Spanish Language and Culture Studies in Bilbao

Spain Bilbao Ocean 486888835
What's Included

Classes in this program are designed for international students who want to study abroad in Bilbao to increase their Spanish language proficiency in an immersive setting. Students choose courses from the following disciplines: Spanish language, Hispanic and Basque culture, Spanish civilization, literature, and more.

What's Included?

Highlights

Pre Departure Services

Advising

APIConnect Platform

Orientation Materials and Resources

Access to International Phone Plans

API Alumni Network

Social Networking

Scholarships

On Site Services

Airport Reception

On-Site Orientation

Excursions

Resident Director

Tuition

Medical and Life Insurance

Social and Cultural Activities

Welcome and Farewell Group Meals

Volunteer Opportunities

Tutoring

Housing (including meals and laundry with host families)

Language and Culture Tools

Re-Entry Services

Re-Entry Materials and Support

Post-Program Evaluation

Transcript

Alumni Network and API Ambassador Program
View all opportunities and amenities

Application Requirements

  • Minimum 2.75 G.P.A.
  • Open to sophomores, juniors, and seniors
  • Open to all levels of Spanish speakers
  • Completed API application
  • University Approval Form
  • Official transcript
  • Additional supplemental forms
  • Entry requirements: valid passport with student visa
Dates & Fees
Session Program Dates Program Cost Application Deadline Extended Application Deadline Payment Deadline
Fall Aug, 2023 - Dec, 2023 $17,900 Jun 1, 2023 No Extension Jul 1, 2023
Academic Year Aug 31, 2023 - May 16, 2024 $35,500 Jun 1, 2023 No Extension Jul 1, 2023
Spring Jan 8, 2024 - May 16, 2024 $17,900 Nov 1, 2023 No Extension Dec 1, 2023

Please note that there exists the possibility that your exams will end after the program end date. The student is responsible for arranging exams to be taken remotely if they plan to depart before their exams are administered.

Excursions

API students participate in excursions designed to help familiarize them with the culture and surrounding areas of their host city and country. The following is a listing of potential excursions for API Bilbao programs. API may need to modify the excursions offered in a given term due to travel restrictions or health and safety concerns.

  • Gernika

    Gernika is home to the ‘Tree of Gernika,’ a large oak tree that became symbolic of the traditional rights of the Basque people. In 1937, the Nazis completely destroyed the town of Gernika during the Spanish Civil War. Picasso’s famous painting that has become an international symbol against war in general is named ‘Guernica’ after the atrocities that occurred here. In 1987 (50 years after the bombings) Gernika became known as a symbol of peace. On the way to Gernika lies San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, a tiny island connected to the mainland by a man made bridge. On top of the island there is a hermitage that dates from the 10th century.

  • Madrid

    Spain’s capital blends the modern with an important cultural and artistic heritage. Three of the most important art galleries in the world (the Prado, Reina Sofia and Thyssen-Bornemisza Museums) are all located in the center of Madrid. All this, combined with the momentum of a society that is dynamic, liberal and welcoming, has turned this metropolis into one of the western world’s great capitals.

  • Santander

    Santander is an elegant city that extends over a wide bay with views of the Cantabrian Sea. Its historic quarter is situated against an incredible natural backdrop of sea and mountains.

  • Seville

    Seville, capital of the Andalucía region of southern Spain, is a unique example where history, tradition, and modernity merge in an incomparable city. The core of Islamic Seville includes the area on the East bank of the Guadalquivir where the Cathedral, the Christian Alcázar, and the medieval quarter is known as the Barrio Santa Cruz is located today. To explore the city’s narrow streets and smell the orange blossoms in Spring while mingling with people at a cafe is definitely an unforgettable experience.

  • Gernika

    Gernika is home to the ‘Tree of Gernika,’ a large oak tree that became symbolic of the traditional rights of the Basque people. In 1937, the Nazis completely destroyed the town of Gernika during the Spanish Civil War. Picasso’s famous painting that has become an international symbol against war in general is named ‘Guernica’ after the atrocities that occurred here. In 1987 (50 years after the bombings) Gernika became known as a symbol of peace. On the way to Gernika lies San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, a tiny island connected to the mainland by a man made bridge. On top of the island there is a hermitage that dates from the 10th century.

  • Madrid

    Spain’s capital blends the modern with an important cultural and artistic heritage. Three of the most important art galleries in the world (the Prado, Reina Sofia and Thyssen-Bornemisza Museums) are all located in the center of Madrid. All this, combined with the momentum of a society that is dynamic, liberal and welcoming, has turned this metropolis into one of the western world’s great capitals.

  • Santander

    Santander is an elegant city that extends over a wide bay with views of the Cantabrian Sea. Its historic quarter is situated against an incredible natural backdrop of sea and mountains.

  • Seville

    Seville, capital of the Andalucía region of southern Spain, is a unique example where history, tradition, and modernity merge in an incomparable city. The core of Islamic Seville includes the area on the East bank of the Guadalquivir where the Cathedral, the Christian Alcázar, and the medieval quarter is known as the Barrio Santa Cruz is located today. To explore the city’s narrow streets and smell the orange blossoms in Spring while mingling with people at a cafe is definitely an unforgettable experience.

  • Winery Tour

    One of Spain’s truly legendary winemaking regions, the region of La Rioja in central-North of Spain is home to some of the world’s best and most exclusive red wines. Laguardia, capital of the Alava region in the Basque country, is a gateway for experiencing the Rioja wine region and it is a good example of a walled village that has not changed much since the 13th century. During the Middle Ages, residents dug deep into the rock below their homes (and sometimes the home of their neighbor) to create places for food storage and refuge during the siege.When wine production became prominent in the region, the underground passages were found to be ideal for the fermenting of wine. The winery Ysios joins tradition with the modernity of facilities designed by Santiago Calatrava and inaugurated in 2001.

  • San Sebastián

    San Sebastián was founded in 1180 and is one of the Basque country’s most beautiful towns. It has been an important vacation spot since the late 1800s after being adopted as the summer home for Madrid’s royalty.

  • Lisbon

    We will visit Lisbon, the capital city of Portugal, and the best showcase of Portuguese culture. Together, the group will discover the city visiting the most iconic places and neighborhoods, enjoy breath-taking views from the beautiful viewpoints and visit the 15th-century monastery, standing witness of the glorious past of this country.

  • Gernika

    Gernika is home to the ‘Tree of Gernika,’ a large oak tree that became symbolic of the traditional rights of the Basque people. In 1937, the Nazis completely destroyed the town of Gernika during the Spanish Civil War. Picasso’s famous painting that has become an international symbol against war in general is named ‘Guernica’ after the atrocities that occurred here. In 1987 (50 years after the bombings) Gernika became known as a symbol of peace. On the way to Gernika lies San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, a tiny island connected to the mainland by a man made bridge. On top of the island there is a hermitage that dates from the 10th century.

  • Madrid

    Spain’s capital blends the modern with an important cultural and artistic heritage. Three of the most important art galleries in the world (the Prado, Reina Sofia and Thyssen-Bornemisza Museums) are all located in the center of Madrid. All this, combined with the momentum of a society that is dynamic, liberal and welcoming, has turned this metropolis into one of the western world’s great capitals.

  • Winery Tour

    One of Spain’s truly legendary winemaking regions, the region of La Rioja in central-North of Spain is home to some of the world’s best and most exclusive red wines. Laguardia, capital of the Alava region in the Basque country, is a gateway for experiencing the Rioja wine region and it is a good example of a walled village that has not changed much since the 13th century. During the Middle Ages, residents dug deep into the rock below their homes (and sometimes the home of their neighbor) to create places for food storage and refuge during the siege.When wine production became prominent in the region, the underground passages were found to be ideal for the fermenting of wine. The winery Ysios joins tradition with the modernity of facilities designed by Santiago Calatrava and inaugurated in 2001.

  • San Sebastián

    San Sebastián was founded in 1180 and is one of the Basque country’s most beautiful towns. It has been an important vacation spot since the late 1800s after being adopted as the summer home for Madrid’s royalty.

  • Lisbon

    We will visit Lisbon, the capital city of Portugal, and the best showcase of Portuguese culture. Together, the group will discover the city visiting the most iconic places and neighborhoods, enjoy breath-taking views from the beautiful viewpoints and visit the 15th-century monastery, standing witness of the glorious past of this country.

Program Details

What You’ll Study

TOTAL CREDITS - 12-15 credits per semester

Classes in this program are designed for international students who want to study abroad in Bilbao to increase their Spanish language proficiency in an immersive setting. Students choose courses from the following disciplines: Spanish language, Hispanic and Basque culture, Spanish civilization, literature, and more. A student’s Spanish level is determined by a placement exam administered upon arrival by the Universidad de Deusto. Students can take up to 15 credits per semester and can add additional courses, internships, and practicums for an extra fee.

Please note that the possibility exists that exams will take place after the program end date. The student is responsible for arranging exams to be taken remotely if they plan to depart before their exams are administered.

COURSES WITH SPANISH STUDENTS

Students have the opportunity to enroll in up to two classes per semester with Spanish students. These classes are taught in Spanish and English. Students at all levels can enroll in classes with Spaniards that are taught in English as long as students meet the course prerequisites. However, API students must place higher than 301 in order to be eligible to enroll in classes with Spaniards that are taught in Spanish.

DEUSTO TANDEM PROGRAM

API students at Deusto have the exciting opportunity to participate in the Tandem Program, which facilitates intercultural exchange by matching full-time Spanish students with recently arrived study abroad students. It is a program with mutual benefits! The local Spanish students are eager to spend time with their API conversation partner and show them around Bilbao, and the API students are encouraged to integrate with local students and learn more about Spanish life, both inside and out of the university setting.

TRANSCRIPTS

API students will receive a transcript from the Universidad de Deusto upon completion of their program.

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    Anna Foster

    Anna Foster will be your Program Manager and prepare you to go abroad!

    (she/her/hers)

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    Andrea Gorricho

    Andrea Gorricho will be your Resident Director and a resource for you on-site.

    (she/her/hers)

Courses
Click Here to Find Classes

Depending on their language level, students can earn 3-10 U.S. credits of Spanish language. In addition to the language course, each student can choose cultural electives and/or select some courses with Spaniards. Students may also elect to participate in an internship for an additional fee.

CLASSES WITH SPANISH STUDENTS

Classes with Spaniards are available in both English and Spanish. Offerings vary by semester and cannot be guaranteed. Additional courses with Spanish students in different areas such as law, history, sociology, education, anthropology, literature, religious studies, psychology and computer science may be available.

CREDIT INFORMATION

Most API partner universities in Spain operate on the contact hour system, wherein the number of credits earned depends on the time spent in class. To determine the conversion of contact hours to U.S. semester credits, divide the contact hours available by 15.

Courses at Universidad de Deusto (Spanish Language and Culture Studies in Bilbao)

For the most up-to-date course availability on this program, explore our Class Finder. Sort courses by term, area of study, and more!

Find Courses

Courses at Universidad de Deusto (Spanish Language and Culture Studies in Bilbao)

For the most up-to-date course availability on this program, explore our Class Finder. Sort courses by term, area of study, and more!

Find Courses

Courses at Universidad de Deusto (Spanish Language and Culture Studies in Bilbao)

For the most up-to-date course availability on this program, explore our Class Finder. Sort courses by term, area of study, and more!

Find Courses

Highlights
  • Classes taught in Spanish & English
  • Students can enroll directly in classes with University of Deusto students
  • Internships available (for credit; additional fee)
  • Tandem partner program
Housing

API students in Bilbao live with host families or shared student apartments. Student catered dorms are available for an additional fee.

Students who live with families generally have their own room, but may share a double room with a fellow API student, and are provided with three meals per day, laundry service, and wifi. Families provide an amazing opportunity to experience Spanish culture firsthand. Host families serve as a unique introduction into Spanish culture and may be made up of a married couple with children, a divorced or widowed woman with children still at home, or a family with some members living at home and others living outside the home. Students can opt for a single room for an additional fee.

Student apartments require more independence and provide less cultural interaction with Spaniards, although other apartments in the building are often rented or owned by Spanish families. Each apartment can generally accommodate 3-4 people. The majority of the rooms in student apartments are double rooms. However, based on availability, some students may be assigned to a single room on a first-come, first served basis. Students are responsible for buying and preparing all of their own meals, and kitchens are furnished with the necessary cookware to do so. Sheets and blankets are also provided.

***The apartment option can only be offered if requested by a minimum of 3 students of the same gender. When there is insufficient interest in this housing option, students are placed with host families.***

Student dorms are also available for an additional fee. Students who select the dorm housing can also opt to add three meals per day. (Please note: further charges will be assessed for meals.)

Note: Housing between the fall and spring semesters is not included.

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