Program terms: Summer
Restrictions: Vanderbilt applicants only
Type of Program: N/A
Costs: Budget Sheets
Academic Calendar: Summer
Key Dates:

Term	Application Deadline	Program Dates
Summer 2025	01/31/2025	To be determined

At a Glance

This program is perfect for students looking for a summer program in Bilbao, Spain! Spend 5 weeks in one of Spain's most beautiful northern cities taking a total of two courses over the session, each worth 3 US credits (total 6 credits for the summer session) at Universidad de Deusto. Boost your Spanish language and explore Spain this summer!

Academics

Classes in this program are designed for international students who want to study abroad in Bilbao to increase their Spanish language proficiency in an immersive setting. Students will enroll in two courses over the session, each worth 3 US credits (6 ECTS). Course offerings include courses in Spanish with additional electives available in English. Each student’s Spanish level is based on a placement exam administered upon arrival by the University of Deusto.

Vanderbilt students receive direct credit from study abroad programs offered through the Global Education Office. Grades and credits awarded will appear on the Vanderbilt transcript and count toward the GPA. Vanderbilt will use the scale shown here to articulate all grades from the University of Duesto, Bilbao, regardless of the subject area or language of instruction.

University of Deusto, Bilbao	Vanderbilt Equivalents
A 93–100	A
A- 90–92	A
B+ 87–89	B+
B– 80–82	B–
C+ 77–79	C+
C 73–76	C
C– 70–72	C–
D+ 67–69	D+
D 63–66	D
D– 60–62	D–
F 0–59	F

Student Life

There are many wonderful and exciting things to see and do in Bilbao. Spain, and especially Bilbao, is considered the capital of modern architecture. Bilbao contains many important works such as the Guggenheim-Bilbao Museum designed by Frank O. Gehry, which is located directly across from the university and ideal for students to visit. Students also participate in five guided excursions to places like Madrid and Pamplona, which is famous for the running of the bulls.

Housing

API Bilbao summer students will live in private student studio apartments. All rooms include a private ensuite bathroom, a fully fitted kitchen (sink, oven, microwave, fridge freezer, and induction cooktop), air conditioning (hot and cold), TV, and wifi. The complex offers shared common spaces including a gym, games areas, movie room, study rooms, library, and more!

Location

The University of Deusto is located in northern Spain. It is an area with two official languages of different origins: Spanish and Basque. Since its founding by the Jesuits in 1886, the University of Deusto has granted fundamental importance to its international relationships, and it currently leads numerous international projects which host an increasing number of students every year.

The private university has a strong reputation in Spain and enjoys growing recognition in Europe. Its elegant campus faces the new Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao.
Bilbao, long the largest business and cultural city in northern Spain, is also a major international tourist center due to the opening of the Guggenheim-Bilbao Museum. The city hosts annual music festivals, a vibrant art scene, and gorgeous beaches nearby—it is a wonderful place to spend the summer!

For more information, visit program homepage.

Fact Sheet

Housing: Apartment (alone)
Minimum GPA: 2.75
Language of Instruction: Spanish
Language prerequisite: Yes
Additional prerequisites: N/A
Costs: Budget Sheets
Student contacts: Peer alumni

Photo: Spain, courtesy of Jingyue Zhang