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About Bilbao

• Population: approx. 350,000
• Distance from Madrid: 250 miles
• Distance from Paris: 500 miles

Bilbao is a welcoming medium-sized city praised for being a very lively, yet safe place to live. Bilbao is located in northern Spain near the French border and has an international airport with direct flights to most large cities in Europe. Bilbao is the largest city in the Basque Country, yet it is an extremely walkable city with a great world-class metro system that is efficient and safe. You will enjoy strolling by the river promenade and the medieval streets of the Old Quarter, full of shops, restaurants, and coffee houses. If you prefer to ride a bike, there is a bike path all along the riverfront and through the main streets of the city. Bilbao has a strong business community and is also a reference for research, trade and innovation.

Getxo

Getxo, where students live, is a charming, coastal community popular for its beaches, lively nightlife, and diverse cultural activities. It is well connected to downtown Bilbao by subway (20-25 minutes away). Getxo is a relatively young town—80% of the population is below the age of 60—and it is not touristy, maximizing the opportunity for students to meet local peers. Getxo is known for its numerous outdoor activities and cultural events including surfing, canoeing, hiking, rollerblading, paragliding, music festivals, a medieval market, and much more.

Host University

Students from Indiana University will take classes at the University of the Basque Country (UPV) premises through the University Studies Abroad Consortium (USAC). USAC facilities, offices, and classrooms in Bilbao are located at the University’s Business School in downtown Bilbao, in the heart of shopping streets, the civic center, museums, restaurants, and a few minutes’ walk from the picturesque Old Quarter and riverfront promenade. Students have access to the library, computer labs, wifi, and a dining room. It takes approximately 20-25 minutes via metro to get to school from the coastal town of Getxo, where all students live; the metro runs every five minutes.

Homestay provides a great opportunity to immerse yourself into the daily life of a Spanish family. Homestays include three meals per day and provide an unmatched opportunity to speak Spanish and learn Spanish and Basque customs.