The Ateak Ireki program is currently taking applications for the summer of 2026. Basque American students from the ages of 18-25 are encouraged to apply to be a part of this learning experience in the Basque Country.

Registration for the program is currently open and will last until Dec. 7. You can register on this form.

The program is a three-week immersion program with a host family in the Goierri region of Gipuzkoa. Students will have the opportunity to participate in Basque dancing, music, and gastronomy. The youth also will be able to make connections and friendships with other Basque young people.

Elise Iturriria of Bakersfield, Calif., a student from the 2023 Ateak Ireki program, loved the program.

“My favorite part of the program was really being able to immerse myself fully into the culture,” she said. “You really get to see the way of life there. Living with a host family there and getting to live there is a lot different than when you just visit. You get to see what the culture is like, eat the same foods they eat and really just live the life they live.”

Students will be exposed to Euskera via host families, but will be living with at least one family member who can speak English to help translate.

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Ateak Ireki chaperones will take participants to explore Euskal Herria’s culture, landscapes and monuments.
An important goal of the program is to empower Basque youth to continue exploration of their heritage and strengthen bonds between young people as a community.