What inspired you to go abroad?
Going abroad was inspired by my desire to step outside my comfort zone and experience life from a different perspective. I wanted to improve my language skills, meet people from other cultures, and become more independent.
Living in another country allows you to grow personally, adapt to new situations, and gain a deeper understanding of the world beyond your own environment.
Why did you choose Instituto Hemingway?
I chose Instituto Hemingway because of its strong reputation for high-quality Spanish courses and its personalized approach to teaching. The institute offers small class sizes, experienced teachers, and a learning environment that focuses on practical communication.
In addition, the cultural activities and the location in Bilbao made it an ideal place to fully immerse myself in the Spanish language and culture while feeling well supported throughout the program.
What was your favorite part about Bilbao?
Having fun with friends at School
My favorite part about Bilbao was the perfect balance between tradition and modern life. The city offers beautiful architecture, green spaces, and a welcoming atmosphere, while still feeling lively and dynamic.
I especially enjoyed the local culture, the friendly people, and the amazing food. Being close to the sea and surrounded by nature made living in Bilbao a truly special and memorable experience.
What made your experience abroad extraordinary?
What made my experience abroad extraordinary was the combination of cultural immersion, personal growth, and meaningful connections. Living in a new country challenged me to adapt, communicate in Spanish daily, and step outside my comfort zone.
The friendships I formed, the local traditions I experienced, and the supportive environment at Instituto Hemingway made my time abroad not only educational but truly unforgettable.
How did local staff support you throughout your program?
The local staff at Instituto Hemingway supported me every step of the way, making my experience smooth and enjoyable. They helped with enrollment, explained the course structure, and answered all my questions.
During the program, they provided guidance, organized cultural activities, and offered encouragement, creating a welcoming environment that made me feel confident, comfortable, and fully supported throughout my stay in Bilbao.
What's one thing you wish you would have done differently during your time abroad?
One thing I wish I had done differently during my time abroad is to have explored more of the surrounding regions and smaller towns outside of Bilbao.
While I fully enjoyed the city and its culture, venturing further would have given me an even deeper understanding of Spanish life, traditions, and cuisine. I also wish I had practiced more Spanish with locals outside of class to improve my fluency faster.
Describe what a typical day in your life abroad looked like.
A typical day abroad in Bilbao started with attending my Spanish classes at Instituto Hemingway, where lessons were interactive and focused on speaking, listening, and grammar. After class, I would participate in cultural activities, explore the city, or practice Spanish with locals. Evenings were often spent enjoying the local cuisine, walking along the river, or socializing with other students.
This routine balanced learning, cultural immersion, and personal exploration, making every day engaging and rewarding.
After class a photo all together
What did you enjoy doing during your free time abroad?
During my free time abroad in Bilbao, I loved exploring the city and discovering its unique blend of modern and traditional architecture. I enjoyed visiting local cafes, trying Spanish cuisine, and walking along the river. I also spent time with friends from the program, attended cultural events, and explored nearby towns and natural areas.
Practicing Spanish with locals in everyday situations was both fun and helpful for improving my language skills while fully experiencing life in Spain.
What type of accommodation did you have? What did you like best about it?
I stayed in a private apartment during my time in Bilbao, which provided both comfort and independence. I loved having my own space while still being close to the city center and the Instituto Hemingway.
The apartment allowed me to cook my own meals, relax after classes, and immerse myself in daily Spanish life, giving me a true sense of living like a local. Having a private and quiet place to return to each day made my experience both convenient and enjoyable.
What is one thing every future participant should know about your program before their program begins?
One thing every future participant should know about the Instituto Hemingway program is that it offers a perfect balance of structured language learning and cultural immersion. While the classes are engaging and personalized, participants should also be ready to actively practice Spanish outside of class.
Taking full advantage of the cultural activities, interacting with locals, and exploring Bilbao and its surroundings will greatly enhance the learning experience and make the program truly unforgettable.
Would you recommend Instituto Hemingway to others? Why?
Yes, I would highly recommend Instituto Hemingway to others. The program combines high-quality, personalized Spanish lessons with engaging cultural activities, allowing students to practice the language in real-life situations. The teachers are professional and supportive, and the staff ensures a welcoming environment.
Overall, it’s an enriching experience that improves language skills while offering a deep understanding of Spanish culture, making it ideal for anyone looking to learn Spanish effectively abroad.
Local people with us
What do you feel the biggest benefit of traveling abroad is?
The biggest benefit of traveling abroad is the opportunity for personal growth and cultural understanding. Living in a new country challenges you to adapt, communicate in another language, and navigate unfamiliar situations. It broadens your perspective, builds independence and confidence, and allows you to form meaningful connections with people from different backgrounds.
Experiencing daily life in another culture also gives a deeper appreciation for diversity and teaches skills that last a lifetime.
Now that you're home, how has your time abroad impacted your life?
Now that I’m back home, my time abroad has had a lasting impact on my life. I feel more confident, independent, and open‑minded, especially when facing new challenges. Living in Spain improved my Spanish skills and taught me how to adapt to different cultures and ways of life.
The experience also changed my perspective on the world and helped me appreciate diversity, making me more curious and motivated in both my personal and professional life.
What does meaningful travel mean to you?
To me, meaningful travel is about more than visiting new places—it’s about truly connecting with the people, culture, and environment of the destination. It means learning from experiences, stepping outside your comfort zone, and growing personally.
Meaningful travel allows you to gain new perspectives, practice empathy, and create lasting memories while making a positive impact on the communities you visit. It’s about travel that educates, inspires, and transforms both the traveler and the place they explore.
