GoAbroad
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4.9 / 5Overall Rating
33Reviews
1999Year established

Program Overview

Study Spanish at our fully accredited language training center, located in one of the most interesting areas of Spain. Our educational programs provide a unique combination of in-class work and outside activities. We are not only a 'School for Spanish', but we are also an 'Institute for Languages and Cross-Cultural Training'.

The Institute is located in the very heart of the financial city center. Our facilities overlook the Ibaizabal river, the old part of the town, and the most traditional park in the city. We supply a broad variety of courses. This is a highly individualized program designed to meet your personal interests, level of Spanish, and academic and/or professional needs. We assist you to assimilate the language quickly and easily, no matter your grammatical knowledge.

Our professionally trained teachers will patiently help you and answer any questions you might have about a topic. Each teacher is available to help any individual with issues of cultural adaption or of a personal nature, which may hinder their progress in learning Spanish.

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Program Highlights

Get fluent in Spanish in a short period of time.
Combine cultural immersion and language acquisition in one program.
Take part in cultural and leisure activities together with other students and interns in Spain.
Make lasting friendships and gain a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Experience real Spain and have a wonderful time enjoying sports activities, exploring Spanish gastronomy, and taking photos.

What's Included

Tuition & Fees
Some Accommodation

Program Details

Learn all the nitty gritty details you need to know

Locations

  • Bilbao, Spain

Fields & Subjects

  • Spanish

Available Terms / Availability

  • Years Offered
  • Year Round
  • Terms Available
  • Academic Year
  • Fall
  • May Term
  • Spring
  • Spring Break
  • Summer
  • Throughout the Year
  • Trimester
  • Winter

Eligible Nationalities

  • All Nationalities
  • This Program is also open to Solo

Education Levels & Language

  • Language
  • English
  • Education
  • Any/All Education Levels Accepted

Accommodation Options

  • Apartment/Flat
  • Dormitory
  • Group living
  • Guest House
  • Home-stays
  • Independent living

Application Procedures

  • Online Application

Age Requirement

All Ages

Program Reviews

Hear what past participants have to say about Instituto Hemingway

4.9
33 reviews

Rating breakdown

5
30
4
2
3
1
2
0
1
0

Top categories

Program Administration
4.9
Living Situation
4.8
Health & Safety
4.8
Cultural Immersion
4.8
Community
4.8
Academics
4.7

Participated in this program? Share your experience now.

Review this Program

Showing 1-20 of 33 reviews

Peter LopezUnited States · April 2026

More Than a School, a Second Home

My experience at Instituto Hemingway was truly unforgettable. The classes were not only effective but also fun and engaging, thanks to teachers who are incredibly patient and supportive. They take the time to make sure everyone understands, creating a relaxed and motivating atmosphere. What makes this place special is the feeling that the whole school is one big team—a kind of family where you instantly feel at home. You’re not just learning Spanish, you’re starting a new chapter, meeting people, and growing every day. I also loved living in a shared flat with people my age, which made everything more social and natural. Being able to walk to school was super convenient, and the cultural activities added so much to the experience. The school is also fully inclusive, welcoming everyone with open arms. And the city? Simply amazing—vibrant, beautiful, and full of life. I’d recommend it to anyone.

Photos

Mary HughsUnited Kingdom · April 2026

Spanish, Sunsets, and the Perfect Vibe

If you're thinking about learning Spanish abroad, I honestly couldn’t recommend Instituto Hemingway more. From day one, everything just clicked. The classes are dynamic and fun, and the teachers are incredibly kind, patient, and genuinely passionate about helping you improve. But what really made the experience unforgettable was the lifestyle around it. I stayed in an amazing shared flat with people my age, which made it super easy to connect, hang out, and practice Spanish outside the classroom. Plus, being able to walk to school every day? Huge bonus. On top of that, the cultural activities were next level — always something exciting going on, from local events to group outings. It never felt like just a course; it felt like a full experience. And the city? Absolutely top-tier. Beautiful, vibrant, and full of life. I’d go back in a heartbeat. 10/10 recommend if you want to learn Spanish and actually live it.

Photos

Lucy MarinosGermany · April 2026

Unlock Spanish, Unlock the World!

As a former student of Instituto Hemingway, my personal experience was very positive and rewarding. The teaching method was practical and focused on real-life communication, which helped me gain confidence in speaking Spanish much faster than I expected. The teachers were professional, patient, and always encouraging, creating a comfortable learning environment. What I appreciated the most was the cultural immersion. Beyond the classroom, the institute organized activities that allowed me to practice Spanish while discovering local traditions and meeting people from different countries. This made the experience much more dynamic and meaningful. Overall, I believe it is an excellent option for anyone who wants not only to learn Spanish but also to live the language in an authentic and engaging way.

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Mary PompidouFrance · March 2026

My First Spanish Immersion in Spain

Studying Spanish in Bilbao with Instituto Hemingway was an unforgettable first immersion experience abroad. The classes were dynamic, friendly, and focused on speaking, which helped me gain confidence quickly. Living in such a vibrant city and joining cultural activities made learning feel natural and exciting. The welcoming atmosphere felt like a small family. It was a unique experience that helped me improve my Spanish while discovering a beautiful culture.

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Carmen WhiteBelgium · March 2026

An Unforgettable Spanish Experience in Bilbao

My experience at Instituto Hemingway in Bilbao was absolutely fantastic! The Spanish courses were engaging and effective, the cultural activities allowed me to fully explore the city, and the accommodation was conveniently close to everything. The combination of learning, cultural immersion, and comfort made my stay truly memorable. I highly recommend it to anyone wanting to learn Spanish in Spain.

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Margaret ShawnUnited Kingdom · February 2026

Hidden Gem Spanish Adventure

Studying Spanish at Instituto Hemingway was unforgettable. The city feels authentic, not overcrowded with tourists, and everything is easy to walk. My school accommodation was just 15 minutes away, making daily life simple. Best of all, the Spanish course was dynamic, practical, and led by truly amazing teachers who made every class fun and motivating.

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Lucy RubioGermany · February 2026

Spanish Bliss in Bilbao!

Studying Spanish at Instituto Hemingway was an exceptional experience. The teachers are engaging and professional, classes are dynamic and personalized, and the full immersion helps you improve fast. Add Bilbao’s culture, food, and friendly atmosphere, and learning Spanish becomes truly unforgettable.

Photos

Julia kollGermany · January 2026

Spanish with Soul: Discover the Language in Bilbao

Studying Spanish in Bilbao is a rewarding and inspiring choice, especially if you are looking for something authentic and different. The city’s safe, walkable streets and warm community create an ideal setting for learning, while its strong cultural identity adds depth to the experience. Spanish courses in Bilbao are practical and dynamic, helping students gain confidence quickly. And if you are searching for a destination that is not typical and still untouched by mass tourism, this is truly your school and your city—an opportunity to learn Spanish through real immersion and genuine local life.

Judy LondonUnited States · January 2026

Learn Spanish Where Tradition Meets Modern Life: Bilbao

Taking a Spanish course in Bilbao is a truly enriching experience. The city offers the perfect balance between cultural authenticity and a modern, vibrant atmosphere. Learning Spanish here goes far beyond the classroom: you practice the language daily with locals, enjoy world-class cuisine, and immerse yourself in Basque culture while living in a friendly and welcoming environment. Bilbao is ideal for students who want high-quality Spanish courses combined with real cultural immersion, making language learning both effective and unforgettable.

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Daniel OlsonAustralia · January 2026

A Fantastic Way to Learn Spanish

My experience at Instituto Hemingway was excellent. The classes are well structured, engaging, and adapted to each student’s level. The teachers are supportive and professional, and the friendly international atmosphere makes learning Spanish both effective and enjoyable. I would definitely recommend this school. I love Bilbao by the way. The best ever city in Spain!!

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Emily LarsonCanada · January 2026

An Outstanding School to Truly Learn Spanish

Instituto Hemingway exceeded all my expectations. Highly qualified teachers, dynamic classes, and a welcoming environment that makes learning easy and enjoyable. The organization is excellent, and the cultural activities allow you to practice Spanish in real-life situations. A fantastic experience and highly recommended.

John PetersonUnited States · January 2026

Learn Spanish in Bilbao – An Experience to Remember

Great experience in Bilbao with Instituto Hemingway. Dynamic classes, friendly and professional teachers, and practical Spanish learning combined with well-organized cultural activities. International atmosphere and personalized attention. Highly recommended.

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Julie Ibrahim United Kingdom · June 2025

Excellent

Excellent course. The teacher Magdalena was incredible. She makes learning fun and is an excellent teacher. I learned a lot. Overall really great experience, thank you. I would definitely recommend instituto Hemingway.

Luna SellmarkUnited Kingdom · January 2025

An Exceptional Learning Experience in Bilbao

I recently completed a Spanish course in Bilbao, and it was an experience I’ll never forget. The city itself is stunning, with its blend of modern architecture, rich history, and vibrant culture—it’s the perfect place to immerse yourself in Spanish life. The school provided a welcoming and supportive atmosphere, making it easy to feel at home. The teachers were highly skilled and patient, tailoring lessons to suit different levels and learning styles. Their dedication and enthusiasm truly made a difference in my progress. My accommodation was excellent—clean, comfortable, and conveniently located. It offered the perfect balance of privacy and the chance to connect with others. The cultural activities were another highlight. From exploring the Guggenheim Museum to tasting traditional Basque cuisine and joining local festivals, every moment was both fun and enriching. These experiences brought the language and culture to life in a way that goes beyond the classroom. I would wholeheartedly recommend this program to any adult learner looking to improve their Spanish while enjoying a rich cultural experience. Bilbao and this school exceeded all my expectations!

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Jonah MorrisonUnited States · January 2025

Amazing experience

I just finished my Spanish course in Bilbao, and honestly, it exceeded all my expectations! First off, the city is absolutely incredible—so full of life, culture, and amazing food. From day one, I felt completely welcomed, and the vibe at the school was unbeatable. The teachers were fantastic—super engaging, supportive, and really made learning Spanish fun. I actually looked forward to class every day, which says a lot! The school also set me up with a great place to stay, and the accommodation was perfect. It was clean, comfortable, and I got to meet some awesome people my age. And the cultural activities? They were a blast! From exploring the Guggenheim to pintxos tours and hikes, there was always something cool going on. It wasn’t just about learning Spanish but also experiencing the culture and making memories. If you’re young, adventurous, and want to improve your Spanish while having an unforgettable time, I 100% recommend this program. You won’t regret it!

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Suzanne BrownDenmark · December 2023

Amazing teachers and an incredible city

I did my first Spanish course in 2017 and then returned on various occasions. The teachers are excellent, well-prepared, and able to assist with every inquiry you may have. I have learnt a lot during my intensive courses and also in my individual classes. In addition, the school organizes activities where you can meet other students and locals, and practice your Spanish. The city can offer something for everyone, whether you want to chat, see a movie, surf, or much more. My overall experience with the school and the teachers was excellent.

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Becca LawUnited States · December 2023

Great language lessons in an amazing place

When I arrived I was welcomed like a friend. I especially liked the extra curriculum that were planned. They allowed me to meet other teachers and students. I found that the lessons provided a very good mix of the different linguistic skills, but when I compare my Spanish ability on the first day to my final day there was a massive improvement, despite the fact I was only there for a week. The school provided plenty of extra activities alongside classes. However for me the main seller was always going to be the beautiful town of Bilbao with its amazing beaches and incredibly friendly people. I would definitely recommend Instituto Hemingway as a place to improve your language abilities - do not let the incredible price put you off, it will definitely not make you wish you had spent more!

Eve SchlosserUnited States · November 2022

Excellent study abroad program

I've been studying in Instituto Hemingway for 8 weeks. It is a very nice school and the school has motivated teachers. I had a very basic proficiency in Spanish before and now I had a nice improvement, I was able to perform DELE A2 exam (still waiting for the result but I believe I scored enough to pass). The staff are very nice too (thanks Javier!). If I have more available time I would certainly continue studying there. As I've studied in summer time, I had several different teachers. I wish to leave special thanks to Rodrigo and Afredo. Cultural activities programmed during weekdays were fantastic and gratis.

Ashling CooperUnited Kingdom · October 2020

Learning Spanish best experience ever!

I had a really good experience during the courses, I learned a lot of interesting things and I meet new people, I made new friends from different cultures, and even during the pandemic, the school managed the situation in a professional way in order to maintain the connection between the students and the professors. Honestly, I didn't feel this "students versus professors" relationship, because during the classes, somehow, we acted more like friends or a family, in a such a way that makes you learn more in a pleasant environment, and this is what makes the difference.

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Julie FawnUnited States · November 2019

It was amazing! A class that makes you learn beyond the language

Due to my holiday in South America next year I want to learn Spanish to be prepared and to communicate with the local people. So I chose an Intensive course 30 for two weeks, that was divided into group lessons and private lessons. I really like the lessons, the teachers speak slowly and very clear. The group lessons are in small groups, is well-structured and diversified – besides reading texts and watching films the units will repeat in small games. In the private lessons, we talked a lot and they react to my individual learning objective. Additional to the Spanish courses Instituto Hemingway provides a great and varied leisure time activities, that is included in the course price. Besides surfing and volleyball, there are dancing courses for the Spanish dances Salsa and Bachata, which I really like. During my time in Bilbao a stay at a kind guest family, which extends a warm welcome. It was a good opportunity to use and repeat the new vocabulary. All in all, I really enjoyed my two weeks at Instituto Hemingway in Bilbao. Besides learning the Spanish language I also learned the Spanish culture (most of all tapas and sangria) and got to know great people, I still stay in touch.

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FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Get answers to all the most common questions about Instituto Hemingway.

What is the location of the school in Bilbao?

The language school is located in the heart of Bilbao, one of the largest cities in northern Spain.

What is the class size for Spanish language courses?

The class size varies, but there are typically no more than ten students per class.

What is the duration of the Spanish language courses?

The duration of the courses varies, with options ranging from one week to several months.

What is the level of instruction offered at Instituto Hemingway?

Instituto Hemingway offers instruction for students of all levels, from beginners to advanced learners.

What is the cultural immersion experience like for students?

In addition to language instruction, Instituto Hemingway offers a variety of cultural activities and excursions to help students immerse themselves in the local culture and explore the region.

Instituto Hemingway Interviews

Read interviews from alumni or staff

John Peterson

John Peterson

Participated in 2025

Alumni

John is passionate about languages and cultural exchange. He recently completed a Spanish program at Instituto Hemingway in Bilbao, enhancing his lang...

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. 

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Magda Marino

Magda Marino

Participated in 2018

Alumni

Magda Marino is a senior international studies major with a concentration in education studying at the University of UCL. She is from London originall...

I honestly don't know where the idea of me studying abroad stemmed from. I just knew I wanted to learn Spanish in Spain. The first time I went abroad was the summer after my freshman year of college and I thank that trip for increasing my interest in the international world too. I couldn't believe how different another culture was from mine. I felt that there was always something to learn and someone to meet. 

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Anthony

Anthony

Participated in 2017

Alumni

Antonio Garcisky is a native of Ontario. She received a BA in environmental studies and global studies from Ontario University. During summers between...

Growing up with various multicultural experiences led me to study abroad. I hosted a Spanish exchange student for a month, and she hosted me at her home with her family in Aguilar de Campoo, Spain. Additionally, during my Senior year of high school, my family and I hosted a Norwegian student.  After my first year of undergraduate studies, I volunteered in Ecuador for a Summer and during my Junior year, I studied abroad in Moldova and Russia. Upon graduation, I moved to Costa Rica and lived there for about two and half years.

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Recognitions & Awards

Awards and accreditations earned by this provider

Spanish School Federation, FEDELE
Top Rated Language Schools of 2020 Notable Mentions
GoAbroad Top Language School 2018
Bildungsurlaub

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