Bilbao provides a cosmopolitan location to experience the unique combination of Spanish and Basque cultures. The city is home to the Guggenheim Museum, designed by architect Frank Gehry, one of the most important pieces of modern architecture in the world. This and other modern elements are what make Bilbao a European cultural epicenter.

Smart, cosmopolitan, and just minutes from the coast, Bilbao (pop. 354,000 for Bilbao proper and nearly 1 million for the greater Bilbao area) is a great place for students. The University of Deusto is one of Spain's most prestigious private universities and is located directly across the Nervión river from the Guggenheim Museum, the Bilbao Fine Arts Museum, several public parks, and jogging/biking paths that span the length of the city along the river. Students will find Bilbao to be beautiful, easy to get around, and an ideal place to study.

Bilbao is a contemporary city with access to mother nature in all directions. Its combination of cosmopolitan and outdoor activities is a great recipe for an excellent experience abroad. Regardless of your interests, you'll find more than enough to do to occupy your time:

• Surfing (Bilbao is very close to the world famous surf spot Mundaka where the Billabong Pro Championships were recently held)

• Socializing

• Hiking

• Sightseeing

• Biking

• Shopping

• Exploring the numerous art/history museums

The medieval part of the city (Casco Viejo) also has its own unique pulse with a steady flow of patrons coming and going throughout the day to have a coffee, a tapa, or a drink and move on to the next establishment. The Basque region is famous worldwide for its exquisite cuisine and the winding medieval streets of the historical center offer many opportunities to sample the local fare.

Bilbao is also conveniently located for travel along the beautiful northern coast and throughout the rest of Spain and Europe.

Beaches:
Numerous beaches (Sopelana and Barinache, among others) are easily reached from Bilbao either by foot or public transportation. Bilbao makes it easy to find a nearby beach for surfing, relaxing, swimming, and watersports. Perfect your surfing here and you'll be ready for the next Billabong Pro Championships, which were recently held at the nearby Mundaka beach.

Guggenheim Museum:
The structure itself is spectacular and yet its contents are equally as exciting. Opened in 1997, the museum was designed by Canadian-American architect Frank Gehry and its breathtaking curves are reminiscent of both fish scales and boat hulls, both significant elements to the port city of Bilbao. The museum houses permanent and visiting exhibits, showcasing world-renowned contemporary and modern art.

Casco Viejo (Old Town):
The medieval historical center of Bilbao's winding streets is a labyrinth of restaurants, cafés, shops, and marketplaces. The charming atmosphere and well-preserved buildings create a lively neighborhood with a unique flair. The Casco Viejo provides the perfect setting for an afternoon stroll and tapas tour or a night out on the town.

Santiago Cathedral:
Dating back to the 14th Century, the cathedral is located in the center of the Old Town and provides interesting examples of a variety of Gothic styles. Once an important stop along the pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela (Camino de Santiago), the building is of historical and architectural interest.

Museo de Bellas Artes (Fine Arts Museum):
The museum currently boasts over six thousand works that span the 12th Century to the present day, including paintings, sculptures, drawings, engravings, and other decorative objects from both Spanish and international artists.