CIEE College Study Abroad in Seville, Spain

Admittedly, Spain was not at the top of my list when it came to selecting a country to study abroad in. I had known that I wanted to be overseas for a year, and with a last minute change in my initial study abroad plan and my degree requirements, I ultimately decided that CIEE's CNMJ Program in Sevilla was the best fit. I could not have been more pleasantly surprised. Sevilla is one of the most precious cities I've ever visited; the laid back atmosphere is contagious, the people are wonderful, and few places have more ideal weather. However, it was also in part due to CNMJ that I felt at home so quickly. The staff cares about your wellbeing, the classes are personal, and the work can be challenging, but not overwhelming. There are tons of options for classes both within CIEE and the university, anything from Spanish linguistics to cooking. I lived with a host family that I adored and still keep in touch with, I made lifelong friends, and I improved my Spanish tremendously. I am someone that values my independence, and CNMJ encouraged this independence while making themselves available for any assistance along the way - including printing a boarding pass on a Sunday at the director's home because no shops were open. It's also worth mentioning that the director wrote me a recommendation which helped me to receive a Fulbright Scholarship upon graduating. I cannot say enough positives about CNMJ. Both during and after the program they have been extremely valuable to me.

I knew I had hit the jackpot when I discovered this program, being that it was in Sevilla (the best city in Spain) and that it spoke of a very creative and involved environment that offered something much more than simply taking classes in a foreign country. What I found when I arrived, was that it would offer even more than I had expected: the courses and the program itself act as the catalyst in helping you discover, learn and love the city and its people. Through the involved classes, such as the audiovisual and magazine workshops, you are forced to immerse yourself into the culture by exploring, talking to the people of Sevilla and telling their stories. And while my love for Sevilla grew, my knowledge and skills for storytelling through media increased exponentially because I was surrounded by such passionate professors and well-designed assignments. While the course work is definitely intense, much more than what's required from students in other programs, it is definitely worth it in all manner of speaking. At times it may seem overwhelming, but for students that are creatively inclined, outgoing and eager to explore, this program is the perfect match.

My last night in Sevilla I wrote in my journal, “I think I learned how to hold my own and be my own person. I think I am going to return a more confident person who can stand up for her own beliefs and not care as much about what people think because I did make it through this challenging experience. My time abroad has given me the confidence to trust in myself, and for that this experience was beyond worth it.” Maybe that’s why they say you should study abroad or live in another country. It is to gain perspective of yourself and learn how to trust yourself. I won’t lie and say that I didn’t really stumble at some points because I missed home, my own culture and my friends, but as I wrote in an earlier in another journal entry, “If you aren’t uncomfortable at least one time a day, you aren’t growing.” Now putting myself out on a line and possibly embarrassing myself seems so much less intimidating because for the past four months every time I spoke in Spanish there was that possibility. I think it’s good that I don’t take myself so seriously now and am okay with making mistakes and making a fool of myself. I spent a lot of time on my own in Sevilla as well, and so now I feel as though I have learned more how to be alone with my thoughts and do things on my own. I now have a new found confidence in knowing that I went to a foreign country without knowing anyone and still made a community of friends.

My study abroad experience in Seville with the International Business and Culture Program was fantastic. From the moment I arrived in Seville, the CIEE staff team welcomed me, and picked us up from the airport. Next all the study abroad arrivals got onto a coach bus with our CIEE coordinators and they dropped us off at locations where we met with our host families. It was amazing to meet my host family right away. I did not know much Spanish, but it did not matter because my host family guided me throughout the learning process. Fortunately, my host family was incredible and welcoming! They told me right away that English was not to be spoken in the house because I needed to learn Spanish. I enjoyed this challenge and it helped me learn the basics of the language fast. Also, every student in the International Business and Culture had to take a two-week Spanish intensive three hour a day language class! My teacher was outstanding and made learning Spanish exciting and fun. This class allowed me to take three more additional Spanish language classes during the regular semester with ease! Practicing my Spanish with my host family was fun and exciting. I became very close to my host family and they became close with me! I enjoyed eating three delicious meals a day with my Spanish family that my host mom made. I also went to many family birthday parties, and events where I was always introduced as a son or brother, which was fun! I also went on family vacations with my family. I had a memorable time spending time with my family in their beach home in Huelva. I also spent much time exploring Seville with every member of the family! We even had family dinners at their favorite restaurants. I am so fortunate to have another set of parents and siblings in my life, who taught me their culture. Unlike other study abroad programs, this program gave each student an integrative cultural experience where I was able to become a member of a family, while actively taking part in the Andalusia culture. I especially loved Semana Santa and Feria. During Semana Santa, I was able to appreciate the beautiful religious processions that took place in all the streets. I even was able to walk aside one that my host mom and sister participated in! That was my favorite week of my study abroad experience, because I was able to celebrate the Sevillano tradition, while being proud of my own Catholic ideology. Feria, a huge celebration that is celebrated by all sevillanos was also a great time. I took a leap of faith and accepted an invitation to dance to one of the flamenco sevillano dances with my Spanish family and friends. After I indulged in fantastic food and drink that originates within the Feria tradition. My host sister lead me around to each, caseta (tent) which were all adorned as properly as houses. When we hoped to caseta to caseta we were given graciously welcomed and given abundant food and drink. During Semana Santa and Feria, I was introduced to all my brother and sister’s friends! The wonderful part about this program is that each student is fully immersed around the Spanish language. CIEE staff also set up numerous excursions to explore the city of Seville, and other Spanish cities like Cordoba. These excursions were an excellent opportunity to spend time and meet people from other american universities around the nation. One incredible excursion was our fourday trip to Morocco. In Morocco I was exposed to a culture that was totally different from mine. We lived with an Islamic host family who only spoke Arabic. It was a fun and adventurous time. I have developed virtuous friendships with many people from other universities throughout the United States because of this program. Some of my favorite moments abroad were meeting up with these friends to enjoy delicious café con leche, and tapas. Dancing the night away in discotecas, or watching the sunset by Rio de Guadalquivir was breathtaking. Fortunately, I was able to travel to many neighboring European countries because my program did not hold classes on Thursdays adding to the all inclusive experience of exploring the world. I love my host family and the friends that I were able to make abroad. I am so grateful to have had this profound experience, which I will remember for the rest of my life! Sevilla es mi casa!

I wasn't sure of where I wanted to go or what I hoped to get out of my study abroad experience. I only knew I wanted to be in a Spanish speaking country. Honestly, I had to look up Sevilla on a map when I got the call that I would be headed to the CIEE Communications, New Media and Journalism program there.

The faculty and staff where there to help, literally whenever one of their students needed support. They were there to walk me step by step through the grueling process of extending my visa, and late one weekend night when I needed a trip to the hospital. It wasn't all crazy emergencies though. The professors all truly care about each individual and take teaching to mean all the skills of life. From hosting Thanksgiving dinners to talking class projects over tapas, the people in CIEE and their courses extend beyond a classroom. The assignments get students out in the community, seeing the real, local people and interacting with them in an authentic way. It's an awesome resume builder too, but by the end you realize that it's more what you can offer the city than what you're "getting" out of studying abroad. I learned so much about what I wanted after graduation as well.

I already cannot wait to get back, and I'm always free to talk about how wonderful my time was living in Seville, Spain with CIEE.

When I came to Sevilla nearly 3 years ago I was unsure if I would have the ability to adapt and study in a new country comfortably by myself. The CIEE Communications program helped with my transition exponentially. Although the program was small, I met some of the most amazing people and have made lifetime friends. Not only did this program challenge me academically, it also challenged my culturally and socially. The staff is so helpful and you have the opportunity to build lasting relationships even years after your travels. I was very comfortable with the classwork but I was also encouraged to step out of my comfort zone and use the Spanish language outside of the classroom. I think my favorite thing about this program and the classes was that many things were very hands-on. We were able to leave the confines of the classroom and walk around Sevilla to conduct interviews and take video, all with the help of our professors right beside us. We also were given the opportunity to take trips outside of Sevilla (even to Africa!) and each trip was well organized and engaging.

This program was a big reason as to why I returned to Spain for the next two years. This program challenged me to immerse myself into the Spanish culture and in turn I was able to fall in love with it all the same.

Highly recommended!

When I decided to head to Sevilla and take part in CIEE's Communication, New Media, and Journalism program, I knew I had made the right decision. Nowadays, I'm a football (soccer) writer for ESPN, and a lot of the projects I completed in Sevilla helped me reach this objective. I appreciate all the help from my professors because they played an important role in honing my reporting skills.

Sevilla is a magnificent city for young, aspiring journalists because there are various things going on everyday. Developing stories is not so complicated, and what's more is that the city's joy is contagious and allows you to produce memorable work. This is a program that let's you have a lot of freedom and if you know what to do with that freedom you can produce great stuff to add to your resume.

One of the things I loved the most about this program was observing the teachers (Oscar, Ruben, Antonio, Marina, Alejandro, Carlos). they carry such passion for what they do and being a part of their lives touched me in a way I never thought it would. They became good friends and mentors and they were always ready with advice and stories. The passion they shared gave me the desire to create projects that reflected not only them, but a piece of Spain as well. When I come to visit again I will be seeing them again. Thank you all so much for what you do!