public transportation was convenient and easy to use. I was also able to easily travel to different countries by flying out of Madrid which is a short bus ride away. The culture of San Sebastian is truly unique as it incorporates not only Spanish traditions but it also has a large Basque influence that is interesting. I highly recommend this program, you'll have the time of your life!

What would you improve about this program?

Class attendance was very strict for summer sessions and would be nice to be a little more flexible.

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...