CEA CAPA Education Abroad in Seville, Spain

Making the decision to go abroad was not easy for me. I did not want to "miss out" on an entire semester of college by going to another country. I am so grateful I made the decision to go to Sevilla. The culture there was absolutely incredible; the food, the music, the people, I could go on and on. Sevilla is such a beautiful city and it is the perfect size, not too big to navigate nor too many people to enjoy a walk. The CEA CAPA staff in Sevilla were nothing short of amazing. They made sure that everyone was comfortable and safe at all times and were so enthusiastic on engaging with the students in the program. Finally, the people I met on my program was my favorite part. I can confidently say that some of the people I was with in Sevilla for four months are now lifelong friends of mine.

I had the absolute best time studying abroad in Sevilla, Spain. I can confidently say that it was the best time of my life that I will forever hold close to my heart. If I wasn't a senior, I would be going again-- and making sure CEA CAPA was there to have my back. CEA CAPA made my experience smooth sailing. Whether it was my pink eye or when my host mother wasn't able to cook for us for a week, CEA CAPA was there to figure it out for us. Sevilla is such a magical place that will win your heart. The people are so kind. Sevilla is traditional Spain, so you really feel like you are living in another country. It is so unique. Some days were challenging, but that was the only way I was able to grow into the strongest version of myself. The city is magnificent with much to do. Not to mention its great prices and awesome fashion and culture. There was always something to do; a new experience was always a walk outside my home.

I had such a great time in Sevilla! It will always have a place in my heart. I lived alongside 3 other girls in an apartment. Our apartment was a 10 min walk from CEA CAPA and a 15 min walk from University of Sevilla. I was about a 5 min walk from the city center, too! We really were blessed with a great location. CEA CAPA does a great job of teaching you about the location you're studying about. We had an orientation to learn about the traditions, customs, holidays, and more. We learned about proper etiquette when out with friends and for dinner, as well as we learned about the possible dangers to keep an eye out for. We didn't have Friday classes which was AWESOME for travelling! I went on 2-3 trips that were included through CEA CAPA and about 10 others on my own with my roomates! My classes at USS were pretty tough due to it being fully in Spanish, but it was easy to reach out for help. I loved my class at CEA CAPA too! I took a total of 12 credits (could've taken more) because I wanted to spend more time enjoying my life there which was a great choice. My classes all transferred beautifully and I had no issues with that. Since I did it co-sponsored, nothing affected my GPA either! My only complaint would be that my medication I take in the United States was not allowed in Spain. It wasn't advertised enough that I can get a substitute with CEA CAPA's help. I did end up getting a substitute, however it was a little far into the semester. I wish I had reached out earlier. I really don't have any complaints other than that. CEA CAPA helps guide you through every step you need to make sure your time abroad sails smoothly. I think about my experiences every day, and I wish nothing more than to go back. I would recommend using CEA CAPA for your next study abroad experience!

When I decided to study abroad in Seville, Spain for the spring semester I was so scared to go to a totally new country and knowing that I knew absolutely no one. I ended up meeting the best people and creating lifelong friendships and connections that I will forever be grateful for. I was able to interact with people from all over Spain, the US, and the world and I still keep up with them to this day. I ended up loving it so much that I decided to extend my stay and return again in the fall and I will never regret it.

I had the absolutely best time in Spain; it is now my favorite country I've visited. I went into this program knowing absolutely no one, and came out with 4 best friends for life! Not only that, but we met in class which is where we discovered we shared similar majors. This trip opened my eyes to the world and helped me form countless new relationships. I have now seen parts of the world I never thought I would while not only broadening my education for my major, but for many new cultures.
This program helped give us a jump start on exploring the culture by planing trips for us and excursions. Those are some of my best and favorite memories from abroad, and really helped us when planning our own weekend trips.

I traveled to Seville through CEA CAPA, which my school partnered with. I didn't know about Seville before signing up for the trip; I just knew it was in Spain, a country where I admire its culture. In fact, I actually aimed to sign up for Barcelona, a location I was more familiar with, but the trip was full by the time I signed up. However, this worked out extremely well for me because Seville was beautiful!! It was pretty small, making it very walkable and fun to explore, and it felt very intimate. It's packed with culture and history and communities with diverse backgrounds I wouldn't have known about had I not taken the step to travel there. CEA CAPA paired my group with a great professor who made class and our explorations feel worthwhile. I also went on the trip not knowing how my experience as a Black woman would be, but it was overall positive. Additionally, I had the opportunity to meet Black women living in Seville, with whom my all-Black female class got to have an engaging, open discussion. I spent two weeks in Seville and that was a great duration for me. I hope to travel there again someday.

Studying abroad in Sevilla was an unforgettable chapter in my life, filled with rich experiences that I’ll cherish forever. From the moment I arrived in this vibrant Spanish city, I was greeted with warmth and hospitality, which set the tone for my entire stay.

Welcoming Local Culture

One of the standout aspects of my time in Sevilla was the friendliness of the local people. Sevilla is renowned for its welcoming and warm-hearted residents, and I found this to be true in every interaction I had. Whether I was navigating the bustling streets or engaging in conversations with locals, I was consistently met with smiles, helpful advice, and genuine curiosity about my life as an international student. This sense of community made Sevilla feel like a second home and greatly enhanced my overall experience.

Culinary Delights

The food in Sevilla was nothing short of extraordinary. From the first bite of tapas to the delightful pastries and hearty paella, every meal was a culinary adventure. The city’s food culture is deeply ingrained in its lifestyle, and I found myself exploring a variety of local dishes at charming restaurants and bustling markets. Each meal was an opportunity to savor the rich flavors of Spanish cuisine, and the abundance of fresh ingredients made every dish memorable.

Sunny Weather

The weather in Sevilla was another highlight of my stay. The city boasts a warm Mediterranean climate, with sunshine being a constant companion throughout my time there. The sunny weather provided the perfect backdrop for exploring the city’s historic landmarks, relaxing in beautiful parks, and enjoying leisurely strolls along the Guadalquivir River. The consistent sunshine not only brightened my days but also made outdoor activities and sightseeing even more enjoyable.

Travel Opportunities and Affordability

Sevilla’s strategic location and affordability were significant advantages of studying abroad there. The city’s well-connected transport network made it easy to travel both within Spain and across Europe. Weekend trips to nearby cities like Granada and Córdoba, as well as adventures in other European destinations, were a breeze. Moreover, the cost of living in Sevilla was relatively affordable compared to other major European cities, allowing me to make the most of my time abroad without stretching my budget.

A Loving Host Home

One of the most heartwarming aspects of my experience was my host home. I was fortunate to stay with a wonderful host mom who made me feel cherished and cared for. Her warmth and hospitality extended beyond providing meals; she was a source of support and comfort throughout my stay. Our conversations, shared meals, and her genuine interest in my well-being created a familial bond that made my time in Sevilla feel even more special.

Conclusion

My study abroad experience in Sevilla was a perfect blend of cultural immersion, personal growth, and unforgettable moments. The city’s friendly locals, incredible food, sunny weather, travel opportunities, and the love from my host family all contributed to a transformative journey. Sevilla not only offered an enriching educational experience but also a chance to create lasting memories and connections. I am incredibly grateful for the time I spent in this enchanting city and the experiences that have left a lasting impression on my life.

During the Spring of 2024, I spent a semester abroad in Seville, Spain, where I completed my Spanish minor and an internship focused on Marketing Analytics. During the semester, I was housed in an apartment with four other women. I had talked to two of the women I was going to live with prior, however I didn't know the other two. This housing experience was absolutely amazing and we all supported each other during this experience. What truly made my experience so special were the people. I made friends that I will truly have forever!