Study Abroad
Studying abroad can be a life-changing experience for many students. It offers an opportunity to immerse oneself in a foreign culture, learn a new language, and gain a broader perspective on the world. For me, studying abroad in Seville, Spain at the CEA center was an unforgettable experience that transformed me in many ways.
​
Seville, located in the southern region of Spain, is a beautiful city filled with rich history, vibrant culture, and friendly people. You can find families and friends sitting on the street corner enjoying a cold beer and a few tapas for hours on end. The culture is extremely laid back and relaxed with the whole city shutting down for a rest period or siesta from 5-7 everyday and with the token saying being “no pasa nada” or don’t worry about it. I spent three months studying at a local university, taking classes in Spanish language, literature, and culture. I also had the amazing opportunity to live with a host family and work at a local hospital, La Clinica Santa Isabel. At first, the language barrier was a large challenge and I struggled to communicate with my host family and in my internship, but I quickly adapted to the new environment and began to pick up the language more fluently. I was amazed by how much I improved in just a few weeks, and by the end of my program, I was able to speak Spanish with confidence.
​
Not only did I improve my language skills, but I also gained a deep
appreciation for Spanish culture. I had the opportunity to visit many
historical landmarks such as the Alcázar of Seville and the Cathedral of
Seville, and I learned about the rich history and cultural significance of
these sites. The city of Seville is very religious and a significant amount
of the culture and traditions are centered around religious festivals. The
main religion in Seville is Catholicism and I loved getting to experience
a local mass at a Catholic church and watching one of the processions
to honor a saint walk down the street. I also learned more about the
history of the city through my Spanish Civilization and Literature course.
It was a truly remarkable experience of getting to learn about historical
events and landmarks in the classroom and then a local "sevillano"
taking our class to the streets and getting to see and experience that
history in the same day. The bell tower of the Cathedral, which was originally a Minaret for the mosque in the Muslim era of Seville, is loving referred to as "La Giralda" by all of the locals in reference to the weather vane on top. I enjoyed touring the Cathedral multiple times during my time in Seville
​
Living in Seville also allowed me to experience the daily life
of locals. I stayed with a host family, who welcomed me with open
arms and treated me like one of their own. Teresa, my host mother,
and Lorenzo, my host brother, were two of my favorite parts of my
time in Seville. They introduced me to Spanish cuisine, customs,
and helped me navigate the city. We went shopping and out to
dinner together. Teresa was the most loving and caring host mom I
could have ever asked for. This homestay experience allowed me to
learn about Spanish culture on a personal level and form meaningful
relationships that I still cherish to this day. The picture to the left is of our host family along with my friend Sydney, who studied abroad with me from Clemson and lived in the same home.
​
Beyond the language and cultural immersion, studying abroad in Seville
also expanded my understanding of the world. I met people from all over
the world who had different perspectives and experiences. One of my favorite
trips outside of Spain was to Dublin, Ireland, where I got to learn more about
the violent history of religious division in the country. Pictured to the right is
my roommate Sydney and I in front of one of the cathedrals in Dublin. One
extremely influential cultural experience I had was meeting a woman from
the Ukraine while in my internship at La Clinica Isabel. Learning about her
background of having to leave her country in the midst of the war was very
eye opening. Meeting people from different backgrounds than my own was
one of my favorite experiences. We shared our stories and learned from each other, which broadened my perspective on global issues and cultural differences. It was a transformative experience that helped me become more open-minded, tolerant, and accepting of different people and cultures.
​
​
In conclusion, studying abroad in Seville, Spain was a transformative experience
that allowed me to improve my fluency of the Spanish language, my knowledge
of the country of Spain, and expand my understanding of the world and culture.
It was an unforgettable journey that challenged me, pushed me out of my
comfort zone, and helped me grow in many ways. I would encourage any
student who has the opportunity to study abroad to take it and embrace the
experience with an open mind and heart.
