Program highlights for San Sebastián, Spain

• Live in a stunning location on Spain’s beautiful northern coast, twenty minutes from the border of France and with easy connections to Madrid, Bilbao, and major European cities.
• Practice Spanish and Basque languages through the conversation partner program with local students.
• Experience the beautiful beaches of Basque Country, one of the top destinations for surfing in Europe.
• Immerse yourself in the local culture through cooking classes, learning Basque folk dancing, wearing a crazy costume in a carnival parade, and learning to play the txalaparta.
• Adjust to life abroad easily with the full-time on-site USAC Resident Director and staff, and participate in the optional Timeless Treasures of Central Spain tour to discover Madrid, Toledo, and Segovia.

Why study in San Sebastián?

San Sebastián’s spectacular natural setting at the foot of the deep green Pyrenees Mountains and its culinary delights make it not only a beautiful vacation spot but an excellent place to live and study. As a student in San Sebastián, you’ll discover a deeper understanding of Spanish and Basque culture, language, cuisine, and history.

Most of San Sebastián is modern because the ancient city was largely destroyed in the 19th century, but you can still see history preserved in the narrow streets of the Old Quarter. Visit its picturesque beaches, immerse yourself in a bilingual city (all residents speak Spanish, and one third speak Basque as well), discover Michelin-starred restaurants, enjoy the tasty and colorful pintxos, and easily bike or walk to class in this walkable coastal city.

Come for a semester or year and choose from courses in Spanish, Basque, history, literature, culture, art, and psychology. An intensive language approach allows you to complete up to two years of university language coursework in only one semester. You can even take a 1-credit Surfing course and learn a sport that has become significant in Basque culture.

Your work in the classroom is combined with cultural immersion activities like elective courses shared with local students, field trips to the French and Spanish Basque Country, excursions to prehistoric caves, mountains, and traditional fishing villages, and visits to cultural events and village festivals to enhance your study abroad experience.