There are so many fun things to do in Bilbao, Spain! It is in the northwestern corner of Spain alongside the coast. With green rolling hills, coastal landscapes, and cityscapes. Some of my favorite activities included surfing, watching Fútbol Matches, hiking, visiting museums, shopping, and trying out cafes!

Bilbao is a beautiful city, and you should visit!  BUT WHERE ??

Beaches: Ereaga, Arrigunagako Hondartza, Playa de Sopelena, Arrieta Beach (where I surfed), Plentzia 

Entertainment: San Mames Estadioa (Athletic Club soccer stadium), Guggenheim Bilbao Museoa, Golem Zinemark Alondegia (movie theater/gym/library), Arriaga Theater. 

Restaurants/Cafe: Anything in Casco Viejo, Nueva Plaza, Pintxos ("appetizers") in any bar, Erriberako Merkatua, Bascake Bilbao, El Eme,  Miss Cafe, Jardin Secreto Bilbao, Restraunte itxas-alde

Parks: Etxebarri Parkea, Europea Parkea, Miribilla, Parque Dona Casilda Iturrizar

Trails: Aixerrota Bidea, Grexa...(movie sence)

THE PROGRAM I WENT WITH:  USAC https://usac.edu/study-abroad-programs/spain/bilbao-getxo 

This was a third-party program that Bethel University helped me get connected to. They helped with applications like a student visa and planning the next step. This is one of the more affordable study abroad programs. It offers English and Spanish classes. Most classes are towards Business Education, with fun cultural, cooking, sailing, and surfing classes! I personally took Finance, Economics, Basque and Iberian Cultures, Beginner Spanish, and Surfing. 

Housing: I chose to be with a host family 

I could have chosen apartments with other students or university housing. I am so glad I chose a family because they were able to find people who I requested, wanting other kids in the house, and active members who spoke some English, since I knew none. I was able to secure a great host family. Additionally, they provided 3 meals a day, did my laundry, made my bed, met their extended family, and even traveled to nearby towns with them.  With the whole experience, I am still in contact with them over WhatsApp and Social Media

Admin/professors: They are amazing and very supportive

These professors and directors are there to support you!  Ibon, Arantxa, and María were always there for us as a group. They guided us through the beautiful city and made us feel welcome. The professors who taught our classes were all Native to Spain and encouraged us not only to do the work they assigned but to travel and use this opportunity to see the world. Overall, during my time,  I felt supported to do well in the small class sizes and confident throughout the new experience. 

Program Activities:  Included and Extra Exclusions 

USAC had preplanned activities and excursions that helped us as a group to learn more about Spain and bond as a group! We visited nearby cities, drove to France, went kayaking, and had a long trip to Madrid! I would highly recommend looking into what the program offers in the initial price and what requires additional fees, but if an excursion is offered, I would take the chance to do it! 

If you have any questions, feel free to reachout to the Bethel University Study Abroad Office and they can get you my contacts!