API in Bilbao, Spain: Studio Arts

As the city of Bilbao gained increasing recognition for its education opportunities, the University of Bilbao was renamed as the University of the Basque Country in 1980. The newly inaugurated university combined university programs from across the Basque region. API arts students study at the Facultad de Bellas Artes (Department of Fine Arts) of the university. While studying in the heart of one of Europe’s fastest growing art scenes, students have the opportunity to learn and create alongside art students from across Europe. Not only do students challenge their own abilities, but they are also inspired by visiting the spectacular works of art created by some of history’s greatest artists as well as the cutting-edge artists of today.

Designed for art majors/minors, this program offers a dynamic opportunity to practice and participate in studio arts classes with students from Spain, as well as students from across Europe and the world. Students are required to have taken two semesters of college level Spanish. Some courses of study may require a higher working knowledge of Spanish. Students attend classes at the Facultad de Bellas Artes (Department of Fine Arts) at the Universidad del País Vasco, Campus de Leioa (the University of the Basque Country, Leioa Campus). Due to the hands-on nature of the studio courses, there is minimal time spent in a lecture setting. Most classes are taught in Spanish (Castilian). Some courses are taught in Basque and students are discouraged from taking those classes. API strongly encourages students to take classes with professors who speak some English, and we will provide guidelines post-acceptance. Most courses are equivalent to 3-6 semester credits each, though the amount of credit depends on the course.