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Program Overview
Program Overview
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Popular Subject Areas
Spanish Language & Liberal Arts in English and Spanish
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Location
Bilbao
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Host University
Universidad de Deusto
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Term
Fall 1 2025
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Program Dates
Early Sep, 2025 - Mid Dec, 2025
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Program Length
Semester
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Application Deadline
Jun 01, 2025
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Forms and Payment Deadline
Jun 15, 2025
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Credit
24 - 32 ECTS Credits
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Eligibility
2.75 Minimum GPA*
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Cost
$15,495
- Apply Now
Study Abroad Program Description
Improve your Spanish language abilities while learning about Spanish and Basque cultures in this immersive program open to students of all language levels. In addition to standard coursework, there are also experiential learning opportunities including an internship in education and a service-learning course for students at the advanced language level. This is a great option for those looking to give back to the host community while engaging more deeply with the local culture.
The beginning and intermediate language courses are modular and progressive while the advanced language course may be taken in any order. You will take up to three language classes in conjunction with relevant content courses. Most classes are taken with international students though there is the option to enroll in up to two courses with locals after arriving on-site in either English or Spanish. All courses are taught by Universidad de Deusto faculty on the beautiful downtown campus.
Visa Information:
*Eligibility
MINIMUM GPA
Students must have a minimum grade point average of 2.75.
MINIMUM ADMISSIONS PREREQUISITES
There is no language prerequisite for this program.
What's Included
Comprehensive Advising and Support
Comprehensive Advising and Support
A team of helpful ISA staff members is here to support you through the entire study abroad process, from finding the perfect program through re-entry. The Program Advisors will help you choose your program based on your unique objectives. Once you’ve selected your program, you will work with your Program Manager on the application process as well as pre-departure forms and finances. Your Program Manager will also assist with academics, housing, visas, and city-living/cultural guidance.
In addition to individual advising, you will receive virtual resources to help prepare you for your time abroad. This includes the ISA Student Portal, which houses your program application, pre-departure forms/resources, and the online orientation. The online orientation is a pre-cursor to the on-site orientations and offers city-specific resources about living in your host city, communication, packing, diversity abroad, how to be academically successful, and more.
24-Hour Emergency
24-Hour Emergency
The ISA Health, Safety, and Security team facilitates an in-house on-call system with a U.S.-based employee and manager who are on-call and available in case of emergency 24-7. ISA regular office hours are Monday through Thursday, 7:00am - 7:00pm and Friday, 7:00am - 5:00pm Central Time.
If you are a parent or student needing assistance in an emergency situation outside of the regular office hours, please call the ISA office at 512-480-8522 to access the ISA emergency contact information for that particular week. Students who experience an emergency while abroad will also have access to on-site staff 24-hour emergency assistance.
Comprehensive Health, Safety, and Security Support
Comprehensive Health, Safety, and Security Support
Health, Safety, and Security (HSS) for ISA students is jointly managed by our resident staff and HSS team. This team works to monitor risk at program locations, respond to any crises that may arise, and develop policies to further ensure the health, safety, and security of students abroad with ISA.
Airport Reception*
Airport Reception*
Ground transportation is provided from the airport as long as you arrive during the ISA designated arrival date and time and at the appropriate airport. Upon acceptance into your program, you will receive the “How to Book Your Flight” form which outlines the specific details for airport reception.
*Airport reception is not provided for most Intensive Month or J-Term programs, as well as programs that combine 2 intensive months, such as Quarter programs.
Tuition at the Host University
Tuition at the Host University
Tuition and administrative fees at the host university are included in the program price. Classes are held at the host university and are taught by local and/or visiting faculty. Some classes will have additional fees that are not included in the program price.
Housing
Housing
Housing is guaranteed and included in the price of all ISA programs, with the exception of Pacific programs, in which housing is offered at an additional cost. Accommodation options will vary according to program site and session. For more details about ISA's housing options and applicable security deposits, please refer to the housing tab for your program of interest.
Meals and Laundry Service*
Meals and Laundry Service*
*The possibility for included meals and/or laundry services vary per location and housing option. Meals and laundry services are provided with most homestays to a degree. For more details, please refer to the housing tab for your program of interest.
Spanish Visa Support
Spanish Visa Support
Your ISA Program Manager will be available to help you with the visa process for Spain, if a visa is needed for your program. They will provide resources, guidance on necessary steps to obtain your visa, and deliver supporting visa application materials to you as needed. A Spanish student visa is required for U.S. students participating in academic programs in Spain lasting 91 days or more. For non-U.S. citizens, you should contact your consulate to verify specific entry requirements.
To obtain a Spanish student visa, you must:
A) schedule an appointment (where applicable) and apply in person at the consulate, or
B) take part in the ISA Spain Visa Service* (if applicable), where you may pay an extra fee for ISA to schedule and attend an appointment on your behalf.
Note: the ISA Spain Visa Service typically has deadlines well in advance of your program application deadline, often 1 month earlier or more. This is due to the appointment dates the consulate gives ISA. Should you want to use the ISA Spain Visa Service, we encourage you to apply to your program as early as possible.
Failure to obtain a visa for programs lasting 91 days or more could result in you having to cancel or switch programs.
Please contact your ISA Program Manager for more information regarding the Spain Visa Service or any visa related questions or concerns.
Bridging Cultures Orientation
Bridging Cultures Orientation
The Bridging Cultures Orientation will be delivered to you in the first few days of your time abroad. It is designed to prepare you for a successful, positive, and rewarding experience that will influence the rest of your life. This is accomplished through introducing you to your host city’s culture and infrastructure as well as through goal setting, intercultural awareness, diversity and professional development activities.
Full-Time Resident Staff
Full-Time Resident Staff
The full-time resident staff is available to assist you with all aspects of your experience abroad. The resident staff provides support during official course registration and arranges the Bridging Cultures Program orientation, excursions, weekly meetings, cultural activities, and much more. Staff members are trained to ensure the well-being of each program participant and are dedicated to facilitating a positive and meaningful study abroad experience.
Internet Access
Internet Access
As an ISA student, you will enjoy free internet access at ISA on-site offices, computer labs at the host university, and/or your ISA housing.
ISA Discovery Model
ISA Discovery Model
ISA programs facilitate learning and development through co-curricular activities. We rely on host universities to provide quality instruction in the classroom, but ISA is the main facilitator of learning outside of the classroom. Efforts to promote student learning are shaped by a teaching and learning framework we call the ISA Discovery Model.
According to this model, student learning and development is organized into five areas of discovery: 1. Intercultural, 2. Historical, 3. Sociopolitical, 4. Professional and 5. Environmental
Throughout the duration of your ISA program, we provide you with the opportunity to pursue these five areas of discovery through the Bridging Cultures Orientation, excursions, cultural activities, and references to non-ISA sponsored events and opportunities.
Excursions*
Excursions*
Organized excursions are included with each program to complement the academic component of your abroad experience. These complementary experiences are designed to engage student learning outside of the classroom in the five areas of the Discovery Model. Transportation and guided tours are included, as well as hotel accommodations and breakfast during multi-day excursions. Additional optional excursions may be offered during each program that are not included in the program cost.
*Excursions are not included for Intensive Month, J-Term, some summer sessions, as well as some programs that combine 2 intensive months, such as Quarter programs.
Cultural Activities
Cultural Activities
The ISA program staff develops unique cultural activities custom-designed to invite you to experience the local color of your host city, while learning about the history and culture of your new surroundings. Speaking the native language with locals, tasting the regional cuisine, and partaking in the native traditions are only a few of the ways these cultural activities lead to full appreciation of the program city.
Insurance
Insurance
A Blanket Accident and Sickness Policy is included in the program and covers you during the official on-site period of the program. This is not an optional benefit; every ISA participant will be covered by this policy. A full description of coverage can be found on the ISA website.
We recommend that you maintain comprehensive health insurance while abroad. This is particularly important if you have any pre-existing conditions but is also beneficial if you have an injury or illness while abroad and require further treatment upon your return home. Please be sure to consult with your current insurance provider to confirm coverage policies while traveling abroad.
Official Transcript from the Host University
Official Transcript from the Host University
Upon completion of the ISA program, your host university will issue an official transcript with all coursework taken abroad. ISA's Academic Records Department will process and forward the official transcript to the appropriate office at your home university, and a photocopy will be sent to your permanent home address for your records. ISA will provide a cover letter to accompany the transcript with important academic information, including the host university's grading system and recommended U.S. letter grade equivalencies, translated course titles, and credit conversion recommendations.
Professional Development Toolbox
Professional Development Toolbox
The Professional Development Toolbox, available in the online orientation section of the student portal, will help you identify the skills and key competencies you have developed through your personal, academic, and cultural experiences. This toolbox helps you to articulate the transferable skills developed through study abroad in a way that shows potential employers or post-graduate universities the benefits our you will provide them as a direct result of your experience abroad.
Scholarship Opportunities
Scholarship Opportunities
As an ISA participant, you will have the opportunity to apply for scholarships or grants that can be applied directly to assist with your study abroad program. ISA offers over $1,000,000 in scholarships and grants each year. To see what opportunities are available, please visit the Support & Funding page.
Academics
Credits
ECTS Credits
24 - 32
Recommended U.S. Semester Credits
12 - 16
Recommended U.S. Quarter Units
18 - 24
Academic Information
Course Selection
- Per the Universidad de Deusto, 6 ECTS is equivalent to 3 U.S. Semester Credits
- Students must select at least 24 ECTS per semester of courses with international students. In addition, students have the option to enroll in TWO liberal arts courses in English or Spanish with local students once on site, dependent on their course schedule. Course enrollment is confirmed on site.
- Students should seek pre-approval for alternate courses in the event of last-minute class cancelations.
- The courses below reflect the most current list of courses released by the host university. Please refer to this list when completing your pre-registration form. Also note that courses are always subject to change.
- Please reference Fall and Spring course lists as not all courses are taught during both semesters.
- Requests for sample syllabi can be made to the Bilbao Program Manager.
Other Considerations
- Additional courses with locals may also be available. Please contact ISA for eligibility requirements and information on courses in the following departments: Business, Cultural Studies, Development, Geography, History, International Relations, Law, Philosophy, Literature, Marketing, Political Science, etc.
Language Courses
- Beginning and Intermediate language courses are modular and progressive. Students may progress through both courses in a semester. In order to enroll in Elementary Spanish II or Intermediate Spanish II, you MUST enroll in Elementary Spanish I or Intermediate Spanish I, respectively, as well.
- Enrollment in Spanish courses is determined by the results of a language placement exam administered by Deusto. Please note that your performance on the placement exam may not reflect the number of semesters of language instruction you’ve already completed at your home university. We strongly suggest that students who are trying to place into any level of language beyond true beginning prepare for the language placement exam by reviewing previous coursework.
Additional Fees
- The course Spanish through Gastronomy has an additional fee of €155, paid on-site.
- All internship courses require an additional fee of $250.
Transcript
- The transcript from the Universidad de Deusto will reflect ECTS credits for each course listed below. Please be in touch with your home university regarding credit transfer for this program.
Courses
select allclear all
Course Disclaimer
- Courses and course hours of instruction are subject to change.
Support & Funding
ISA is here to support you when it comes to navigating identity questions related to traveling abroad, providing resources and information for your accessibility needs, and identifying funding for your program abroad.
SUPPORT TEAM
Our U.S. staff is available to support you though every stage of your study abroad journey. Please reach out with any questions about ISA programs or life on-site to your country-specific Program Manager.
Our on-site staff are there for you as soon as you arrive in country and will support you throughout your time abroad.
U.S. Team
Rosina D'Angelo
Program Manager, Costa Rica & Spain
Originally from Houston, TX, Rosina discovered a passion for international education as a teenager after spending a summer studying Spanish in Salamanca, Spain with ISA. Her love of language led her to pursue double majors in English and Hispanic Studies at the University of Richmond, where she had the opportunity to study abroad again in both Córdoba, Argentina and Alcalá de Henares, Spain. After graduation, she moved back to Spain and taught English for 3 years in the bustling city of Madrid and the beautiful island of Mallorca. Now that she’s back in Texas, she’s excited to advise ISA students preparing to set off on their own international adventures! In her free time, she loves cooking and baking, hiking, and exploring new cities.
BILBAO TEAM
Genoveva Garcia Gallardo
Resident Director, Spain
Genoveva Garcia Gallardo
Resident Director
Born in Burgos in Northern Spain, Genoveva first studied abroad in Ireland while completing her Bachelors in Humanities at Burgos University. She furthered her studies at Western Michigan University where she graduated with a double Master in Spanish Language and Literatures. This time abroad was invaluable for Genoveva as she learned about U.S. students and campus culture, helping her better understand the needs of ISA students abroad. She began working for ISA in Barcelona in 2004 and in 2008 became the Bilbao Resident Director. Genoveva is the proud mother of two small children and valued member of her church choir and orchestra. She loves working with ISA students and appreciates the opportunity to learn and grow with them on their path to global citizenship.
Identity Resources
Accessibility & Accommodations
With our wide portfolio of program types and locations, we’re confident there is a suitable, accessible program for each student.
Securing accommodations abroad can take time, so we ask that those with requests inform ISA early in the advising process. We recommend reaching out to your Program Manager or our Accessibility Team (accessibilityteam@worldstrides.com) to discuss your accessibility needs or accommodations abroad.
Destination Information
Our diversity pages for each ISA destination include information on Indigenous communities, languages, race and ethnicity, religion, LGBTQIA+, and disability access. We hope it will help when reflecting upon and contextualizing intersectionality in your host community.
Identity Blog
ISA offers students the opportunity to blog about their experiences abroad from their own diverse perspectives. These posts can be found on the ISA Student Blog, and interested students should email diversity@studiesabroad.com for more information.
Funding
All students should have the opportunity to study abroad. To help make this a reality, ISA offers a variety of scholarships to help cover your study abroad costs. To learn more about our scholarship opportunities, check out our scholarships & grants page!
If you receive financial aid from your home university, you can likely use those funds for study abroad, as well. Speak with your home university’s financial aid office to learn about your options. Check out steps for using financial aid.
Questions about scholarships and funding? Email us at higheredfinaid@worldstrides.org
Housing
Living in ISA housing will allow you the opportunity to experience aspects of the Spanish lifestyle that are inaccessible to the average visitor. Regardless of your housing option, you will have a short commute to your university. Travel times to the various university buildings generally range between 15 and 40 minutes depending on housing and class locations. With an open and adaptable mind, the experience of living in another culture can be highly rewarding.
We strive to match your housing preferences with our available accommodations, however, housing preference requests cannot be guaranteed.
Homestay
A homestay is a great option if you are seeking full linguistic and cultural immersion during your time abroad. Each host family has been carefully selected by ISA’s resident staff in order to best accommodate your needs and to ensure a comfortable living situation. Homestays will provide three meals a day and laundry service once a week. You will typically share a room with another ISA student of the same gender. Single rooms may be available for an additional fee. Placements are located throughout the city center however homestays near the beach (20 minutes outside the city center by metro) may be available upon request.
Independent Housing
You may opt to secure housing independently. If you select this option, you will receive a discount equal to the housing portion of the program price. By choosing to opt out of ISA housing, you are responsible for researching and reserving housing, and paying all fees, deposits, and rent directly to the housing facility that you choose.
Excursions
THERE’S MORE TO DISCOVER WITH ISA
Gernika
Gernika was made famous by Picasso’s painting by the same name, depicting the devastating fire bombing during the Spanish Civil War. You will visit the Peace Museum and Peoples’ Park where you will learn how Gernika is now a city active in international peace movements. You will also experience the region’s rich biodiversity and visit the nearby surfer’s town of Mundaka.
Gernika
Gernika was made famous by Picasso’s painting by the same name, depicting the devastating fire bombing during the Spanish Civil War. You will visit the Peace Museum and Peoples’ Park where you will learn how Gernika is now a city active in international peace movements. You will also experience the region’s rich biodiversity and visit the nearby surfer’s town of Mundaka.
San Sebastian & Biarritz, France
During this multi-day excursion, you will explore two of the Basque country’s beautiful coastal towns. Biarritz is in the south of France, it is a fishing town and a hub for tourists and surfers. There you will visit the beautiful Imperial Chapel and learn about the local delicacies at the Chocolate Museum. San Sebastian is an elegant city and home to Concha beach, one of northern Spain’s most emblematic and popular beaches. In both of these cities you will learn about Basque culture and identity and what forms they take across national lines.
San Sebastian & Biarritz, France
During this multi-day excursion, you will explore two of the Basque country’s beautiful coastal towns. Biarritz is in the south of France, it is a fishing town and a hub for tourists and surfers. There you will visit the beautiful Imperial Chapel and learn about the local delicacies at the Chocolate Museum. San Sebastian is an elegant city and home to Concha beach, one of northern Spain’s most emblematic and popular beaches. In both of these cities you will learn about Basque culture and identity and what forms they take across national lines.
La Rioja and Pamplona
Your first stop on this two-day excursion is Laguardia in the La Rioja province, known internationally for its vineyards. You will then visit Pamplona where you will learn about the running of the bulls and explore the city’s medieval sites. You will also learn about the local San Fermin festival, made famous by Ernest Hemingway’s novel, The Sun also Rises.
La Rioja and Pamplona
Your first stop on this two-day excursion is Laguardia in the La Rioja province, known internationally for its vineyards. You will then visit Pamplona where you will learn about the running of the bulls and explore the city’s medieval sites. You will also learn about the local San Fermin festival, made famous by Ernest Hemingway’s novel, The Sun also Rises.
Burgos
Burgos has been an important cultural and political hub since medieval times when it was the capital of the Kingdom of Castille. You will explore Burgos’s rich history and learn about is relevance in modern Spanish society through visits to sites such as the Museum of Human Evolution and a notable stop along the famous Camino de Santiago pilgrimage.
Burgos
Burgos has been an important cultural and political hub since medieval times when it was the capital of the Kingdom of Castille. You will explore Burgos’s rich history and learn about is relevance in modern Spanish society through visits to sites such as the Museum of Human Evolution and a notable stop along the famous Camino de Santiago pilgrimage.
Cultural Activities in Bilbao
The ISA on-site team encourages you to explore the city and culture of Bilbao. The team facilitates this by offering a robust calendar of events that showcases what makes Bilbao special.
These activities vary each term, and previous offerings have included visits to the famous Guggenheim museum, art exhibits and San Juan de Gaztelugatxe in Bakio, plus countless opportunities to dive into Basque culture through film, language and dancing!
Cultural Activities in Bilbao
The ISA on-site team encourages you to explore the city and culture of Bilbao. The team facilitates this by offering a robust calendar of events that showcases what makes Bilbao special.
These activities vary each term, and previous offerings have included visits to the famous Guggenheim museum, art exhibits and San Juan de Gaztelugatxe in Bakio, plus countless opportunities to dive into Basque culture through film, language and dancing!