Each year, a group of students from DigiPen Europe-Bilbao has the opportunity to spend an academic year at DigiPen Institute of Technology in Redmond, USA, through the DigiPen Campus Exchange Program. This year, 16 students took part in this international experience, immersing themselves in American university life, connecting with the industry, and becoming part of a global community alongside students from different countries.
To learn more about this experience firsthand, we spoke with Lucía Zumárraga, Lucía Sierra, and Izaro Gondra from the Bachelor of Fine Arts in Digital Art and Animation (BFA), and with Andoni Zelaya, Jon Urrutia, and Jiayi Lin from the Real-Time Interactive Simulation program (RTIS). In this article, they share their perspective on academic life in Redmond, campus culture, and how this opportunity has impacted their personal and professional growth.
Living the “American College Experience”
From the start, the size of the campus and its lifestyle were the most striking elements. They all agree it felt like a classic American college campus. Although the student residences are located several kilometers from the main campus, shuttle buses make the commute easy. There are also common areas and social spaces that give the whole experience that “college life” vibe so often seen in movies.
“University life in Redmond is designed to fully immerse you in DigiPen’s academic and social environment,” says Lucía Sierra. Between classes, events, and projects, students become part of a dynamic and constantly connected community.”
The first days begin with an orientation week, during which students get to meet their new classmates and become familiar with campus life. This helped them form early friendships — many of which lasted throughout their stay.
Preparing for the Professional World
One of the most valued aspects is the academic methodology, which is designed to align with industry demands and provide students with specialized training that prepares them for their professional futures.
They encourage you to build your portfolio with each course from the very beginning, creating work you can actually include in it.”
- Izaro Gondra
Students can choose from a wide range of electives, allowing them to specialize in areas that match their personal interests. The university also actively promotes career readiness, providing resources and support for job searching well before graduation.
From day one, they push you to start preparing for your career. There are job fairs, company talks, and events that teach you how to enter the industry.”
- Lucía Zumárraga
Another key element is the relationship with the faculty. They are approachable and hands-on, and many have real-world industry experience, offering practical advice on how to stand out in the field.
Professors really believe in you and guide you to achieve what you want to do. From the beginning, they give you the tools to build your projects around what you’re genuinely passionate about.”
- Lucía Sierra
A Truly International Community
DigiPen is known for its diversity, and the Redmond campus is no exception. Living and learning alongside students from many different countries fosters a multicultural environment where knowledge and experiences from around the world are shared.
We were surprised by how open and friendly everyone is. People are always asking how you’re doing, talking to you in the hallways, and willing to help.”
- Andoni Zelaya
Collaborative Projects with Other Programs
The approach in Redmond is highly interdisciplinary. In RTIS, students take classes and collaborate on projects with other majors like Game Design (BSGD) and Computer Science (BSCSRTIS). “Here it’s common to work with students from different disciplines, which challenges us in new ways and helps us learn to collaborate across specialties,” says Andoni Zelaya. This kind of collaboration strengthens not only technical skills but also adaptability in multidisciplinary environments — a key industry skill.
They also highlight the emphasis on self-driven learning in Redmond. “They give you the foundation, but expect you to research and push yourself independently,” explains Jon Urrutia. This culture of effort is reflected in the student body, which is used to a fast-paced academic rhythm and long hours of project development — a discipline that ultimately prepares them for real-world work environments.
Life on Campus
DigiPen Redmond is a paradise for video game and geek culture enthusiasts. The student community organizes themed events, cosplay contests, video game tournaments, and activities tied to gaming culture. “Everything revolves around games. It’s part of the DNA of the campus,” says Jon Urrutia.
The campus offers a wide variety of clubs and extracurricular activities, from athletic teams to sewing or sign language groups. The RTIS students from DigiPen Bilbao even joined the soccer team — an experience that not only helped them unwind from academic stress but also allowed them to connect with peers from different backgrounds and cultures.
Redmond: A Tech Hub Full of Career Opportunities
One of the most appealing aspects of this experience is the proximity to some of the world’s most influential tech companies, including Microsoft, Nintendo, Bungie, and Valve. DigiPen has a strong bond with these organizations, and many professors have worked there, bringing invaluable real-world insights to the classroom.
Throughout the year, students attended guest lectures by industry experts and took classes from instructors with experience at these companies.
What do they Take Away from this Experience?
Beyond academics, this experience has helped them grow personally. They’ve learned to be more independent, more confident, and more responsible. They return with stronger portfolios, a deeper understanding of the industry, and a mindset rooted in perseverance and effort. This opportunity has broadened their view of their own professional potential and the impact they can have in the field. It’s an experience that leaves a lasting mark.
Studying a year at DigiPen Redmond has been a life-changing experience for these 16 students, preparing them for the future and bringing them closer to the global video game, technology, and animation industries. They say: “If you have the chance to go to Redmond — don’t hesitate. It’s a life-changing experience that reshapes the way you see your future.”
While the experience in Redmond is unique due to the size of the campus and its proximity to some of the biggest names in the video game industry, DigiPen Europe-Bilbao also offers an immersive education grounded in the same philosophy. Our campus may be smaller, but it maintains the same level of academic rigor and practical, interdisciplinary project work. From day one, students collaborate in teams to develop video games and interactive projects, tackling challenges similar to those found in the global industry. The close-knit environment and direct faculty support also allow for more personalized guidance, ensuring that each student receives the mentorship needed to strengthen their professional path.
DigiPen Europe-Bilbao is the gateway for many students to work in leading companies in animation, technology, and interactive software. The combination of a rigorous education with a more accessible and familiar environment makes studying in Bilbao an equally valuable experience — one where talent and creativity have the space to grow.
