San Sebastián has a number of activities for international visitors to enjoy. Listed below are some different cultural activities to do while in San Sebastián. You can organize many of these activities on your own, with friends, or they may be sponsored by ISA. Upon arrival to San Sebastián, various sponsored cultural activities will be announced by the ISA San Sebastián directors.

Aquarium
Recently refurbished, San Sebastián's aquarium has become one of Europe's most modern oceanographic museums. The aquarium's 360 degree tunnel suspended in the middle of the water and surrounded by sea life is not to be missed.

La Perla
This spa is located on La Concha bay and has been offering its guests health, wellness, and relaxation for over 100 years. Enjoy views of the bay while you partake in health and beauty treatments as well relax in the panoramic pool.

History House
The city's history museum is situated atop Mount Urgull. Student's will learn the history of the city including how the people of Donostia lived throughout its 800 year existence.

Pintxos Tour
San Sebastián is known throughout the world for its gastronomy. It is home to world-renown restaurants that have won several Michellin Stars. Move from bar to bar while sampling this city's mouthwatering pinxtos that make it famous.

Outdoor Activities
The city offers a wide range of activities for the active individual. Mountain biking can be done on the Camino de Santiago that runs along San Sebastián's coastline. The city also offers students the opportunity for year-round surfing, which is a popular choice among the locals.

Language Exchange
Students will be given the opportunity to meet local and international students wishing to share their knowledge of Spanish and learn English in exchange. This activity is a great way to get to know other students in San Sebastián, and share your culture and language with others while learning more about your surroundings and Spanish student counterparts!

Volunteering
Any student truly interested in volunteering while in San Sebastián can work with the ISA San Sebastián staff to find different opportunities. Past students have volunteered with organizations involved in a variety of different areas based on the students' interest. Keep in mind that placement may be more difficult as this is a summer program and many organizations prefer at least a three month commitment.

Classmates Connecting Cultures (CCC)
Stay connected while you're abroad and share your experience with an organization back home! This program is for ISA students that are interested in applying what they are learning in San Sebastián in an interactive and creative way. Students collaborate with a U.S.-based organization via blog entries in a structured program facilitated by ISA. Organization types can range from classrooms (elementary through undergraduate) to local businesses, non-profit organizations, your study abroad office, student interest groups and more! Check out what past students have written by visiting the Classmates Connecting Cultures blog. For more information email ccc@studiesabroad.com.

Blogs
ISA Blogs:
Share your experience with your friends and prospective ISA students through the ISA blog! Your blogs will be featured on the ISA website for all to see. To learn more about the ISA Blogs, please visit the ISA Blog page.
Cultural Blogs:
We also suggest you check out the plethora of other cultural blogs available on the web to learn more about others' experiences in San Sebastián, cultural happening, and expat lives.

Helpful Phrases
Buenos días. Good morning.
Buenas tardes. Good afternoon.
Buenas noches. Good evening.

¿Cómo se llama? What is your name? (formal)
¿Cómo te llamas? What is your name? (informal)
Mucho gusto/Encantado. Nice to meet you.

Me gustaría... I'd like to order... (in a restaurant)
¡Salud! Cheers!/Bless you! (after a sneeze)
Vale. Okay.

Online Dictionary Resource
WordReference.com

Verb Conjugation
We suggest you look up some helpful websites dedicated to verb conjugations in Spanish.

Listening & Speaking
Check out some different Spanish podcasts available to practice your verbal and listening skills.

Beware of translation websites...much can be LOST in translation!

Kursaal
This convention center is a contemporary architectural gem. It hosts events from festivals to fairs to concerts and has won international acclaim. Since its inception, it has become the face of San Sebastián

La Concha Beach
La Concha beach is the most central of the three main beaches in San Sebastián. It is the most classic, most photographed, and most popular of the three. Its white sands and urban style are why it is considered one of Europe's most magnificent beaches.

Peine del Viento (The Wind Comb)
This sculpture created by sculptor Eduardo Chillida and architect Luis Peña Ganchegui has become synonymous with the city. This contemporary sculpture has become more than a work of art by morphing into a place where locals and tourist alike meet and relax.

Miramar Palace Gardens
The Miramar Palace was inspired by the Queen Anne English Cottage style and was designed by English architect Selden Wornum. The gardens cascade gently to the sea amidst gravel paths and flower beds. It would be a grand misfortune to not take in the gardens while enjoying some of the best views of La Concha bay.

Mount Igueldo
Take a short ride up the mountain on the funicular railway, the oldest in Euskadi, to enjoy magnificent views of the bay and the city. The former 18th Century lighthouse, Torreón de Igeldo, which tops the mountain, provides a wonderful viewpoint. While on the summit, take advantage of the amusement park to have a little fun.

In addition to the aforementioned, there are numerous other monuments and must-sees you can explore in San Sebastián.

Spanish Language
The official language of Spain is Castilian (Castellano), however, it is important to keep in mind that Castilian is not the only language spoken in Spain. There are a number of different languages and dialects that are spoken throughout the various regions of Spain, four of which are co-official languages (Catalan, Basque, Galician, and Valencian. Catalan, a romance language, is primarily spoken within the region of Catalonia where it is the co-official language and is the official language of Andorra. Basuqe is the co-official language of the Basque Country in the north-eastern region of Spain. There have been a number of different hypotheses of acout the origins of the language, but it still has no proven connection to any other language. Galician is the co-official language of Galicia which is in the north-western region of Spain. It has been suggested that Galician and Portuguese have similar roots, the reason being that Portuguese originated in Galicia and northern Portugal. Valencian is the co-official language of the autonomous region of Valencia which is located on the east of Spain along the coast. Valencian is a dialect of Catalan but is perceived as a completely different language by many Valencianos. Spain is a very culturally proud nation and there is a very strong connection between language and cultural identity in all these regions in Spain. Although these different languages are quite prominent within their respective regions, all Spaniards speak the national Castilian language and foreign students using it will not have any problems with communication.

Cuisine
Spain offers a wide array of dishes each of which is influenced by the country's numerous cultural influences: Roman, Christian, Jewish, and Moorish. There are numerous foods that can be found throughout the country including: tortilla española (potato omelette), paella (a rice dish), jamón serrano (a type of cured ham), various cheeses, chorizo and morcilla (sausages), churros, flan, and magdalenas (madeleines or muffins). However, the country's cuisine also varies by its 19 regions and is indicative of the geography and culture of each. Students will have the culinary opportunity to experience typical Spanish cuisine as well as those that are indicative of the particular region in which they are studying and/or traveling.

Personal Greetings
The concept of personal space is different – hugs and kisses are common; including when meeting people for the first time. When passing locals in the street, don't be surprised if eye contact is made but no smile or greeting is exchanged.

Rhythm of Life
Spaniards typically live a much slower paced life, when compared to other countries such as the U.S. Normally, breakfast is light and consists of a cup of coffee with milk, hot chocolate, and a pastry or toast. Around mid-morning, Spaniards typically take a "coffee break" to sip on a freshly squeezed glass of orange juice or a cup of coffee. Lunch is the most important, and heaviest, meal of the day and is typically eaten between 2PM and 4PM. During the hours of 2PM-5PM many small businesses will close for workers to go home and eat lunch with their family, this break is known as the /siesta/. Dinner is eaten between 9PM-11PM and is typically much lighter and is not as important in Spain as it is in other countries, such as the U.S. Commuting between housing and school will be a part of your daily routine, so be prepared to walk everywhere or use public transportation!

Living and Working Space
Spaniards generally live in smaller apartments, or pisos, instead of houses as Americans do. These apartments are compact but comfortable. You may expect to find smaller appliances (i.e. washers, dishwashers and refrigerators) and smaller living accommodations, closet space, beds, showers and tubs than in the U.S. Space heaters and fans are widely used as central air is not as common in Spain. Clothes lines and drying racks are widely used in Spain, especially in the South, and you will find clothes dryers to be less common. Also, many families shop for meals daily vs. weekly.

Festivals
The Spaniards are well known for their /fiestas/! In every town and village in Spain at some point during the year there is a unique festival which brings all the residents together. Although most festivals have religious origins, Spaniards take the art of celebration very seriously with festivities which include costumes, traditional dance, sharing of large meals, and celebrating until the very wee hours of the morning! Each major city in Spain has a number of different regional festivals depending on the time of year. It is highly recommended that you familiarize yourself with the celebrations that will be going on during your time abroad in order to not miss out on one of these fantastically exciting cultural events!