Universidad del País Vasco (UPV/EHU)

As far as I remember there is an accommodation service but I had been told that this is very expensive and that would be very easy to find a place to stay. The "problem" of using the service is that you will be placed with other exchange students. This isn't a really good way to improve your Spanish which was at least my main objective. Better is trying to find something with another Spanish person. I have to admit that this is quite dificult because Spanish students tend to live at home with their parents. But you'll never know unless you try.

Bilbao has basically two main spots where you should go. This is on the one hand the "Casco Viejo" which is the old part of the town and "Pozas". These two places are full of bars. I personally like the "Casco Viejo" better because it offers more alternative bars. But there are so many small bars that you will find out for yourself what you like.

Enjoy your time. The Basque country is very beatiful and there are lots of places to go.

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My main reason to go to Spain was to learn the language of the country. In my opinion Spanish is of the best languages to know. However, in the beginning I only knew very basic phrases and didn't feel well prepared through my Spanish courses at my home university. For example, I couldn't even order things without any problems. I had master dificulties. But with the help of my Spanish friends which I partly already had met at my home university I learned really fast. I hardly was in contact with any other exchange student and tried to live the Spanish way of life. I think that is the best way to really absorb the language.