Program Reviews

Definitely, when booking the trip I was scared and anxious, but this trip taught me how to be independent and overall expose myself to new things. I'd definitely say this was one of the most memorable things in my life I've ever done. I'd say that the best thing about this program was the immersion within the culture and so much more room individuals of any Spanish level can still grow at Instituto Hemingway. One thing I wish could be changed would be adding more trips to parts around Bilbao, but still was very pleasing and I would really recommend! you will make friends from all over that will become some of your closest friends. I'd definetly say don't hesitate to take the trip and become a local for your stay it really creates an unforgettable experience. After taking a Spanish course for 4 weeks then I went for an internship and really enjoyed it. So much fun, so many things I learned..!

I arrived Instituto Hemingway intending to improve my Spanish, but I had no idea what I was getting myself into. I was so happy to find that there is so much more going on than I had anticipated. I found myself a part of a beautiful and unique community that was made up of the staff, volunteers, and students in the program. I made close relationships and countless memories. The Spanish classes exceeded my expectations, and I improved so much!! I even was starting to get the hang of Salsa dancing by the end of it. I chose to spend, a more than conventional, four months with Instituto Hemingway, and honestly every second was worth it. I would travel outside the city some weekends or take advantage of really cool stuff happening in Northern Spain. By the end of my experience, I was leaving three families. My host family, who genuinely are like parents to me. My Instituto Hemingway family, all of the awesome people who I would say hi to every day and get support from often (including great teachers). And finally, the weird mixed up group of people I met along the way from air force groups to people on gap years like me to the Spanish friends I am going to miss so much. I will never forget my time in Spain, and what it has done for me, I owe a lot of that to this great program.

I couldn't be happier with Instituto Hemingway service! I always wanted learn Spanish and visit Spain, but I never thought I would get to do both at the same time. I filled in the application to go to Northern for 6 months and Instituto Hemingway staff was helpful throughout the whole process. They helped me find a great sharedhouse, the classes at Instituto Hemingway school were great and I even had time to learn how to cook an original paella! I had looked at other companies that offer similar services, but this one beats them all without contest, because of the great cultural free options they give you and because it's free! I will definitely use their service again, I prepared for DELE exams level a2 and I passed it without any problems at all. In fact I took later on B2 and I also passed it. Thank you for everything!

Amazing experience, well beyond my expectations. Bilbao is the best place to study and spend a beautiful holiday! I really enjoyed traveling around Spain, discovering wonderful places and rich history. I sincerely recommend Instituto Hemingway to all those looking for a fun and productive language holiday experience. I will definitely be back! Big thanks to all the friendly staff, Hasta pronto!

I don't have a unique story to tell but a lot of thrilling moments that I did experience in those 3 weeks; it is so to say a patchwork of images that are in my mind whenever I think of Bilbao; even though I knew before arriving, that city would not disappoint my expectations , I was really touched not only for its huge historical heritage but mainly because of the friendly and marvelous Basque people I met and knew, who made my stay unforgettable and made my last day so sad when I had to leave from there ... I will come back for sure

Instituto Hemingway provided an excellent learning experience. I was placed in the correct level and started learning from the first day. The instructor was prepared and engaging, and she really fostered a comfortable learning environment. Language learning can be stressful, but in these classes it was mostly fun.

After some weeks taking courses then I enjoyed my experience doing an internship in an incredible local firm!

Bilbao is an amazing city to visit. The people are warm and hospitable to friendly visitors. It is an extremely walkable environment with many interesting places to visit. On this trip I visited dozens of historic sites, I ate excellent food, and I danced my way through several evenings. I look forward to returning to Bilbao, and to Instituto Hemingway!

I cannot recommend Instituto Hemingway Spanish School enough! I spent several months taking group lessons with a couple of different instructors. Both were excellent at teaching and had terrific, warm personalities. With their help, my skills improved dramatically in a relatively short period of time.

I arrived at the school knowing only a few words of Spanish. I took 4-hour lessons per day Monday to Friday. This concentrated learning approach was extremely beneficial for me, and the school's location in historic Casco Viejo made it ideal for immediately applying what I'd learned in the neighborhood's array of shops and restaurants.

My time there was an absolute highlight of my extended stay in Spain.

I attended Spanish courses with Instituto Hemingway for three months. First I took 6 weeks taking courses and then 2 weeks travelling around and finally a program working in a hotel as an intern. I was very impressed by the organization of the school and classes, the placement process for new students (a 10-minute chat, in Spanish, with a teacher who assesses at what level and in which class the student should be placed), the teachers' professionalism and the ambiance, which was casual but goal-oriented. I had a working knowledge of Spanish and was placed exactly where I needed to be to further my learning. That said, it is the total immersion that allowed me to gain and develop confidence in my speaking skills. I lodged with a local family where no one spoke any English, which meant that I would either sink or learn to swim - which is just what I did. I now speak Spanish fluently. Going to Instituto Hemingway was the best thing I could have done to achieve my goal.

I am currently a third-year under-graduated student from International Business and they helped me with searching for an internship with focus on my field.

Jose from Instituto Hemingway was so so wonderful in helping me to find a suitable placement!!! She went above and beyond to help me finding a placement which worked for me and I am so grateful!
Jose and his team are proactive and work extremely hard for you in order to help you find an internship that suits.

My weekly internshp class was everything I hoped it would be. I already have a strong Spanish foundation, and I wanted to brush up on my skills since I don't have opportunities to speak Spanish in my daily life.

I came into this program with no Spanish knowledge and in 2 weeks I find myself having a basic conversation with Instituto Hemingway teachers and locals of my project. The structure of the lessons means that you learn quickly but through conversation rather than a traditional classroom experience. They provide you supplies and the teachers are brilliant! They teach all classes in Spanish which makes the experience that much more authentic! I´m very thankful for having done these lessons and will continue to be fluently in a short time!

Problably the best time and classes I have completed in years.

I was very eager to learn Spanish when I began lessons and I had a great experience. I feel as though I learnt a lot very quickly and was able to start understanding and replying in Spanish during my time there. Carlos was a brilliant teacher and I would definitely recommend her to everyone. I have learnt more than enough in my two weeks of lessons to converse in Spanish and I hope to continue learning when I return home.

All of the staff and employee are great and really care about the individual person attending these classes. my recommendation would be to take individual classes if you are serious about learning.
This is a great country with great people.
Great time!!!!!!